This Monday, June 19, marks Juneteenth, a federal holiday that recognizes the end of slavery in the United States. Join the Kansas City Chiefs in commemorating Juneteenth by supporting these incredible organizations that are each making a significant difference in the lives of Black youth throughout our community.
These organizations, which primarily serve children of color, are just a handful of several that the Chiefs and the Hunt Family Foundation have supported in recent years. If you're interested in learning more about how to help the organizations listed below, visit their respective web pages.
The Children's Place
The Children's Place is Kansas City's specialized trauma treatment center serving the mental health needs of young children since 1978. With dedication, support, and the highest level of research-based care, The Children's Place walks hand-in-hand with children from birth to eight years old as they heal from life's deepest hurts.
To learn more about The Children's Place, click here.
City Year
City Year helps students and schools succeed by delivering holistic support to students and classrooms. Drawing from its 30 years of experience in human and youth development, City Year is committed to supporting the development of both students and AmeriCorps members.
To learn more about City Year, click here.
EarlystART
For more than a half century, EarlystART – previously known as United Inner City Services (UICS) – has been a local leader in early childhood education. The organization operates a network of vibrant and progressive centers with a distinctive, arts-infused curriculum and environment. The mission of EarlystART is simple: Build Bridges. Inspire Minds. Impact Futures.
To learn more about EarlystART, click here.
The Hope Center
The Hope Center strives to provide asset-based programs and opportunities for sustainable growth and development on Kansas City's east side so that children, youth and families can flourish.
To learn more about The Hope Center, click here.
Joe Delaney Learn to Swim Program Presented by GEHA
It was 40 years ago this summer that former Chiefs running back Joe Delaney selflessly gave his life while trying to rescue three drowning children in his native Louisiana. Delaney acted heroically despite the fact that he couldn't swim. The Joe Delaney Learn to Swim Program, which operates in partnership with GEHA, seeks to honor his memory by providing swimming lessons to kids throughout the Kansas City metro. These various programs take place at numerous YMCA locations around the area and annually serve more than 600 children.
The program is available at the locations below, and for other opportunities beyond those listed, contact your local YMCA about regularly scheduled group swim lessons.
North Kansas City YMCA (spring 2023)
Kirk Family YMCA (spring 2023)
Parkwood Pool – Kansas City, Kansas (summer 2023)
Cleaver Family YMCA (summer 2023)
Linwood YMCA / James B. Nutter, Sr. Community Centers (fall/winter 2023)
Additionally, if you would like to support the program directly, consider donating an item via their Amazon wish list by clicking here.
Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey
KCFAA serves Kansas City in a three-part role as an educator, presenter and unifier. Through its annual Symposium and other events, the organization facilitates the dialogue about race, place and diversity in Kansas City. It is the only presenter of New York's Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Ailey II in Kansas City. As an arts educator, its mission is to reach the neediest children in the Kansas City area, both in and out of school, and teach critical life skills through dance.
To learn more about the KCFAA, click here.
Youth Ambassadors
Youth Ambassadors is an educational employment program designed to empower underserved teenage youth with important life skills, soft job skills, creative expression, and adult mentors in order to help them become future community leaders who are willing and able to work for positive change.
To learn more about Youth Ambassadors, click here.
Youth Guidance
Youth Guidance creates and implements school-based programs that enable children to overcome obstacles, focus on their education and, ultimately, to succeed in school and in life.
To learn more about Youth Guidance, click here.
