Nicole
16-year-old expecting mother from a single-parent family
The thing I like most about USC is that the people are honest with you; they tell you what you need to know and they want nothing but the best for you… they make us feel important when no one else does and we know they care… I want to let others know what the people at USC have taught me about Jesus.

Michael
9-year-old male, adopted, biological father is incarcerated
Since I’ve been coming to USC, I’ve learned that if you get a good education you can get a better job so you can be able to take care of your wife and kids. The thing I like most about USC is getting to know Jesus more – Pastor Allen teaches us a lot about Jesus. I pray for Pastor Allen to do the best he can… I love to be a Christian because you can lead other people!

Mark
17-year-old male, preparing to graduate from high school
One of the things I’ve learned since coming to USC is how God wrote the Bible through about 40 men, they didn’t just sit down and start writing on their own…I’ve also learned a lot about Jesus Christ. The thing I like most about USC is they keep it real about the Lord and everything else that is affecting the community. It’s inspiring to hear them talk to us about life, Jesus and how we can be successful.

Juanita
10-year-old female, first generation Hispanic American
The thing I like most about USC is that we can learn about God…I really liked when Pastor Chuck shared his testimony…I want to tell others that I like to worship God because He is good.

Carlos
13-year-old male, lives with his biological parents Since I started coming to USC I’ve learned that it is very important to set goals and work hard. I love hearing the stories from the Bible and I like that they don’t talk too long. I really liked the talk about abstinence… I want to set an example for other people that don’t know Jesus.

Stacy
11-year-old female, single-parent home, father is deceased
Since I started coming to USC I have learned to seek the Lord on my own and not wait for my mother to teach me. The thing I like most about USC is they don’t sugar-coat the truth, they just tell it like it is. One of the most fun things I’ve done at USC is to learn how to play golf through the First Tee program…I really hope more people come and see what they are doing here.

Tamika
12-year-old female, all here siblings have different fathers
The thing I like most about USC is talking about God, playing with friends and going on fieldtrips. USC is fun because it keeps me busy with something to do – you can play pool, air hockey, basketball… Since I started coming to USC I’ve learned a lot about how God loves and cherishes us… the Lord is very good to me.

Mary
16-year-old female, has lived with a relative since she was young
The thing I like most about USC is having the group-talks; they keep it real and break things down so we can understand. One thing I’ve learned at USC is that God has a purpose for my life.

Chris
13-year-old male, lives with biological parents
I like coming to USC… One of the best things I’ve learned is how important it is to become a husband before I become a father. My community needs me to be a responsible Christian leader.

Brenda
16-year-old female, single-parent family
Since I started coming to USC I’ve learned more about the Bible…I really like how we can speak our mind – we have a lot of discussions and we have people that listen to us and give us advice. I like how they make conversations interesting – telling stories both serious and funny. They talk a lot about family and how important it is to be a responsible Christian leader which is what I plan to be because the community doesn’t need anymore violence – I want to make a change in my community.

Leon
14-year-old male, siblings have different fathers
I really like when the people from USC come to our Apartment complex on some Sunday’s! It’s a lot of fun playing basketball, eating food, playing games…

Sarah
16-old-female, expecting her first child
Before I came to USC I was scared that God would not accept me because of my past actions. At USC I learned that God will forgive me and that he loves me and will accept me as I give my life to Jesus Christ.

Roslyn
17-year-old female, mother of one
I like the fact that the people at USC talk about things we really need to know about. They help us realize that life is not as easy as we think it is and it’s going to take a lot of hard work to be successful – success is not just going to come to us.

Kameshia
15-year-old female, removed from parents, lives with relatives
I think it’s a blessing that someone loves to talk about the Word of God to teens so we can try to make the world better than what it is right now. I’ve really enjoyed spending time at USC talking to the leaders and hanging out with different people.

I am so excited that Mark Twain has been blessed to have the USC involved last year and this school year. Last year was a year full of transitions and turmoil. It was wonderful to have God's presence in the midst of the storm. Just a smile from the volunteers was sometimes all the teachers needed to keep them grounded and focused on helping the children. The USC provided wonderful gifts for my class – toys for recess and games for inside recess. My students' faces lit up when they realized there are people in the community who care about them. We still utilize the toys daily and are very grateful.

One thing that made an impact on me was to see USC volunteers at our McTeacher Night (at McDonald's) last year. They wiped off tables and greeted people at the door. This year I have seen Pastor Chuck working with the intermediate students, which is something we really need. I appreciate his willingness to allow God to work through him to help our students here. He is an example of what our students can be like when they get older. He provides a sense of calm and reason that not all students see from adults in their lives.

The USC has made a positive difference at Mark Twain. I look forward to the positive influence that they will continue to bring this year.
Sincerely,

Christi Clayton, teacher, Mark Twain Elementary School

I would like to take a moment to thank Chuck Allen and USC for the support they have provided Mark Twain students and staff.

USC has provided tutoring for students during the school day for our at-risk students, while also providing books, games and prizes for our students for various activities in which students are recognized.

Chuck Allen and others are providing counseling and character development for our 5th grade students and especially is working with our young male students. He is also providing support to our new fifth grade teacher by offering her strategies in working with urban youth, once again, especially to our male students.

Mark Twain students and families have benefited immensely from the work of Chuck Allen and USC. It is the support from community members, like him that have greatly impacted our students and their social development.

Marguerite Martinez, Principal, Mark Twain Elementary School

Thank you USC
You're a wonderful addition to Mark Twain!
The best way to explain it is like having a new lifelong friend. You're excited about the students' existence even if you don't see them everyday. We know you are always there, and only a thought away, cause you always show up just when we need you!

Mark Twain Office Staff

Sarah Allen
I started volunteering/serving at USC because this ministry has a very direct link to helping the community around them. The heartbeat of this ministry is to serve others and bring them to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. I want to be apart of something that makes a difference in people's lives!
The thing I like most about USC is that it gives kids a broader world view instead of only staying in their local neighborhood. The programs through USC prepare the kids to reach further and do more with their gifts and talents for the Lord. I can see the fruit of our labor in the lives of the adults and children that we serve and we continue to give God all the glory!

Alex Matthew
My favorite time at USC each week is when I have the honor to worship with our kids during Soul Food on Wednesday evenings. Sometimes in church or other worship settings, kids are instructed exactly how to worship, being asked to stand still to not distract anyone and sing in a “nice” way. Worship is not that way at Soul Food. At USC, the kids are encouraged to engage mind, body, and soul with God in worship. Psalm 150:4 best describes worship at USC, “Praise him with the tambourine and dancing.” The kids and adults, dance, sing, laugh and even bang on tambourines; they are free to sing their hearts out to God and use their bodies to praise him. Even if their voices aren’t so pretty or they look silly dancing, the adults and children are connecting with God in a real and personal way. I look forward to worshiping God with them each and every Wednesday evening!

Tammy Hartig
I started serving at USC because I have lived in this community all my life and have been burdened to observe the continual decline of our city; serving at USC became an outlet for me to do my part to help in whatever way I could. I know there is a purpose to what I am doing - though often times my efforts are small, I know God can do great things with a willing heart and I feel this is what the Lord has called me to do.

I want to share a story about a special little girl who has "stolen my heart". She is just 7 years old, and she knows how to test adults! She can be ornery at times but the wonderful thing is because of her age, she is still "moldable." She is a quick learner and it’s been a blessing to see her changed her behavior. She has gotten more comfortable around me and after some prompting, she will often tell me what's on her heart; I thank God for allowing me to comfort and encourage her when she comes to USC. The thing I like most about her is she gives the greatest hugs and has the most adorable smile!

I want to encourage you to get involved! Whether it is by works of service, volunteering in a USC-sponsored event/program, financial support, or prayer support, USC is a worthwhile investment.

"USC is pounding at the foundation of social injustice in Kansas City, Kansas and producing results. Their passion for optimizing the Christ-centered education of urban students is contagious and demands on-going resource support to keep up with the demand for USC services. Committing regular resources helps Chuck and his team to push their critical mission forward and serve more students. I am convinced that there is not a better return on an investment than to provide USC with the resources they need to fulfill their mission to produce socially responsible Christian leaders."

"Chuck’s passion for the cause of urban education and reversing the cycle of poverty is captivating. It’s his story! He’s lived in the cycle and overcame it through education. His commitment to the students is so strong that I can’t help but want to serve in either a volunteer or giving capacity. His frequent invitation to engage with the students is both challenging and rewarding. The times that I have served along-side him in ministry have helped me realize the truth of the cycle of poverty. Seeing the work that The Urban Scholastic Center is doing convinces me that the potential to overcome this cycle is within reach for the students they serve."

Dave Geenens