Our Mission

Dads Against Crime was founded by Andre Harris in 2020, a man fueled by his passion to change lives. Having undergone a tumultuous past, Andre turned his life around and decided to be a beacon of change for fathers and men affected by violence and crime in Kansas City.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to create a lifelong brotherhood of fathers who have been affected by crime, by providing them with resources, support, and opportunities for healing and growth.

Vision Statement

To break the cycle of crime and build stronger, safer communities where fathers play an active, positive role in the lives of their children.

Meet the Team: Board of Directors

  • Andre Harris

    Founder & President| Board Member

    Andre Harris is a dedicated advocate for safer communities. Born on December 25, 1986, in Kansas City, Missouri, Andre Harris is the passionate founder of 'Dads Against Crime,' a movement that began its mission on October 20, 2020. With a deep commitment to making his hometown and beyond a better place, Andre works tirelessly to combat crime and uplift his community. Beyond his noble mission, he enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, exploring new horizons, and making a positive impact on the world.

  • Nikita Harris

    Executive Director| Board Member

    Nikita Harris, a proud Kansas City, Missouri native, she earned her degree in Computer Science with a certificate in Cybersecurity at Metropolitan Community College with a primary focus on her community. Born and raised in the vibrant heart of Kansas City, Nikita's unwavering dedication to her community has been a driving force throughout her life.

    What truly sets Nikita apart is her passion for making a tangible difference in her community. With a deep-rooted commitment to community service, Nikita has actively engaged in various initiatives, dedicating her time and energy to uplifting those around her. Her tireless efforts have touched the lives of many, demonstrating her natural leadership and boundless compassion.

    Nikita's journey in academia, while notable, is just one facet of her commitment to community betterment. Her unique ability to connect with people and her relentless drive to create positive change makes her a valuable asset to any non-profit or community-focused organization. Nikita Harris is on a mission to continue her impactful work, ensuring a brighter and more inclusive future for her beloved Kansas City community.

  • Lenard Manuel

    Board Member

    Since early on in his life, Christ has given Lenard the love and passion to work with youth and to inspire them to become great leaders in their own families and friend groups. He studied Social Work at Dordt University in Iowa, and graduated in 2014. At the start of his career, Lenard worked with troubled youth as a mentor-leader and case manager. In 2018 he was blessed with the opportunity to work with Freedom Fire Ministries as a Youth Director. He is married to Becca, and they have two children (Harmony and Atticus). Family time includes trips to the zoo and parks.

  • Rich Barr

    Board Member

    Rich Barr grew up in Kansas City and has lived in or near the city for most of his life.  He is married to his wife, Tami, and has two boys currently in high school.  His faith, family and community are of utmost importance to him.  He and his family currently live in the city and he works professionally as an IT Specialist for the United States Department of Agriculture.  In the past, Rich has worked as a volunteer for many churches and not-for-profit organizations and his latest endeavor was running a branch of an organization that helped men from the city refurbish and recycle IT equipment, teaching them computer and life skills in the process.  Rich is excited to be a part of what DAC is doing in the community and hopes to help support the organization and their vision.

  • Zachary Roper

    Board Member

    I was born and raised in Kansas City and Independence, where I grew up surrounded by a mixture of influences. At a very young age, I made the choice to get involved in street life, a decision that would have a profound impact on the direction of my life. This path quickly led me into the grip of substance abuse, a battle that took me down even darker roads, entangling me in a cycle of crime and self-destruction. I found myself caught in the revolving doors of treatment centers, jails, and prisons, constantly battling the demons that kept pulling me back into the same destructive patterns. After many years of struggle, something inside me shifted, and in 2018, I finally made my way out of that life. It wasn’t easy—it required a deep, personal transformation and a commitment to leaving behind the only life I had known for so long. But in breaking free, I made a vow to help others who were facing the same struggles I had endured. I committed myself to being a source of support and guidance, knowing firsthand how difficult it can be to escape that lifestyle. Now, I am not only a firm believer in Dads Against Crime, but I am also a living example of its mission. I’ve been where many of the people we help are, and that personal connection drives me to do everything I can to guide them toward a better future. I’m not just someone advocating for change—I’m living proof that change is possible, and I am dedicated to helping others achieve the same.

Our Impact

Statistics:

  • 78 fathers counseled

  • 116 men placed in jobs

  • 9 Felony expungements

  • 45 community outreach events

Our Partners

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