Connecting the Underserved through the Vernon Center’s Device and Public WiFi Program
January 19, 2026 – On a blustery Martin Luther King Jr. Day, community leaders, educators, and neighbors gathered at the Quindaro Community Center to mark a historic milestone: the official launch of the Vernon Multipurpose Center’s ADOPT 2.0 Digital Equity Initiative. This ambitious project is not just about technology; it is a partner-led effort to “hand out futures” by closing the digital divide for families throughout the community in KCK.
Bridging the Gap with ADOPT 2.0
The ADOPT 2.0 project, funded through a grant from the Kansas Office of Broadband Development, is designed to provide comprehensive digital resources to those who need them most. Between now and September 30, 2026, the goal will be to distribute:
- Up to 700 free devices, including tablets and laptops, to eligible participants.
- High-speed connectivity, including a new fiber broadband connection for the Vernon Center and free public WiFi for the surrounding neighborhood.
- Essential digital literacy training, covering topics such as email, safe browsing, telehealth, and scam protection.
- Ongoing technical support through an on-site help desk, video tutorials, and in-person assistance.
As Tiffany Romeo of Riteway Development noted, this initiative is designed to “amplify an initiative designed to close digital equity gaps” by providing the tools necessary for education, employment, and essential health services.
A Call to Action: We Need Community Partners
To reach their goal of distributing 700 devices and providing life-changing training, the Vernon Center is actively seeking 15-25 new partners to join this mission.
The Vernon Center is looking for community-based organizations, nonprofits, and civic groups to help us identify and connect eligible individuals with these resources. By partnering with them, you can ensure your clients have the tools they need to navigate the modern world, from accessing telemedicine to applying for jobs. Additionally, the Center is seeking further funding opportunities to sustain this vital work beyond the current grant cycle.
“The goal is to hand out futures or opportunities to people no matter what they want to do, [including] telemedicine, navigate the internet, and more.” ~ Helen Beteet RPH, MHA
Building on a Legacy of Resilience
The Vernon Multipurpose Center is more than a service hub; it is a community anchor with a 168-year history. During the launch, Judge Karen Arnold Berger highlighted the area’s rich past, noting that the Quindaro site was a pivotal stop on the Underground Railroad and home to Western University, the second-largest HBCU in the country at its peak.
The Historic Vernon School, built in 1936, played a significant role in educating African American children long before Brown v. Board of Education. Today, the ADOPT 2.0 project continues this legacy of empowerment, ensuring that the same neighborhood that served as a crossing point to freedom for thousands now serves as a gateway to digital opportunity.
The Vernon Center is an anchor in the community, as Mayor Christal Watson mentioned in her speech at MLK Day, reminding attendees that the mayor’s office is here to support and uplift this great work. She encouraged everyone there to think about how much of an impact these devices and the internet will be for the surrounding areas, not forgetting the importance of digital literacy as well.
Visit the Vernon Center in Kansas City, Kansas for a comprehensive tour of the facilities and all they have to offer, including the Quindaro Underground Railroad museum.
Eligibility and How to Get Involved
The ADOPT 2.0 program prioritizes those with a “critical need”—individuals who lack reliable access to a device for work, education, or health activities.
- Who is eligible? Residents in specific zip codes who can demonstrate need through participation in public assistance programs (such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or Veterans benefits) or other indicators of financial hardship.
- How can partners help? Organizations can help their clients fill out applications and navigate the residency requirements.
This program will run until September 30, 2026. Device distribution and digital literacy support will be available until that date, and the center will continue sharing resources and recorded training for participants to use on their own time.
Join us in making digital equity a reality. If your organization is interested in becoming one of Vernon’s 25 new partners, or if you would like to learn more about the program, please reach out.
Contact: Helen Beteet, RPH, MHA, Board President
Email: info@vernoncenterkck.org
Website: Visit the Vernon Center’s website to fill out an application or view the FAQ.