Their goal is to break down barriers by giving back to the same community where they were raised.
S.W.O.R.M. stands for "Strong Women on the Right Mission" and once a month, S.W.O.R.M. Inc. aims to strengthen young girls in the KCK area.
"Living at this time, I think it's very important for young ladies to know who they are and where they're going," said Raneisha Hunter, the president and CEO of the program. "We want to make sure that we do everything we possibly can to encourage and empower the young girls in our community."
Hunter established the program in January 2016. She left her home and her job in Wichita, Kansas to return to KCK and bring S.W.O.R.M. to young ladies in the inner city.
She works with three other women, who are also from the area.
"We all went off and did something different, but we wanted to bring all of our gifts and talents together to make an impact in our community," said Hunter. "We wanted to pour out what had been important to us throughout the years."
Hunter says they focus on three components: personal development, academic awareness and community involvement.
"What we hope is that they walk boldly into their dreams and into their ambition," said Hunter. "I hope that self-esteem increases. We hope we've built a rapport with the girls and provide additional support."
The group meets one Saturday a month at Coronado Middle School and once a week with teenage girls at Schlagle High School.
Keiki Collins, 12, says it's already made a difference in how she views herself.
"I had a rough patch when I was in elementary school. I got bullied for five years until 4th grade when I finally stood up for myself," said Collins. "It makes me feel more relaxed. It makes me want to be more myself."
S.W.O.R.M. will get a new group of young ladies every semester.
If you would like to get involved, you can email S.W.O.R.M. at five.sworm@gmail.com or call 913-71-SWORM.
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