Chatting w/ the Eric L Miller Outreach | Matcha Minutes #11

Matcha Minutes sits down with Jana Holt and Kathryn Hancock to talk about the Eric L. Miller Youth and Resource Center; a nonprofit born out of tragedy with a vision to give Leavenworth's youth somewhere safe to go. Jana shares the story of Eric, her godson, who was killed during a pickup basketball game his senior year. Out of that loss came a mission: build a safe place where kids can play, learn, create, and feel like they belong. The plans are drawn, the land has been donated, and the fundraising has begun. The conversation covers the gaps in Leavenworth's youth resources, what the center will offer, and how the community can get involved. Catch us on the next episode of Matcha Minutes. 00:00 Intro & Meet Jana and Kathryn 00:46 Who Was Eric? 01:03 What Happened to Eric 01:23 Would a Safe Space Have Helped? 01:26 Two Organizations, One Mission 01:41 The Vision for the Center 02:13 What Leavenworth Has Lost 02:18 What Drew Catherine to This Project 02:37 When Did the Idea First Hit You, Jana? 03:12 Steps Already Taken 03:38 The Land Donation 03:40 Fundraising & the Website 04:26 First Fundraising Event 04:51 Volunteers & Mentoring 05:30 Two Basketball Courts & Age Range 05:37 What Should a Kid Feel Walking In? 05:57 Faith-Based or Friend-Based? 06:18 Catherine's Driving Force 06:41 Things Happening That People Don't Know About 07:22 Kids Connection on Ottawa 07:47 The YAK & Youth Spaces That Closed 08:24 Biggest Challenge So Far 08:58 Building the Board & Partnerships 09:26 The Fundraising Goal 10:08 How Much Have You Raised? 10:24 Visiting Nonprofits & Churches 10:45 Catherine on Telling Eric's Story 32:30 How to Get Involved 32:56 Website & Donation Link 33:39 Closing Remarks