Creating a Healthy, Safe Community for Youth and Families in Lee’s Summit
Lee’s Summit CARES
Together, we are mobilizing community partners to provide awareness and prevention resources that inspire physical and mental wellness for residents throughout Lee’s Summit, MO.
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Children Helped
Parents in Courses
Youth In Our Community Are More Vulnerable When Adults Don’t Know How To Support Them
- Our adults have misconceptions about the data, or lack of data, due to the privacy and sensitivity of the issues.
- When the adults don’t realize there are problems, kids don’t have access to the support they need to make positive choices.
- Youth are left vulnerable to these life-altering substances and mental health issues.
Through our programming, we work to bridge the information gap between our community and our youth.
Programming for Our Community
Parenting Resources
We offer workshops or online videos for parents and guardians looking to best care for their children and loved ones.
Build a Community of Character
Through our annual Mayor’s Character Breakfast, we celebrate and honor community members who exhibit exceptional character traits.
Youth Wellness Programs
We host monthly meetups and other workshops for the public to come together and focus on essential topics related to youth wellness.
Youth Advisory Board
The Youth Advisory Board (YAB) includes 8th-12th grade students from the Lee’s Summit area who work to promote a healthy, youth-friendly community.
Lee’s Summit CARES Helps Bridge the Gap In Information, So Our Community Members Can Better Support Our Youth
We’re here to connect those inside our community to the resources and partners they need to support our youth and help them become the healthiest version of themselves both inside and out. Together, we can make a greater impact, ensuring the children and families of Lee’s Summit are equipped to make positive choices.
Join us for the Mayor’s Character Breakfast
Thursday January 25, 2024 | 7a-9a
John Knox Village Pavillion
Lee’s Summit CARES roots itself in creating and fostering a healthy and safe environment for the community. It’s those ideals and values that I think are vital in creating a welcoming and thriving community, and I take great pride in knowing the assistance Lee’s Summit CARES provides to the community in those endeavors.”
– Ryan Gibson, Lee’s Summit CARES Board President
Helping Families Lead Healthier, More Fulfilling Lives Since 1986
- 2017 Nonprofit of the Year
- Certified coalition in the state of Missouri
- 6500+ children helped
- 4000+ parents served in parenting courses
A Story of Community Impact
Hear from a local case manager about the difference Lee’s Summit CARES parenting classes are making in the residents of Hillcrest Transitional Housing.
“When I first met Susan (name changed to protect identity) and her two children, ages 2 and 11, I was interviewing her and her family for housing. She was in an abusive relationship, and her world was very chaotic. During the interview, her two-year-old was running around. If you told the child no, she would fall on the floor and scream. Susan used her 11-year-old son to correct the two-year-old. He acted as the parent in the playroom—not having fun but making sure his younger sister was acting correctly.
Susan began to take Lee’s Summit CARES (LSC) parenting classes at Hillcrest Transitional Housing. After 60 days in the Hillcrest program and a couple of weeks attending LSC’s parenting classes, I saw the difference in Susan’s parenting style and behavior changes in her children.
Susan mentioned parenting was becoming less stressful for her and her children. When the two-year-old was corrected, she no longer fell to the floor, crying and screaming. Chores and consequences were clear. Her son would have the dishes done before Susan got home from work; he knew if they weren’t done, he wouldn’t be able to go outside or play video games.
I also received a letter from Susan’s mom stating she could see the changes in her daughter and grandchildren. It is great to see the difference LSC parenting classes are making in the residents of Hillcrest Transitional Housing.”
Written by a Hillcrest Transitional Living Case Manager about the benefits of Lee’s Summit CARES’ parenting classes provided at no cost to Hillcrest parents thanks to United Way funding:
Here’s How You Can Make a Difference
Let’s work together to create a healthy, safe community for all Lee’s Summit families.
We are a Coalition Focused on Community Empowerment
We Have a Continued Commitment to Caring for Our Community
Having been extablished in the Lee’s Summit community for more than 38 years, Lee’s Summit CARES has seen firsthand the impact its residents can have on one another. There are so many incredible people here, and we aim to bring these people together to make a difference in the lives of all Lee’s Summit families.
Throughout Lee’s Summit and surrounding Eastern Jackson County communities, we can work to foster a healthier, safer place for all of us to live. We’re grateful for your support and can’t wait to continue changing lives together!
President, Board of Directors
Ryan Gibson
News & Upcoming Events
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Youth Advisory Board Students Submits Article On Mental Wellness
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