Danny Stevens, left, sits at one of the meeting tables while talking to Devvo Vaneaton and Bailey Reynolds at the LikeMe Lighthouse April 9. The LikeMe Lighthouse has been operating for three years now and is a community resource center for those a part of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, and Queer/Questioning community in Kansas City and is located on 39th and Main. The Lighthouse is run completely by volunteers and is used for events or to just catch up with friends. by Katie Crow

Katie Crow

Junior photojournalism student Katie Crow chose to photograph the LikeMe Lighthouse. The LikeMe Lighthouse has been operating for three years now and is a community resource center for those a part of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, and Queer/Questioning community in Kansas City and is located on 39th and Main. The Lighthouse is run completely by volunteers and is used for events or to just catch up with friends. Crow also photographed EQUAL Youth Empowerment Summit. Students met at UMKC and participated in ice breakers and seminars.

[nggallery id=504]

Katie Lamar, Shawnee Mission East freshman and Wayside Waifs volunteer, calms down Tamika, 3 month old boxer pitbull mix, after playing with the puppy for 30 minutes at Wayside Waifs April 20. Lamar took a break from walking dogs to play with Tamika. by Katherine Green

Katherine Green

Wayside Waifs, a no kill animal shelter, accepts puppy mill dogs, surrendered animals and stray animals. After checking for illnesses, volunteers help take care of the animals, including cats, dogs and occasionally bunnies, with the hope of them being adopt. Anyone above the age 14 can volunteer at the shelter, with a minimum commitment of thirty hours of volunteering. With 1,289 volunteers, a total of 276,676 hours and 54 minutes of service has been completed. The shelter offers behavior and training for pets, pet memorial services, a park called the “Bark Park”, a vet clinic, a shop called “Whiskers and Wags,” animal rescues and Humane Education which are all made possible by volunteers.

[nggallery id=513]

Collin Bradbury, left, prepares to bat at the Blue Valley Recreation Center, field three, dugout on April 21. Bradbury was next at bat and was ready to go when called. by Anne Gravino

Anne Gravino

Several families from the Overland Park area bring their son or sons to play little league baseball at the Blue Valley Recreation Center. The dads sometimes coach, but often simply help the boys during practice. The main purpose of this is to help the boys learn to play baseball and have fun in the evenings on weekends.

[nggallery id=516]