People gather for the installment of a bridge spanning Kansas City's Troost Avenue, a road that has been a historic dividing line of the richer from the poorer halves of Kansas City, June 23, 2018. The bridge connects the current Operation Breakthrough campus on the east side of Troost to the newly-acquired western building.
Kaden Isenhower (7) writes on a banner that says "What is your hope for the children who cross this bridge?" Isenhower attends Operation Breakthrough with his two siblings and will be among the many children who benefit from the bridge and additional space.
Khyneesha Edwards signs a banner that says "What is your hope for the children who cross this bridge?" Edwards attended Operation Breakthrough as a kid, and although she now lives in Lee's Summit, Operation Breakthrough has had a lasting impact on her and she's still active in the community.
Aunyae Isenhower (3) eats ice cream provided at the bridge-raising event next to her Operation Breakthrough teacher, Patty Slentz-Howard. Operation Breakthrough offers pre-K and before and after school programs for Kansas City youth.
Sister Corita Bussanmas, Operation Breakthrough co-founder, speaks at the bridge-raising program. Bussanmas and Sister Berta Sailer founded nonprofit Operation Breakthrough in 1971.
Community leader Alvin Brooks speaks at the Operation Breakthrough bridge-raising. "When we cross the bridge, I hope and pray that we will understand that we are one people."
Spectators wait for cranes to lift the bridge in place. JE Dunn Construction assembled the bridge off-site and hoisted the frame with two cranes to fit it onto supports on both sides of Troost.
The bridge spanning Troost Avenue installed June 23, 2018 by JE Dunn Construction. The bridge, an addition that provides children safe passage to the new building, will be open for use in August.
Reporting for KCUR 89.3