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.

LINC community: Sign up now to get free trees for Neighborhood Forest's Earth Day celebration

LINC will be providing STE(A)M education and programs to teach children about the environment and conservation. And LINC will hold a community event on the day after Earth Day April 23. Read more to learn how to register for trees. Deadline is March 15.

Shawn Foster named new chair of LINC

Foster, who joined the LINC Commission in 2023, is a founding partner of Preuss | Foster Law, an adjunct professor in Trial Advocacy and Constitutional Law at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and a governor-appointed commissioner on the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority.

LINC welcomes new commission members

LINC has named BLAQUE KC Founder Cokethea Hill, human resources specialist and youth mentor Deborah Hogan, and Metropolitan Community College-Penn Valley President Tammy Robinson to join the LINC commission in overseeing the work of LINC’s Caring Communities in support of children, families and neighborhoods.

LINC Commission Meeting — February 25, 2025

Need help with filing income tax? Free assistance available for many

You qualify if you earn $67,000 or less. The program also serves taxpayers with disabilities or who speak limited English. See how you can make an appointment today.

Cancelled: LINC Commission Meeting — February 18, 2025

The LINC Commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, 4 p.m., has been cancelled to due severe winter weather.

Confidence and joy: New basketball players thrilled with gift of shoes

The donors’ support sends a wonderful message to the students and the community, said Whittier Principal Phillena Layne. See the “confidence boost” that the students get “knowing that the community is behind them.

Cancelled: LINC Commission Meeting — January 21, 2025

The LINC Commission will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, 4 p.m., has been cancelled.

Take a look back at a challenging, wonderful year

As we look forward to 2025, take a journey back with us through the year that was. Thank you all our families, neighbors and community partners for making it a wonderful year.

KC Black History Project 2025: Legacies of impact

“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” — Jackie Robinson. Welcome to the 2025 Kansas City Black History Project with a new collection of free booklets, posters and calendars to be shared in honor and celebration of great men and women in our city’s history. Click to learn more and download the project.

Genesis considering options after state commission rejects charter renewal

Genesis School in Kansas City, despite public outpourings of support from its parents and staff, is back in the hard place it was two years ago: imperiled by its sponsor that wants the school to close.