Some of the strongest community connections happen in everyday spaces—whether it’s distributing food to families in need or gathering on the basketball court after a long day. For Victor Organista of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, February was about showing up for his community in ways that bring people together.
At the beginning of the month, Victor volunteered at the monthly Harvesters food distribution held at the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Government Building in Mayetta, Kansas. Working alongside the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and the PBPN Boys and Girls Club, volunteers distributed food to more than 80 families and individuals throughout the Jackson County area.
Harvesters, a regional food bank serving Kansas City, Topeka, and surrounding areas, supports over 900 nonprofit partner agencies across 26 counties. Through partnerships with tribal organizations and community groups, the program helps ensure that individuals and families facing food insecurity have access to essential resources.
Victor also continued hosting community basketball nights every Thursday and Sunday from 6–8 PM at the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Boys and Girls Club. Open to the public, the weekly games welcome players of all ages—from teenagers to adults in their fifties—creating a space where youth, adults, and elders can come together through friendly competition and community connection.
Attendance varies depending on other community events, but typically between 5 and 20 players gather on the court each night. Friends and family members often stop by to watch, support, and spend time together.
For Victor, the basketball nights have become more than just recreation—they’re a way to strengthen relationships within the community.
“Basketball night forms a stronger community where youth, adults, and elders are able to come together, compete, and celebrate with one another,” Victor shared. “It builds relationships where everyone supports, encourages, and guides each other.”
The games also offer a healthy outlet for stress and an opportunity to stay active while building connections with both new and familiar faces.
“I enjoy playing basketball because I can create new relationships and foster older ones by repeatedly showing up,” he said. “It’s a great stress reliever and gives my mind a break from the stressors of everyday life.”
Victor encourages anyone visiting the community to stop by and join the game.
“If you’re ever in the community on a Sunday or Thursday night, don’t be afraid to pop by and say hi or even hop in—my community would be happy to have you.”
Through service initiatives like food distribution and simple acts of gathering on the court, Victor continues to demonstrate how leadership often begins with consistency, care, and a commitment to building stronger communities one interaction at a time.
