For years, Kansas City has been a destination for refugees and new immigrants, largely because of the work of three resettlement agencies: Jewish Vocational Service, Della Lamb Community Services and Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. As the region prepares to receive significant numbers of refugees after several years of restricted admissions, KC for Refugees and the other agencies are sharing multiple ways for people to get involved.
Refugees are coming to Kansas City. Here’s how to help.
Posted inEducation
‘A 60,000-square-foot welcome mat’: New KCPS center helps immigrant, refugee students
The Welcome Center is designed to help students gain the language and cultural and educational skills they need to succeed.
Posted inEducation
Lunch. Soccer. Class. COVID. Wichita students on starting new year of pandemic learning
What happens when the unprecedented becomes precedented? As Kansas schools wrap up the first month of a second year of pandemic learning, they’re still struggling with many of the same challenges as last year, even as they’re left with fewer tools to address them. But for Wichita area high school students, returning for another COVID-19 school year means the virus has become a regular part […]
Posted inLocal Government
Who is Taking KC Back? Behind the PAC hoping to oust multiple council members
Clarification: Rita Olson-Stawicki is the president of Taking Back KC. She assumed the position after the resignation of former president Jami Bailey in July 2021. A new political action committee in Kansas City, Missouri, is quietly raising its influence and aims to have a say in how City Hall conducts business — and who is […]
Posted inCivic Engagement
Refugee resettlement agencies ask for landlord referrals as they prepare for new arrivals
In the past, resettlement agencies usually had two or three weeks to get a family set up. But with many of the emergency evacuations from Afghanistan over the past month, this process has been shortened to just 48 to 72 hours. “It’s going to be crazy, which is why we need help,” Danilo Aguilar said.
Posted inEconomics
‘I’m praying they tear this down’: Dangerous properties owned by KCMO’s Land Bank draw frustration
Three properties are currently classified as dangerous buildings by the city, and they are not listed in the Land Bank’s inventory as available for sale.
Posted inLocal Government
A Chick-fil-A at the new airport? LGBTQ advocates say that won’t fly
UPDATE: Chick-fil-A has been removed from the list of potential restaurants in the new KCI airport terminal after pushback at a Transportation, Infrastructure and Operations Committee meeting. A plan unveiled last week to include Chick-fil-A alongside a mix of local and national restaurants inside the new Kansas City International (KCI) airport terminal is causing concern […]
Posted inHealth
Coming soon to your local bar: free HIV and hepatitis C tests
KC Care prevention manager Paisley Williams wants to move away from language that stigmatizes STIs and sexual health. She said the stigma only makes this health care more inaccessible — instead of getting tested for STIs or getting a prescription, it causes them to avoid care out of shame or fear of judgement.
Posted inEducation
Kansas offers free community college for students in high-demand fields
Thirty-three higher education institutions in Kansas are included in the program — 19 community colleges, seven technical colleges and seven private, nonprofit postsecondary institutions.
Posted inWatchdog
Over 225 complaints have been filed against Wichita Police so far this year
If you’ve been mistreated by local law enforcement, there are avenues you can take to file a complaint against a police officer. The Professional Standards Bureau of the Wichita Police Department investigates allegations of misconduct against the department and its staff. The department’s website encourages citizens to report allegations of misconduct to an officer’s bureau commander or […]