Lee’s Summit CARES

About Us

we believe in Making Lee’s Summit a Safer Place for Our Youth

Passionate about Serving
Youth

Passionate about Serving Youth

Established in
1986

Established in 1986

Committed to
Prevention

Committed to Prevention

At Lee’s Summit CARES, we believe the whole community should be empowered with the information they need to support our youth in the prevention of at-risk behavior.

About Us

Lee’s Summit CARES is a leading nonprofit coalition organization focused on promoting healthy behaviors and activities for youth and families.

This is approached by reducing risky behaviors such as drug and alcohol misuse. We were founded in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, in the early 1980s as a direct response to community needs and the alarming increase in youth addiction and substance abuse.

We invite you who surround our youth to do the same: schools, community groups, parents, business leaders, and community organizations. We invite you to join us as we work together to build a healthier future for our community’s teens.

Together, we can make a difference!

What We Do

Programming

We provide programming that helps parents and caregivers learn how to best support our youth in preventing at-risk behaviors. We provide programs to strengthen our understanding of mental wellness, suicide prevention, and preventing substance misuse.

Teen Advocacy Group

We oversee a powerful program for youth that empowers them to promote a healthy and youth-friendly community among their peers.

Parenting Resources

We run parenting classes, videos, and professional workshops to help businesses and nonprofits to help educate their audiences on parenting techniques.

Mental Wellness

We provide various resources to help prepare the community to empower youth to develop behaviors that foster safe and healthy environments for themselves.

Our Promise

Together we can proactively and effectively support the health and well-being of our kids and our Community. Through collaborative approaches, including training, support, and public awareness Lee’s Summit CARES advances efforts to promote healthy behavior.

Our Mission

Lee’s Summit CARES mobilizes community partners to develop a physical and mental wellness culture for Lee’s Summit youth and families that inspires positive, healthy choices.

Our Vision

A healthy and safe community for children, youth, and families of the Greater Lee’s Summit area.

Meet Our Staff

Executive Director

CD Madden, Sr.M.Ed

 Chris is a proud graduate of Lincoln University (Jefferson City MO) and University of Missouri, Kansas City. He is committed to enhancing Lee Summit Cares’ existing programs while innovating new strategies to address community needs. With a focus on expanding partnerships with schools, law enforcement, and elected officials, Mr. Madden is poised to lead initiatives addressing substance abuse among teens and furthering the organization’s mission of a healthier, safer community.

I am honored to join Lee Summit Cares and excited to build on the incredible work this organization has accomplished over the years,” said Mr. Madden. “My goal is to foster an environment where our youth and families can thrive, supported by strong community partnerships and impactful programs. Together, we will continue to make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve.”

Phone: 816.347.3298
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Chris Madden

CD Madden

Dani Cooper

Director of Operations and Programming

Amanda Collier

Amanda Collier serves as the Director of Operations and Programming at LSCares, bringing a unique blend of marketing expertise and passion for nonprofit work to our organization. With her strategic mindset and extensive background in marketing, Amanda oversees the development and implementation of LSCares’ key initiatives while ensuring operational excellence across all programs. Her leadership style emphasizes clear communication and collaborative problem-solving, enabling our teams to deliver meaningful support to those we serve.

Phone: 816.223.2642
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Amanda Collier

Amanda Collier

Intern

Cesar Pulido

Cesar is a current Metropolitan Community College Student helping with Lee’s Summit Cares through an internship program. He is looking forward  to earn an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice. He is an all around hard worker who will assist in any way he can. His dedicated work towards Lee’s Summit Cares helps in the effort moving forward.

Phone: 816.807.7051
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Cesar Pulido

Cesar Pulido

Dani Cooper

Office and Programs Manager

Jaklyn Smith

Jaklyn was hired as our new Office and Programs Manager to bring exceptional organizational skills and a passion for community support. She is excited to complete her Professional Communications degree at the University of Missouri- Kansas City this year. With a love for yoga and wellness, you can find her teaching yoga classes outside of work and school! With her strategic approach to administrative operations and commitment to efficient workplace management, Jaklyn plays a critical role in ensuring our team’s smooth daily functioning and mission effectiveness.

Phone: 816.547.4464

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Jaklyn Smith

Jaklyn Smith

Director of Finance and Human Resources

Kaela Jordan

Kaela Jordan serves as the Director of Finance and Human Resources at Lee’s Summit Cares. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, and an MBA from Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri. With a strong academic foundation and a passion for community service, Kaela is excited to contribute her skills in finance & HR to support the organization’s mission. She is deeply inspired by the work Lee’s Summit Cares does to positively impact the community and is eager to help ensure the organization continues to thrive and make a difference. Kaela looks forward to collaborating with the dedicated team to strengthen operations and foster an environment of growth, compassion, and service.

Phone: 816.875.3351
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Kaela Jordan

Kaela Jordan

Dani Cooper

Marketing & PR Director 

Brittany Hughes

Bringing Creativity & Community Together

As the Marketing and PR Director at Lee’s Summit Cares, Brittany Hughes combines her passion for creative communication with a deep commitment to service. With a background in customer service as a full-time flight attendant, Brittany thrives in dynamic environments and understands the importance of connecting with people. She leads the development and execution of strategic marketing and public relations efforts, helping to raise awareness and support for our organization’s mission. Brittany is dedicated to ensuring Lee’s Summit Cares reaches and engages the community in meaningful ways.

Phone: 816.398.0941
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Brittany Hughes

Brittany Hughes