Brent Gieseke

2021 was an inspiring year for Brent Gieseke and his continued volunteer work with Agape Pamoja, a non-profit serving the needs of refugees from war-torn countries residing in Kansas City. He spent over 2,700 hours serving the organization, assisting refugees with the acquisition and renovation of four residential properties and a 6,500 square foot refugee event center. This also included the pilot of a homeownership program, the growth in the number of youth involved with the organization’s Student Leadership program, and mentoring refugee youth on essential life skills.

“You go into an experience like this thinking you are going to change lives, but my life has been changed more than anyone,” says Gieseke. “Agape Pamoja allows us to live life beside the students and their families. It will create a ripple effect that we are only starting to comprehend.” In addition to his countless hours of volunteer work, he has invested his own finances and inspired local businesses to donate over $100,000 in 2021 alone.