Pro Deo Youth Center: Empowering Kansas City’s Teens

Oct 18, 2024

Elaine Metcalf | Executive Director

In this KC Cares interview, Elaine Metcalf, director of Pro Deo Youth Center, highlights the critical role of the nonprofit in supporting Kansas City’s teens. Founded to provide a safe and supervised environment during non-school hours, Pro Deo offers free programs focused on mental health, tutoring, and engaging activities. Metcalf shares the center’s diverse funding strategies, which include grants, community events, and partnerships with local businesses. She discusses the organization’s vision for growth, including plans for a new building to accommodate more students and expand services to middle schoolers. Pro Deo aims to replicate its model in other communities, leveraging partnerships with organizations like Rediscover Behavioral Health to provide essential mental health support. This expansion reflects their commitment to addressing the needs of at-risk teens and creating positive, supportive environments.

 

What Nonprofit Questions are Answered?

  1. What services does Pro Deo Youth Center offer for teens?
    Ans: Pro Deo offers free after-school programs, mental health support, tutoring, and engaging activities for teens.
  2. How does Pro Deo address teen mental health challenges?
    Ans: The center partners with Rediscover Behavioral Health for professional mental health support and intervention when needed.
  3. What is Pro Deo’s approach to securing funding for its programs?
    Ans: Pro Deo uses a mix of grants, fundraising events, and individual donations to sustain its operations and grow its programs.
  4. How can parents and teens get involved with Pro Deo?
    Ans: Parents can register teens for programs through the center’s website, which includes consent for transportation and participation in activities.
  5. What are Pro Deo’s future plans for expanding its services?
    Ans: The organization plans to build a new facility to serve middle school students and establish similar models in other communities.

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KC Cares, Kansas City’s nonprofit voice, tells the stories of Kansas City nonprofits and connects them with the community.  

Produced by Charitable Communications 

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In partnership with: 

Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

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Election Impact on Nonprofits: Expert Fundraising Tips

Oct 11, 2024

Jeffrey Byrne | Byrne & Pelofsky

Jeffrey Byrne, a fundraising expert from Byrne Pelofsky, discusses how election cycles impact nonprofit fundraising in this insightful KC Cares interview. Byrne dispels the misconception that political contributions drastically reduce charitable donations, citing that most donors give to both charities and political campaigns. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining consistent communication with donors and implementing advanced technology to streamline outreach. Byrne also encourages nonprofits to participate in public advocacy by engaging with political candidates and officials to promote their missions. With a strategic approach, nonprofits can capitalize on opportunities and continue successful fundraising, especially as they prepare for the crucial year-end giving season.

 

What Nonprofit Questions are Answered?

  1. How do elections affect nonprofit fundraising efforts?
  2. Can nonprofits engage in political advocacy during elections?
  3. What are the best strategies for nonprofit fundraising during election cycles?
  4. Do donors prioritize political donations over charitable giving?
  5. How can nonprofits prepare for year-end giving during an election year?

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Twitter: @kccaresradio

Instagram: @Kccaresonline

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Also available on

Itunes || Spotify || Stitcher || Soundcloud || Youtube 

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

KC Cares, Kansas City’s nonprofit voice, tells the stories of Kansas City nonprofits and connects them with the community.  

Produced by Charitable Communications 

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

In partnership with: 

Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

Take risks. Own success. Be Uncommon.

TW: @kauffmanfdn FB: @kauffmanfdn IG: @kauffmanfdn

Transcript:

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How Neighborhood Legal Support Transforms Kansas City’s Urban Core

Oct 4, 2024

Gregg Lombardi | Executive Director

In this KC Cares interview, Gregg Lombardi, Executive Director of Neighborhood Legal Support of Kansas City, highlights the organization’s work to combat blight and create affordable housing. Focusing on Kansas City’s urban neighborhoods, particularly the Lykins area, the nonprofit uses Missouri’s Abandoned Housing Act to take over and rehabilitate abandoned homes. Through partnerships with local rehabbers, organizations like Habitat for Humanity, and city agencies, Lombardi’s team has restored blighted properties, revitalized parks, and reduced crime. This community-driven model puts power in the hands of local residents, allowing them to decide how properties are redeveloped. Lombardi also discusses the organization’s growth and future plans to continue transforming neighborhoods across the city.

 

What Nonprofit Questions are Answered?

  1. What is the Missouri Abandoned Housing Act, and how does it help revitalize neighborhoods?
  2. How does turning blighted homes into affordable housing reduce crime in urban areas?
  3. What role do neighborhood residents play in deciding the future of abandoned properties?
  4. How can other neighborhoods partner with organizations like Neighborhood Legal Support?
  5. What are the challenges of rehabilitating abandoned properties, and how are they overcome?

Find us on

Facebook:@ Kccaresradio

Twitter: @kccaresradio

Instagram: @Kccaresonline

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Also available on

Itunes || Spotify || Stitcher || Soundcloud || Youtube 

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

KC Cares, Kansas City’s nonprofit voice, tells the stories of Kansas City nonprofits and connects them with the community.  

Produced by Charitable Communications 

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

In partnership with: 

Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

Take risks. Own success. Be Uncommon.

TW: @kauffmanfdn FB: @kauffmanfdn IG: @kauffmanfdn

Transcript:

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Khalia Davis Discusses The Coterie’s 2024 Season & Vision for Inclusivity

Sep 27, 2024

Khalia Davis | Artistic Director

Khalia Davis, The Coterie Theatre’s new producing artistic director, brings a fresh vision to Kansas City’s iconic youth theater. In this insightful KC Cares interview, Davis shares her personal journey from an actor to artistic leadership, reflecting on the importance of visibility, representation, and the evolving mission of The Coterie. She discusses the exciting upcoming 2024 season, featuring new works like Just Ask, a children’s musical adaptation of Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s book, and classic favorites like A Year with Frog and Toad. Additionally, Davis emphasizes The Coterie’s commitment to youth mental health and inclusivity through initiatives such as Project Daylight and Project Pride.

 

What Nonprofit Questions are Answered?

  1. What is The Coterie Theatre’s 2024 season lineup?
    Ans: The season features world premieres like Just Ask and beloved classics like A Year with Frog and Toad.
  2. How does Khalia Davis incorporate inclusivity in The Coterie’s productions?
    Ans: Davis focuses on diversity, equity, and representation in storytelling, ensuring that the characters and narratives reflect diverse experiences.
  3. What educational programs does The Coterie offer for youth?
    Ans: The theater provides programs such as Project Daylight and Project Pride, supporting youth mental health and the LGBTQ+ community.
  4. How is The Coterie adapting to the challenges of running a nonprofit in the arts?
    Ans: Davis highlights the need for sustainable funding and legislative support, as well as adapting programming to meet the evolving needs of young audiences.
  5. How does The Coterie involve the community in its productions?
    Ans: The theater engages educators, students, and volunteers in its productions and offers a variety of opportunities for community involvement.

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Twitter: @kccaresradio

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Also available on

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•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

KC Cares, Kansas City’s nonprofit voice, tells the stories of Kansas City nonprofits and connects them with the community.  

Produced by Charitable Communications 

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

In partnership with: 

Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

Take risks. Own success. Be Uncommon.

TW: @kauffmanfdn FB: @kauffmanfdn IG: @kauffmanfdn

Transcript:

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Rev Ed KC: Advancing Latino Education Advocacy in Kansas City

Sep 20, 2024

Christy Moreno

Christy Moreno of Rev Ed KC shares how the organization addresses the educational inequities faced by Latino students in the Kansas City area. With over 52,000 Latino students but only 260 Latino educators, Rev Ed KC focuses on increasing Latino representation in schools. The organization also advocates for systemic change through policy work and engages with families and communities to create meaningful programs. Examples include their special education support and digital literacy programs, both designed to address pressing needs voiced by the community. By working closely with policymakers, educators, and Latino families, Rev Ed KC ensures that Latino students receive equitable education and opportunities for success. This interview sheds light on the organization’s impactful work and its community-led approach to advocacy.

 

5 Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Why is Latino representation important in education?
    Ans:Studies show students perform better when they see themselves represented in leadership roles, like educators.
  2. How does Rev Ed KC gather community feedback?
    Ans: Rev Ed KC operates a Spanish language assistance line to directly hear the needs and concerns of Latino families.
  3. What programs does Rev Ed KC offer for Latino families?
    Ans: The organization offers digital literacy programs, special education support, and advocacy training to empower families.
  4. How is Rev Ed KC advocating for Latino students?
    Ans: Through policy discussions and legislative advocacy, Rev Ed KC fights for better educational conditions for Latino students.
  5. What challenges do Latino students face in Kansas City’s education system?
    Ans: Language accessibility, lack of Latino educators, and insufficient special education resources are key challenges addressed by Rev Ed KC.

Find us on

Facebook:@ Kccaresradio

Twitter: @kccaresradio

Instagram: @Kccaresonline

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Also available on

Itunes || Spotify || Stitcher || Soundcloud || Youtube 

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

KC Cares, Kansas City’s nonprofit voice, tells the stories of Kansas City nonprofits and connects them with the community.  

Produced by Charitable Communications 

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

In partnership with: 

Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

Take risks. Own success. Be Uncommon.

TW: @kauffmanfdn FB: @kauffmanfdn IG: @kauffmanfdn

Transcript:

Previous Episodes!