The Kendall-Whittier neighborhood is rich in culture and color, but unfortunately most of its residents live on the social and economic fringes of society. Kendall-Whittier families suffer from many of the challenges caused by systemic poverty, including poor nutrition and food insecurity; limited access to health care; family violence and substance abuse; illiteracy; lack of supervision of children and youth and poor parenting skills. Truancy and drop-out rates are above average. Generally defined as Eleventh Street on the south, Dawson Road on the north, Harvard on the east, and Utica on the west, Kendall-Whittier neighborhood also includes the area around The University of Tulsa, a source of pride to all Tulsans. For the past 40 years, Kendall Whittier, Inc., an ecumenical and nonsectarian 501(c) (3) organization, has focused on supporting and revitalizing the Kendall-Whittier neighborhood.

The mission of Kendall Whittier, Inc. is

to work together to improve the quality of life for the individuals of our neighborhood.

Our coalition of churches and our community partner assists the Kendall-Whittier neighborhood through our advocacy efforts, support of community events and the following programs.

Our Emergency Food Pantry director and volunteers deliver food to families in need. December is the busiest food pantry month and we will provide food to a significant number of neighborhood residents during the holiday season. In 2007 our Pantry served 3,285 individuals. Nutritional education materials are provided in English and Spanish. The need for emergency food in our neighborhood is growing.

Through our Partners in Education program we provide Kendall-Whittier Elementary School, Cleveland Middle School and Rogers High School assistance with staff appreciation events, staff development, social service resources, supplies, landscaping, volunteers, school projects and events and community advocacy.

Our Youth Mentoring Program provides a free five day a week year-round after school and Summer in the Park program that has an average enrollment of 150 students and an average daily attendance of 50 kindergarten through 5th graders. Youth Mentoring Program provides a safe, structured, supervised environment with an emphasis on literacy; emotional and physical well being; and the prevention of drug and alcohol use and premature sexual activity. In addition to paid staff, we depend on volunteers, who contributed over 2000 hours to this program in 2007.