I hope this blog finds you encouraged and hopeful in these challenging times. Families all across America are finding themselves in unexpected situations, and here in Kansas City, there are several agencies that have made themselves available to us. You can also contact me directly between 11am-noon on Monday through Friday. Please reach out to me at any time and I will respond to calls and emails as soon as possible. I am available to support your family by connecting you with resources, or supporting your student. You can reach me at arica.miller@afiakc.org or (816) 510-4988.

As you know, our school is providing breakfast and lunch-to go for the week. Meals are distributed every Wednesday from 10 am to 1 pm for any child under age 18. 

Below is a list of local resources and agencies that may be able to help with the following needs:

Disaster Distress Helpline 

The Missouri Department of Health has opened their Disaster Distress Helpline (Phone: 800/985-5990 Text: “TalkWithUs” to 66746). The toll-free Disaster Distress Helpline can provide immediate counseling to anyone who needs help dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic incident including the current COVID-19 quarantine. This is a free, confidential, and multilingual crisis support service. Callers and texters are connected to trained and caring professionals from crisis counseling centers in the network. The Helpline staff provides confidential counseling, referrals, and other needed support services.

Food Assistance

Success Link Outreach: Dinner-to-go Monday through Friday is distributed at the following locations. There is no age requirement.

  • St. Mark Union Church: Address 1101 Euclid Ave, Kansas 64127, Meal Time: 3:30 pm to 4:30pm
  • Parker Square Apartments: 1500 Ella Fitzgerald Ln, Kansas City, MO 64106, Meal time: 2pm to 3pm
  • Green Village Townhomes: Address:5850 E 20th St, Kansas City, MO 64126. Meal Time: 1pm-145pm

Boys & Girls Clubs: meals for children and youth 18 years and younger. Their club sites are providing breakfast and lunch. In addition, delivery services are available to get meals to the children and youth. For more information, you can text FOODMO to 877-877 or contact the local Boys & Girls Club near you.

YMCA: The YMCA is providing free childcare for essential workers with children ages 5-12.  Contact the branch location closest to where you need services, as this is a citywide service. 

Agencies Providing Multiple Services

United Way: Call 211 or visit unitedwaygkc.org to get help for access to a wide range of resources.

Cross Lines Community Outreach: Rent and utility assistance; case management; food pantries; toiletries and showers; food to go.  Call 913-281-3388 or visit cross-lines.org.

Metro Lutheran Ministry: Rent and utility assistance; emergency assistance; basic needs.  Call 816-931-0027 or visit mlmkc.org.

Community Action Agency of Greater Kansas City: Case management; food and toiletry pantries; emergency services for children including clothes and utility assistance.  Call 816-858-5153 or visit caagkc.org.

Jewish Family Services: food; housing; employment.  Call 913-327-8250 or visit jfskc.org.

Harvesters Food Pantry: Call 877-353-6639 or visit harvesters.org/get-help to find local distribution areas.

Other

Start At Zero: Start at Zero works in partnership with AFIA to promote healthy early childhood development. At this time they are providing virtual learning check-ups for children ages 0-5. Visit www.startatzero.org/programs to fill out online form.

If you know of more resources and would like to share them with our AFIA community, please feel free to respond to me at arica.miller@afiakc.org, and I will share it with everyone. You can also contact me directly between 11am-noon on Monday through Friday. Additionally, please reach out to me at any time and I will respond to calls and emails as soon as possible. I am available to support your family by connecting you with resources, or supporting your student. You can reach me at arica.miller@afiakc.org or (816) 510-4988.

Thanks, and stay safe!

Arica Miller, Family-School Liaison