LINC in photos 2021

We knew we’d be stronger and healthier 2021. What we didn't know was just how roughly the new year would continue to test our resolve. But we came through it all again, together. Enjoy the look back and be assured we are ready for the next ride together. Happy 2022, everyone.

Surgeon General issues warning of youth mental health crisis. Here's what you can do

The pain is all around us, persistent and often hard to see. But a youth mental health crisis demands “a swift and coordinated response” to a pandemic that has “exacerbated the unprecedented stresses young people already faced,” says the U.S. Surgeon General.

'A huge help': LINC's team on the job as 'Toys for Tots' aims to reach 50,000 KC-area kids

It’s pretty clear now. The U.S. Marines’ massive Toys for Tots gift-giving project and all its big red bags blends beautifully with LINC blue. See what it takes to sort, bag, tag and route 50,000 toys.

Front Porch Alliance–LINC robotics team at Faxon shines in FIRST Lego League tourney

The judges were waiting. And Faxon Elementary School’s robotics teams were up. Nervous? Oh yes. But now it was time to show why Faxon and its partners at the Front Porch Alliance this year decided to move its robotics program to after-school hours with LINC.

LINC sends kids shopping with their friendly, neighborhood cop

For a day, Kansas City law officers traded police cruisers for shopping carts. Their partners were children, sent from LINC and Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, eager to push the limits of $100 gift cards — and make friends.

Lee A. Tolbert Academy board names Mitchell as superintendent

New Lee A. Tolbert Community Academy superintendent Dr. Donnie Mitchell has served as the school’s principal since 2020 after many years as a teacher and administrator in the Kansas City, Kan., School District and other major area districts.

Want to help your child (or yourself) learn chess? LINC's beginner video gets you started

We love chess. Now LINC’s beginner chess lesson has been captured on video. The virtual class is ideal for a parent who wants to learn how to help their child start their chess journey — or to get started themselves. See how LINC teaches the game.

Kansas City Black history to get its due on Wikipedia

For more than a decade, researchers with the Kansas City Public Library and the Black Archives of Mid-America have been working with LINC to tell the deep and influential history of Kansas City Black women and men. Now it’s time that Wikipedia got up to speed.

Genesis' Project Sankofa shows children what they can be, eye-to-eye

This is how ideas can wiggle into children’s heads and take shape as they grow. “We’re talking about not only allowing them to dream,” says LINC’s Keith Brown, “but really imagining that these realities can happen.”

Energy utility bill assistance to double, go year round

Missouri announced the LIHEAP energy assistance program will now be available year round. The benefit, which helps Missourians with heating and cooling bills, has also been doubled for those who are eligible.

Mattie Rhodes honors LINC, Morning Star, KC Fire for pandemic partnership

LINC, Morning Star and the Kansas City Fire Department accepted awards for the fast-acting teamwork that helped deliver thousands of Covid-19 vaccinations for communities hardest-hit by the pandemic, including hundreds of Mattie Rhodes households.

Covid vaccinations for children 5 to 11 now available. Here's how to get them.

With holidays coming and the promise of family gatherings and parties, Covid-19 vaccinations are now approved to help protect children ages 5 to 11 and their families from getting and spreading the virus. Here’s where to get them.

Gift of stocking hats delights LINC children

Winter is on the way, and a LINC volunteer knitted stocking hats for children that were richly colored and soft as plush teddy bears.

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.