Healing and Unity Through Relationship • Porsche and Chlo’s Story of Transformation at Unite KC
In the fall of 2023, Unite KC hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Event that witnessed an incredibly powerful moment of unity, vulnerability, and healing. Porsche Seals, the executive director of Caring for Kids Network and leader of Unite KC’s Education and Nonprofit Domains, took the stage with Chlo-Ann Rizzo, a captain for the Blue Valley Campus Police Department and leader of Unite KC’s Criminal Justice Domain. Together, these two women, from seemingly opposing backgrounds, shared their personal story of healing and unity, one that has been deeply shaped through their involvement in Unite KC.
The two women’s connection began in an unexpected and emotionally charged way, when Porsche bravely shared her painful past with Chlo – an experience that had left her deeply distrustful of police. Porsche’s traumatic encounter with law enforcement in 2019, marked by a case of mistaken identity, became a pivotal moment in her life that led to a long process of healing and reconciliation, ultimately culminating in her meeting Chlo through Unite KC.
A Case of Mistaken Identity
In October 2019, Porsche was wrongly accused of a crime she didn’t commit. While driving into a church parking lot with her four children, she was surrounded by police who drew their guns, handcuffed her, and detained her. The confusion stemmed from the fact that someone had stolen her license plates and placed them on a similar car. The emotional toll on Porsche, and the distress caused to her children, left a lasting scar.
For Porsche, this event represented not just an injustice, but a deep emotional wound that led to feelings of anger and mistrust toward law enforcement. It wasn’t until years later, when her work with Unite KC brought her into regular contact with Chlo, that healing began to take shape.
A Journey Toward Healing and Trust
When Porsche first met Chlo in 2021, the police officer’s uniform made her uncomfortable. But Chlo, understanding Porsche’s reluctance, was respectful and patient. She ensured that whenever she attended a meeting in uniform, Porsche was given prior notice. This simple act of respect laid the foundation for trust to begin to form between the two women, though Porsche initially struggled to move past her trauma.
Chlo, on the other hand, knew that gaining Porsche’s trust would take time. She didn’t push Porsche to talk about her past but instead offered consistent support and prayer. The key to their developing relationship was Chlo’s understanding, patience, and willingness to be present for Porsche in a way that didn’t rush healing.
A Moment of Grace and Unity
After months of building trust, the breakthrough came during a Unite KC meeting, when the group spontaneously began singing “Amazing Grace” together. As Porsche and Chlo harmonized in song, something powerful shifted. In that moment, both women felt God’s healing grace, a turning point that solidified their bond and began transforming their perspectives on both personal and systemic levels.
For Porsche, this moment of shared joy was symbolic of the deep healing that had occurred. And for Chlo, it was a testament to the power of relationships and faith in bridging divides.
The Power of Love and Unity at Unite KC
Today, Porsche and Chlo’s relationship has not only impacted their lives but is also creating ripples throughout Kansas City. Porsche now works with local organizations to help build unity between the Black community and law enforcement, while Chlo shares her experience with other officers, using her own story to foster understanding and reconciliation within the police department.
Both women attribute much of their healing and growth to the work they are doing at Unite KC. Their story exemplifies how, through patience, prayer, and a willingness to engage with difficult conversations, transformation can happen. As Porsche puts it, “I can only do this work today because God healed me through my work at Unite KC and my relationship with Chlo.”
Chlo echoes this sentiment: “We both worked so hard to build trust with one another, and we didn’t give up just because it was painful or uncomfortable. We had to keep pushing through it together.”
Their story is one of hope, healing, and the profound impact that relationships – founded on respect, understanding, and love – can have on individuals, communities, and society at large. It is a powerful reminder that unity is possible when we are willing to listen, forgive, and walk alongside one another.
Get Involved with Unite KC
Porsche and Chlo’s journey is just one of many stories of transformation happening at Unite KC. If you’re inspired by their story, there are countless ways to get involved. From volunteering to supporting initiatives focused on justice, reconciliation, and community building, Unite KC offers many opportunities to make a tangible impact in Kansas City. Do One Good Thing
