Remembering LINC Commissioner Mary Kay McPhee: civic champion for education, civil rights, equality and justice

Mary Kay McPhee, a tireless advocate for the disenfranchised, the poor, the equal rights of women and for justice in health and wellness for all, died May 31 at 97 after a lifetime of wide-ranging work in social justice.

KIDS COUNT 2025: Post pandemic recovery shows hope, but more investment critical

Missouri ranks 27th in the 2025 report as the Family and Community Trust urges focus on supporting thriving kids and families.

Free summer meals for children return to Morning Star

The LINC Morning Star meal program is part of a statewide network providing free food for children under 18. An online map and text number provides access to hundreds of locations in Missouri.

Missouri begins issuing 'SUN bucks' summer food aid for kids

Missouri has begun issuing federal food benefits that could reach 475,000 kids this summer. The program is designed to help families pay for food during summer months.

Why LINC loves middle school: Grandview graduation with state Rep. Ealy celebrates special, important years

See what makes middle school years special for LINC and our Caring Communities as we celebrate the Grandview Middle School graduation with guest State Rep. Anthony Ealy.

'We want you safe.' P.O.S.S.E. teaches LINC students leadership, anti-violence — with a pledge and celebration

Shootings, crossfire, accidental deaths, lasting grief after the curious pull of a trigger. The P.O.S.S.E. anti-violence team went to LINC classrooms this spring to educate and recruit child leaders to be the ambassadors for a healthy summer, safe from the danger of gun violence.

The joy of tired legs: LINC 5K Bike Ride inspires children, families to 'keep your heart rate pumping'

The fleet of riders in LINC’s first 5K Bike Ride rolled onto Grandview’s Little Blue River Trail May 17 with some bikers who’d never tried such a distance before. “I just pushed,” 9-year-old Gennessys said. “Pushed my way into it.” “My legs kind of hurt,” said Araya, 10. “But it was fun . . . It’s fun to go biking with your friends.”

Success code: LINC students create online games, spark future aspirations

CodeAlgo Academy comes to LINC and the Kansas City Public Schools to put King students on a path toward computer literacy, coding, game design and — it’s possible — future millions.

LINC Commission Meeting — May 20, 2025

The LINC Commission will meet on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 11:30 a.m. at LINC, 2301 McGee St., Kansas City Mo., Suite 600.

'We can do better': KC seeking community ideas to 'reimagine' Watkins Drive

A major highway and its harsh history needs a vision that is safer and healing to the communities it split. Here’s how to join in the work.

Earth Day at LINC: Free tree seedlings, family science games, and baby chicks

Earth Day opens a lot of opportunities for things LINC loves: Families, fun, science, future thinking and lots of learning.

And baby chicks.

Kansas City's Deidre Anderson-Barbee to lead Missouri Office of Childhood

Deidre Anderson-Barbee, the Executive Director of Starting Early, will step into the role of Assistant Commissioner in the Office of Childhood effective June 2, 2025

Check out LINC's latest work in teaching families lifelong fitness

Like many of their LINC workmates picking up pickleball paddles on this weekday morning, Alicia Byers and Sherry Shumate-Jones were taking their first swings at the game. But they had children on their minds — the students back at their Caring Communities sites who, like them, would soon be encouraged to play the court game in their LINC after-school programs.

Martin City Telegraph: Youth chess tournaments are underway this spring

“LINC wants our students using their mind in productive ways. This helps them improve in their school studies, too.”

LINC site councils forge the power of relationships to lift up community voice

People want to be meaningfully involved in the success of their neighborhood and in the health of children and adults. Site councils, which are under way or coming to all of LINC’s Caring Communities programs, bring together the people to help make that happen.

'This hard work is heart work': LINC's opening message sparks the NAA convention in Nashville

LINC Director of Training and Compliance Carl Wade opened the 2025 National Afterschool Association convention in Nashville with a stirring message: “This hard work is heart work.” This LINC video captures some of his words and reactions from after-school professionals from around the country. See Wade’s full speech on the NAA25 YouTube video here.

LINC Commission Meeting — March 18, 2025

Kansas City Public Schools aims to pass first bond issue in 58 years

The school board and district administration — with the support as well of public charter schools in Kansas City — believe the time is now for Kansas City schools to seek KCPS’s first bond issue since 1967. Election Day is April 8.

'They remember these experiences'

LINC parent Kristen Garretson at Ingels Elementary School in Hickman Mills talks about what LINC means to her family.

KC Star: Nonprofit CEO left career as a public school teacher to serve all of Kansas City

Recently Miles-Bartee sat down with The Kansas City Star’s culture and identity reporter, J.M. Banks, and talked about the transitioning into nonprofit work, finding a passion for helping the community and her fears these days about federal and state budget cuts.