Look who stayed up all night: LINC lock-in invests in power of friendships

On the surface, the night was all about fun — bus rides together to classic sports gyms and event spaces, stopping at a corner store for 3 a.m. for treats, gaming into dawn. But there was another layer, maybe not so obvious to the boys . . .

LINC site council helps spur action for critical sidewalk construction

The experience is inspiring to the Pitcher community and to the other Caring Communities sites that are trying to empower their neighborhoods. “Shout out to the site councils,” LINC’s Andrew Smith said. “You have a chance to get out into the community and do some cool things.”

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.”

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.

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.

LINC winter chess tournament draws 138 players from across area

The tournament drew 138 players to Gladstone Elementary School in Kansas City. Here are the results and a photo gallery.

'Double Up Food Bucks' helps families get more with SNAP EBT cards

Grocery stores and farmers markets throughout the Kansas City area are providing many families the opportunity to get twice the amount of fruits and vegetables for every dollar they spend.

Lights On Afterschool celebrations capture community school spirit

LINC’s Caring Communities sites celebrated the power of community schools with music, student performances, science shows, art, dance, lots of fun food and more during the month of October. Check out some of the scenes.

Big day in the Southland: Fall Festival shows off community love, joy

A brilliant fall sun shone on LINC’s first Fall Festival — and on dancing and singing students, art shows, science shows, horse rides, crafts and rows of tables where community partners displayed their resources and services available to families in south Kansas City.

Sports, fitness and life lessons for all: LINC athletic programs multiply

“It builds team work. It builds relationships. And it gives kids a sense of belonging to something. We want them to know they are important. We’re putting people in place that are going to teach them those skills of life.”

Fall Festival to bring Caring Communities fun, resources to South Kansas City Oct. 19

The Caring Communities Day celebration packs so much fun, LINC is doing it twice, this time heading to Kansas City’s Southland. The Fall Festival, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will bring free music, food, games, family resources and more to Longview Shopping Plaza at Blue Ridge Boulevard and Longview Road.

Chiefs, NFL celebrate BoysGrow's work for youth and good health

Just a little more than a day before the Chiefs were to kick off the new football season, the NFL came to town to celebrate — and surprise — one of LINC’s partners in the work of spreading healthy, locally grown food.

Martin City Telegraph: LINC Caring Communities are vital hubs for healthy schools

“LINC is wonderful, it’s a lifesaving program,” said Neeco Sims, a LINC parent and grandparent. “It gives me time to focus while my kids are productive. They can do their homework, have all kinds of activities, and learn things like coping skills, which help them when they get home.”

Back-to-school highlights LINC's many services for families, neighborhoods

It was back-to-school week for the LINC Caring Communities sites, highlighting once more the wide array of services standing ready in LINC’s work of making stronger families together.

A great day in the neighborhood

Caring Communities shined as beautiful as ever. More than 2,000 people joined a community celebration at the third annual citywide fair at 27th and Prospect. It was a beautiful day of “caring, loving and respectful people, all coming together.” See the stories and reactions to the day that tell why we are filled with such joy and gratitude.

Here we come! Caring Communities Day Aug. 10 to unite city in pride, joy

LINC’s Caring Communities Day — Version 3.0 — just gets bigger and better. All the free food, entertainment, music, dancing, games, prizes and family resources return Saturday, Aug. 10, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Morning Star Youth and Family Life Center on the corner of 27th Street and Prospect Avenue in Kansas City, Mo. See why it's a big party with a big mission.