Thanking the Community: Thrive Celebrates Partners Working Toward Equity, Economic Stability
With an aim to celebrate those who make the Kansas City region a more equitable place, this year’s Thrive, hosted by LISC Greater Kansas City, proved to be a success. The event, held at the Kansas City Urban Youth Academy, attracted several of the city’s local movers and shakers, and was hosted by Dia Wall of KSHB-TV. While guests were treated to light hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, the theme of this year’s event remained abundantly apparent: spotlighting community partners who are revitalizing neighborhoods and creating opportunities for residents to thrive.
And what better time to do this than right before Thanksgiving, which focuses on the act of giving thanks. LISC Greater Kansas City recognized five leaders during the event and gratefully acknowledged the recipients for their hard work and dedication. Here’s what the recipients had to say:
Nailah M’Biti, winner of the Affordable Housing Champion award
“It’s just been a passion of mine, I would say my entire life. Just to work with people who are considered disadvantaged or low income and housing is the foundation for all of us. It doesn’t matter what your income level is, secure, safe and affordable housing is something that we all need in order to live happily and to be able to thrive.”
Simone Curls, winner of the Economic Development Champion award
“We want those businesses to maintain, to be successful because that adds to the economic stability within the urban core, the economic stability overall for Kansas City, Missouri. My God, our entrepreneurs and business people are absolutely amazing people. They’re fun people. They’re people with dreams and aspirations just like anyone else. They’re people that are dedicated, that are motivated, that are extremely resilient, that are creative.”
Generating Income for Tomorrow, winner of the Financial Empowerment Champion award
“What we’re doing at G.I.F.T. is identifying businesses that operate in that historically redlined area, black owned business, giving them grant money so they can grow their business, giving them technical assistance so they can grow and strengthen their business and create jobs for the individuals that live in those communities.”
Jerusalem Farm, winner of the Outstanding Partner of the Year award
“So, the biggest goal of Jerusalem Farm is just to be a good neighbor. We want to show people, our neighbors, and the students that come here how being a good neighbor has a huge impact on your neighborhood.”
Pamela Smart, winner of the Jim White Community Development Legacy Award
“Everybody deserves to be able to have a comfortable, safe, house. As we talk about health and the health disparities, not having a proper place to live is the biggest health barrier I think there is.”
During the event, LISC Greater Kansas City executive director Geoff Jolley addressed the audience and tied the work of LISC and its partners to the history of Kansas City and the gaps in equity that are now beginning to be addressed.
In keeping with the spirit of Thanksgiving, LISC Greater Kansas City would also like to thank all of its partners and sponsors. Bridging the gap in expertise and knowledge is a true benefit to working with partners and LISC Greater Kansas City has forged remarkable partnerships with several businesses. Not only has this led to decision-making support and additional resources, but it has helped the organization make a bigger and better impact throughout Kansas City.
LISC Greater Kansas City facilitates community development efforts across the region. More organizations, civic leaders and government agencies are sharing this vision, and helping LISC identify and help address the needs of Greater Kansas City to help more individuals, families and small businesses thrive.