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 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.”
CodeAlgo Academy comes to LINC and the Kansas City Public Schools to put King students on a path toward computer literacy, coding, game design and — it’s possible — future millions.
Deidre Anderson-Barbee, the Executive Director of Starting Early, will step into the role of Assistant Commissioner in the Office of Childhood effective June 2, 2025
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.
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 Director of Training and Compliance Carl Wade opened the 2025 National Afterschool Association convention in Nashville with a stirring message: “This hard work is heart work.” This LINC video captures some of his words and reactions from after-school professionals from around the country. See Wade’s full speech on the NAA25 YouTube video here.
The school board and district administration — with the support as well of public charter schools in Kansas City — believe the time is now for Kansas City schools to seek KCPS’s first bond issue since 1967. Election Day is April 8.
Recently Miles-Bartee sat down with The Kansas City Star’s culture and identity reporter, J.M. Banks, and talked about the transitioning into nonprofit work, finding a passion for helping the community and her fears these days about federal and state budget cuts.
LINC will be providing STE(A)M education and programs to teach children about the environment and conservation. And LINC will hold a community event on the day after Earth Day April 23. Read more to learn how to register for trees. Deadline is March 15.
Foster, who joined the LINC Commission in 2023, is a founding partner of Preuss | Foster Law, an adjunct professor in Trial Advocacy and Constitutional Law at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and a governor-appointed commissioner on the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority.
LINC has named BLAQUE KC Founder Cokethea Hill, human resources specialist and youth mentor Deborah Hogan, and Metropolitan Community College-Penn Valley President Tammy Robinson to join the LINC commission in overseeing the work of LINC’s Caring Communities in support of children, families and neighborhoods.
You qualify if you earn $67,000 or less. The program also serves taxpayers with disabilities or who speak limited English. See how you can make an appointment today.
The donors’ support sends a wonderful message to the students and the community, said Whittier Principal Phillena Layne. See the “confidence boost” that the students get “knowing that the community is behind them.
As we look forward to 2025, take a journey back with us through the year that was. Thank you all our families, neighbors and community partners for making it a wonderful year.
