This Wednesday, June 19, marks Juneteenth, a federal holiday that recognizes the end of slavery in the United States. Join us in commemorating Juneteenth by supporting these outstanding organizations, each making a meaningful difference in the lives of Black youth and driving positive change in our community.
These organizations 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.
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.
Joe Delaney Learn to Swim Program Presented by GEHA
It was 41 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. GEHA is committed to supporting health equity through water safety and aquatics access while also intentionally examining the root causes behind health inequities, such as cultural and geographic hindrances to aquatics, segregation and generational traumas that produced inaccessibility issues around water safety.
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, Missouri YMCA: 1999 Iron St, North Kansas City, MO 64116
Cleaver YMCA: 7000 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64131
Kirk Family YMCA: 222 W 11th St, Kansas City, MO 64105
2023 Parkwood Pool: 950 Quindaro Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66101
Linwood YMCA: 3800 E Linwood Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64128
Jackson County CASA
Jackson County CASA recruits, trains, and supports volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children who are in the Jackson County Family Court system. These volunteers, called Court Appointed Special Advocates, serve children in the court system until they have a safe and permanent home.
That incredible mission is the reason why Jackson County CASA is also the beneficiary of the Chiefs Charity Game for the 2024-26 seasons.
To learn more about the Chiefs Charity Game, click here, and to learn more about Jackson County CASA, click here.
Phoenix Family
The mission of Phoenix Family is to empower people living in low-income housing communities with the on-site support they need to gain stability and achieve self-sufficiency. Phoenix Family offers programs to more than 5,100 residents living in 34 communities in 13 cities throughout Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri. Altogether, its activities empower children, families and seniors to access the essential resources they need to improve their lives and break generational poverty.
To learn more about Phoenix Family, click here.
Child Protection Center
The mission of the Child Protection Center is to build a healthier community by leading the multidisciplinary response to the prevention, identification and treatment of child abuse and violence.
Since its founding in 1996, the Child Protection Center has served thousands of children in their journey to heal from profound trauma. Through forensic interviews, family advocacy, and mental health services, it works to transform these kids' pain so they can begin to live happier and healthier lives.
To learn more about the Child Protection Center, click here.
Kansas City Public School Education Foundation
The mission of the KCPS Education Foundation is to secure and provide funds and resources to create motivated students, caring adults and an engaged community. The KCPS Education Foundation believes a successful public education system depends on three pillars: motivated students, caring adults, and an engaged community.
The Foundation serves as a connector, helping educators address the sometimes-competing interests of various stakeholders while embracing the unique tapestry of cultures, languages, belief systems, and socio-economic backgrounds the district serves. The Foundation funds excellence, because it sees a direct correlation between KCPS student success and quality of life in Kansas City.
To learn more about the KCPS Education Foundation, click here.
