Why C3KC & JLKCMO?
Since 1914, our League has identified key issues affecting Kansas City and forged collaborative relationships with community stakeholders in order to find lasting solutions. Whether founding the first public kindergarten in Kansas City, launching a polio immunization campaign, running a bi-state initiative to save Union Station, or convening different sectors at C3KC to discuss complex social issues, the JLKCMO could not have done it without the help of partners like you.
Below are some highlights from our collaborative successes in Kansas City.
Social Service
1914 Worked with Mattie Rhodes Center, providing funding and volunteers for daycare for working mothers and necessities for their families.
1917-1929 Helped found Kansas City’s Florence Crittenton Home, where unwed mothers and prostitutes could live and learn professional skills.
1977 Founding funder for The Children’s Place, where the youngest survivors of abuse, neglect and trauma receive healing.
1983-1989 Early funder and supporter of MOCSA.
1987 Founded and funded Rose Brooks Therapeutic Children’s Program.
1992 Founding funder for Hope House, the first domestic violence shelter in eastern Jackson County.
2009 Created BackSnack program with Harvesters, providing weekend meals for students and families at University Academy.
Child & Maternal Health
1915 Began working with what would become Children’s Mercy Hospital.
1919 Established first prenatal clinic in Kansas City.
1920-1945 Ran Junior League Free Health Clinic.
1987 Early funder to establish first Ronald McDonald House in Kansas City, MO.
1993 Collaborated with Mid-America Immunization Coalition on a multi-year campaign.
2014 Completed a five-year initiative in Children’s Nutrition and Fitness, with one result being a 26% reduction in obesity in program participants at University Academy.
Civic Involvement
1934 Created Docent Program at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, first program of its kind and model for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s program.
1975 Partnered on Folly Theater restoration.
1990 Created Jazzoo fundraiser for Kansas City Zoo and established Zoo Learning Fund.
1994-1999 Involved with Union Station restoration and a significant supporter of Science City.
2014 Gave $1 million lead gift to the Penguin Ice Paradise at the Kansas City Zoo in honor of our 100th anniversary.
Education & Arts
1914 Established first public kindergarten in Kansas City.
1932 Established grade school for children with cerebral palsy.
1940/1950s Produced award-winning children’s radio & television programs.
1947 Founded Crippled Children’s Nursery, now Ability KC; became the first desegregated school in Kansas City in 1952.
1953 Co-founded Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired.
1959 Established scholarship at KU for students pursuing social work degrees.
1967-1987 Developed 30 Miles of Art, a regional art show to fund educational resources at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
2000-2010 Committed a decade to our Children’s Literacy Initiative, working with Operation Breakthrough and with the Kansas City Star to establish Hooked on Books.
Shared Knowledge
1979-1982 Developed and shared Management and Leadership Training program with KC nonprofit organizations.
2013-2020 Prepare members for nonprofit board service through the Civic Leadership program.
2014-2020 Co-founder with UMKC of the Advanced Leadership Certification Series, a model of training for nonprofit leadership.
Youth Development
1922-1939 Founded Girls’ Advisory and Protective Bureau, the first social service agency to provide case management for both white and black girls.
1989 Early funder to establish the nation’s first Ailey Camp, using art to educate and empower youth.
1998 Funded Truman Teen Moms Program, focused on providing prenatal care and family education to help girls avoid teen pregnancy.
1995 Early funder to Dramatic AIDS Education Project, a groundbreaking program established in partnership with KU Medical School and The Coterie Theatre to talk to teens about the dangers of unprotected sex.
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