Developing Potential, Inc. (DPI) was recently awarded a $12,234 grant from a Lee’s Summit Community Development Block Grant to make substantial improvements to its Lee’s Summit facility in order to increase the safety and security of the facility. Developing Potential will purchase and install a state-of-the-art fire detection system and an intrusion detection system, both of which will be continually monitored by Jade Alarm Systems. The fire detection system will include a heat detector in the kitchen area, smoke detectors throughout the building, and will include emergency lighting, horn/strobe notification devices, and manual fire alarm pull stations at the building’s exits. DPI will also purchase and install a new intrusion detection system for the Lee’s Summit facility, including keypad entry systems, magnetic door sensors, and motion detectors, along with carbon monoxide sensors.

Lyric Opera of Kansas City recently received a grant for $500,000 from the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation to help fund the season and the outreach education programs. The support from the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation will help Lyric Opera maintain high levels of artistry and technical accomplishment. In an ever more competitive performing arts environment, Lyric Opera intends to keep providing “wow” opera experiences to our community and the Kansas City region.

Comprehensive Mental Health Services (CMHS) recently received a grant for $30,000 from the REACH Healthcare Foundation to connect CMHS with the Kansas area health information exchange, LACIE. The goal of the Health Information Exchange Connections project is to increase CMHS’ capacity to securely pass confidential client information between health organizations electronically.  When CMHS is connected to the Kansas City area health information exchange, LACIE, CMHS will be able to electronically receive and send confidential client information with other area medical and behavioral health care organizations, such as Truman Medical Centers, ReDiscover, and Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics. LACIE’s Nationwide Health Information Network gateway will also allow CMHS to connect to other State exchanges, such as Missouri Health Connection and Kansas Health Information Network, as well as the federal government to ensure proper care of all patients.

Metro Lutheran Ministries (MLM) recently received a grant for $50,000 from the H&R Block Foundation to support the new Northland Service Center. A new 4,300 square foot Service Center will be created through a renovation of the former sanctuary of St. James Lutheran Church.  Over 3,460 square feet of the former sanctuary will be renovated for the new Service Center and an additional 840 square feet will be added through construction to the existing space.  This Service Center will have locations for food storage, three offices for case management, a reception and waiting room for clients, a bathroom, additional storage space, and room to grow.  A dock and ramp will be added to aid food deliveries.

PatientsVoices was recently awarded a Phase I SBIR grant from the National Science Foundation. They proposed creating a domain specific software application that provides systematic and specific patient feedback for improving patient satisfaction ratings.  It will quickly provide hospitals with dynamic, detailed snapshots of improvement categories from...

Girl Scouts of Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri (GSKM) recently received a grant for $5,000 from the Union Pacific Foundation to help build the pipeline of female leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The Girl Scouts STEM programs focus on helping girls develop critical thinking skills to discover their potential and realize their options for careers paths through hands-on, inquiry-based learning on a wide variety of STEM topics.

Metro Lutheran Ministries (MLM) was recently awarded a $68,650 grant from AmeriCorps Foundation to support five AmeriCorps members. Metro Lutheran Ministry will have the five AmeriCorps members provide financial literacy services, employment services, housing repair, housing repair education, nutrition education, community gardening, and food delivery services primarily in Kansas City, Missouri with limited services in Kansas City, Kansas. At the end of the first program year, the AmeriCorps members will have been responsible for improving individuals’ financial knowledge, helping clients become employed, assisting seniors with maintaining safe housing, and increasing food security for economically disadvantage individuals.

Developing Potential Inc. was recently awarded a $15,000 grant from the H&R Block to upgrade their telecommunications system. Developing Potential Inc. (DPI) received the grant to replace its aging and disjointed telecommunications system with a modern, unified system.  This project will enhance DPI’s ability to deliver services to individuals with developmental disabilities in Jackson County, MO, and will result in enhanced health and safety for individuals served.

Court Appointes Special Advocated (CASA) of Johnson and Wyandotte Counties recently received a grant for $25,000 from the Walmart State Giving Foundation to help provide Program Coordinators, training materials, and supplies. Program Coordinators (PCs) supervise and guide CASA Volunteers. PCs have years of experience in the child welfare system and understand how to access resources available to children and families in crisis.