Safe Streets Wichita Welcomes New Way To Work Interns Knew'Era & Isabella

Investing in young people is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen our community. Safe Streets Wichita is proud to welcome two emerging leaders from the City of Wichita's Way To Work Summer Workforce Program.

Through this hands on opportunity, they will build workforce and leadership skills while supporting initiatives focused on prevention, harm reduction, mental health, public health, advocacy, and community safety. Their commitment to learning, service, and positive change reflects the promise of Wichita's next generation of leaders.

We are honored to support their growth and look forward to the impact they will make within our organization and throughout the community.

Meet Knew'Era Haynes

Knew'Era is a 14-year-old ninth-grade student with a passion for making a positive difference in her community. She describes herself as highly organized and well-spoken, qualities that already shine through in her commitment to personal growth and leadership.

Knew'Era is particularly interested in mental health awareness, substance misuse prevention, violence prevention, youth leadership, social justice, and education. She recognizes the importance of communication and asking for help when needed, and she is eager to strengthen these skills throughout her internship experience.

Looking toward the future, Knew'Era hopes to become a real estate agent and use her career to positively impact those around her. She is excited to join the Liberation Lit Book Club and engage with other young leaders through discussions that promote critical thinking, personal growth, empowerment, and social justice. We are excited to support Knew'Era as she develops professional skills, builds confidence, and discovers new opportunities for leadership.

Meet Isabella Morfitt

Isabella is a 15-year-old tenth-grade student who brings kindness, respect, and a collaborative spirit to everything she does. She is passionate about mental health, youth leadership, community safety, and peer support, and she is eager to learn how she can contribute to positive change in her community.

One of Isabella's leadership goals is learning how to confidently take the lead while maintaining a supportive and inclusive approach with others. Her strengths include working well with diverse groups of people, showing respect, and creating positive relationships with those around her.

Through the Way To Work program, Isabella hopes to gain valuable workplace experience while continuing to develop her leadership skills. She is interested in participating in Safe Streets programs such as Wellness Wednesday, Vortex Vessels Poetry Workshop, and Community Service Projects, all of which reflect her commitment to personal growth, wellness, and community engagement. We look forward to watching Isabella grow as a young leader and seeing the impact she will make during her internship.

Building the Next Generation of Community Leaders

The Way To Work program provides young people with meaningful opportunities to gain workforce experience, develop leadership skills, and engage in projects that address real community needs.

At Safe Streets Wichita, interns contribute to initiatives focused on prevention, harm reduction, advocacy, public health, and community wellness. These experiences help young people build confidence, strengthen professional skills, and discover pathways to future success.

Knew'Era and Isabella represent the promise of Wichita's future. As they begin their summer journey as Youth Mobilizers, they will gain valuable experience, grow as leaders, and help shape positive change in our communities. We are honored to support their journey and look forward to the lasting impact they will make across Wichita.