Fort Osage opens new early childhood center

LINC’s partners in the Fort Osage School District began the new year with much more capacity for early education with the ribbon cutting of Woodland Early Childhood Center on January 2.

LINC Chess Girls Tournament on February 9

Students from around the Kansas City area will participate in the tournament. The LINC Chess Girls Tournament originated to encourage female participation in chess. LINC Chess held the first Girls Tournament in 2013.

Kansas City Black History 2019

LINC along with its partners the Kansas City Public Library and the Black Archives of Mid-America is again pleased to produce and share its annual Black History educational poster set and booklets. During the civil rights movement of the 1950s and ’60s, African Americans in Kansas City fought with others across the country for full political, social, and economic rights. Empowered by political groups such as Freedom, Inc., local black activists championed legislation for public accommodations and fair housing and demanded equal education and employment.

LINC in Photos 2018

We are happy to share LINC in Photos 2018 -- a visual representation of LINC's impact and presence in the community. We look back on the year with pride in the accomplishments of our community and gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of the work. We wish you all the best for the year ahead. Happy holidays!

Hickman Mills Superintendent recognized by Missouri Afterschool Network

Dr. Yolanda Cargile was recognized as an outstanding administrator for her support of after school programming. Dr. Cargile was presented the award at the Dec. 13 school board meeting.

What's on your ballot? League of Women Voters provides guide for Nov. 6

Voters can learn where candidates running for office in their community stand on the issues by visiting vote411.org, a "one-stop-shop" for election related information created by the League of Women Voters. Election Day is Nov. 6, 2018.

LINC Commissioner Marjorie Williams receives NAACP humanitarian award

LINC Commissioner Dr. Marjorie Williams was named the recipient of the Carl R. Johnson Humanitarian Award at the 51st Annual Freedom Fund Banquet of the NAACP Kansas City, Mo. Branch on Oct. 13.

LINC sites to join national afterschool celebration

LINC Caring Communities Before & After School programs will hold celebrations including science fairs, reading activities, and potluck dinners as part of Lights On Afterschool, a nationwide rally for afterschool programs that is expected to see more than 1 million Americans attend more than 8,000 events this year.

See the growing list of LINC Lights On events here, and contact your LINC site coordinator about getting involved.

LINC recognizes our Site Coordinators

LINC staff came together to celebrate the importance and achievements of our Site Coordinators. A special luncheon event was held at Southeast Community Center in Kansas City, MO. The event was also an opportunity for coordinators to visit with new staff and share experiences about their work.

Kids Count report finds Missouri missing opportunities to boost young adult parents and their kids

With limited access to opportunities to advance their education and find family-sustaining jobs, Missouri’s 67,000 young adult parents face hurdles to support their children and fulfill their own potential, according to Opening Doors for Young Parents, the latest KIDS COUNT® policy report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

Homefest KC festival to support ending student homelessness, Sept. 30

Colonial Presbyterian Church will host Homefest KC, a free, block party-like event, sponsored by Crossfirst Bank, on Sunday, Sept. 30, 12:30–2:30 p.m., in support of ending student homelessness in the Center School District.

Homefest KC is a family-friendly community event with free food, KC Wolf, Team Xtreme International, bounce houses, balloon animals, face painting, and more.

Checkmate: Fort Osage plays chess district-wide

The LINC Chess program is expanding to include all five of the Fort Osage School District elementary schools this school year.

Fort Osage may be the only school district in the state where chess is available to all elementary school students. The program is taught either before or after the regular school day.

The five elementary schools are Blue Hills, Buckner, Cler-Mont, Elm Grove and Indian Trails.

No Kid Hungry supported by world’s biggest bake sale and carnival

LINC has partnered with the American Society of Baking and No Kid Hungry to support efforts to reduce child hunger in Missouri. The World’s Biggest Bake Sale will be held on Saturday, September 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. under the big white tents south of Commerce Bank at 6336 Brookside Plaza, Kansas City, MO 64113.

LINC Partner School Districts Hold Back to School Events

LINC’s partnering school districts are getting students, faculty and the community geared up to go back to school.

At Kansas City Public Schools’ Summerfest over 5,000 families came to pick up school supplies, get immunized, and get ready for school.

Many school districts held convocations for school personnel. The day-long activities typically include presentations and professional development opportunities.

LINC was recognized at the Hickman Mills School District’s convocation with the Community Partner of the Year award. The event included a personal video from Hickman Mills School Supt. Yolanda Cargile encouraging students to follow their dreams.

Kids Win Missouri and LINC to host listening session on children's issues

Kids Win Missouri and LINC will host a listening session to gather feedback on child well-being issues impacting our community on Aug. 20th at 3 pm at the Kauffman Foundation.

At the event, Kids Win Missouri will review actions impacting children and families during the recently concluded state legislative session.

In addition, to help it more effectively advocate in Jefferson City, Kids Win Missouri is eager to collect feedback from community leaders, like you, who work with families and children every day.

The public is invited. Registration for the event is encouraged.

Kansas City Public Schools plans Aug. 4th back-to-school community event

Kansas City Public Schools’ Summerfest is an opportunity for school children of all ages to celebrate and prepare for the arrival of the new school year.

Summerfest will be held Saturday, Aug 4, 10 am to 2 pm, at 2901 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Mo.

The event will feature live entertainment, athletic competitions, educational games and activities, and free food. KCPS students will have an opportunity to receive a free backpack, school supplies, athletic physicals and immunizations.

There will be an opportunity to meet school principals and teachers and to complete enrollment requirements.

Potential 2020 Census Undercount Could Affect Child Wellbeing in Missouri

While the state has made gains, the questions around the upcoming 2020 Census may put Missouri at risk for future federal funding.

Video: LINC sends 13 staff to Community Schools National Forum

The Coalition for Community Schools held the 2018 National Forum in Baltimore, Maryland on May 2-4. LINC has been a long time partner with the Coalition beginning by hosting the first national forum in Kansas City. This year's forum hosted over 1,900 people from around the nation.

Garfield students share their musical talents

Garfield Elementary students shared their growing musical talents at an end of the year concert held May 16 at the Kansas City Public School elementary school.

The students have been taught basic music skills by the Harmony Project KC located nearby at the Northeast Community Center.

This has been a partnership between the LINC Caring Communities initiative at the school the the well-regarded music education program modeled on a successful model developed in Los Angeles.

2018 Child Advocacy Day Video

LINC and many other FACT Community Partnerships participated in the 2018 Child Advocacy Day in Jefferson City, Mo.