ABOUT US

History

In 2013, Rev. Jonas Hayes identified a pressing need for prevention programming aimed at helping disadvantaged and underperforming youth in his community. Drawing from his experiences with the 180° curriculum as a pastor in California and his involvement in launching the Delta 180 program in Mississippi, Rev. Hayes was inspired to bring a similar program to the heartland region.

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To turn this vision into reality, Rev. Hayes embarked on a mission to find partners and board members who shared his passion for empowering youth. One of his crucial steps was contacting the Kansas Department of Corrections Juvenile Services to discuss the program and its curriculum. This outreach led to a pivotal connection with the Director of Community Based Services.

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The Director, recognizing the potential of Rev. Hayes' initiative, enlisted the help of Maximilian Mendoza, a prominent juvenile justice advocate who also served as a governor-appointed member of the Kansas Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Mr. Mendoza's involvement was instrumental, and he became one of the four founding executive board members of Heartland 180, Inc.

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Heartland 180, Inc., a non-profit organization, was established to assist and support disadvantaged youth and young adults. Their primary objectives include helping these individuals achieve academic success and enabling them to realize their full potential. This organization represents a vital effort to address the needs of underprivileged and underperforming youth in the heartland region, offering them a path to a brighter future.