Success Stories

05 Aug KidsTLC Receives $50,000 Grant from John & Effie Speas Foundation

KidsTLC’s Autism Services Program was recently awarded a $50,000 grant from the John & Effie Speas Foundation to to support the installation of a new sensory friendly inclusive playground. The children we serve are those with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other related developmental disabilities. Through John and Effie Speas grant funding, KidsTLC will purchase and install a high-quality sensory playground directly outside of the Kelly Wellness Center that will include fine motor, gross motor, tactile, and visual inputs. Sensory playgrounds encourage exploration and discovery and provide a positive experience for those seeking sensory stimulation. This equipment helps children develop problem solving skills, express emotion, promotes empathy, instills lasting confidence, and fosters confidence through interactive play.  The American Academy of Pediatrics states recess is a crucial and necessary component of a child’s development, offering cognitive, social, emotional, and physical benefits.

02 Aug Kansas City Arts Institute (KCAI) Receives $65,000 Grant from Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts

Kansas City Arts Institute (KCAI) recently received a grant for $65,000 from the Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts to provide general operating support for their programming. This gift from the Richard J. Stern Foundation will support KCAI’s annual fund, which finances 9% of the College’s annual operating budget and addresses the funding gap between student tuition and actual costs. Vital programs supported by this fund include the B.F.A. in Ceramics, the Current Perspectives Lecture Series, and collaborations with visiting and residential artists through KCAI’s Crossroads Gallery. Funding from the Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts will help the College advance its reputation of quality arts education and community programming.

30 Jul Developing Potential, Inc. (DPI) Receives $44,200 Grant from Mid-America Regional Council (MARC)

Developing Potential, Inc. (DPI) was recently awarded a $44,200 grant from Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) 5310 to support the purchase of a modified minivan. The funding from the Mid-America Regional Council 5310 will support the purchase of a High Roof Long Conversion Van.  This van is a single wheelchair accessible van. The purpose of this project is to expand DPI’s on-demand, independent transportation service for participants. This service connects adults with developmental disabilities to the larger community by transporting them to offsite day services activities and to jobs. This request is for a single wheelchair accessible van. With this acquisition, DPI will have a wheelchair-accessible van at each of its three locations, allowing ideal flexibility for scheduling trips. DPI uses its vehicles to take individuals to and from offsite Day Services destinations, and to take individuals to and from jobs within the community. DPI operates all agency transportation services directly to and from its facilities. These services help individuals connect with opportunities in their communities for many purposes and helps adults with developmental disabilities achieve the highest possible levels of independence and dignity.