One of Community Builders of Kansas City’s strategic objectives is to empower families and communities. To that end, CBKC, through grants and partnerships with other charitable organizations, is engaging in initiatives, beyond brick and mortar development, that offer the community resources, programs and services that enhance mind, body and spirit. Here are the top five programs:

1. Vaccinating more than 17,000 residents in three months 

On March 31 CBKC hosted its first vaccination event, a drive-thru with free food and diapers at the Kansas City Zoo. Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill helped workers from Harvesters and volunteers distribute food. Event co-sponsor Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II and Jackson County Executive Frank White turned out to lend support as well. CBKC also hosted vaccination events at various community churches on April 10 and 17 and May 8 and 22. In addition, vaccinations were offered at the May 29-30 grand reopening of Blue Parkway Sun Fresh. More than 17,000 individuals were vaccinated from March to May, resulting in a healthier, safer community. Finally, CBKC provided a retail venue for Swope Health Services to host a Covid-19 vaccine clinic at The Shops on Blue Parkway from February through July 2021.

2. Providing free food, diapers, backpacks, healthcare products, books, computers and more

In August, CBKC participated in a back-to-school rally that provided about 2,300 free backpacks, over 18,000 pounds of food, 500 healthcare packs, hundreds of books, over 50 tablets and computers, over 9,000 feminine products, 66 COVID-19 vaccines and more. Over the past year CBKC has participated in 10 events that provided basic necessities to the community. 

3. Providing free WiFi in its office building and parking lot for community use

CBKC will offer free WiFi for community use in its 4001 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. building and parking lot. Read more about this exciting endeavor in the Advocacy section of this blog.

4. Transforming inner city lots from vacant to vibrant 

Local not-for-profit MO Hives created Kanas City’s first urban bee farm on land CBKC owns along Wabash Avenue. The apiary provides an opportunity to educate residents young and old about the necessity of bees and other pollinators to grow produce, beautify once blighted lots and spur interest in science among young students. 

5. Hosting a family movie night and symphony performances

Along with physical health, CBKC strives to enhance the spirit of the community by offering free entertainment. The past two summers, a free family movie night was held at Starlight. In June 2021, members of the Kansas City Symphony performed in the CBKC office parking lot and another performance is coming October 9.