Henry Williams of Independence, Kansas, and community partner of the SEK-CAP, will receive the 2011 Sargent Shriver Annual Achievement Award, one of two prestigious recognitions presented annually by the national Community Action Partnership.  Williams will be presented with the award at the annual CAP conference in San Francisco the week of August 22nd.

Henry Williams began working with SEK-CAP in 2000 and quickly achieved economic self-sufficiency, and in 2003, SEK-CAP presented him with a Personal Responsibility and Achievement Award. Happily, Henry’s amazing story did not end there.  His desire to give back to his community led to the establishment of The Uppercut Boxing Club, the only stand-alone youth development organization in Independence, Kansas, focusing on enabling youth in a positive manner and preventing delinquency.  Working out of his home in the beginning, Henry helped young people train for amateur boxing four nights a week, mowing lawns to obtain the funds necessary to purchase basic boxing equipment.  Through persistent contact, he gained the support of churches, schools, and local law enforcement.  The Club has developed a positive reputation through the local school district, Community Colleges, churches, banks, businesses, and social service agencies. The Club obtained a grant from the Kansas Health Foundation, and many community partners participated in fundraising efforts.  Additionally, individual and community supporters serve as board members and volunteers in the program.