Equipping youth with workforce & life skills to thrive.
Our Vision
Provide a safe, caring and equitable space for youth and families to be equipped with life skills, workforce skills, and entrepreneurship development. Empowering them to thrive in their life’s purpose.
Our Mission
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Provide a safe environment where people are loved and accepted
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Equip youth and families with life skills to thrive
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Empower individuals to walk in their purpose
TZone Backstory
Transition Zone was founded by Jacqueline Buycks, a wife, mother, grandmother entrepreneur and most importantly a servant of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jacqueline has had the great pleasure of working with youth for over 40 years—as Youth Group Leader and teacher for over 35 years in church and as a Restorative Practices, Mediator and Conflict Resolution Facilitator (for the Center for Conflict Resolution) in the Kansas City School District, Hickman Mills, Center, and Raytown School Districts, along with many other Charter Schools in the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan area.
While working in various schools in the Kansas City Community Jackie noticed a prevailing overlooked need—sufficient workforce/life skills and entrepreneurship training and the lack of opportunities for gainful employment for youth in the urban core. Most youth lack the necessary skills to even approach a potential employer for a job application, let alone a job interview or even the knowledge to sustain, persevere and endure workforce challenges. After much prayer, research and collaboration, Transition Zone was born!
Our Values
Love and Acceptance
Community and Justice
Hard Work and Fun
The Team
We have been blessed with a wonderful, loving, and caring team of individuals who are passionate about equipping youth with the necessary skills to thrive in life and in the workforce.
Youth will gain hope, feel more independent, and have the confidence to further their development with a sense of responsibility. High school graduation rates will increase, reducing the risk for involvement in criminal activity, the juvenile system and the school to prison pipeline.
Jackie
Buycks
Founder/
CEO
Dianah
Shields
Administrative Assistant
Judy
Heath
Art
Teacher
Board of Directors
Click on the name to see titles.
Jackie
Buycks
President
Lynne
Shipley
Secretary
Garry
Buycks
Sr.
Board Member
LaDedra
Edwards
Board Member
DONATE TO TRANSITION ZONE
Your generous donations help to fund our yearly budget of $133,000.00. This gives youth a safe space for learning various career opportunities. They’re supported by loving and caring adults throughout the year. Families, neighbors and our community experience the benefit of youth contributing to society in a healthy way using their beautiful God-given gifts and talents.