Lees Summit youth center provides fun, learning opportunities for teens [Video]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Driving through Lee’s Summit, you will likely see the sign for Pro Deo, but you may not know the inside of the building has changed hundreds of teen’s lives.

“We provide tutoring, fun activities, snacks, which is important,” said community relations manager for Pro Deo Vanessa Hickman. “Podcasting, job training, even cooking.”

It’s a free after-school program for high school students. Pro Deo hosts more than 130 students each week.

“Not only is Pro Deo providing a safe space but then you make friends here and those friends last a long time,” Hickman said.

Some of those friends include Sophia Aranyos and her service dog Wilbur.

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“There are some things that she [Sophia] had to overcome and she did it and I’m watching her grow up and it’s a treat for us,” Hickman said. …