Reflecting on 2024: Building Resilient and Inclusive Communities
In 2024, LISC Greater Kansas City continued to move ahead in our mission of creating resilient, inclusive communities of opportunity across the Kansas City region. If you’ve followed our blog faithfully over the past year, you’ve tracked some of that progress. You’ve learned about innovative programs we’ve supported, met inspiring local leaders driving change, and explored some of our key strategies.
Here’s a recap of some of the topics we tackled in 2024:
Innovative Programs
In January, we introduced Clear My Record, a groundbreaking web application, piloted by Kansas City Digital Drive (KCDD), that makes it easier to expunge criminal records. With LISC KC's support through a HUD-funded grant, this tool has been a lifeline for residents like Vanessa, helping them overcome barriers to housing and employment and reclaim their lives.
In April, in honor of Financial Literacy Month, we spotlighted Pathway Financial Education. Led by Executive Director LaTasha Jacobs, this organization offers free programs in financial management, budgeting, and investing. Jacobs underscored how a lack of financial education perpetuates the racial wealth gap and shared how Pathway equips Kansas City residents with tools to achieve economic stability.
Pathway Financial Education Offers Free Courses to Kansas City Residents
In the summertime, we highlighted the summer care gap, which burdens many families struggling to find affordable childcare and ensures their kids receive proper nutrition during school breaks. Many children rely on free lunch programs during the school year, according to Melissa Douglas, McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison for Kansas City Public Schools. Lower income children are also more likely to fall behind due to the “summer slide.” Activity programs and feeding sites, hosted by area nonprofits, help fill the gaps.
The Financial Burden of the Summer Care Gap | LISC Kansas City
In the fall, we highlighted our collaboration with the Kansas City Housing Department on the 2024 Metro Supportive Housing Institute. This initiative develops permanent supportive housing with on-site services tailored to those experiencing chronic homelessness. As Katrina Van Valkenburgh from the Corporation for Supportive Housing explained, these housing models offer stability and dignity to individuals with complex needs, breaking the cycle of homelessness.
A Long-Term Solution: Permanent Supportive Housing | LISC Kansas City
Inspiring Leaders
Throughout the year, we introduced readers to leaders and entrepreneurs making a difference in Kansas City:
- Jocelyn Monroe, Vice President of Marketing for the Kansas City Current, played a pivotal role in opening the first women’s professional sports stadium and its associated retail store. Her groundbreaking work elevated women’s sports while creating job opportunities for Kansas City residents.
- Shawnna Murrell, founder of Murrell Homes Real Estate Group, leads a Black woman-owned brokerage committed to community development. By mentoring aspiring real estate professionals and fostering inclusivity, she’s building a stronger, more diverse industry.
- Chelsey M. created Kansas City Black Owned (KCBO), a for-profit digital platform to help Black-owned businesses build visibility. “Our platform is like a modern-day phone book for consumers who want to find Black businesses in the Kansas City metro area,” Chelsey said.
- Angela Martellaro, a real estate agent with a background in social work, helps immigrant and refugee families achieve homeownership. Her dedication to breaking down barriers reflects our shared mission of creating inclusive communities where everyone can thrive.
Key Strategies
Blog readers also had the chance to explore some of the key strategies driving our work.
For example, as a philanthropic intermediary, LISC KC bridges the gap between donors and local initiatives, ensuring resources reach the people and projects that need them most. By leveraging our expertise and community connections, we drive systemic change and empower grassroots efforts.
How Intermediaries Help Donors Make a Bigger Impact | LISC Kansas City
We explored the Theory of Change, a strategic planning approach that maps the steps needed to achieve long-term social goals. This methodology helps us align our initiatives with community needs, ensuring intentional and impactful investments.
What is the Theory of Change? | LISC Kansas City
Finally, we highlighted our capacity-building efforts, which strengthen local organizations so they can better serve their communities. Through grants funded by HUD's Section 4 and other sources, we help partners develop their organizational capacity, access essential resources, and enhance their effectiveness.
How LISC Greater Kansas City Builds Capacity Of Partners
Looking Ahead
In 2024, our blog offered a glimpse into the wide-ranging ways we support innovative projects, celebrate those leading the charge for change, and develop key strategies to make meaningful strides toward building a more equitable Kansas City.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to creating opportunities and fostering growth that uplifts everyone in our community. Thank you for joining us on this journey. We’re excited for what we’ll achieve together in 2025 and beyond!