Early childhood makeovers: LINC helps preschools re-imagine programs that build lives

The free, state-funded training aims “to level the playing field” in preparing all children for kindergarten, said Lauren Walls, the director of LINC’s team. Preschool teachers learn the power and magic of relationship-based care.

LINC's Girls on the Run, Let Me Run boys and their fans celebrate 5K triumphs

Talk about your perfect days. Girls on the Run and the Let Me Run boys program set out in gorgeous fall weather for their big 5K runs Saturday, and we’ve got photos.

'New moments. New memories.' Lights On Afterschool helps turn the page

With grace and hard-won joy, the annual Lights On Afterschool events returned with their resilient communities in celebration of the power of community schools .

Watch us dance! Lights On Afterschool hits the big time

If our Lights On Afterschool festivities were Times Square on New Year’s Eve, the ball has dropped. The cats are out of the bag. The book tour has finished to rave reviews. It’s been quite a show.

Lights On Afterschool gathering steam; take a peek at the fun

In just a sampling of the shows going on in LINC’s Caring Communities (there’s more to come), we’ve seen Mad Science, pizza parties, dancing grandmas and other creative costumes, raucous fitness fun as well as some joy of reading.

Feeling special: LINC gives books to kids for Lights On Afterschool

LINC prepares again to give away high-quality, inclusive children’s books as part of the annual Lights On Afterschool celebrations. “I love new books,” says LINC’s Edina von Hofman. “They give you a sense of feeling special.”

Roll on up! LINC's Lights On Afterschool events bringing October fun

Pizza parties, Mad Science, bountiful home-grown meals, give-away books, cupcakes and some whip and nae-nae fitness dancing . . . LINC’s Lights On Afterschool is under way with many more community events to come during the week of Oct. 25–30.

Fear not: Youth health ambassadors steel their courage to save lives

Look out, because one of the purposeful effects of ArtsTech’s Youth Health Ambassador’s training in Kansas City is the fire it’s lighting in its graduates like Ruskin High School students Jayleona Mayfield and Shymerra Butler.

Kansas City Black History book project wins statewide award for excellence

A 12-year project of gathering the stories of influential Black men and women in Kansas City’s history has won a state wide award for excellence.

School lunchrooms' grim tale: This is the crisis that Covid built

A food service crisis up and down the supply chain has districts scrambling after new resources and paring down menu options to meet the critical task of feeding students. “School is the only place where some of our kids get a hot meal.”

Cleaver: KC now a model in nationwide struggle to provide rent and utility assistance

In a quick trip home from Washington, D.C.’s wars Saturday, U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II stepped into the nest of Kansas City’s most vexing struggle. “Lack of adequate housing,” Cleaver said, “is the No. 1 issue right now in the United States. No question about it. This is it.”

LINC helps parents bring media attention to dangerous traffic at King Elementary

Parents and neighbors at Martin Luther King Elementary School — with LINC’s help — say they are just getting started in trying to protect their children from the dangerous traffic that rushes by their school.

Spread the word: Kansas City opens clinic to speed pandemic aid for rental and utility bill assistance

The city wants everyone’s help in spreading the word to get more households to apply. “We need to get the message out that you are not alone,” 3rd District City Councilwoman Melissa Robinson said. “A lot of people are in this situation for the very first time.”

'Justice in the Schools' legal help for families expanding to Center School District

Legal assistance for housing problems, eviction threats, foreclosure, consumer complaints and other matters is coming to the aid of Center School District families as LINC expands its support of the Justice in the Schools program.

Fort Osage breaks ground on new administration, transportation facility

The Fort Osage school board and its constituents had a pretty big wish list for its community and its construction partners when it put two ballot issues before voters last April. Thursday morning, the first ceremonial shovels of dirt got turned for the big-ticket item — a new building for transportation, maintenance and administration.

Emotional day: LINC school families enjoy safe, joyful reunions

The promise of a new year, new friends, new games and educational adventures unfolded across some 40 LINC Caring Communities before- and after-school programs Monday in the Kansas City, Hickman Mills, Center, North Kansas City and Grandview school districts.

Landlords, United Way urge renters to apply for Covid-19 relief for back-due bills

A massive federal relief effort is trying to catch up with the vast need of renters and landlords who are struggling with rents, utilities and mortgages because of the pandemic. More funds are coming and renters with past-due bills should apply, say the United Way of Greater Kansas City and local landlords.

'Absolutely Awesome!' Center opens new Indian Creek Elementary to rave reviews

Once the red ribbon was cut and the first tours were under way, students Jaiden and Janae Taylor joined the wide-eyed procession inside Center School District’s new Indian Creek Elementary School Thursday as some of the most precious guests. See what they like the most.

Safe for you; see how LINC is primed for this most critical school year

We’ve learned a lot in the past year and a half. And everything we know about hardship, strength, resilience and unity has primed us for what looms as the most critical school year probably in a lifetime. Everyone has a role. Here’s ours.

'I got a scare.' LINC/Morning Star, Truman Medical Centers double down on vaccinations

The pursuit of the unvaccinated is dogged now — “drilled-down” — as Truman Medical Centers has returned with its mobile clinic to Morning Star’s community center at 27th and Prospect Avenue for moments just like this . . .