One in five children in Missouri face hunger. Many people may be surprised by that number, but Catholic Charities of Kansas City – St. Joseph works ceaselessly to raise awareness in the local area, and address these critical issues.
Catholic Charities works with many local agencies in the area such as Harvesters and Happy Bottoms to ensure that families have access to food, housing and employment.
The most recent fund raising event organized by Catholic Charities was the Outpace Poverty 5K, which attracted more than 200 participants at Avila University in Kansas City, Mo., to raise funds and awareness for programs and services to support individuals and families in need. CCKCSJ serves 27 counties in Northwest Missouri.
Outpace Poverty was launched to engage the local communities in CCKCSJ’s mission to serve and lift those in need and to address immediate concerns, while promoting self-reliance.
“Last year we raised over $21,000 and it significantly contributed to our mission,” Ashley Everett, Director of Marketing and Communications at Catholic Charities of Kansas City - St. Joseph said. “All money raised stays in our service area, helping our neighbors in need. Outpace Poverty was established over a decade ago. It began as a bike ride and has since evolved into a family-friendly 5K run/walk, embodying the idea of ‘outpacing poverty’ through a literal walk in the park.”
Funds are also raised in the local area through events such as the Driving for Hope Golf Tournament, the Hope Ball, donations, sponsorships and other fund raising activities.
“These funds support programs that provide emergency food distribution, rent and utility assistance, job training, adoptions, pregnancy support, housing services, and so much more,” Everett said. “The mission of CCKCSJ is to help people move to a better life through hope-filled care, services, and advocacy, calling all those of goodwill to join us.”
Lack of affordable housing, food insecurity, unemployment and under employment, parenting education/support and Veteran support are the key factors that impact people living in poverty. And CCKCSJ addresses these factors with several programs, including:
Affordable Housing: Providing rent and lease assistance to prevent homelessness. As well as permanent housing and Senior Living Communities.
Food Insecurity: Distributing emergency food supplies to those in need. Client-choice food market supplies food for one month.
Employment: Offering job training to enhance employment opportunities. As well as Financial Literacy Classes to learn how to budget and prioritize bills.
Pregnancy Resource Center: Supporting young mothers with parenting support that promote self-reliance and confidence. Adoptions are also facilitated.
Healthcare: Assisting Veterans with access to necessary healthcare services they deserve.
“Catholic Charities empowers at-risk individuals by alleviating immediate crises and providing resources and support to achieve stability and self-reliance,” Everett said. “It’s our mission to not be a band-aid, but walk alongside them, to help them out of poverty.”
The Hope Ball is CCKCSJ’s largest fundraiser of the year. This year it is scheduled for March 29, at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center.
“It is truly an evening of elegance, celebration, and community, with opportunities for donors to contribute to our mission,” Everett said. “We celebrate the hope restored over the past year along with our young Debutantes and Gentlemen (young Catholics that are exceptional citizens and aligned with our mission).”
Everett’s involvement with Catholic Charities stems from her personal belief that everyone should help their neighbors, and that life is more than personal gain.
“I am Catholic, however not all my coworkers are. In fact, it may be surprising to learn that over 80% of people we serve are not Catholic. I have a strong commitment to the mission and a dedication to give back and use my talents to benefit those less fortunate.”
Everett shared a quote that came from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: “A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition recalls the story of the Last Judgment and instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first.”
The opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, witnessing their journey toward self-reliance, and being part of an organization committed to serving and uplifting those in need are the things that bring Everett the most happiness in her work with Catholic Charities.
“Even though I am not working directly with those we serve, all my effort is focused on helping them and educating the public on the good work we do,” Everett said. “We have many opportunities for helping on your own schedule with food and hygiene drives or creating meal kits. Email volunteers@ccharities.com to learn more.