Supporting Kansas City Neighborhoods

Friends of Sacred Structures (FOSS) is dedicated to the preservation and renovation of religious structures, especially those that support vital neighborhood needs. FOSS helps organizations restore their structures to better provide stability and hope to children and families in Kansas City’s urban core and beyond.

The first major project FOSS helped complete was the White Oak Chapel. Built in 1912 by the descendants of slaves, the post-Civil War Chapel was scheduled for demolition. The FOSS team collaborated to move and preserve the sacred structure.

Join us for a FOSS Free Workshop!

Join FOSS on May 15 at 8:00 am to 12:00 pm for a Free Workshop to help you preserve and improve your sacred structure at Grace United Ministries at 811 Benton Blvd, KC, MO!

Our experts will present on : Building Energy, Roofing Problems, and Building Care, discussing likely problem areas and offering cost effective solutions. Bring your maintenance team, your board and any other interested volunteers! All are welcome.

Light refreshments will be served at 8:00 am, and the first session begins at 8:30am. Free parking is located behind the church. Please RSVP to fosskc@supportkc.org by May 13.

FOSS Project Recap: Calvary Community Outreach Network

This is the 501(c)3 not for profit arm of Calvary Temple Baptist Church located at 30th and Holmes in Kansas City, Missouri.  The church building was vacant in 1997 when FOSS provided the pastor with technical assistance to purchase it.  After its initial renovation, the congregation operated a day care center for 50 children.  In addition, the congregation operates a food pantry, provides utility assistance, HIV/AIDS Prevention and Education Programs, conducts a Health Education Program, and operates a Freedom School Program for 100 children using college interns to staff and mentor younger children.  Recently, FOSS assisted with the purchase and the development of plans to renovate the building across the street for use as a Wellness and Fitness Center for the neighborhood.  Funds will help finance the renovation.  FOSS is seeking $370,540 to assist with this project (includes 3% operational expense).  The congregation committed $409,000 and FOSS has provided $24,680 professional and technical services at no cost.

It took all kinds of work from all kinds of people to make this great project happen.

First day of work on the Calvary Temple Fitness Center building.

Crews cleaning up as work begins on the Fitness Center.