LINC Site Coordinator Norma Miller will retire from LINC at the end of this school year.

Local organizations, sports celebrities and businesses have come together to sponsor a Youth 5k Run/Walk to promote healthy and safe living for families in Kansas City.

Local news is going mobile. Nearly half of all American adults report that they get at least some local news and information on their cellphone or tablet computer.

Parent guide for summer activities is available Family Conservancy has published its free 26th annual School’s Out A Parent’s Guide to Choosing Summer Care that includes summer activities and affordable care for children from 5 to 15 years old.

Independence LINC sites organize May community job fair Four LINC Caring Communities sites in the city of Independence are combining to organize a community job fair in early May.

Independence Organizes Community Health Resource Fair There will be an Independence community health resource fair Sat., April 30 from 10 am to 1 pm at the Salvation Army located at 14700 E. Truman Road. The fair is free and open

Three high school volunteers in the LINC chess initiative were featured in a special souvenir Kansas City Star edition on volunteerism.

On Saturday, March 26 the LINC Chess program hosted its biggest tournament to date, hosting over 100 students from 34 metro area schools

Share concerns and ideas about how to make your neighborhood safer. Meet neighbors and KCPD officers and learn about efforts that will improve the Northeast area near James Elementary.

Over 300 children, parents and neighbors received health services and resources at a Health and Nutrition Fair held at Ruskin High School (March 26)

Two "Eat Local! and Organic" Expos are being sponsored by Kansas City Food Circle this spring in Independence, Mo. and Shawnee, Ks.

A Health and Nutrition Fair will provide much-needed check-ups, screenings and information for families in south Kansas City.
The event will be held on Saturday, March 26, 9am-2pm, at Ruskin High School, 7000 E. 111th St, Kansas City, Mo. 

When students come to school hungry, their ability to learn suffers. Fortunately, schools provide nutritious meals at low or no cost to students of low-income families.

LINC Caring Communities Sites provide residents with resources for ways to "eat, live, and be healthy."
Opportunities include gardening, cooking classes, family suppers, student and adult fitness, and more.

A new program in Kansas City is organizing ways for low-income families and food-insecure neighborhoods to have access to fresh, healthy, local foods

Kansas City mayoral candidates Mike Burke and Sly James discussed a wide ranging number of health-related issues during a March 14 sponsored by the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City.

The opportunities and challenges of vacant properties and foreclosures were discussed during a community roundtable organized by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.

Family Reading Night at Crestview included a Scholastic Book Fair and a Chinese Dragon, with special guest Jo Ho the Storyteller.

Children and youth are succeeding in school at Grandview Caring Communities sites thanks to partnerships with local community organizations.

Jarboe Park in Kansas City’s Westside will be renovated this spring using ideas and designs inspired by students from Primitivo Garcia Elementary.

Twelve Blocks West, a community development initiative in western Independence, launched a new website in conjunction with its recent annual meeting.

Marty Blank was recently featured as a guest blogger for the Huffington Post. Blank is the President of the Institute for Educational Leadership and the director of the Coalition for Community Schools. In the post, he identifies Kansas City as a success story in the community schools movement.

Do you find yourself wondering who your city councilperson is? Or where you’re supposed to go on Election Day? LINC has compiled the following resources to help you find your way to the polls.

The City of Independence is looking to find and help more people who might qualify for home improvements through its Weatherization program.

LINC has developed profiles of two “exemplary schools” that were shared this week with congressional staffers and U.S. Department of Education officials in Washington, DC.

LINC hosted the Valentine's Day Chess Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 12, hosting 74 students from 23 schools.

LINC Caring Communities programs are investing time and resources in young men.

If Valentine’s Day finds you waiting for a knight in shining armor, head instead to the LINC Valentine’s Day K-12 Chess Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Fairmount Community Center.

The Coalition for Community Schools is sharing a recent report with congressional leaders and the the US Dept. of Education.

LINC's extensive presence in the City of Kansas City makes a difference for children and families  

You may be eligible for free tax assistance. You worked hard last year. Let us help you get the tax credits you earned and deserve.

Every other Wednesday Covenant Presbyterian food pantry serves musicians who are struggling to find performance jobs in a rough economy.

On Jan. 17, LINC Site Coordinator Rudy Summerville was presented with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award for his work with LINC at William Chrisman High School

This year KCCG recognizes Ingels Elementary for its hard work and productivity, and for maintaining a sense of community spirit in their garden.

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the national day of service, volunteers from several rural communities traveled into the core of Kansas City to show children and their families that someone cares about their well-being. 

For the third year, a set of educational Black History Month posters will be produced by The Black Archives of Mid-America, the Kansas City Public Library, and the Local Investment Commission.

LINC has recently posted the "Give It Up! For Buck O'Neil" music video, sung by the first graders who wrote it, so that it may be shared with anyone who would like to see it.

Earlier this winter the new Swope Health South Clinic opened its doors to the Kansas City community. It is the first clinic to operate south of 75th Street offering a more convenient location for residents.

Eating Smart from the Start is a free professional training course for child care staff who plan, purchase, and/or prepare the meals in child care centers.

A series of forums has been scheduled to give Kansas City mayoral and city council candidates an opportunity to show how much consideration they will give education when making city-wide decisions

LINC offers a Chess Education Academy to all LINC staff, parents, and other interested adults who wish to learn to play chess.

Attucks Elementary students enjoyed free haircuts thanks to the generosity of barbers and beauticians who donated their time.

A new homebuyer education class will be offered to help prospective homebuyers learn more about managing their money. Classes start January 8, 2011 and will be held monthly on the second Saturday from 8:30am - 12:30pm.

LINC held its annual Winter Tournament on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010 despite biting winds and the imminent threat of bad weather. 71 students from 23 KC area schools participated, representing six school districts and several area charter schools.

Barbers and beauticians from 22 barber shops and beauty salons will donate their time to participate in Barber and Beauty Day at Attucks Elementary School.

Landon Rowland was the honoree at the annual Southtown Council American Citizen Award Luncheon on December 9 at the downtown Marriott.

The Hickman Mills C-1 School District is one of five in Missouri receiving national recognition for success in reducing student drug and alcohol use and improving school performance, thanks to a school-based substance abuse prevention program coordinated by the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse (ADA). (Dec. 2010)

The "Developing Your Childcare Business" training program celebrated the graduation of 25 students on December 7, 2010. Penn Valley Community College hosted the graduation ceremony and reception.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation has just released a major report that features Missouri's work on juvenile justice.

Banneker Elementary School boys in 4th-6th grades are invited to "Boys' Night Out - a night of mentoring" on Friday, December 17 from 6-9 p.m.

Dads, grandpas, brothers, uncles, friends, and neighbors are invited to help with a Men’s Work Day at Satchel Paige Elementary School on Friday, December 17 from 2:30-7 p.m.

Hickman Mills School District offers Parent U classes which are dedicated to boosting parental involvement so kids can learn better.

Recently the Culinary Club at Smith-Hale College Preparatory Middle School was featured in an article in the Jackson County Advocate (see full article) for their work with Executive Chef Matt Chatfield.

LINC has produced the December 2010 edition of the Southeast Caring Communities newsletter. In this issue you will find a year-in-review of the Southeast Neighborhood Coalition.

LINC Open Enrollment 2010 LINC Open Enrollment is where full time employees learn about changes to the benefits offered by LINC. Employees must attend ONE Open Enrollment session to enroll for benefits for the next year.  This year's sessions have been

Garry Kasparov, considered by many to be the greatest chess player in history, discusses his efforts to promote democracy and liberty in Russia and around the world.

James visits Glennon Place, Eggct Students from James Caring Communities recently visited Glennon Place Retirement Center and Eggct restaurant. The field trip combined a service activity and a lesson in healthy diet and proper food preparation. The young people enjoyed

Students at the Foreign Language Academy LINC Afterschool Program want their neighborhood to be informed and found a creative way to help. 

At our October safety event, families had the opportunity to hear a special presentation by James Whedbee, a 5th grade teacher at Longfellow and a volunteer with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Mr. Whedbee's presentation was part of a year-long exploration of emergency preparedness.

More than 100 families at Topping Elementary recently enjoyed a Winter Wonderland evening with crafts, snacks, and family photos. Our community partners at Home Depot supplied materials and guidance for projects through their Kids Workshop program. Home Depot also donated little toolkits for the children.

On November 21, 2010 LINC Chess hosted its annual fall Adult Chess Tournament at the Lucile A. Bluford branch of the Kansas City Public Library. Participants came from all over the KC Metro Area.

West Central Missouri Area Health Education Center (AHEC) will offer a Jump Start Workshop on January 29, 2011 for Kansas and Missouri high school students who are interested in exploring health careers.

Kansas City Habitat ReStore has opened a second location, 333 East 79th Street (the former Mar-Beck Appliance Center). The new Waldo location is operated by Kansas City Habitat for Humanity and accepts donations of new and used building materials from individuals, contractors and retailers.

Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral will host an Open House on Sunday, December 26, 2010 from 2-5 p.m. Free guided tours will include historical information about the Cathedral and its stained glass windows and pipe organ.

We have compiled a list of some of the wide variety of fun and free educational activities available to families over the winter holiday break. Activity suggestions encourage families to celebrate the joy of learning and to stimulate family conversations.

Homebuyer Education classes organized in Independence A new set of community  partners are organizing ongoing home buyer education classes in Independence. Previously classes were provided by housing counselors from Kansas City. The partners include the NorthWest Communities Development Corporation, Community

LINC plans to help promote community awareness and knowledge about the new KCATA Troost MAX bus rapid transit line running from downtown to southeast Kansas City beginning Jan. 1, 2011.

A new homebuyer education class will be offered to help prospective homebuyers learn more about managing their money, what they can afford, mortgages and loan products, and understanding credit scores.

Imagine KC explores the Kansas City region and its future development. The series will profile many positive stories about local communities.

LINC's Flag Football season concluded with an award ceremony and cookout for players and families from the six participating Caring Communities sites.

Students at Boone Elementary enjoyed the fruits of their labor, feasting on salad made from vegetables grown in their school garden. Through a collaboration with Kansas City Community Gardens, students learned about gardening, the environment, and how to eat healthy for less.

Three Trails Elementary students enjoyed a visit from the local fire station, made extra special because one of the firefighters is also "Dad" to one of our children.

Health care foundation produces history video The Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City recently produced a short video sharing the history of its first five years.

Help low income Kansas City families complete their taxes and get full refunds Volunteers are currently being recruited to help low income families complete and prepare 2010 income tax forms next year.

Boone and Center Caring Communities have a new partnership with Home Depot. Every other month Home Depot brings their “Kids Workshop” to the afterschool programs to create fun, educational projects. In October students made a fire boat. Home Depot provides supplies and aprons for 30 students per project, and project pins are given to each student after completing the activity.

Boone Caring Communities students have been enjoying activities from the Discovery Trunk, a collection of materials provided through the Missouri Department of Conservation. Each of the twelve Discovery Trunks feature a different aspect of Missouri's wildlife and environment such as birds and bats or forests and caves. The students in this slideshow are learning about the tremendous diversity found in Missouri's wildlife. The mammals trunk is filled with pelts, skulls, track (foot print) molds, books, and videos.

Fairmount Caring Communities and the PTA hosted a Family Safety Night on October 21, 2010. Everyone had a great time and learned important safety tips from the police and fire departments.

Buckner's Trunk or Treat boosted by new location Over 300 people enjoyed the first ever "Trunk or Treat on Hudson Street" on Sunday, Oct. 31 along one of Buckner's main streets.

Kansas City, Mo. School District Superintendent John Covington has been annouced a winner of the 2010 Public Officials of the Year award.

This summer students from Fairmount, Korte, Three Trails, and Santa Fe LINC Programs participated in the summer program at Nowlin Middle School.

The Independence Hungry and Homeless Coalition has designated the week of November 14-20, 2010 as "Hungry and Homeless Awareness Week". The coalition is encouraging citizens to learn more about both the needs in Independence and resources in and around the city.

The Local Investment Commission and Hickman Mills School District will work together this fall to bring parents informational classes called "Putting the Cool Back in School."

A workshop on “Violence and Bullying” will teach child care providers and teachers how to identify and prevent bullying or other related violence among peers or in the community. This workshop will also focus on tools and interventions to provide a safe environment for children.

Center High School hosted families and staff from our LINC Caring Communities in the Center School District at its football game. The evening was part of our larger Lights On Afterschool celebration.

On Oct. 31st LINC held its first Chess tournament of the 2010-11 school year. 63 players from 18 schools participated. 

David Hansell, Acting Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), visited LINC on Oct. 27.

A festive graduation hosted by Penn Valley Community College celebrated the accomplishments of fourteen participants in the fall "Developing Your Childcare Business" program.

The ACE Club was a featured activity when KCTV5's early morning news program visited William Chrisman High School for its "Cool Schools" segment.

Students in James Caring Communities painted self-portraits as an exercise during a lesson on individual characteristics.

All five of the neighborhoods associated with Southeast Caring Communities received notification that they will be awarded grants from United Way's Neighborhood Self Help Fund.

“Seeing the Value in Schools” focuses on LINC’s dedication to quality afterschool care as well as its efforts in community outreach.

The Hickman Mills C-1 School District and LINC, the Local Investment Commission, are sponsoring Family Night/“Lights On Afterschool” before the Ruskin/Lee’s Summit West football game Friday, Oct. 22, 2010.

Progress continues on the new South Kansas City Health Clinic located at 8821 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Mo. with a projected opening date in mid-December.

The William Chrisman ACE Club recently helped with the annual fundraising banquet benefitting Hillcrest Transitional Housing in Eastern Jackson County. ACE students assisted with registration as guests were arriving and then with sorting and delivering the auction items.

The Red Bull Racing team recently gave young Austin Booth, a student at Korte Elementary School in Independence MO, an unforgettable lift to class. While the team was in town for the NASCAR weekend at Kansas Speedway, they took time from race preparations to chauffer Austin, who suffers from Muscular Dystrophy, to his school.

While shopping for program supplies at the Raytown Wal-Mart (I-70 & Blue Ridge), Gladstone Site Coordinator Ray Thomas was offered a deal he couldn't refuse.

Halloween can be a fun experience for children of all ages.  This year LINC wants to be sure the fun is shared by both children and their parents.

A group from Serbia visits with LINC founder Bert Berkley and Chairman Landon Rowland to learn about LINC, volunteerism and corporate social responsibility.

The CLAIM Program (Community Leaders Assisting the Insured of Missouri) provides free unbiased information about Medicare to Missourians. Swope Ridge with LINC's assistance will provide this service for all community members.

Bryant Caring Communities and neighborhood partners hosted a Luau at Bryant Elementary School to benefit Hillcrest Transitional Housing. School families and neighbors brought personal care items, baby products, and cleaning supplies to donate to the families living at Hillcrest.

The new Palestine Caring Communities garden was a joy for the whole neighborhood this summer. Everyone enjoyed the beauty of the garden and helping little ones learn about and appreciate the marvels of plant growth.

Encouraging faith congregations to actively engage in health education is the focus for the one-day workshop, "Reaching All God's Children," Saturday, October 23, 2010. Sessions will address collaborating with community health resources, funding for congregational health outreach, and dealing with prejudices and myths concerning health issues.

October 2010 marks the 25th Anniversary for the Mid America Assistance Coalition (MAAC). MAAC has been helping in the Kansas City community since 1985. Congratulations, MAAC!

Ingels Caring Communities is helping City of Kansas City and Hickman Mills School District leaders kick-off the new Active Living Kansas City initiative.

Ingels Elementary School PTA and Ingels Caring Communities hosted a Community Picnic on Saturday, October 2, 2010. Over 400 people joined us for food, fun, and information about community resources.

Three Trails Caring Communities students observed Patriot Day by placing colored plastic cups in the school fence to create the design of our flag and "We (Heart) USA".

On September 18, 2010 a carnival was held in support of Ingels student DeMarcus Townsend, who was recently diagnosed with leukemia. His family is doing all it can to help him and he will undergo surgery in the coming weeks. 

Start dates for Families and Schools Together (FAST) are set for 6 schools with the first session scheduled for Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at Bryant Elementary in Independence. FAST helps empower families with the skills and confidence to improve the way the family operates so children can grow and succeed.

We celebrate our work — providing safe places for children to learn, grow and develop — by joining others in the national Lights On Afterschool campaign events primarily held on Thurs., Oct. 21st. Many Hickman Mills Caring Community Sites will host events. We hope you can attend!

Lights On in North Kansas City, Mo. LINC is the largest provider of before and after school child care in the Kansas City area, offering programs through its Caring Communities initiative in partnerships with area school districts — Kansas City,

We celebrate our work — providing safe places for children to learn, grow and develop — by joining others in the national Lights On Afterschool campaign events primarily held on Thurs., Oct. 21st. Many Kansas City Caring Community Sites will host events. We hope you can attend!

We celebrate our work — providing safe places for children to learn, grow and develop — by joining others in the national Lights On Afterschool campaign events primarily held on Thurs., Oct. 21st. Both Center Caring Community Sites will host events. We hope you can attend!

We celebrate our work — providing safe places for children to learn, grow and develop — by joining others in the national Lights On Afterschool campaign events primarily held on Thurs., Oct. 21st. Many Grandview Caring Community Sites will host events. We hope you can attend!

Fort Osage families celebrated Lights On Afterschool 2010 at Fire Prairie Middle School. There were games, activities, face painting, and the very popular goo-making tables.

We celebrate our work — providing safe places for children to learn, grow and develop — by joining others in the national Lights On Afterschool campaign events primarily held on Thurs., Oct. 21st. Many Independence Caring Community Sites will host events.

Our James Caring Communities staff represented our sites in the Historic Northeast for a Community Day at Northeast High School. The educational and entertaining event was hosted by Northeast's School Advisory Committee.

We celebrate our work — providing safe places for children to learn, grow and develop — by joining others in the national Lights On Afterschool campaign events primarily held on Thurs., Oct. 21st.

LINC Site coordinator Adrian Wilson talks about the grandparents day luncheon at Maplewood Caring Communities in the North Kansas City School District.

Grandview Caring Communities Sites will be participating in the program “Safety Street,” aimed at teaching students the importance of being healthy and safe. It is a free program provided by the Kansas City, Missouri Health Department.

The National Football League's "Punt, Pass & Kick" competition begins on Tuesday, Sept 14, 2010 in the Fort Osage School District. The events are sponsored by the Fort Osage physical education teachers and LINC Caring Communities.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is urging residents to take three simple steps during National Preparedness Month in September.

Ribbon cutting ceremonies for the new Freda Markley Early Childhood Center where held Tuesday, Aug. 31 at the site of the facility, 9201 E. Bannister Rd. (between James A. Reed Rd. and Raytown Rd.). It is the first new school building in the Hickman Mills C-1 School District in nearly 40 years.

The workshop, “Communicating,” will focus on helping children understand their feelings and learn to communicate more effectively. Participants will also explore how positive words and behaviors can affect action.

A ribbon-cutting Tuesday, August 31, 2010 celebrated the construction of seven new homes in northwest Independence, Mo.

The Southeast Neighborhood Coalition will offer a free beneficiary deed workshop at the Southeast Community Center on Monday, Sept. 13 from 4 - 7 p.m. for Kansas City homeowners.

One of the many missions of First Presbyterian Church in is to support the students and families of Benton Elementary.

In this KCPT hour-long special, Nick Haines and Cynthia Wheeler-Linden take a closer look at what some view as a "rare moment in time" for the Kansas City, Missouri school district.

Ribbon cutting ceremonies for the new Freda Markley Early Childhood Center are set for Tuesday, Aug. 31 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the site of the facility, 9201 E. Bannister Rd. (between James A. Reed Rd. and Raytown Rd.). It is the first new school building in the Hickman Mills C-1 School District in nearly 40 years.

United Way of Greater Kansas City issues report on quality child care A detailed report on improving out of school time in the Kansas City area was recently released by the United Way of Greater Kansas City.

Having fun while actively learning was the focus of the Korte Elementary and Three Trails Summer Day Camp program.

LINC has produced an informative booklet "Tips on Getting Safely to School" that covers tips for children who walk, take the bus or ride to school.

Child care providers, along with parents, often wonder about whether to let children go outside and play.

The LINC Summer Camp in the Fort Osage School District offered fun and educational activities for children during Summer 2010.

The Van Horn Caring Communities Site Council members harvested the first plants of the season from their community garden with produce going to neighborhood partners and the food pantry.

The Accreditation Initiative sponsored an Accredited Childcare Sites Tour on August 6, 2010. Childcare providers interested in pursuing accreditation toured four accredited sites to learn more about the requirements and process.

LINC is expanding its presence in the Hickman Mills School District to include Smith-Hale Middle School.

The LINC summer program at Wayne Miner - a public housing sites in Kansas City, Mo. - served 85 youth over an eight week period this summer.

Parents of students at Ott, Mill Creek, Fairmount, and Sugar Creek Elementary Schools in Independence attended the Back to School Blast off at Calvary Baptist Church, Saturday, July 31, 2010.

Six houses in the Town Fork Creek and SPENA neighborhoods have a fresh coat of paint thanks to efforts led by the LINC Southeast Caring Communities Neighborhood Resource Center (SECC), Urban Rangers and the City of Kansas City. 

The Missouri Division of Youth Services, won Harvard's Innovations in American Government award in 2008 for its transformation of the state's juvenile justice system from a large institutional approach to a smaller, more humane approach focused on treatment and education.

On July 8-11 students from the LINC Foster Youth Program attended the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus at the University of Missouri-St Louis (UMSL) to attend workshops focusing on college preparations.

This week the Hickman Mills Caring Communities team piloted a new approach to enroll families in the LINC Before & After School Program.

LINC was present in force at the Back to School Rally held this past Saturday and organized by City Councilman Terry Riley.  (July 31 2010)

Three Trails Day will be Saturday, Aug. 7 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Hickman Mills Junior High School, 9010 Old Santa Fe Road. The event follows the district’s annual Back-to-School Parade and Rally, and features ree child identification screening with the Missouri Child Identification Program (MOCHIP).

A federal Full Service Community Schools grant was submitted by LINC and others partners this past week.

LINC expands in the North Kansas City, Mo. School District LINC will expand its presence in the North Kansas City, Mo. School District this upcoming school year.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has unveiled an innovative new on-line tool that will help consumers take control of their health care by connecting them to new information and resources.

Bill Rogers, one of the original LINC Caring Communities site coordinators, retires from LINC at the end of July.

There is good news in the Kansas City Missouri School District and during the month of August (2010) volunteers will knock on every door in the district to share it.

As you prepare to enroll your child in our program, here are some helpful reminders.

The American Bar Association recently awarded the ABC Primetime segment on Missouri DYS the Silver Gavel Award for television.

It is that time of year, time to be thinking about how your child will get to and from school safely.  Whether your child walks, takes the bus, or rides in a car, a review of transportation safety is important.

Swope Health Services will salute first-time college students with a Send-Off Recognition Reception on Wednesday, July 28th, 2010.

The Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City received its annual performance report by its Community Advisory Committee.

The Southeast Neighborhood Coalition recently hosted a Beneficiary Deed workshop presented by Legal Aid of Western Missouri.

Children from Kansas City's 49/63 neighborhood are invited to a Back to School celebration on Saturday, August 7 at the Rockhurst University Community Center.

Centralized registration for Hickman Mills students will be held July 30-31 and August 2-4, 2010.

US Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt) introduced federal legislation encouraging a more comprehensive approach to education by building integrated, collaboration systems to support children by making schools the center of communities. LINC's work in Kansas City was cited by supporters as one such example.

This July LINC hosted three Family Reading Nights at Hickman Mills LINC programs.  Reading Nights are designed to remind parents of the importance of reading with their children over the summer.

Food Stamps are accepted at five local area farmers’ markets to encourage shoppers to purchase locally grown, healthy vegetables and fruits.

The Missouri Foundation for Health has produced a general brochure of frequently asked questions about the basic of the new federal care reform bill.

LINC’s Spring 2010 K-12 Chess Tournament was hosted by the downtown Kansas City Library on March 27, 2010.  It rained outside most of the day, but that did not keep 85 students playing in this annual event. 

The LINC Chess for Life Summer Camp is set for August 2-6.

The LINC Chess for Life Academy begins again on Wednesday, June 2nd, 10 am-Noon, at the Bluford Library (31st and Prospect).

During the week of July 12-16, 2010 LINC will be hosting Jordan Buchheit, an intern from a national leadership training program called Coro.

Night Out Against Crime set for Tuesday, August 3, 2010 in Parade Park at 18th & Vine, Kansas City, Mo.

Tommy Del Greco has a great year working as an AmeriCorps VISTA for LINC.

LINC is offering a summer program at Nowlin Middle School for students grades K‐5 in the Independence School District.

LINC is offering a summer program for children grades K‐8 at Wayne Miner. 

The Local Investment Commission (LINC) is hiring part time staff to work for LINC Caring Communities Before and After School programs in the Hickman Mills School District.

Missouri's model juvenile youth program subject of Harvard case study The very successful Missouri Division of Youth Services (DYS) program is the subject of a case study by the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University. The program, as

Missouri has passed two critical milestones in its efforts to promote electronic health information exchange among health care professionals. This new capacity is expected to improve the quality of medical care, reduce costs and medical errors and empower Missourians to take a more active role in their own health care

The Missouri Dept. of Social Services released its tobacco youth survey.

United Way y Communities Creando Oportunidades (CCO) ayudarán a padres inscribir sus
niños en un programa de seguros de saludo por niños.

United Way and Communities Creating Opportunity are helping parents enroll their children in a health insurance program.

The Kansas City, Missouri School District (KCMSD) “Hands of Hope” launch on Sat, July 24 at three schools and will continue on Aug. 7 at another 27 schools including a a mix of revitalization work and landscaping.

During September, individuals, neighborhoods, and organizations are encouraged to observe the 7th Annual National Emergency Preparedness Month.

The Noble Neighborhood (Kansas City, MO.) is planning a Community Crime Awareness Night on Sat., Aug. 7 from 6 to 8 pm at Noble Park located at 73rd and Indiana.

The Beehive is a bilingual, free website with information on local resources and useful life skills. In this video tour, Tommy D walks you through the unique features that can make your life easy in the five major areas of money, health, jobs, school, and housing. Some of these features include filing your taxes for free, the career coach, and a comprehensive listing of scholarships.

The Independence School District is working hard this summer on various school building and ground projects that are possible from an $85 million bond issues voters approved last November.

In recognition of June Men’s Health Month, Whittier Caring Communities and Victory Temple Christian Life Center teamed up to host a “Men’s Empowerment Series.” (2010)

On August 3rd, Kansas Citians will go to the polls for several primary contests. 

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has developed an online map so Missourians can tell, at a glance, if a state park beach is open or closed, whether it's for bacterial issues, operational issues or flooding.

Giving USA Foundation estimates that total charitable contributions from American individuals, corporations and foundations fell to $303.75 billion in 2009, a fall of 3.6 percent in current dollars.

Emmanuel Church Ministry is hosting the 8th Annual "Youth and Community Health Fair" on August 14, 2010.

The annual Back to School Parade and Rally is Saturday, August 7, 2010.

The Kansas City Beehive provides information on local resources and life skills.

A new study of this population by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City provides insight into why some consumers choose to manage their finances outside the traditional banking system.

More than 200 child care providers attended LINC's Educare Quality Counts Conference on Saturday, May 22, 2010.

A new report prepared by the St. Louis-based Public Policy Research Center recommends that Missouri create a state-wide Homeownership Preservation Task Force to address rising home delinquencies and foreclosures, which are occurring at rates four times higher than in previous decades.

The Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City is accepting 2011 nominations to serve on the board of directors for the non-profit board which has over $400 million in assets and makes grants of over $20 million in the Kansas City region.

Independence, MO civic clubs are collecting canned goods to meet summer pantry needs.

Bridget McCandless MD who has held the position of Health Policy Advisor will be leaving LINC.

Calvary Baptist Church in Independence will host a Back to School Blast-off on Saturday, July 31, 2010.

Grandparents raising grandchildren got a little help from our Grandparents Day Out program in June.

July 20th gardening class at Garden of Hope in Independence will explain what crops can still be planted for the fall harvest.

Kansas City Councilman Terry Riley and the Kansas City, Missouri School District (KCMSD) along with Children’s Mercy Family Health Partners will host the Back-to-School Rally on Saturday, July 31. Families receive backpacks, school supplies, school uniforms, immunizations, health services, books, and other materials and services to prepare for the new academic year.

The new Swope Health South Clinic will be developed at 8821 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO. It will provide affordable and accessible care to meet growing need in the area. The new clinic, over a year in planning, became possible with the recent approval of a $320,000 one-year grant from the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City, along with earlier $200,000 funding from the Kansas City, Mo. Health Department.

The city of Kansas City, Mo. have programs to help low income families with paint for a residence and also emergency home repairs including roofing, plumbing, electrical and furance.

Once again the Independence School District is organizing its very successful summer school building clean up effort that taps community and volunteer interest in fixing up schools.

LINC founder Bert Berkley received an honorary degree from Missouri Valley College (Marshall, Mo.) on May 8.

Four students from our Caring Communities were recognized for drawings that demonstrated the importance of buckling up.

Increase in shigellosis cases reported in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

This Free Foreclosure Counseling Event will with provide free foreclosure counseling to those in the Kansas City area.

"Face off To Debunk the Myths of Community Schools", April 8, 2010, Philadelphia, PA.  Debate teams from Central High School in Kansas City, MO and Bodine High School in Philadelphia, PA face-off to debate community schools.

The Independence School District has published a new book titled Inspiring Greatness: A Community's Commitment to a Brighter Future.

LINC has produced many maps highlighting demographic and socioeconomic data that is important to creating a fuller understanding of our community.

Many LINC Caring Communities sites held several Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in May.

Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser announced a major initiative outlining closer cooperation between the area's largest city and its school districts which is called Schools First.

The Kansas City, Mo. School District voted March 10 to close 26 schools because of declining enrollment and financial consideration in an effort to "right size" the district.

A Caring Communities Citizen Guide providing information about LINC's work, locations of its school and neighborhood Caring Communities sites and information about area elected officials is available online.

Central High School debaters will "make the case for community schools" at the Coalition for Community Schools 2010 National Forum in Philadelphia.

LINC Commissioner Coauthors Book SuEllen Fried and Blanche Sosland bring their combined experiences together to present a blueprint to reduce the pain, rage, and revenge cycle of bullying.

Mayor Mark Funkhouser holds the first tele-town hall meeting to discuss his Schools First initiative.

Community Mediation Center Works LINC has worked closely the the Community Mediation Center to address conflicts and issues in schools and neighbors. The 10 year old organization offers a wide variety of services to faith based, schools, neighborhoods and businesses.

LINC is working with the US Census Bureau to provide community locations where individuals can apply for census jobs and take the required test.

Kansas City mayor Mark Funkhouser shared a broad vision of a stronger more intentional partnership between the city government and the school neighborhoods throughout the city.

Free help filing your taxes will be available at selected schools and neighborhood centers or file online at MyFreeTaxes.com 

A new public safety-net health clinic will be developed in south Kansas City, Mo. to provide affordable and accessible care to meet growing need.

The foreclosure crisis and the economic downturn is creating new homeless families in the Kansas City area.

LINC will offer its Caring Communities Before and After School Program in 17 Kansas City, Mo. School District schools this fall.

For the third year, LINC held a summer chess camp.

There is hope for urban education when the community is involved.

Those needing to make choices about health insurance and others seeking a better understanding of some important health care system terms can get answers from a new Health Care System Glossary prepared by LINC staff.

The Kansas City, Mo. Public Health Department is sharing information on what parents, children and the community can do to be aware of swine flu.

Family and Youth Festival Southeast Neighborhoods Caring Communities and Missouri Job Corps present a Family and Youth Festival.

All too often, workers become unemployed through no fault of their own and may be eligible for unemployment benefits but finding getting information or filing a claim confusing or difficult. Learn now to file claims online or through an automated phone system.

Fort Osage LINC Caring Communities site coordinators are being recognized for their work in their respective schools.

Two special February events will focus community attention on the growing foreclosure issues in the Kansas City region.

The Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City awarded a $60,000 grant to research the feasibility of a primary care clinic within the Center School District for underserved residents of south Kansas City.

The work of the West Central Area Health Education Center (AHEC) was highlighted in a Nov. 7th story in the Kansas City Business Journal. AHEC is colocated in LINC's offices and works closely with LINC on health related initiatives.

Gov. Matt Blunt sent 141 Missouri Dept. of Social Services’ (DSS) employees to Louisiana to assist with disaster relief in the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav.

At its July meeting, the LINC Commission endorsed a document titled The Community Agenda for America's Public Schools which promotes the ideas of broader community involvement with schools.

A public education campaign about the importance of quality child care has been launched in the Kansas City area.

The Kansas City Quality Improvement Consortium (KCQIC) received a major $1 million grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation as part of a $300 million initiative by the health foundation involving 14 communities from across the nation.

The LINC Commission heard presentations on the extent and impact of foreclosures in the Kansas City area and considering what it and the community can do to address the impact on families and neighborhoods.

Independence School District Supt. Jim Hinson received the 2007 Independence Distinguished Citizen Award from the Independence Chamber of Commerce.

The Examiner Jan. 19, 2008 Bill Rogers recognized for revitalization efforts By Rhiannon Ross | rhiannon.ross@examiner.net Bill Rogers recalls the years he and his friends sat around the table at Jerry's Restaurant in Fairmount talking about their dreams for western

Bill Rogers, a veteran LINC employee, received the Jackson County Inter-Agency Council Human Service Award.

One of LINC's first neighborhood-based Caring Communities sites (Palestine Neighborhood) will hold an open house on Thursday, Jan. 31st from noon to 3 p.m. The public is invited.

The Fort Osage Caring Communities sites received a $500 donation from school district's PM SkillsUSA Club.

LINC supports high school job fair LINC is working with several area high school districts to host a March 10th spring job and employment fair for high school seniors.

NPR features KC juvenvile facility The innovative work of Missouri Division of Youth Services is featured in a Oct. 30th story on National Public Radio show "All Things Considered." The story says Missouri sees "teens offenders as kids, not inmates." The radio feature, first of a

The National Senior Citizens Law Center released a consumer guide on Missouri nursing home admission agreements at a media news conference held Dec. 18th in Kansas City.

The LINC Commission agreed to reestablish Caring Communities sites at seven schools located in western Independence and Sugar Creek that will be transferred from the Kansas City, MO. School District to the Independence School District next July.

A new partnership between LINC Caring Communities, Martin City K-8, and Red Bridge United Methodist Church gives middle-school students the opportunity to take part in fun, enriching activities on early-release days:  the Wedesdays in the Neighborhood (WIN) program.

Caring, sharing For many, holidays are a struggle  Examiner Nov. 22, 2007 By Kelly Evenson | Kelly.evenson@examiner.net When Lisa Diaz received a telephone call in October regarding two children she baby sits, she had only minutes to decide what to

The Fort Osage Caring Communities sites distributed holiday food to families and others in need in time for Thanksgiving.

LINC Founder Bert Berkley is co-author of a book, Giving Back: Connecting You, Business and Community, now available.

Concerned citizens are working hard to build a Buckner community center that will serve the rural Eastern Jackson County community and other neighboring communities.

The Local Investment Commission (LINC) will host a chess tournament on Saturday, March 8th, at Rockhurst University Community Center, 5401 Troost, Kansas City, Mo. 64110.

LINC has been awarded two 21^st Century Community Learning Center grants for five schools in the Hickman Mills and Grandview school districts.

Dr. Larry Ewing, superintendent of the Fort Osage School District, has been named the Missouri Superintendent of the Year by the Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA).

Dr. Bob Lupton will hold a half-day workshop on how church involvement can help community renewal. The special event will be held Tuesday, Nov. 27th from 8 am to noon at Maywood Baptist Church, 10505 Winner Rd. in Independence.

A $4,000 contribution has been made to the Sam and Lindsey Porter Memorial Fund established to help build a playground at Fairmount Elementary School where the two children attended.

The City of Sugar Creek and the Housing Authority of Kansas City are respectively partnering with LINC to create new Caring Communities sites that will be located in the Sugar Creek gymnasium and the Wayne Miner Community Center.

LINC has produced an informative booklet "Tips on Getting Safely to School" that covers tips for children who walk, take the bus or ride to school.

Steve Renne, longtime associate director of the Missouri Dept. of Social Services, recently retired.

The Kansas City Beehive wants to increase technology access in the home for low-income families and is offering no-interest, no-fee loans for the purchase of home personal computers.

LINC will develop two Caring Communities sites in the Center School District starting in August.

LINC will expand its Caring Communities initiative into the Grandview School District in six elementary schools and one middle school.

LINC will expand from one to eight Caring Communities sites in the Hickman Mills School District.

The LINC Commission will convene for a special meeting at 3 p.m. on Friday, May 25, 2007, at the E.M. Kauffman Foundation, 4801 Rockhill Rd., Kansas City, MO 64110.

The Independence School District received a Community Schools National Award for Excellence in a presentation from the Coalition for Community Schools at June 14th presentation at the US Capitol in Washington, DC. which included comments from House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.

Fifty participants in the Family Child Care Entrepreneur and Child Development Associate Credential programs celebrated their graduation on May 10, 2007, at Penn Valley Community College.

Several state agencies will hold a June 14th Kansas City public hearing on development of the Child Care Development Fund for fiscal years 2008 and 2009 on Thursday, June 14th, 7-9 p.m., Paseo Baptist Church, 2501 Paseo, Kansas City, Mo. The public is invited.

LINC operates three of the 25 largest child care centers in the Kansas City area based on ranking published by The Kansas City Star in its April 24th business section.

Prof. john a. powell (lower case intentional) and U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II discussed the challenges of racial and economic equity at a Metro Organization for Racial and Economic Equity (MORE²) luncheon.

Eastgate Middle School Site Coordinator Lory Daniels was among those honored by the North Kansas City Schools Board of Education.

Dr. Jim Hinson, Independence School Superintendent, was selected as the 2007 Missouri School Superintendent of the Year.

LINC has been selected to receive a $750,000 donation of Fujitsu technologies from among more than 40 non-profit organizations nationwide in recognition of their significant impact in strengthening the communities they serve.

As part of the national Cover the Uninsured Week, the Greater Kansas City Cover the Uninsured Coalition will host a health fair on Saturday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Seton Center, 2816 E. 23rd Street, Kansas City, Mo. 64127.

Watch a video interview with Chris Henrich, Ph.D. who is doing a multi-year independent evaluation of 12 Caring Communities sites in the Kansas City, Mo. School District.

KC Community Kick-off Meeting from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, March 14, at Rockhurst University's Community Center

New mobile health van provides no-cost health service to the uninsured.

Missouri is involved in a serious debate on changing the state's Medicaid program.

The Kansas City Quality Improvement Consortium (KCQIC)in February 2007 received a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation competitive grant.

The Kansas City Chamber of Commerce featured LINC in January in its member spotlight feature.

Christopher Hope shares his thoughts about recommendations to close McCoy Elementary school in the Kansas City, Mo. School District.

LINC staff member Tim Decker has been selected to head the Missouri Division of Youth Services (DYS), part of the Missouri Dept. of Social Services. Decker discusses his experiences at LINC. Watch the video

A children's book and DVD celebrating the life and accomplishments of John "Buck" O'Neil created by the children of Primitivo Garcia Elementary School have been published.