An Independent Investigation for the 82%

Facilitated by Lauren McGill

The only time you look in your neighbor's bowl is to make sure that they have enough. You don't look in your neighbor's bowl to see if you have as much as them. - Louis C.K.

I consider my studio practice to be a plat-form for minority communities. I belong to some of the most disadvantaged pop-ulations in America: I am a Black, LGBT, female, artist. Statistically, my chances of success in its popular definition are slim. In America, success is defined by wealth. Our quality of life is dependent on our incomes. I chose to respond to the Life Expectancy by Zip Code map because it is a pointed example of class and racial division. The map exposes a direct relationship be-tween race, income and life expectancy in Kansas City. Considering the momen-tous social weight the map carries, I won-der, how can we level the playing field? My hope is that this publication inspires creative/critical thinking, discussion, and immediate action. The first thing people are going to ask me is, how is this publication art? I con-sider the gesture of exposing inequality in Kansas City an act that solidifies the work as a piece of art. I empathize with communities who are struggling because I am apart of them.

Preface

I am included in the 82% of residents who may live 10-12 years less due to where I live, and the amount of mone For the first phase of the project I spent one month interviewing Kansas City resi-dents, artists, community leaders & activ-ists about their perception of the Life Ex-pectancy by Zip Code maps and ways we can support those communities. I took that information, began doing a bit of my own research, and began the task of archiving my findings. In order to get this information into the hands of people with the most need, I in-tend to scatter the majority of the zines in public places. These places will be within communities that are in the pink on the Zip Code map which will include but are not limited to: libraries, waiting rooms, schools, community centers, neighborhood coordinators, etc.

The Life Expectancy by Zip Code map categorizes Kansas City Residents by zip code. It predicts life expectancy for white and non-white populations according to their median family income. In Kansas City, the most affluent populations live 10 12 years longer than their impoverished neighbors. There are only 11.3% of non-whites living in the zip codes with the highest life expectancy. Minority populations comprise 37.4% of the impoverished populations in KC, and 82.4% of the residents expected to live to 70 - 71 years.

Map Analysis

Questions for health department: Due to the difficulty some interviewees had reading and interpreting map, I compiled a list of questions regarding how the map was created. Those questioned are listed below in bold, and the answers were provided by the American Community Survey (ACS, a branch of the Census). The ACS are the conductors of the survey that contributed to the statistics provided in the Life Expectancy by Zip Code Map. How were people surveyed? In home, scheduled interviews Who was surveyed? A selection of individuals in each zip code where chose at random. These surveys are done on a rotating basis each year. What does median family income mean? Includes the income of the householder and all other individuals 15 years old and over in the household, whether they are related to the householder or not. Because many households consist of only one person, average household income is usually less than average family income. Al-though the household income statistics cover the past 12 months, the characteris-tics of individuals and the composition of households refer to the time of interview. What justifies too small populations? There were not enough households to be chosen at random in that set population, in comparison to other areas being surveyed. What about disadvantaged populations (those in half way houses, senior homes, jail, or individuals that are evelopmentally challenged)? I could not find an answer to this question online.

Questions for the health department

I chose the three studies below as supplemental research to the Life Expectancy by Zip Code map. These studies give a more general overview of facts and statistics relat-ing to the health and wellness of Black and Latino communities. 2015 State of Black Health NCHS Data Brief: How did Cause of Death Contribute to Racial Differences in Life Expectancy in the United States in 2010 Todays Research on Aging: The Health & life expectancy of Older Blacks and Hispanics in the United States 2015 State of Black Health: The Urban Leagues 2015 State of Black Health report was suggested to me during an interview! For me, the survey more clearly and efficiently summed up the current state of our cit-ies impoverished communities in comparison to the Life Expectancy by Zip Code map. The report is a whopping 212 pages, so it is no easy task to sift through. However the findings are important to the progression of Black & Latino communities in Kansas City. To summarize the sections of the report that directly relate to the Life Expectancy by Zip Code info graphic: African Americas in Kansas City are 72% as well off as fellow White citizens. We are 77% as healthy, and are 57% as well off as Whites economically. Our median household income is $29,724 in comparison to the $54,044 White me-dian earnings. Black net worth (theoretically, your net worth is what you would have in cash if you sold every significant possession and paid off all of your debts) is $6,314. Hispanic in Kansas City have a median household of $42,670 while their net worth is $7,683. Both communities are disproportionately lower then their white neighbors that is more than 17.5% higher or $110,500 to be exact. There are many factors that may account for these differences. Interviewees specu-lated that lack of financial education, lack of savings, high debt, less schooling, lower wages and multiple members of a household supporting each other are all factors that could result in low median earnings and net worth. The percentage of blacks without health insurance is twice as high than Caucasians

Map Comparisons

living in KC, as is the unemploy-ment rate. African Americans also trail Whites in education; our test scores are 12% lower. Our students are less proficient in language arts & math (12% & 14%). Disparities in employment are di-rectly related to the quality of edu-cation, so its no surprise that the impoverished populations in Kansas City have been affected by the 28 Public School closings in 2010. In an interview for the NY Times, concerned parent Nakisha Eubanks spoke about the struggles related to the school closings, I dont want my kids in this district, going through all this disruption. But I cant move, and I dont have transportation. So, this is it. Black students in Kansas City are concentrat-ed in under-performing schools. Failing to provide quality education for these chil-dren places them at extremely high risk for permanent status in Americas underclass, Urban League President Gwen Grant speaks towards the importance of educations role in breaking the cycle of poverty. The percentage of blacks without health insurance is twice as high than Caucasians living in KC, as is the unemployment rate. African Americans also trail Whites in edu-cation; our test scores are 12% lower. Our students are less proficient in language arts & math (12% & 14%). Disparities in employment are directly related to the quality of education, so its no surprise that the impoverished populations in Kansas City have been affected by the 28 Public School closings in 2010. In an interview for the NY Times, concerned parent Nakisha Eubanks spoke about the struggles related to the school closings, I dont want my kids in this district, going through all this disruption. But I cant move, and I dont have transportation. So, this is it. Black students in Kansas City are concentrat-ed in under-performing schools. Failing to provide quality education for these chil-dren places them at extremely high risk for permanent status in Americas underclass, Urban League President Gwen Grant speaks towards the importance of educations role in breaking the cycle of poverty.

NCHS Data Brief: How did Cause of Death Contribute to Racial Differences in Life Expectancy in the United States in 2010 The NCHS Data Brief cited several reasons for disparities in cause of death for Blacks in the United States. We have higher rates for heart disease, cancer, homicide, diabe-tes, and perinatal conditions. Black male life expectancy is 4.7 years lower than of white males due to heart disease, homicide, cancer, stroke and perinatal conditions. Women live 3.7 years less than White females due to heart disease, cancer, diabetes, perinatal conditions and stroke. Homicide is the significant factor that affects life expectancy between Black males and not women. Black males in America are being racially profiled. They have a high risk of being stopped while Black and the possibility of death by police while in pursuit, custody, or in jail. Todays Research on Aging: The Health & life expectancy of Older Blacks and Hispan-ics in the United States Theres Hope: By 2030 Americas elderly population is expected to be more racially and ethnically diverse than it is today! The older minority population has grown 48% since 2000. Hispanics have surpassed African Americans as the countrys largest mi-nority group years ago. However, Blacks still outnumber Latinos among the 65 year and over population. The divide in America is socio-economical, education and income level go hand in hand. White men and women with sixteen or more years of education had life expec-tancies at birth that were more than a decade longer than blacks in 2008. The role of education in affecting life expectancies is both alarming and profound. Lifelong learn-ing programs are especially needed to begin closing the gap.

During my research, many interviewees who either grew up in Kansas City, or have lived here much longer than I, suggested I include a little bit about the history of racial tension, white flight, mismanaged public schools, and tax dollars spent on face lifts for the city. I chose to include the 1960s the 20th century in my research because issues faced during this time period have contributed to the locations of poverty.

Kansas City History

1960s The 1960s were marked by a period of many projects coupled with the rapid urban decay of many inner city neigh-borhoods. During this period, many historic buildings were demolished to make way for parking lots, and office buildings. The area became primarily for business rather than for everyday city life. During this inner city decay, Kansas City began to annex land and expand its area. In the process, Kansas City even-tually became one of the largest cities in the United States area-wise at 318 square miles, while its population de-creased by 15,000 between 1950 and 2000. It is still not uncommon to find cattle and cornfields on the extreme edges of Kansas City. In 2000, Kansas City ranked as the 21st largest city in the United States in terms of area, while it placed 40th in population rankings.

photo credit: richard corliss 1961

1970s The first half of the 1970s was dominated by Kansas Citys ambitious urban renewal proj-ects that were showcased when the city hosted the 1976 Republican National Conven-tion. Though these projects did little to bring people back to the city, they removed many historic buildings in favor of more parking and more office structures as well as public housing projects. 1980s The single most divisive issue in Kansas City in 1980s and 1990s was a school desegrega-tion case that was to span three decades, cost millions of dollars, be argued before the U.S. Supreme Court, and be featured in a profile on 60 Minutes about good intentions gone awry. The case began in 1977 when the Kansas City, Missouri School District sued its neighboring districts for funds to help it desegregate its schools. In the ensuing court battle, Kansas Citys school system itself was put under a federal court judge guidance; the judge then proceeded to order tax increases to improve the quality of the schools as the system built its network of magnet schools, including two high schools, Lincoln College Preparatory Academy and Paseo Academy. The battle dragged in the entire state of Missouri as schools outside the metropolitan area argued that they should not have to pay for Kansas City area schools. Further, Kansas City residents were angered over plans to bus students an hour or more each day over the citys vast area. At the height of the debate, the Kansas City, Missouri district spent more than $11,700 per pupil the most of any large public school district in the country. Teacher salaries skyrocketed, teacher-student ratios were 12 or 13 to 1 and some schools were equipped with Olympic-size swimming pools, wildlife sanctuaries and model United Nations with simultaneous translation capability. The Kansas City, Missouri School District had hoped to stop white flight to attain 35% white enrollment at nearly every school. Instead, over the life of the case, minority enroll-ment had grown from 67% to 84%. In 1995, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the case Missouri v. Jenkins that the courts had exceeded their authority in the case. The case still continued to work its way back through the courts, and in 2003, a federal court judge finally released Kansas City from the judicial oversight.

photo credit: norman hoyt

The 1990s Kansas City grew by 6,399 people during the 1990s, ending two decades of population losses. Emanuel Cleaver became the citys first African-American mayor in 1991, before being elected to Congress in 2004. The opening of the American Jazz Museum, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, and refurbishing of Union Station as Science City helped memorialize early 20th century Kansas City. 21st century The metropolitan areas population has steadily increased by more than 24,000 people between the 2000 and 2010 Census to just fewer than 460,000 residents. However, the urban cores population has continued to drop significantly. In recent years, the Kansas City area has undergone extensive redevelopment, with over $6 billion in improvements to the downtown area on the Missouri side. One of the main goals is to attract convention and tourist dollars. Among the projects include the Kansas Speedway, which opened in June 2001 near the Village West area in western Wyan-dotte County, and has held NASCAR Sprint Cup and other professional auto races; the redevelopment of the Power & Light District, located in the area surrounding the Power & Light Building (the former headquarters of the Kansas City Power & Light Company, which is now based on the northern end of the district), into a retail and entertainment district; and the Sprint Center, an 18,500-seat arena that opened in the district in 2007, which was funded by a 2004 ballot initiative involving a tax on car rentals and hotels, and was designed to meet the stadium specifications for a possible future NBA or NHL franchise. In addition, the area has seen additional development through various transportation projects, including improvements to the Grandview Triangle, which intersects Interstates 435 and 470, and U.S. Route 71, a thoroughfare that has long been notorious for fatal accidents. In July 2005, the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) launched Kansas Citys first bus rapid transit line, the Metro Area Express (MAX), which links the River Market, Downtown, Union Station, Crown Center and the Country Club Plaza. In 2013, construction began on a two-mile streetcar line in downtown Kansas City (funded by a $102 million ballot initiative that was passed in 2012) that will run between the River Market and Union Station, and is slated to begin operation by 2015.

Community Wide SolutionsHarlem Childrens Zone (HCZ): The HCZ was recommended to me during an interview f. I came to see it as model for attacking poverty at the root, thus affecting the life expectancy (and quality of life) of the children and families they work with. The Harlem Childrens Zone was founded in 1970. It is a non-profit organization for poverty-stricken children and families living in Harlem. They provide free support in the form of parenting workshops, a pre-school program, three public charter schools, and child-oriented health programs for thousands of children and families. The HCZ is, aimed at doing nothing less than breaking the cycle of generational poverty for the thousands of children and families it serves. Their slogan is doing whatever it takes to educate children and strengthen the community. The Harlem Childrens Zone Project has expanded their programs to nearly 100 blocks of Central Harlem, and aims to keep children on track through college and into the job market. This approach not only educates their immediate family, but also inspires them to pass on their knowledge, work ethic and love of education to the next generation! The two fundamental principles of the project are to help kids as early in their lives as possi-ble and to create a critical mass of adults around them who understand what it takes to help children succeed. HCZ programs include the following: The Baby College, a series of workshops for parents of children ages 03 All-day pre-kindergarten Extended-day charter schools (Promise Academy) Health clinics and community centers for children and adults during after-school, weekend and summer hours Youth violence prevention efforts Social services such as a foster-care prevention service College admissions and retention support The HCZ designs, funds, and operates a holistic system of education, social-services and community-building programs in Harlem to counter the negative influences of crime, drugs and poverty. They help children complete college and go on to the job market. Providing this, full network of services... to an entire neighborhood from birth to college is a key element of the Obama administrations Promise Neighborhoods program

modeled after the HCZ. Results may not be seen immediately, but over time both individuals and the community will learn to become more involved in their childrens education and success. This will only benefit generations for years to come. The HCZ has been criticized as an example of the privatization of education in the U.S. Tens of millions of dollars of private money has been poured into the Harlem Childrens Zone. I cannot speak to the success of the program, mostly because of its age, 45 years young. I, however, speculate to say that if Kansas City had similar program in each impoverished zip code that mirrored the Childrens Zones efforts the participants and their communities would begin to improve. The more the community becomes involved in the education and success of our youth, the greater their chances of succeeding. The argument that private entities should not be in-volved in public education is ludicrous. If a private organization or business wants to contrib-ute to the well being of a community more power to them. Kansas City does have various efforts that match with the Childrens Zones efforts, but I would venture to say that proximity to the neighborhoods they serve increases the impact on Harlem communities. Low-income neighborhoods rely heavily on public transportation, walking or carpooling. The more accessible we can make community programs the more successful they will be.

Below is a list of possible solutions and action plans for creating a healthy and inclu-sive Kansas City. The list below is derived from conversations I have had with fellow Kansas City Residents! I do not consider any of these solutions to be definitive; everyone has ideas for how to improve their community! That being said the below list can be used as a starting point for further brainstorming about how to improve the impoverished communities in Kansas City. I especially want to encourage the growing creative, technological and artistic communities in Kansas City to get involved in their communities. As an artist I feel it is my responsibility to encourage all creative thinkers and problem solvers to find ways to use their gifts for the benefit of their community! What would a healthy & inclusive Kansas City look like? The definition of success shifting from net worth to the pursuit of our passions An even distribution of wealth throughout the zip codes Widespread connectivity & transparency in public policies that benefit the community Increased quality in public education Low teacher to student ratio High retention rate in schools Creativity and creative thinking fostered in schools Immediate proximity to fresh food for all zip codes Environmental abatement, i.e. safe living environments (especially rental properties!) Equal access to affordable healthcare and treatment A minimum wage that is equal to the minimum standard of living Financially literate residents Engage/involved citizens The above list is a call to action! As an individual, in the classroom, or with an organi-zation you are involved with use the above list as a starting point to brainstorm what you think a healthy & inclusive Kansas City looks like. Then think about ways to take those ideas and turn them into action plansget out and do something to improve your neighborhood!

A Healthy & inclusive Kansas City

Health: the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit; especially: freedom from physical disease or pain. What Creates Health? 40% social and economic factors, 30% health behaviors, 10% clinical care, 10% physical environment, 10% genes & biology (Source: KC Health Department) Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. Why Wellness matters: maintaining an optimal level of wellness is absolutely crucial to live a higher quality life. Wellness matters because everything we do and every emotion we feel relates to our well-being. In turn, our well-being directly affects our actions and emotions. Its an ongoing circle. Therefore, it is important for everyone to achieve optimal wellness in order to subdue stress, reduce the risk of illness and ensure positive interactions. Wellness is a conscious, self-directed and evolving process of achieving full poten-tial Wellness is multidimensional and holistic, encompassing lifestyle, mental and spiritual well-being, and the environment Wellness is positive and affirming The Six dimensions of wellness are physical, social, intellectual, spiritual, emotional, occupational Using the six dimensions of wellness as a guide I have compiled a list of positive actions that may contribute to a persons overall wellness! Physical: My best advice for physical wellness is to find out what works for you! Rather you are adventurous in your research or traditional with your diet and exercise finding what is doable for your body and lifestyle is the key to keeping up an active, healthy lifestyle. Social: Im not exactly in the position to recommend a healthy social life. I tend to prefer lots of alone time and small social gatherings. Whatever your introverted or

Individual Solutions to low life expectancy

a social butterfly social interaction can positively affect your self-image and self worth! Surrounding your-self with positive individuals is key. Healthy family relationships can also contribute to a healthy social life. Intellectual: I am a strong believer in life long learning. I loved school, but I am advocate of practical knowledge. Whatever your pas-sions are, commit to vbecoming an expert in them! Spiritual: Spirituality is not a preference for everyone, but if it is for you fostering your spiritual needs will positively affect your self worth and guide your purpose, passions and relationships! Emotional: My own emotional well-being is directly related to the other five dimensions of wellness. Generally when Im physically fit, eating well, have healthy social interactions, am committed to my passions intellectually, and happy at work my emotions are well balanced. That being said positive reactions to everyday stress-ors are important to emotional balance. Healthy coping mechanisms should be fos-tered at every stage of life! Occupational: My best advice for occupational wellness is to be positive at work! No matter what your doing approach each task at worth in a way that reflects posi-tively on yourself. If you have a job that is not fulfilling your passions, consider using your spare time to fulfill those passions. This is no easy task. I know first hand as an artist it is up to me to use the spare time outside of my day job to the best of my ability!

Kansas City is full of resources that relate in proximity or need to the zip codes in Kansas City that are struggling. The resources below are separated into the following sections: economics, education, social justice, health & wellness, youth services, trans-portation, senior services, general hotlines and web resources.

Resources

Economics:

Black Chamber of Commerce of Greater KC 1501 East 18th Street, Suite 205 Kansas City, MO 64108 P: (816) 474-9901 www.bcckc.org

A vehicle through which to promote, maintain and sustain economic progress for African American busi-ness owned enterprises in the metropolitan Kansas City area. The BCCGKC also serves as a medium for ensuring the participation of these enterprises in the overall business and economic development plans of the area.

Full Employment Council Central Kansas City 1740 Paseo Blvd Kansas City, MO 64108 P: (816) 471-2330

The Full Employment Council is a business-led, pri-vate, nonprofit corporation whose mission is to obtain public and private sector employment for the unem-ployed and underemployed residents of the Greater Kansas City area. The Full Employment Council ac-complishes this goal by working in collaboration with business, local units of government, educational in-stitutions, labor and community-based organizations. This partnership responds to employer needs while reducing unemployment, underemployment and the public dependency of area residents.

United Services Community Action Agency 6323 Manchester Avenue Kansas City, MO 64133 P: (816) 358-6868 www.uscaa.info

Our mission is to eliminate poverty among the

people of Jackson, Clay and Platte counties in Mis-souri. We focus all available resources toward the goal of assisting low-income individuals, families and communities in a achieving the highest level of self-sufficiency. We serve as advocates for low-income residents by identifying the causes of poverty and developing and implementing a comprehensive ap-proach to eliminate those causes.

OneKC for Women920 Main, Suite 100Kansas City, MO 64105(816) 595-1296http://onekcforwomen.com/

OneKC for Women introduces women in the Kansas City metropolitan area to the options available in achieving personal, professional and financial success and self-sufficiency. Financial success for women can mean: finding a job or a better job, learning founda-tional money management skills, beginning a new career, choosing self-employment, starting an entre-preneurial venture, building credit and discovering resources and funding

Education:

DeLaSalle Education Center 3740 Forest Avenue Kansas City, MO 64109 P: (816) 561-4445 www.delasallecenter.org

In order to have the greatest impact on the long-term success of young students, DeLaSalle is structured as an alternative school system and not just as a single school. Currently, this includes a high school (Kobets Campus) and two Family Court-based school

programs (Hilltop and Detention). Students who enroll in DeLaSalles programs require an innovative and evolving alternative approach to education that includes small class size, comprehensive services, intensive counseling, experiential and project-based learning, and school-to-career practices.

Adult Continuing Education for Persons with Dis-abilities (ACED) UMKC Institute for Human Development 2220 Holmes Kansas City, MO 64108 P: (816) 235-1754 www.ihd.umkc.edu/aced

Offers adults with developmental disabilities the op-portunity to attend non-credit classes in an integrated educational and social environment. The program teaches independent living skills and provides life-enhancing experiences.

Literacy Kansas City 211 West Armour Blvd, 3rd Floor Kansas City, MO 64111 P: (816) 333-9332 www.literacykc.org

To advance literacy among Kansas City area adults through direct services, advocacy and collaboration. Our vision is literacy for all.

Missouri Center for Safe Schools at UMKC Union Station30 West Pershing Road Suite 401 Kansas City, MO 64108 P: (816) 235-5656 www.education.umkc.edu/safe-school

The Missouri Center for Safe Schools promotes safe and orderly schools, which further advances academic achievement, by providing assistance in the identi-fication of resources and by facilitating networking of schools across Missouri as they develop effective ways of dealing with violence and other safety related problems.

Missouri Student Success Network 2000 West Ashton Blue Springs, MO 64105 P: (816) 229-3459

The Missouri Student Success Network (MSSN) pro-vides a network of support for improving the quality of life for youth and their families who are at-risk or in crisis. MSSN is an outgrowth of the Alternative Schools Network Association (ASNA) which rep-resented a network of public school districts, pri-vate schools, charter schools, individual alternative schools, dropout prevention programs, and other community and state agencies in Missouri that pro-vided support services for students at risk of school failure and their families. The ASNA Mission is to co-ordinate, strengthen, and increase the effectiveness of educational programs and services for at risk students.

Social justice:

16th Judicial Circuit Courthouse 415 East 12th Street Kansas City, MO 64106 P: (816) 881-3000 www.16thcircuit.org

The goal of the 16th Judicial Circuit is to provide justice to all citizens in Jackson County by preserving and protecting the constitutional rule of law.

Artists Helping the Homeless(816) 668-1007www.artistshelpingthehomeless.org

The Mission of Artists Helping the Homeless is reduc-ing the need and cost of care for the homeless by: providing aid with respect, providing advocacy for those seeking to leave the street, raising awareness of homeless issues in Kansas City, addressing under-lying causes of poverty.

Artists Helping the Homeless believe that helping the homeless helps the community. Bringing together

local artists, art students and the community through events and activities to achieve their mission.

Arts in Prison, Inc. 1333 South 27th Street Kansas City, KS 66106 P: (913) 403-0229 www.artsinprison.org

Arts in Prison, Inc.s mission is to facilitate personal growth through the arts for the incarcerated and their families. Arts in Prison, Inc. is a not-for-profit, tax exempt organization funded by private donations, corporations and grants.

Kansas City Anti-Violence Project PO Box 411211 Kansas City, MO, 64141-1211 P: (816) 561-0550 www.kcavp.org

KCAVP provides information, support, referrals, advocacy and other services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) victims of violence including domestic violence, sexual assault, and hate crimes, focusing these services within the Kansas City metro-politan area. KCAVP also educates the community at large through training and outreach programs.

Consensus PO Box 10252 Kansas City, MO 64171 P: (816) 531-5078 www.consensuskc.org

The mission of Consensus is to put the public in pub-lic policy. We do that by providing a neutral space, research and processes that make it possible for citi-zens to have a voice in decisions that affect their lives.

League of Women Voters PO Box 10416 Kansas City, MO 64174-0416P: (816) 464-1800 www.lwvkc.org

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan politi-

cal organization, encourages the informed and active participation in government, works to increase under-standing of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. LWV explores issues from many points of view and take ac-tion on issues affecting our families and communities.

Legal Aid of Western Missouri Central Office 125 Grand Boulevard, Suite 1900 Kansas City, MO 64106 P: (816) 474-6750

West Office 920 Southwest Blvd Kansas City, MO 64108 P: (816) 474-9868 www.lawmo.org

Mission is to provide the highest quality legal ser-vices to individuals, families and groups faced with economic barriers in obtaining civil legal representa-tion. Services are available to those living below the poverty level in a 40 county area in western Missouri. Priority is given to cases involving housing, employ-ment, domestic abuse, immigration, consumer prob-lems and public benefits.

Liveable Neighborhoods Task Force 4601 State Avenue Kansas City, KS 66102 P 913-573-8740 www.wycokck.org Liveable Neighborhoods, Inc. is 1 of 7 divisions located inside the NRC. Liveable Neighborhoods is a non-profit corporation established to address three areas of concern: Code Enforcement, Crime and De-linquent Taxes. Liveable Neighborhoods, Inc. meets once a month to discuss communitywide issues and innovative successful programs working in other com-munities. It also prioritizes issues identified by the neighborhood leaders and makes recommendations to the Mayor and Unified Government Commission-ers. The mission of Liveable Neighborhoods, Inc. is to advocate for legislative, ordinance and policy change that will create clean and safe neighborhoods.

NAACP Kansas City Branch 1601 East 18th Street, Suite 212 Kansas City, MO 64108 P: (816) 421-1191 www.naacpkc.org

The mission of the National Association for the Ad-vancement of Colored People is to ensure the politi-cal, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination. The vision of the National As-sociation for the Advancement of Colored People is to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights and there is no racial hatred or racial discrimi-nation.

One Struggle KCwww.onestrugglekc.wordpress.comwww.facebook.com/1strugglekc

One Struggle KC is a coalition of community activists seeking to harness the energy of Ferguson, Missouri in an effort to connect the struggles of oppressed communities, locally and globally.

Community:

Alianzas UMKC Institute for Human Development 2220 Holmes Kansas City, MO 64108 P: (816) 235-5840 www.alianzas.us The mission of Alianzas is to foster inclusive commu-nities that recognize and address the unique qualities and challenges of Hispanic/Latino residents using a community based, collaborative learning approach.

Community LINC 4012-14 Troost Kansas City, MO 64110 P: (816) 595-5556 www.communitylinc.org

Community LINC recognizes human dignity, indepen-dence and self-determination as basic human rights. Community LINC believes in the power of the com-munity and in volunteerism. We involve community members in our programs and services and work to integrate families into the communities in which they live.

Della Lamb Community Services 500 Woodland Kansas City, MO 64106 P: (816) 842-8040 www.dellalamb.org

We provide low-income families with early educa-tion, child care, youth services, adult services, adult education, transportation, emergency social services, international refugee services, Elementary Charter School education, back-to-school supplies, Thanks-giving groceries and Christmas groceries and gifts. Della Lamb Mabee Multi-Purpose Center and other Della Lamb youth sites offer educational, athletic, recreational, and cultural activities as well as drug and violence preventative programming for children and youth ages 5-18. In addition, we operate satellite centers throughout the inner city, including an Adult Education Center, Social Services, Transportation Center, and our Elementary Charter School at 10th and Charlotte.

Front Porch Alliance 3210 Michigan Avenue Kansas City, MO 64109 P: (816) 921-8812 www.Frontporchalliance.org

The mission is to create faith partnerships to im-prove lives, build relationships and revitalize neigh-borhoods within Ivanhoe and surrounding communi-ties.

Great Kansas City Housing Information 3200 Wayne Ave Kansas City, Missouri 64109P: (816) 533-7179www.gkchic.com

Since 1970, HIC has served the greater Kansas City area, providing comprehensive housing counseling services at no charge to individuals, families, home-owners, renters and others needing support. Our mission is to ensure that all people in the Kansas City metropolitan area have safe, decent and affordable housing on an equal opportunity basis.

Greater Kansas City LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation) 3535 Broadway, Suite 200 Kansas City, MO 64111 P: (816) 753-0055 www.lisc.org/kansascity

The mission of Greater Kansas City LISC is to at-tract, coordinate and provide resources to assist in transforming targeted neighborhoods into healthy, sustainable communities in partnership with their residents. Lesbian & Gay Community Center 207 Westport Road, Suite 212 Kansas City, MO 64111 P: (816) 931-4420 www.lgcc-kc.org The mission of the Lesbian Gay Community Center of Greater Kansas City is to create, support and provide vital and timely resources and services for the Les-bian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Straight-Allied communities of greater Kansas City.

Mattie Rhodes Center 1740 Jefferson Street Kansas City, MO 64108 P: (816) 471-2536 www.mattierhodes.org

Mattie Rhodes Center bridges cultures and communi-ties through arts, mental health and social services. We empower individuals and families through cultur-ally competent, bilingual services in a respectful and compassionate environment. We envision a com-munity where individuals and families reach their full potential in a healthy, safe and creative environment.

Neighborhood & Community Services Department 3200 Wayne Street Kansas City, MO 64109-2096

P: (816) 784-4517 www.kcmo.org/neigh.nsf

Our goal is to make and to keep Kansas City neigh-borhoods vibrant and livable. At Neighborhood and Community Services, we strive to ensure that the next generation of Kansas Citians can enjoy the city we are so proud of.

A Peaceful Place 707 West 47th Street Kansas City, MO 64112 P: (913) 268-5867 www.cres.org

A Peaceful Place is a global initiative led by a diverse group of people from the Kansas City metro area to establish a network of community retreat sites in dif-ferent countries around the world that acknowledges and celebrates the diversity inherent in the human experience, that offers education and experiences that change perceptions that lead to prejudice and discrimination and that encourages inner peace for individuals and peace among people through re-spectful dialogue, new awareness and collaboration in an environment that nourishes the human spirit, unifies and supports the local community and con-nects the global community.

Swope Community Builders 4001 Blue Parkway Kansas City, MO 64130 P: (816) 627-2140 www.swopecommunityenterprises.org

Swope Community Builders has been recognized nationally as a catalyst for strengthening civic invest-ment, building social networks and enhancing eco-nomic opportunities within neighborhoods.

Swope Community Enterprises 4001 Blue Parkway, Suite 270 Kansas City, MO 64130-2807 P: (816) 923-5800 www.swopecommunityenterprises.org

Body, mind, & environment are the cornerstones of health for individuals, families and communities. Swope Community Enterprises works to support each in a holistic effort to build healthy communities.

Swope Community Enterprises strategically repre-sents a complimentary range of essential community services to improve physical, behavioral and econom-ic health of the underserved in targeted urban areas.

True Light Family Resource Center 712 East 31st Street Kansas City, MO 64109 P: (816) 561-1700 www.truelightfrc.org

To rebuild community by building better families in our community through providing services to at-risk children, youth and families. We see ourselves as the neighborhood organization that is ready with information, emergency assistance, and a variety of empowerment activities, all delivered with a personal interest in those who come through our doors. We facilitate access to health clinics, job search, housing, emergency shelters, recovery programs, and schools.

Urban League of Greater Kansas City1710 Paseo BoulevardKansas City, Missouri 64108P: (816) 471-0550http://www.iamempoweredkc.org/

The mission of the Urban League is to enable Afri-can Americans and other disadvantaged persons to secure economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights.

The Urban Leagues strategy is three-pronged and geared specifically towards: 1) ensuring that children are well-educated and equipped for economic self-reliance; 2) helping adults to attain economic self-sufficiency through good jobs, entrepreneurship and wealth creation; 3) securing civil rights by eradicating all barriers to equal participation in the economic and social main-

stream of America.

100 Black Men of Greater Kansas City100 Black Men of Greater Kansas CityPO Box 300676Kansas City, MO 64130P: 1-(877)-810-8252http://100blackmenkc.org/

The mission of The 100 Black Men of Greater Kansas City is to improve the quality of life within our com-munities and enhance educational and economic opportunities for all African Americans, with emphasis on our youth. Our programs and activities are molded in our vision of becoming the model organization for African American men for economic growth, sustain-ing good health, setting a positive example and mentoring youth in the community.

Health & Wellness:

Alter Counseling Services, Inc. 3100 Broadway Street Kansas City, MO 64111 P: (816) 753-1881 www.altercounseling.com

Alter Counseling Services is a full service Counseling agency located in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, offering individual, family, and group counseling for adults, children, and adolescents.

Angel Flight Central 500 NW Richards Road Kansas City, MO 64116 P: (816) 421-2300 www.angelflightcentral.org

The Mission of Angel Flight Central is to arrange transportation on behalf of people in need for the purpose of access to medical care or for reasons of compassion or community service.

Black Health Care Coalition 6536 Troost Kansas City, MO 64131 P: (816) 444-9600www.bhcckc.org

Our mission is to: decrease the disparity of health status between the majority and minority communi-ties through health advocacy, education, screenings, and promotion; build a cohesive health referral net-work to ensure greater access to health care; and, encourage minority youth to become knowledge-able consumers of health care and to pursue careers in the health care professions.

Citizen Assist Program (C.A.P.) 1500 Meadow Lake Parkway Kansas City, MO 64114 P: (816) 627-6368

The mission of the Citizen Assist Program (C.A.P.) is to bring comprehensive community service to underserved and vulnerable people in their environ-ments and to facilitate their access to quality health-care.

Cultivate Kansas City4223 Gibbs RoadKansas City, KS 66106P: (913) 831-2444www.cultivatekc.org

Cultivate Kansas City grows food, farms, and com-munity in support of a sustainable, healthy, and local food system in greater Kansas City.

Friendship House & Catherines Place 3720 Gillham Road Kansas City, MO 64111 P: (816) 531-7788 www.friendshiphousekc.org

Friendship House / Catherines Places mission is to provide a dignified safe haven for individual women and women with their children recovering from alcohol and other drug addictions, and to empower them with the skills necessary to sustain their sobri-

ety and become economically self reliant.

Giving Grove6917 Kensington AvenueKansas City, MO 64162(816) 931-3877 givinggrove@gmail.com

The Giving Grove helps at-risk communities grow, harvest and share healthy food by providing the resources needed to plant edible tree gardens on school grounds, church land, community grounds, and unused, vacant land. Tackling hunger is a difficult task and we can use your help. Consider getting involved!

Harvesters 3801 Topping Avenue Kansas City, MO 64129 P: (816) 929-3041 www.harvesters.org

Harvesters is the communitys response to hunger. By providing food we give sustenance and hope to those in need. We also work toward long-term solutions through nutrition education, hunger awareness and advocacy. As Kansas Citys only food bank, Harvesters is a clearinghouse for the collection and distribution of food and related household products.

Heart of America United Way Central Office 1080 Washington Kansas City, MO 64105 P: (816) 472-4289

Eastern Jackson and Cass Office 4727 Logan Avenue Kansas City, MO 64136

Northland Office 3100 NE 83rd Street, Suite 2250 Kansas City, MO 64119 www.unitedwaygkc.org

United Way of Greater Kansas City is dedicated to advancing the common good for everyone in our community. That means helping people get through enough times. Understanding your options and know-

ing where to turn can greatly reduce the impact and stress caused by uncertainty. United Way has several resources that can help. United Way 2-1-1 is a free, confidential service connecting people with avail-able community resources 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Trained specialists will answer your call and can connect you with a variety of resources as such job training; rent/utility assistance; health care assistance; food assistance; shelter; legal assistance; crisis inter-vention and more.

Kansas City Center for Urban Agriculture PO Box 6043 Kansas City, KS 66106 P: (913) 231-4484 www.kccua.org

The Kansas City Center for Urban Agriculture is a non-profit organization established to promote community-based, small-scale, entrepreneurial farm-ing in urban Kansas City. We do this through provid-ing education and technical assistance to people interested in urban farming, through research and policy development aimed at making urban farming an integral part of a lively and viable cityscape, and through working with communities to embrace and support urban farms.

Kansas City Free Health Clinic Midtown 3515 Broadway Kansas City, MO 64111

Eastside 5119 East 24th Street Kansas City, MO 64127

For Appointments 816-753-5144 General Medicine Nurse (English) 816-777-2774 General Medicine Nurse (Spanish) 816-777-2749 General Medicine Medication Refill 816-777-2725 HIV Nurse 816-777-2775 Mental Health 816-777-2722 www.kcfree.org

The Kansas City Free Health Clinic is an integral part, the net under the safety net, of the health care de-livery system in the Kansas City community. As it was formed to do in 1971, the Clinic provides basic health

care services at no charge to people who cannot pay for care and to those who do not have insurance available to them.

The LIGHT House 400 Meyer Blvd Kansas City, MO 64113 P: (816) 361-2233 www.lighthouse-inc.org

To provide love, support, and guidance to those experiencing unplanned pregnancies by meeting their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs before, during, and after their pregnancies.

The Mission Project, Inc. 1010 Walnut, Suite 400 Kansas City, MO 64108 P: (816) 471-7700 www.themissionproject.org

The Mission Project enables capable adults with de-velopmental or cognitive disabilities to live indepen-dently and safely in community with minimal support. The project strives to create a community and sup-port systems for participants to enable them to live as fully and independently as possible while providing them with opportunities for: Finding and maintain-ing meaningful employment; Socializing with peers; Learning in a variety of continuing education classes and cultural activities; Participating in recreational activities; and Getting and staying fit.

MoKan 20/20 Vision 4223 West 127th Kansas City, KS 66109 P: (816) 520-0014 www.mokan2020vision.org

To engage student leaders in the Greater Kansas City area in identifying and addressing teen health issues.

Mother & Child Health Coalition 6400 Prospect, Suite 216 Kansas City, MO 64132 P: (816) 283-MCHC (6242) www.mchc.net

Every child deserves a healthy start. It is the best gift

a community gives its children and itself. The Mother & Child Health Coalition works together with com-munity partners to promote wellness and advocate excellence in healthcare for mothers, children and families.

National Council on Alcohol & Drug Dependence 633 East 63rd Street Kansas City, MO 64110 P: (816) 361-5900 www.recoverycentral.org

It is the mission of the National Council on Alcohol-ism and Drug Dependence to reduce the impact of alcohol, drugs and other addictions by providing quality services to individuals, families and the com-munity.

Planned Parenthood 1001 Emanuel Cleaver II BlvdKansas City, MO(816) 756-2277

With or without insurance, you can always come to us for your health care. For nearly 100 years, Planned Parenthood has promoted a commonsense approach to womens health and well-being, based on respect for each individuals right to make informed, indepen-dent decisions about health, sex, and family planning.

Rodgers Health Center 825 Euclid Kansas City, MO 64124 P: (816) 889-4920 www.rodgershealth.org

Our Mission is to provide high quality, compassion-ate healthcare for all, regardless of ability to pay. Our Vision is to realize Dr. Rodgers dream of eliminating disparities by providing access to quality healthcare for all members of the community we serve.

Rose Brooks Center PO Box 320599 Kansas City, MO 64132 P: (816) 523-5550 Hotline 816-861-6100

www.rosebrooks.org

The Mission of Rose Brooks Center is to break the cycle of domestic violence so that individuals and families can live free of abuse. Rose Brooks Center envisions a world free of violence. We will serve as a leader of innovative comprehensive family violence services, sharing our legacy of hope through advo-cacy, education, and empowerment.

Sheffield Place 6604 East 12th Street Kansas City, MO 64126 P: (816) 483-9927 www.sheffieldplace.org

Sheffield Place was founded in 1991 with the mission to empower single mothers with children to break out of the cycle of homelessness and poverty and become self-sufficient. We provide longterm shelter and comprehensive services to fifteen families. Our purpose is to help families increase their income and educational levels, obtain and retain permanent housing, and ultimately achieve greater self-determi-nation, respect and happiness.

Swope Health Services 3801 Blue Parkway Kansas City, MO 64130 P: (816) 923.5800 www.swopecommunityenterprises.org

Swope Health Services, formerly Swope Parkway Health Center, seeks to help develop self empow-ered, healthy people in healthy communities by pro-viding primary health care, outreach and behavioral health services throughout the greater Kansas City area.

Veronicas Voice PO Box 172472 Kansas City, MO 64117 P: (816) 483-7101 www.veronicasvoice.org

To connect with American victims of commercial

sexual exploitation (prostitution) of all ages, to en-courage, educate and empower them to make lifestyle changes, which lead to recovery of their mind, body and spirit. Dedicated to human rights and social change for American victims of commercial sex exploitation without voices.

Youth Services

Associated Youth Services 1620 South 37th Street Kansas City, KS 66106 P: (913) 831-2820

A community based not-for-profit headquartered in Kansas City, Kansas, exist to help youth to overcome serious social, emotional, and educational problems so that they may grow to become more productive members of their communities. AYS offers a continu-um, of services to address the special needs of youth at-risk and their families.

Big Brothers Big Sisters 3908 Washington Kansas City, MO 64111 P: (816) 561-5269 www.bigbrothersbigsisterskc.org

For more than 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been Americas preeminent national youthserving organization. Our service is based on a one-to-one relationship between an adult volunteer and a child at risk. Volunteers serve as friends, mentors and role models, helping children (who are primarily from one parent homes) gain greater self-confidence.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater KC 6301 Rockhill Road, Suite 305 Kansas City, MO 64131 P: (816) 361-3600www.bgc-gkc.org

Whether its sports and fitness, teaching healthy behaviors or enhancing self-esteem, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City provide a fun, safe and

positive place for kids ages 5-18. This year, we will en-gage 10,000 area youth in job training, character and leadership, technology, citizenship, and just plain fun!

The Childrens Place 2 East 59th Street Kansas City, MO 64113 P: (816) 363-1898 www.tcpkc.org

The mission of The Childrens Place is to promote positive mental health and developmental outcomes through prevention, treatment and family support for young children who have experienced abuse, neglect or trauma.

Childrens Mercy Family Health Partners 2420 Pershing, Suite G10 Kansas City, MO 64108 P: 1-800-347-9363www.fhp.org HealthNet 1-800-847-9363 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line 1-800-347-9363 Non-Emergency Transportation 1-800-890-6026 Mental Health New Directions 1-800-409-2225 Crisis Line 1-800-279-8188 Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) 1-877-347-9361

CMFHP is a not-for-profit safety-net health plan owned by Childrens Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, a not-for-profit free standing pediatric health system based in Kansas City. CMFHP provides low-cost or no-cost health insurance to children and families through Kansas HealthWave and MO HealthNet Man-aged Care. We are dedicated to serving low-income families and other vulnerable populations, the pro-viders who care for them, and advocates who assist them.

Family Friends of Childrens Mercy Hospital 3101 Broadway, Suite 575 Kansas City, MO 64111 P (816) 234-3676 www.childrens-mercy.org

Created to empower grandparents and relatives to help themselves improve the quality of their lives and those of the children they care for. We provide group support, guidance and education by trained grand-parents, one-on-one support by trained grandparents and professionals by telephone or in their home, links to community resources, access to programs for children and youth for support and guidance as they cope with life changes, opportunities to learn more about legal rights, parenting a new generation of youth, substance abuse, caring for emotional, physi-cal and spiritual needs. Our newest contribution is, providing clothing for grandparents and grandchil-dren through our clothes closet.

Foster Grandparent Program 414 East 12th Street Kansas City, MO 64106 P: (816) 784-4519 www.kcmo.org/neigh.nsf/web/grandpar

Foster grandparents help young people achieve improved physical, mental, emotional and social development, thereby helping them become more confident and independent.

Francis Child Development Institute 3201 Southwest Trafficway Kansas City, MO 64111 P: (816)759-4142 www.francis.mcckc.edu

FCDI increases the quality of care for children by pro-viding accessible education and professional devel-opment opportunities to adults working in the fields of child and youth development. By setting higher standards in education, training and consultation, the Francis Institute staff hopes to advance adults knowl-edge for the childrens success.

Harris Foundation 4029 Wayne Avenue Kansas City, MO 64110 P: (816) 921-0982 www.harrissportskc.org

Our mission is to provide a structured environment that empowers young people to develop basic life skill, self esteem, respect for property and respect for the rights of others. The Harris Midtown Sports & Ac-tivities Center serves the midtown area, from 31st to 47th Streets and Paseo to Prospect. Programs avail-able at the Center range from supervised basketball leagues to educational clinics.

Junior Achievement of Middle America, Inc. 4049 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 150 Kansas City, MO 64111 P: (816) 561-3558 www.jamidamerica.org

Our mission is to ensure that every child in America has a fundamental understanding of the free enter-prise system. Our purpose is to educate and inspire young people to value free enterprise, business and economics to improve the quality of their lives.

Juniper Gardens Childrens Project 650 Minnesota Avenue, 2nd Floor Kansas City, KS 66101-2800 P: (913) 321-3143 www.jgcp.ku.edu

Their goal, and the mission of the JGCP, is to im-prove area childrens developmental and educational experiences and thus, their academic and social achievements. Since its inception, the project has sought to develop meaningful solutions to what local citizens view as major problems. Together, the com-munity and the university have designed programs to intervene in and improve the parenting, care, and instruction received by children in the Northeast Kan-sas City, Kansas area, in Greater Kansas City, and the United States.

Kansas City Urban Youth Center PO Box 280414 Kansas City, MO 64128 P: (816) 221-1002 www.kcurbanyouthcenter.org

The mission of the Kansas City Urban Youth Center is to offer Christian hope, community, and wholeness

to urban youth. We empower youth with resources to develop faith, character, knowledge, and skills. Our vision is to build the community of God through youth in the urban core of Kansas City.

KC Young Audiences Kansas City Young Audiences 5601 Wyandotte Kansas City, MO 64113 P: (816)531-4022 www.kcya.org

The mission of Kansas City Young Audiences is to engage all youth in the arts, promote creativity, and inspire success in education. We will accomplish our mission by: Producing excellent in school arts programming that integrates the arts with the core curriculum; Bringing the artistic resources of the com-munity to youth through the Arts Partners program; Operating a high quality Community School of the Arts that is accessible to all members of the com-munity; and Providing professional development for teaching artists and teachers.

KC Healthy KidsEl Centro Building650 Minnesota AveKansas City, KS 66101P: (816) 523-5353

KC Healthy Kids is a nonprofit organization dedi-cated to reducing obesity and improving the health of Greater Kansas Citys children. Our policy work and programs address school nutrition, community engagement and youth advocacy. We engage kids, school professionals, civic leaders, farmers, food purveyors, health care professionals, urban planners, bike/walk advocates, and other non-profit agencies to accomplish our work.

KCMO School District/Parent Resource Center 1215 East Truman Road Kansas City, MO 64106 P: (816) 418-8615 www.kcmsd.net/parentresource

The Kansas City, Missouri School Districts Parent Resource Center (PRC) is dedicated to increasing parental, family and community involvement in the

education of children. The PRC schedules workshops on parenting topics, including: Parental skills en-hancement (parenting videos and printed materials are available for viewing or checkout); SAC Training, Workshops with a Parenting Emphasis, Business and Community Resources; Developing positive relation-ships between home and school.

Operation Breakthrough 3039 Troost Avenue Kansas City, MO 64109 P: (816) 756-3511 www.operationbreakthrough.org

The mission of Operation Breakthrough is to help children who are living in poverty develop to their fullest potential by providing them a safe, loving and educational environment. Operation Breakthrough also strives to support and empower the childrens families through advocacy, referral services and emer-gency aid.

Smiles Change Lives 2405 Grand, Suite 300 Kansas City, MO 64108 P: (816) 421-4949 www.smileschangelives.org

Smiles Change Lives promotes and provides access to life-changing, essential orthodontic treatment for children from low-income families.

Senior Services

KC 4 Aging in Community 800 East 99th Kansas City, MO 64131 P: (816) 935-0159 www.practicalbioethics.org

Our vision: A society in which the dignity and health of all people is advanced through ethical discourse and action. Our mission: To raise and respond to ethi-cal issues in health and healthcare.

National Gulf War Resource Center 1401 Southwest Blvd Kansas City, KS 66103-1828 P (913) 831-7183

www.ngwrc.org

The NGWRC is the leading international organiza-tion providing advocacy for Gulf War veterans. In an atmosphere of mutual support and teamwork, the member organizations of the NGWRC joined to-gether to provide advocacy for health care and self help to those affected by the Gulf War and those who have served the United States and it allies since then, expanding its focus from Gulf War Illness to also include other toxin induced illnesses, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Transportation

Kansas City Transportation Group 1300 Lydia Kansas City, MO 64106 P: (816) 512-8020 or 1-888-471-6050 www.kctg.com

Our Para-Transit service and our expertly trained driv-ers are dedicated to safely transporting disabled and special needs passengers. Our ADA approved para-transit vans feature raised roofs, wheelchair lifts and restraint systems, as well as comfortable ambulatory seating for companions.

Technology

Budget Mobile Lifeline3021 Swope Parkway Kansas City, MO 64130P: (816) 216-7647http://www.budgetmobile.com/Missouri_Lifeline_Free_Phone.cfm

Budget Mobile LifeLine offers government assisted wireless services to low income families and individu-als in Missouri. Qualified customers will receive a free cell phone plus 250 free minutes and 250 free texts every month.

Connection for Good NE Wyandotte Co. Community Tech Century 2006 North 3rd StreetKansas City, Kansas 66101

P: (816) 559-7077http://www.connectingforgood.org/

Our mission is to enable organizations and individu-als to use technology to connect with one another in order to have a positive impact on society and the environment.

Our core values are: Internet connectivity equals opportunity. It is an absolute necessity in order to fully participate as a productive citizen in a digital society. Education is the number one thing that lifts people from poverty. In a digital society it is impossible to pursue a quality education without access to the Internet.

In-home Internet access is as essential as any mod-ern utility; like phone service, electricity and running water. Hot Lines

Child Abuse Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline 1-800-392-3738 Missouri Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline 1-800-392-3738

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Domestic Violence Hotline 816-HOTLINE /1-800-491-1114 Hope House, Inc Hotline 816-461-HOPE (4673) Metro Hotline 816-HOTLINE/816-468-5463 Metro Organization to Counter Sexual Assault Rape Crisis Line 816-531-0233 National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) Newhouse Hotline 816-471-5800 Rose Brooks Center Hotline 816-861-6100 Synergy Services Domestic Violence Hotline 816-452-8535 The Shelter Hotline (Missouri) 1-800-548-2480

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Cocaine Helpline 1-800-314-2684 Community Mental Health Consultants Cass

County Psychological Services Hotline 1-800-303-5759/816-380-4010 Narcotics Anonymous Helpline 816-531-2250 Norcon Family Counseling Services Hotline 816-665-6399/816-781-2349 Pathways Comm Behav Healthcare Inc Raymore Office Hotline 1-888-279-8188/816-318-4430 Rediscover Hotline 816-966-0900

Elder and Disabled Abuse and Neglect Elder & Disabled Abuse & Neglect Hotline 1-800-392-0210

Health Issues Childrens Mercy Family Health Partners 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line 1-800-347-9363 Childrens Mercy Family Health Partners Crisis Line 1-800-279-8188 Poison Control 1-800-222-1222

Homelessness Homeless Hotline (Kansas City area) 816-474-4599

Suicide 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

Traumatic Grief Trauma Support Network Hotline 816-545-4911 Youth Crisis 24 Hour Youth Crisis Hotline 816-741-8700 /1-888-233-1639 Teen Dating Abuse Hotline 1-866-331-9474 Youth Information 24 hour Helpline 816-531-COOL(2665)

Victim Victims Helpline 816-842-8467

Web Resources:

Community Resource Guide UMKC Institute for Human Development:http://www.ihd.umkc.edu/user_storage/File/re-source_guide_10_9_09.pdf

Cultivate KC Community Resource Pagehttp://www.cultivatekc.org/community/links.html

Local Tenants Rights, Laws and Protections: Mis-souri http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/states/missouri/renting/tenantrights Sources NY Times Article on the Urban League: State of Black Health 2015 http://www.iamempoweredkc.org/library/SOBKC2015/index.html, http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/12/us/12schools.html?_r=0 Harlem Childrens Zone http://hcz.org/about-us/history/ Definition of Health http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/health v Six Dimensions of Wellness: https://shcs.ucdavis.edu/wellness/#.VUUSAWRViko NHS Data Brief: How Did Cause of Death Contrib-ute to Racial Differences in Life Expectancy in the United States in 2010? http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db125.htm The Health and Life Expectancy of Older Blacks and Hispanics in the United States http://www.prb.org/pdf13/TodaysResearchAging28.pdf You may find a printable copy of An Independent Investigation for the 82% online at: If you would like to add a resource to the list, please e-mail: laurenmcgillart@gmail.com