From the Desk of Stephen Samuels

6.23.2017 — LISC StoriesInvestments NeighborhoodsNOW

I couldn’t be happier with the slate of Thrive honorees that our selection committee made last week. We had nearly 40 nominations to consider in six categories. Every one of them demonstrated such inspiring contributions to Kansas City neighborhoods. Unfortunately, the nature of an awards ceremony means that you have to choose a limited group to recognize on a particular day. Individuals like Margaret May and Steve Curtis, two tireless community leaders who set a remarkably high standard for the rest of us. Westside Housing, one of the oldest and most respected community development corporations in Kansas City, Missouri. The Giving Grove, which since 2013, has established 133 orchards across five counties in our metropolitan area. The new Linwood YMCA is an amazing new community asset with 21^st century design and amenities. It serves over 85,000 Kansas City residents and will probably do even more by the looks of that pool and soon to be completed on-site medical clinic. And finally, one of the reasons that the Scarritt Renaissance neighborhood now calls itself “Kansas City’s Playground.” The transformed Concourse Park now includes renovated basketball and Futsal courts and the very popular 50’ embankment slide.

To all the nominees and all the other organizations and individuals in Kansas City who deserve to be recognized on a daily basis for their tireless efforts to make our city thrive, we say Thank You!! Not enough can be done to support these heroes who consider it their mission to serve and assist those in need. On behalf of the partners and sponsors who are bringing Thrive alive on September 28^th, we hope to see you there to share in the celebration.

- Stephen Samuels, Executive Director