Who We Are

Reach Out Kansas, Inc has been partnering with organizations addressing issues in their communities for over a decade.  Reach Out Kansas, Inc is a nonprofit (Public 501(c) 3) established by James P. Zakoura in 2009 to address the pervasive consequences of decreased funding for the Arts.  We started dialogues with artists, educators, and community leaders and established partnerships with community organizations. The innovative approaches of these organizations created social change across their communities. Through the years, the world has changed, but people’s basic needs have not.  The need for access to food, safe shelter, education, job skills, and to feel connected to others in a community, remain fundamental to our existence. These empower people to become self-sufficient and strengthen our communities. The beauty of people coming alongside others, to care for and provide skills that improve lives, continues to inspire our mission.

Mission Statement

Reach Out Kansas, Inc supports nonprofit organizations that develop innovative approaches to address fundamental needs of underserved populations, within their communities. The community impact of these bold ideas and actions is far reaching. The beauty of people coming alongside others, to care for, and provide skills that help them through life, continues to inspire our mission.

ROK Leadership

James P. Zakoura, Founder and President

Lee M. Smithyman, Board Member

Russ Mehl, Board Member

Anissa Gardner Walz, Board Member and Managing Director