Local volunteers join forces to battle cancer

Article Jennifer Higgins | Photography Provided

“You have cancer”.

These three little words are ones no one wants to hear. For Lori Ewing, one of the three chairs for the Relay for Life of KC North, she volunteers her time so that no one would ever hear those words again. New for 2017 is a combined relay from three existing ones– Liberty, Kearney, and Gladstone/Northland– into the Relay For Life of KC North. This really encompasses a much larger area – Kearney, Excelsior Springs, Liberty, Smithville, Gladstone, Parkville, Platte City and North Kansas City. The event will take place Friday, June 23rd at the South Valley Middle School track.

“The major advantage to a combined relay is to have a bigger participation.  Who wouldn’t rather go to an event that will have over 500 people in attendance than one that might have 10 teams and 100 people?  The joining of efforts allows for bigger committees and hopefully bigger participation.  This also gives potential sponsors a bigger audience,” Ewing says.

Not only is the Northland combining into one big relay, so are the other events around the area, and all will have the same date.

“Before, there was a total of 12 events in the metro area. We are combining the other events in KC metro into two other Mega Events and all three of our events will take place on the same night–June 23, 2017.  Rather than having a bunch of little relays popping up all throughout the year, people just have one date to remember and they can go to whichever event works best for them,” Ewing says.

The two other events are Relay For Life of JoDotte, which combines all of Johnson County and Wyandotte Relays, and will take place at the Olathe District Activity Center. The Relay For Life of Jackson County combines KCMO, Independence, Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit and all of Eastern Jackson county area, and will take place at Blue Springs High School.

Ewing knows first hand how those three little words can turn a world upside down and wants to help others never experience them.

“I started participating in the Relay For Life of Liberty in June of 2010 after I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 41.  My first Relay event was the week I finished my last round of chemo.  It was a triumph for me to participate and walk in the Survivor lap.  My passion for the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life started then. I am cancer free today.  I have also had several family members and friends that have gone thru cancer.  Educating people on the signs of cancer and letting them know there are people out there to help is one of my big reasons for staying involved,” Ewing says.

Sheri Pratt of Kearney has been a team captain for several years and has learned something new every year. Helping people has been her joy, and that is reflected in her nine-year-old daughter Kelsey, who is an avid fundraiser for their team with lemonade stands, and selling rainbow loom bracelets.

“She is always thinking about the relay and helping people with cancer! We continue to watch and see her putting others’ needs and happiness before her own. While at school for her Valentine’s party this year, she pulled her binder out and I noticed she made a picture about the relay and helping people with cancer as her binder cover. It’s awesome to see how much she cares and inspires others,” Pratt says.

Since 2009, the Northland, Liberty and Kearney relays have raised collectively over $1.1 million dollars for American Cancer Society, and that number will continue to grow. The best way to get involved is to set up a team of friends, family members, coworkers and come enjoy the event.  If you would like to volunteer for the relay, you can always contact the American Cancer Staff Partner, Maggie Hubbard at Maggie.Hubbard@cancer.org. Setting up and tearing down are two of the toughest times, and help is always appreciated then.

If you can’t make it out to the event on June 23rd, please consider making a donation to the event at RelayForLife.org/kcnorthmo or by contacting Maggie Hubbard.

Patriot Outreach and Cerner work to help veterans with PTSD

Article jennifer Higgins and Rachel Murphy 
Photography Provided

The Vietnam conflict is not an easy subject for most veterans to discuss. Scott Blaney can attest to that. The 30-year Army veteran spent time in Vietnam and in Desert Storm. Although he doesn’t talk much about his experiences, the wounds are there, as his wife, Carol, can attest.

Healing those wounds and the other effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), is the mission of Patriot Outreach and one application of Join-Up, a program run by the ‘Horse Whisperer’ Monty Roberts and intended to teach gentle, effective alternatives to violence and force. COO and CFO of Patriot Outreach, Jack Shafferman, Army Colonel (Ret.), saw the benefits of the Join-Up program first hand and has facilitated area veterans to take part in the program through the financial support from Patriot Outreach.

“Patriot Outreach has partnered with Monty’s Learning Center to provide instructors, courses for training equine operations, standards of operation, and skill PTSD workshop for our warriors. We first heard about it six years ago. After visiting and checking out the program, we really liked the program Monty was doing. We provide funds for warriors with PTSD to go to the ranch for help. As one recent attendee said, ‘You experience firsthand the use of non-verbal language with horses, a proven coping strategy to combat daily stress and PTSI’, ” Shafferman says.

That nonverbal communication is what Roberts is known for. His ranch, Flag Up Farms in Solvang, California, provides a calm, peaceful setting for people that wish to complete the Join-Up program., which involves working one on one with a horse, learning nonverbal cues and communicating with the animal.

Carol and Scott Blaney enjoyed the program recently. They were each paired with a horse and learned to work with the horse to calm their minds, still their fears and work with the animal toward a common goal. The program encourages the development of trust and acceptance by teaching the use of nonverbal skills with the horses.

Beyond the work with the horses, Join-Up creates a safe place for veterans to speak freely about their experiences.

“There was a bunkhouse that single soldiers could stay in and everyone gathered in the main house in the evenings. That’s when people really opened up about their experiences. Monty really made it a welcoming experience for everyone and people that wouldn’t normally talk about their experiences, like Scott, felt comfortable enough to share. It was a really amazing experience,” says Carol.

Health information technologies company Cerner, based in Kansas City, recently reached out to Shafferman, looking to further help the community and make a deeper impact with the level of care received by service members and veterans. Out of a list of 10 potential programs Shafferman was looking to receive funding for, Join-Up was the one selected by Cerner. With Cerner’s help, Shafferman hopes to build more ranches and is appreciative of their support.

“Although Cerner has always held a deep interest in helping people outside of traditional care settings like their doctor’s office or a hospital,” Travis Dalton, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Federal Services, says, “we want to focus even more on our nation’s service members and veterans. Since we began working with the U.S. Department of Defense a few years ago, we see daily what these service members go through so have developed an even deeper passion for helping them, especially after they leave service. Jack’s group is unique and we were very inspired by his passion and mission.”

While Patriot Outreach typically sends veterans to established programs for help, they are interested in building more ranches in the immediate region that can continue the work that Monty Roberts’ program has begun. With their commitment to serving our veteran community and the support of forward thinking companies like Cerner, Patriot Outreach is making strides toward mental health for those that have given the most.

For more information on how to help and learn more about Patriot Outreach, visit 
PatriotOutreach.org. 
To learn more about Monty Roberts and Join-Up, visit MontyRoberts.com.

Harnessing the power of sports to produce a healthy smile

Article Peggy Parolin | Photography Joel Schneider and provided

Never underestimate the power of a dedicated dentist and a professional athlete when they join forces to combat dental disease among underserved youth. The results can be far-reaching. Ask the participants in TeamSmile.

TeamSmile originated from the combined efforts of William Busch, D.D.S. of North Kansas City Dental, and Kansas City Chiefs punter Dustin Colquitt in response to a national news story about a young boy in Maryland dying from an untreated tooth abscess.

The story compelled Busch to take action. He enlisted the aid of Colquitt, whose mother was a dental assistant, to create a program in alliance with professional sports teams to provide area children with free dental care. That program became known as TeamSmile.

For Colquitt, who is now on the TeamSmile board of directors, his decision to collaborate with Busch was an easy one. “Overall health begins with the mouth,” Colquitt says. “You can’t choose your smile. For many of these kids, dental work changes their lives. If you can improve someone’s appearance, they’re going to be more confident, more likely to try new things and more likely to succeed. There’s a lot of power in a healthy smile.”

“A healthy smile impacts getting a job and even meeting a life partner,” adds Busch. “A smile can affect a child socially and academically. We want to give every child the opportunity to be the best they can be. TeamSmile enables us to do that.”

Twelve years after what began as a single health event with the Chiefs, the program has expanded nationally to other NFL, NHL, NBA, PGA and MLB teams. To date, TeamSmile has impacted more than 25,000 children through 150 programs, offering $15 million worth of free dental care and oral hygiene education.

“In 2017, we successfully ran 19 programs through partnerships with NFL, MLB, and MLS teams,” says TeamSmile Executive Director John McCarthy. “Through our outreach, we provided free dental care to almost 4000 children. Three of those 19 programs included KC teams: the Chiefs, the Royals, and Sporting KC. In 2018, we have commitments for 23-28 plans including the Super Bowl.”

“There are a lot of dental clinics and medical clinics,” observes McCarthy, “What’s unique about this experience is it’s held at a major sports arena or stadium. There are professional athletes, coaches, team mascots, cheerleaders, face painters, and more. It’s more like a dental tailgate. We provide the dental treatment needed while creating a lifetime experience for these children.

Coming to these stadiums is a cool thing in and of itself; it takes the fear out of going to the dentist. Here they go home with the dental work and education and walk away feeling great. The dental aspect of the visit lasts an hour, but the experience lasts a lifetime.”

Busch, the consistent driving force behind TeamSmile, says, “There are about 10 most memorable life events a child can put his finger on at any one time. I want this visit to the dentist to be one of them. These kids will always remember Travis Kelsey, Alex Smith, and Dustin talking to them about dentistry. No matter what kind of story the player has about dentistry, the kids will listen and remember.”

TeamSmile can treat up to 300 children at each dental screening. The visit includes X-rays and dental treatment followed by oral education and a fluoride varnish treatment. Participants are referrals from Boys and Girls Clubs, homeless shelters, community liaisons, and schools.

Each event requires 14-16,000 pounds of equipment and supplies. A semi-truck wrapped in the TeamSmie logo transports the equipment. Onsite volunteers include 15-20 dentists, a similar number of dental hygienists, and assistants, as well as volunteers from Henry Schein, who set up the equipment and handle any equipment problems.

Every child leaves TeamSmile with a toothbrush, Colgate toothpaste, and dental floss, says McCarthy. “While that may seem trivial to some, to these children, it’s everything. Some children comment they have a toothbrush, but ‘my sister, brother and I all share it.’ We give them extra bags to take home.”

All agree they walk away from each event knowing they’ve made a difference in the community. 

“Walking away, aside from being exhausted,“ shares Busch, who serves as lead dentist at all the events, “is a feeling of accomplishment and giving back to the community. We use the power of sports to make it memorable. I always say, ‘Smiles warm the heart, sports inspire the spirit and together, change lives.’”

TeamSmile is a perfect example of this.

For more information on Team Smile or to donate or volunteer, visit TeamSmile.org.

Therapeutic gardening bears fruit 
at local nonprofit

Article Matt Smithmier

A walk in the woods or even just leaning on a tree at the bus stop—a regular connection to nature has been shown repeatedly to bring all of us better health. For those struggling with mental illness or substance abuse, one Northland nonprofit is making that healing interaction a daily reality.

“It’s digging in the dirt and having that sense of connection with something other than pavement,” says Jody Murphy. 

Murphy is the psychosocial rehabilitation manager at Tri-County Mental Health Services, a behavioral health safety-net provider serving Clay, Platte, and Ray counties. As an 18-year veteran of the organization, Murphy directly oversees the group’s North Star Club.

The club serves adults with more serious mental illnesses who come for morning and afternoon group activities as well as a lunch together. The group’s kitchen manager came up with the idea of a garden that could provide healthy fruits and vegetables for the daily lunches, act as a teaching tool for healthy eating, and serve as a therapeutic activity for the program participants.

With donated labor from the KCI Rotary Club, the new garden – complete with six raised beds and a compost area – was completed in March 2017 at the group’s main location at 3100 NE 83rd St. It’s created a positive ripple effect, says CEO Tom Petrizzo.

“The gardening is kind of a symbol of producing something that literally bears fruit,” he says. “There’s a sense of community; of being part of the garden; I think there’s also a sense of ownership. It’s not a public garden; it’s their garden.”

For a nonprofit that serves 8,200 people each year, Petrizzo says the therapeutic benefit from growing carrots, lettuce, peppers, okra and tomatoes has been a nice supplement to the other therapies provided by the health professionals on staff.

“It’s not just being connected to nature,” he says. “This is a nice complement to medication, to be engaged in an activity like gardening. It’s a natural health benefit.”

About eight to 10 participants regularly tend the garden, and another 10 to 15 work it intermittently. For one participant who used to grow okra with his grandfather, Murphy says the chance to grow his own okra has made a large impact on his overall demeanor.

“When he goes out to harvest it, he beams,” she says. “He’s smiling, and he likes to share it. You can tell that he has a sense of accomplishment.”

Lori Byl serves as the director of the community psychiatric program and employment services, and says the joy goes way beyond the garden fence.

“Their excitement is contagious to the staff,” she says. “It’s wonderful to watch and see.”

For more information about Tri-County Mental Health’s many programs, visit Tri-CountyMHS.org.

Warriors’ Best Friend pairs dogs and soldiers

Article Matt Smithmier | Photography Provided

Nani notices Mike’s growing anxiety even before he’s aware of it. From the end of her leash, she gently leads him to a quiet spot in the room and leans her tall frame against his legs. He sits, and she climbs into his lap to comfort him.

Even before he left the Army, Mike Ragsdell began showing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder – specifically anger, depression, and often-paralyzing anxiety – that he attributes to many “bad experiences” from his 14 years of service.

“I couldn’t bring myself to get out of the house,” he says.

The medications only made him feel like a zombie, and counseling had little impact. If he couldn’t find someone to accompany him, he would often cancel his doctor appointments, and public outings were almost out of the question.

“Nothing seemed to help,” he says. “I had no quality of life.”

Ragsdell was, however, the perfect candidate for Warriors’ Best Friend, a Liberty nonprofit that adopts and trains service dogs specifically for veterans with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries.

“There’s no one cure-all, and a service dog is not for everyone,” says Samantha Jeffers, the group’s director of development. “But for some people, it’s the thing that works best after they’ve tried many different types of treatment.”

Jeffers’ father and sister, Bella, founded the organization in 2013, combining two of their passions: rescuing dogs and giving back to veterans. Bella previously worked with another service dog organization where she learned how to train dogs to serve vets with PTSD, before moving back to the region and launching Warriors’ Best Friend with her family.

The organization adopts its dogs from local animal shelters and begins by teaching them 29 different commands—from basic skills like sitting under a desk and climbing into a car to others that address PTSD symptoms. One command, for example, teaches the dog to stand between the veteran and anyone approaching, creating a barrier and personal space that helps the person feel safer in tight environments.

“For some people, this has meant being able to go to their kid’s band concert, being able to go to the grocery store on your own or not in the middle of the night when you know nobody will be there,” Jeffers says. “For every veteran we place a dog with, it has a profound but also extremely unique impact on their life.”

Beyond the new commands, however, are those feelings of nonjudgment and unconditional love dogs are known for.

“It doesn’t have to be a service dog for you to know what kind of loving and compassionate and intuitive beings they are,” Jeffers says. “It’s about going through all of this, feeling shame, stress and anxiety and letting out your anger, and knowing that dog accepts you unconditionally. I think that’s a huge part to the healing process.”

A self-described “dog person through and through,” Ragsdell knew he found something special when he first met Nani, a Weimaraner-Great Dane mix, during one of his first encounters with Warriors’ Best Friend.

“I fell in love with her right there on the spot. I couldn’t wait for class to begin.”

The organization thoroughly vets all applicants to ensure they can offer a good environment for a dog, and the evaluation includes a home visit and training at the Liberty facility. The group has placed 18 dogs so far, with veterans both male and female and in various stages of life. The service is completely free for veterans, and the group covers all expenses during the training process, including food, hotel and activities.

As Ragsdell can attest, the lengthy placement process is more than worth it. After bonding with Nani, he says he was able to summon the courage to embark on a bucket-list trip to Niagara Falls with his wife, and even reconnect with his son, who he hasn’t been able to talk to or see in eight years.

“Having her there was enough for me to be able to break down my wall a little bit and be able to talk to him.”

He says Nani gives him the confidence and security to navigate a typical daily routine now, such as appointments or trips to the store on his own. She’s also inspired a new passion: working with other veterans at Warriors’ Best Friend. Since receiving his dog, he has trained under Bella and works directly with both the new adoptions and the veterans.

“Having her got me out of that shell of despair, and it’s given me another purpose,” he says. “I used it to get me to a better point in my life, so I’m just trying to help others get to that point.”

Simply put, Ragsdell says that Nani has helped him “become more human again.”

Indeed, the best dogs always do.

To learn more about how you can support Warriors’ Best Friend, visit WarriorsBestFriend.org.

The Sixth Annual Art Soup event serves up tasty medleys while benefiting a worthy cause.

Article Ann E. Butenas

It’s amazing how something as seemingly simply as a bowl of soup can make the soul feel so good. When partnered with a great cause, it becomes a delightful embrace of the senses.

On Sunday, February 24, the Junior Board of Synergy Services will present the 6th Annual Art Soup event at The Blitt Family Creative Arts Center on the Synergy Youth Campus at 2001 NE Parvin Road in Kansas City, Missouri.  Patrons will enjoy a delightful array of soups made by a variety of local restaurants, along with cocktails, an opportunity to mingle, and a chance to feed their souls. This is the signature fundraising event established to benefit the art and music programs at Synergy Services Youth Resiliency Center (YRC).

“The Junior Board is a group of young professionals who support Synergy Services through fundraising and volunteering,” says Anne Vigliaturo, Special Events Manager for Synergy. “They put on this event with several restaurants, primarily out of the Northland area. We hope to have 10 restaurants participate this year. Guests will have the opportunity to pick a favorite soup and we will award a Golden Ladle to the winning restaurant.”

Vigliaturo anticipates a large gathering this year, as last year’s celebration hosted 120 guests and raised $10,000 for the YRC. More than just serving up delicious bowls of soup, however, this event serves heaping helpings of fun, confidence and self-esteem to those who need and deserve it most.

“Our purpose is to provide a safe space for all youth, as well as build community and teach skills,” emphasizes Katie Brewer, Synergy Services’ Art Therapist, Youth and Family Therapist, and President of the Kansas Art Therapy Association. “We have a large art studio in which youth can freely use the materials such as paint, drawing supplies, collage materials, and journals.  We also offer groups to teach youth how to use more complicated material while also promoting healthy emotional management, improved self-esteem and developing a healthy identity.”

Each guest at the event will receive a souvenir soup bowl created by the youth at the center. Each bowl represents a collaborative effort, as many hands go into the crafting of the bowls.  One youth may build the bowl while others may glaze and fire. This is one way to promote a sense of community while working together to creating something beautiful.

Even though patrons will enjoy a fun-filled occasion, it is the youth who will truly benefit from this event.

“We use the funds from Art Soup to buy materials, so the youth have a variety of media to work with,” explains Brewer. “We often take suggestions from the youth about what art they want to create and try to accommodate by supplying the materials and bringing in different community members to teach these skills.” 

The days leading up to the event are heightened with enthusiasm and excitement.

“Art Soup is a fun time in the Youth Resiliency Center,” says Brewer.  “Youth that would typically be intimidated by trying something new (such as using clay) feel more comfortable because everyone is learning together.”

Art is a comfortable avenue through which the youth can confidently and proudly express themselves. It offers others a visual dialogue, telling a story that defies words and as a result becomes a vehicle for self-empowerment for the youth.

“Art allows me to share my feelings when I don’t want to say them out loud or I am too scared to,” indicates one YRC Art participant. Another participant echoes similar sentiments, “The art studio is a place for me to feel like I created something worthwhile.”

For information about the event or to purchase tickets, contact Anne Vigliaturo at 816.505.4785 or by e-mail at AnneV@SynergyServices.org. Corporate sponsors are welcome.

When women lead, women win

Article Rachel C. Murphy | Photography Joel Schneider

Mammograms: they strike fear into the heart of many women. They are traditionally uncomfortable, and the fear of the unknown can be daunting. But according to the American Cancer Society, all women with a reasonable risk of cancer (that means you) should get a yearly mammogram starting at age 40. Sor when the time comes, choose someone that will make this essential test as comfortable as possible. 

Imaging For Women has been that practice for hundreds of women in the 20 years that it has been open. At their location on 630 NW Englewood Road, they specialize in 3D mammograms, ultrasounds, and bone density testing, all in a female-centered office. Founded by Mark Malley, MD, Imaging for Women takes a patient-centered approach to care that sets them apart. 

Troy Voeltz, MD, and Allison Howard Zupon, MD have both dedicated their careers to early detection and women’s health. With their expertise and the latest technology provided by GE, they provide 3D mammograms at a fraction of the price of major health systems. 

At its core, a 3D mammogram is still a mammogram; breast tissue is compressed to use radiation to detect any masses in the area. 3D mammography uses less radiation than its traditional 2D counterpart though. And with the GE Senographe Pristina, the patient is in control of the compression, using a small remote control. This fact is what sets the Pristina apart, according to Voeltz. 

“If someone else is applying the compression, the first time that you feel discomfort, you’re going to tell them to stop. It’s similar to having a snarl in your hair. If someone else hits it with a brush, you’ll feel it right away. If you were to do it yourself, you wouldn’t react as strongly. In the machine, if you’re in control of the pace of compression, you’re going to be more relaxed, and that leads to more tissue in the machine. When you’re compressing, we educate you that the more compression you do the clearer the picture will be, and less radiation will be used. And 90% of women end up maxing out the compression. Women are tough, and they will give themselves the best exam possible if you give them that opportunity,” says Voeltz. 

Once that compression is done, Imagin For Women is committed to getting results fast. Instead of waiting around for weeks to get results, the mammogram is read immediately, and if there is additional work to be done, it’s either completed that day or scheduled for a good time soon. Their commitment to patient comfort extends to patient peace of mind. 

Zupon says that it’s this dedication to patient care is what truly sets Imaging for Women apart. By creating a soothing atmosphere and placing a high priority on their patients’ time and understanding of the procedures, they ensure that z woman is at ease throughout her experience. 

“Anxiety is a big part of why women don’t come back for mammograms. They remember the old way of doing it and they expect it to hurt, so they avoid it. We’ve had many women try the 3D imaging and tell us how much better of an experience it was. They are no longer afraid to get their yearly checkup,” says Zupon. 

Imaging For Women is committed to women’s health and catching cancer early. With years of experience under their belts but the foresight to utilize new technologies, they are taking the fear out of preventative screenings. For more information, visit Imaging4Women.com.

Helping families, one pet at a time

Article Rachel C. Murphy | Photography Ashley Elwell

If you told Goldie Arnold in 2010 that she would be neck deep in feral cats most Saturdays, she would have laughed at you. This realtor turned animal activist never anticipated becoming the spearhead in a community effort to offer spay and neutering services to low-income families, but since 2012, that’s what she and the Northland Animal Welfare Society (NAWS) have done. 

The organization began as a dream of a facility that would offer a dog park, vet services, and more, and slowly, they are realizing that dream. After opening their first clinic in Riverside in 2012, they finally found a forever home at 6972 N. Broadway with their Spay/Neuter Clinic. 

NAWS is almost entirely staffed by volunteers, from the people that cuddle the pets as they are coming out of anesthesia to the vets that perform surgeries four days a week. NAWS holds several fundraisers each year to keep them running, including Woofstock at Linden Square. Arnold also keeps busy soliciting grants and donations from a variety of sources. 

The aim of the clinic is simple: to ensure that no family is limited in the care of their pet by their economic status. Qualifying households which meet an income threshold are offered greatly reduced rates on a variety of medical services including spay/neuter, microchipping, deworming, heartworm tests, vaccinations, and nail trimming. The clinic is not a full-service veterinary office, nor is it an animal shelter. Arnold has been careful to narrow the focus to serve the greatest good with their resources. 
 

The clinic is also home to a pet food pantry for those that can’t afford pet food, a pet boutique full of donated merchandise, and has a groomer on site as well. In the basement, dog obedience classes are available. And soon, there will be an outdoor ‘catio’ where owners can bring their cats to play and socialize.

Another of NAWS main initiatives is in addressing the free-roaming (feral) cat population.  Arnold says that there are at least two free-roaming cats spayed or neutered each surgery day as part of the Trap Neuter Return program and has serviced more than 1000 cats to date. 

Arnold and the staff at NAWS believe that animal companionship is for everyone, regardless of income. 

“I’ve heard people say, ‘well, they shouldn’t have pets if they can’t afford them,’ but it’s not always that simple. For older people living on a fixed income, sometimes their pets are the only other living things they see. Animals bring a joy that can’t be measured in dollars. We just want to do our part to keep the homeless pet population in check,” says Arnold. 

To support NAWS, visit them at pcnaws.org. 

Clay County Clothes Closet prepares Northlanders to thrive

Article Rachel C. Murphy

Imagine going to a job interview in your underwear. Seems ridiculous, right? But for those that are impoverished, this might as well be a reality. For every person that shouts, “Get a job!” on social media, there are many more desperately trying to find work while handicapped by inadequate resources at home. Clay County Clothes Closet seeks to ease that burden. 

The organization, staffed entirely by volunteers, is focused on providing adequate clothing for the entire family. While there are other clothes closets focused on providing for children, Clay County Clothes Closet is the only organization focused on servicing adults as well. And as we all know, you must dress for the job that you want. CCCC helps underemployed people gain the confidence to aim for better-paying positions, moving their families further off the ladder of poverty. 

CCCC has been meeting this need for nearly 60 years. Started by Church Women United, they used to count heavily on church members from a variety of denominations to act as volunteers and source donations. Now, church volunteers have dwindled, but the need has not. Executive Director Deborah Butler says that their numbers swell every year as they see families referred from a variety of sources. 

The way that CCCC works is simple. When families are referred, they make an appointment to come to their facility in Kansas City North. Children are taken ‘shopping’ with a volunteer that specializes in their age group. Donations of new or gently used clothing are cleaned and organized ahead of time so that their experience is akin to a personal shopping trip. Every person is provided with new socks and underwear, a winter coat if necessary and clothes that will get them through a week. 

For adults, they are also provided with new socks and underwear. For those that need it, they are given vouchers for work shoes, whether they are nonslip or steel-toed shoes. For those that need the simple protections that this type of footwear affords, these vouchers are a godsend. Those interviewing for jobs are fitted with business clothes. Everyone leaves with a coat that will keep them warm for the winter.

For some children, their appearance at CCCC is a result of domestic violence or abuse. They are also gifted with a stuffed animal to take home as a small source of comfort. CCCC aims to make sure that children are clothed in a way that will allow them to hold their heads up amongst their peers at school, diffusing one more of the challenges that they face daily. 

While many of the resources at CCCC are from direct donations, they also receive donations from other organizations, such as the Hillcrest Hope Thrift Store. Any donations that aren’t suitable for CCCC’s uses are donated to other nonprofits that can use them such as City Union Mission. Nothing is wasted, and nothing is taken for granted. 

Butler says that the volunteers at CCCC take real ownership over their duties. 

“We typically put people in one area, and they run that area. One of our volunteers just retired. She had been volunteering for 55 years. It’s hard to find someone like that again,” says Butler. 

With millennials eschewing volunteering, for the time being, many of CCCC’s volunteers are retiring, and Butler wonders where the next generation will originate. With rising costs of living, those with time to volunteer are few and far between.

CCCC may deal with clothing daily, but their ultimate goal is to give dignity to those that they serve.

“I can’t tell you how many people have told us how great it felt to be treated like a human. When you’re impoverished, you’re fighting an uphill battle. Being treated with respect goes a long way toward changing your situation,” she says.  

If you would like to donate time, clothing, or money to the CCCC, please visit them at ClayCountyClothesCloset.org.