KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Phoenix Family is helping struggling families and seniors enjoy the holiday season through comprehensive support programs across Jackson County.
The organization has been selected as KCTV’s December 3-Degree Guarantee winner for their work addressing poverty in multiple ways.
For seventh grader A’jah Adams, Phoenix Family’s assistance has been transformative. Adams said her education improved dramatically after connecting with the organization.
“Before I came here, my education was really bad,” Adams said. “But ever since coming here, my grades have been up. Last year I finished the sixth grade with a 4.0.”
Food assistance provides stability
Adams said the organization’s food pantry has eliminated worries about hunger in her household.
“The food pantry helps a lot because when our food is running low and we have no money,” Adams said. “They come in big.”
Phoenix Family operates across 21 housing complexes in Jackson County, Missouri. According to their website, their mission focuses on “delivering support and opportunity right where they live” through programs for children, families and older adults.
Multiple support programs address needs
President and CEO Kimber Myers Givner said the organization provides various forms of assistance.
“We have a life coach program, we’re constantly working to do direct emergency assistance,” Givner said. “Whether that’s for rent, utilities, clothing vouchers.”
The organization offers a free afterschool program called HIKE for parents who cannot afford daycare. Children spend nearly two hours selecting books and working with reading coaches.
Second grader Bailee Miller said she enjoys the program’s educational focus.
“I like to read Lilo and Stitch and learn about different animals,” Miller said. “I like to do a lot of work because it makes me smarter.”
Education focus aims to break poverty cycle
Givner said reading proficiency plays a crucial role in preventing future poverty.
“If they don’t read on level, especially by 3rd grade, they’re more likely to not graduate from high school,” Givner said. “We know that if kids don’t graduate from high school, they’re more likely to live in poverty.”
KCTV 5 will donate up to $1,550 to Phoenix Family this December to continue this mission. Givner said the funds will support multiple programs. You too can make a difference by donating here.
“We’d be thrilled to put that into a food pantry. Put that into the HIKE program, help more of our seniors to remain independently living,” Givner said. “I can assure you that all of those dollars go to good use.”
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