Who We Are

POWER CDC is a community development corporation (CDC). A nonprofit organization that started in 1994 by the efforts of residents who are determined to revitalize their own neighborhoods. We have undertaken challenges ranging from providing social services, to developing low-income housing, to initiating commercial and retail activity in areas often abandoned by the market-driven economy. 

Our Mission

The mission of POWER CDC is to encourage the economic revitalization of the Central-Northeast neighborhoods of Wichita, Kansas.

In fulfilling this overall mission, POWER CDC will impact the following neighborhood goals:

  • Establish a full-service supermarket

  • Small Business Development

  • Job Training

People
Organized
Working for
Economic
Recovery

Community
Development
Corporation

Focus Areas

Small Business Development

  • To create and develop a neighborhood retail center -- thereby attracting other businesses to the community.

  • To assist neighborhood residents and groups in developing entrepreneurial & management skills necessary for the successful operation of business enterprises.

  • To expand opportunities available to neighborhood residents & groups to own, manage, and operate business enterprises.

Community Organization

  • To foster and promote community-wide interest and concern for the problems of the residents in the community.

  • To change the perception persons may have of the community.

  • To build the self-esteem and self-worth of neighborhood members and encourage pride and hope.

Goals Fulfilled

  • Power CDC set out to develop community housing:

    • To provide affordable housing to low-income elderly and disabled residents
    • To uplift the community with home ownership. 
    • To redevelop blighted areas.

    Over the last 10 years, Power CDC has facilitated the construction of nearly 100 new homes in the Power CDC neighborhood – replacing old blight with wholesome modern living.

  • Power CDC has succeeded in bringing a full-service, affordable modern supermarket to the heart of the neighborhood, at 13th & Grove – employing neighborhood workers, helping to keep and build wealth in the neighborhood – reducing hardships that have long challenged the inner-city, replacing them with ready access to:

    • Affordable quality food and household supplies
    • The “Customer Service counter” facilities of a full-service grocery 
    • A constructive source of inner-city employment.

  • POWER CDC's Founding Executive Director, Mr. James Arbertha, has been honored by Friends University with the establishment of an endowed scholarship, named in his honor, for "an outstanding but underprivileged student," says Friends University, "who hails from central-northeast Wichita. The scholarship is intended to provide the recipient with "50% tuition, textbooks and on-campus residence" at the university.

    Already, over $8,000 has been raised, with an ultimate goal of raising $200,000 to ensure the scholarship's permanent role in the community.

  • The Dunbar Theater holds a special place in the memories of many as a cornerstone of what was once the thriving commercial hub of Wichita's African-American community during the 1940s and 1950s. Many enthusiastically recall the popularity of the bustling neighborhood -- with its drug store, ice cream shop, hair salons, cafes -- and the Dunbar Theater for movies.

    As part of a community-based initiative, POWER CDC has taken the lead role with the acquisition and re-development of the Dunbar Theater, and today owns this historic prize.

    Today, the Historic Dunbar Community Center has finished Phase I renovations and is now a community events center.

Board of Directors

Executive Director
James W. Arbertha

Board Chair
Mary McDonald

Secretary
Sheree Meddock

Treasurer
Cullen Arbertha

POWER CDC is a diverse group of individuals experienced in government, law, academics, the pulpit, and entrepreneurship. Driven by high expectations from its board, supporters and the community, we continue to build and create constructive change in central-northeast Wichita. To bring a better future for all.

Board Members

  • Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau

  • Ora Meddock

  • Adrienne McAlpine

  • Brock Booker

  • Theola Cooper

  • Dea Sears

  • Maurice Arbertha

  • Sonya A. House/Posthumously