LINC Commission welcomes new members

The Local Investment Commission has named former state Sen. Kiki Curls, lawyer Shawn Foster and longtime legislative aide Matt Haase to join the LINC commission in overseeing the work of LINC’s Caring Communities in support of children, families and neighborhoods.

Caring Communities Day June 10 to deliver food, family resources, music, dancing, games and prizes

And it’s all for free: The food. The treats. The games. The music. The raffle prizes. All the information booths. Caring Communities Day returns with a joy that reminds us what a world of good neighbors means to children and families. Join us. Here’s what you need to know.

Important information for families that are using, or may qualify for Medicaid

LINC is collaborating with several partners in the Kansas City area to help spread important information for families that are using Medicaid, and families that would qualify for Medicaid but have not applied. Here’s what you need to know.

Last Longfellow field day: Sending children to next adventures with love

“I wanted this day to be great for students, parents and our staff to show our Longfellow love and our Longfellow pride,” Principal Dr. Jimmie Bullard said. “(To have) a good, really good, last time together to show how much we care about and appreciate each other.”

LINC Chess tourney wraps up 2022-2023 season

LINC’s mission to engage children of all ages in the brain-building, problem-solving, sportsmanship of chess wrapped up the season with an area-wide tournament at Smith-Hale Middle School. We’ve got the results.

How LINC, DSS revolutionized the road out of welfare

Marge Randle wasn’t expecting the welfare revolution that would soon draw President Bill Clinton to town that day she first walked into Gayle Hobbs’ LINC office some 30 years ago. Randle and Hobbs quickly knew something special was happening. The creative concept of LINC, Randle said, was “a breath of fresh air.”

Line up LINC families! It's time to enroll for summer

June is just around the corner and LINC’s Caring Communities team will be there with before- and after-school programs, ready for lots of recreational fun and learning.

Begin the enrollment process now by filling out the online form at kclinc.org/summer.

LINC Caring Communities at Topping earns NKC 'Culture of Excellence' award

“Our partnership and the service that is provided to our students and families has been so beneficial for all and we want to celebrate you and show appreciation,” said Topping Principal Tina Hinds-Booth.

Warning for teachers, parents: Tobacco is changing and teens are the targets

Beware: Electronic cigarettes, little cigars, smokeless products, sweet candy flavors, and new products designed to hide addiction in plain sight — the next generation of dangerous and deceptive tobacco products is here and doesn’t look anything like a pack of cigarettes.

'Absolutely love it!' Tik Tok prom delights with style

LINC students picked the Tik Tok theme, and everyone at Ervin Elementary School in Hickman Mills could get in on the stylish fun at the annual year-ending prom. Check out the video and our photo gallery.

Remake Learning Days Kansas City brings citywide fun, adventure May 1-15

Kansas City is a community of learning and Remake Learning Days is celebrating with family and children events throughout the area May 1 to 15.

‘Most fortunate man': LINC's founder at 100

To find Bert Berkley, you push a doorbell set in a ceramic rainbow trout, and the man himself, on the verge of 100, stands at the threshold, beckoning visitors into the ambiance of the life he’s lived. The civic giant — named Mr. Kansas City in 1971 — and former longtime CEO and president of the still family-owned-and-run Tension Envelope has powered on, seemingly non-stop, while LINC’s Caring Communities mission grew and evolved beyond his early imaginings.

So begins our tribute to LINC's founder, Korean War survivor, business innovator, civic giant and master fisherman as he reaches a full century of life.

Read the full story

'Together we are better': LINC and partners rally lawmakers for kids and communities

On the same day that the 2023 Kids COUNT data was released, LINC and other community partnerships from across the state rallied at the Capitol in Jefferson City, urging lawmakers to the work of improving the welfare of children, families and neighborhoods.

Genesis School petitions court to keep doors open

Genesis School’s fight to stay open is heading to court. The Kansas City public charter school filed a petition this week in Cole County Circuit Court after the Missouri state school board on Monday, without addressing admitted flaws in the process, upheld the state’s charter school commission’s decision earlier this year to revoke the school’s charter.

Calling all fathers (and father figures): Hickman Mills' men's summit aims to start a movement

The Men of Hickman Mills Summit — “The Future We Want” — was a first step in a district and community effort to raise and energize the role of fathers and father figures in support of children and neighborhoods.

Get help with past due water bills at KC amnesty event April 24

Many Kansas City residents can get relief of up to $1,250 on past due water bills during a special amnesty period. The KC Water Services Department will be open to provide the assistance at a special event Monday, April 24

LINC children find power and peace in yoga

Dreamy music rises in a classroom lit by slanting afternoon light. Children lie face-up on mats, limbs splayed. “The peace . . .” says their instructor, seated at the center, in a solemn chant. “The peace,” respond the children, their voices soft in echo. “Begins. . .” she says. “Begins,” they answer, like a heartbeat. “With.” “Me.”

See the video and photo gallery

Save the date! LINC Caring Communities Day summer fair returns June 10

Get ready everybody. The 2nd Annual LINC Caring Communities Day coming June 10 promises more fun, more family resources, more games, prizes, music, dancing and lots of food. A thousand faces. A thousand smiles. Mark your calendar and Click here to take a look at last year's video, story and photo gallery.

Workshop to help families get internet, low-cost TV streaming

Need help finding low-cost access to TV entertainment and information? Or help getting affordable Internet? A free workshop will help households learn about inexpensive ways to get Internet and online streaming services — and get free Google Chromecast.

LINC loves chess: Check out results from girls tourney. Sign up for the boys and girls tourney May 13

The idea that chess is dominated by men is being left to history. LINC’s chess program — as LINC Executive Vice President Janet Miles-Bartee declared at the last girls tourney before the pandemic — is full of “girl power.” See the latest results and sign up for the boys and girls tournament May 13 at kclinc.org/chess.