Across all Resurrection locations, we no longer will accept general onsite donations. Instead, we’ll continue with focused drop-off events that will best serve our partners with just-in-time resources. This approach will allow all campuses and multiple ministries to share focused efforts to serve Kansas City.

Please continue to check in with cor.org/localimpact for details about our monthly initiatives and ways you can serve and donate directly to those on the front lines. If you have items to donate throughout the year we’d recommend taking items to the organizations below:

• Non-perishable food donations – Resurrection Overland Park Food Pantry
• Furniture/household goods – Flourish Furnishings
• Books/office supplies – Blessings Abound
• Sports/fitness/outdoor equipment – Adelante Thrift
• Storage/organization/tools – Blessings Abound
• Clothing/Misc – Mission Southside
• Printers/electronics – Connecting for Good (PCs for People)

Saturday, April 17
9:00 - 11:00 am
All Resurrection Campuses

This month we are collecting two of our most requested items from our clothing ministry partners - socks and underwear. And because it's hard to learn on an empty stomach, Church of the Resurrection's Partner Schools Ministry continues to bless classrooms with snacks.

Donations needed:

• New men's and women's underwear (all types, especially larger sizes)
• New men's and women's socks (especially crew and work socks)
• Individually packaged snacks for kids (crackers, fruit snacks, granola bars, popcorn)

Drop off your donations at any Resurrection campus on Saturday, April 17 from 9:00 - 11:00 am.

Want to volunteer at your campus? Visit our April 17th Serve Saturday sign-up and look for "Assist with monthly collection"

Not able or available to donate in person? You can help classrooms get the snacks they need by purchasing items from our Partner Schools Amazon Wishlist. Be sure to select "Gift Registry Address" when you checkout and your donation will be shipped directly to our team.

Upcoming Drives

• May 15: Summer Fun for Foster Families (jump ropes, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, simple board or card cames, kickballs
• June 19: Hunger Drive
• July 17: Partner Schools
• Aug 21: Clothing & Books

Imagine losing your home, your community, your job, your school, and the lives of close family members and friends. Any one these events would create turmoil, yet refugee families are living with the reality of all of these at once. Church of the Resurrection works with a variety of partners to address the needs of refugees around the world.

Donations provide tangible relief and serve to remind recipients that there are people who care and are willing to sacrifice to help make their lives better.

Safe Spaces School

The Syrian civil war continues to create a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale. In Lebanon, the on-going crisis is sharply evident, as the small country is home to more than 1.5 million refugees, many of whom are school-aged children.

In partnership with the Church of the Resurrection, the Safe Spaces School in Saida, Lebanon held its grand opening on October 2, 2018, to serve more than 200 children — providing both educational and psycho-social support. Living up to its name, the school truly is a safe space where all are welcome and where a future with hope is made possible.

Learn more about Safe Spaces.

UNICEF

UNICEF is on the front lines of many crises around the world, serving its most vulnerable children. Church of the Resurrection donates funds to help in their efforts to provide education, health care, clean water and nutritional support to refugee children and families.

Learn more about UNICEF.

Join us for a three-night virtual serve trip with our global partner in Costa Rica!

Wil Bailey from Costa Rica Mission Projects in San Isidro will join us via Zoom to talk about the work being done in Costa Rica. Our partnership with Wil & Costa Rica Mission Projects is unique because their organizational structure allows a diverse range of ages to serve together, perfect for families of any shape and size.

Join us to hear more about why Wil is serving in Costa Rica, what the impact is, and how we can engage as a church. If you're thinking about taking a serve trip with your family, this is a great way to learn more.

Virtual Trip Dates:

• Monday, May 3 - 6-8 pm
• Tuesday, May 4 - 7-9 pm
• Wednesday, May 5 - 6-8 pm

There are more than 13,000 families in Kansas City struggling to find affordable housing. Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City partners with families to provide strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. Through this partnership, each family has the opportunity to build or rehab and purchase their own decent home with an affordable zero-interest mortgage. Help be part of the solution by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity.

Sign-up to serve on one of the following Saturdays:

• Apr 17, 2021
• May 22, 2021

Space is limited due to COVID-19 precautions.

Construction Volunteer Information from Habitat:

• Construction volunteers do not need to have any prior experience in construction or bring any of their own tools; we will give you all of the education and tools you need!
• In case of inclement weather, please call our Weather Hotline at 816-924-1096, press 6, press 1 to hear the recorded message for any cancellations or changes. We update the message by 7:15 a.m. each morning.
• All volunteers are required to wear a mask over mouth and nose at all times, except while eating. To review our full COVID-19 volunteer safety policy, please click here.
• We ask that all volunteers stay the full day, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• We will have 30 minutes set aside for lunchtime. You will need to provide your own lunches. Feel free to bring your lunch or have lunch delivered to the site.
• We recommend you bring your own water. Due to COVID-19 safety policies, we will not be providing water or snacks.
• Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirt, mud, or house paint on, and wear sturdy/closed-toe & heeled shoes (NO flip flops, sandals, or crocs!) If you have work gloves, please bring them.
• Dress for the weather. If there has been rain on previous days, be prepared for the sites to be muddy.
• The use, purchase and possession of alcohol, drugs, and weapons are forbidden on Habitat KC property and volunteer sites.
• All volunteers must be 16 or older to volunteer. Any volunteers under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian fill out our Minor Volunteer Waiver and Permission Form.

Shopping and eating locally means more of your money stays in the community, providing jobs and improving the economy. It can also mean a reduction in the environmental impact, compared to larger chain stores and restaurants. Here are some tips for shopping and eating locally:

Buy locally grown and produced food: Buying local is better for you, the environment, and the local economy. The average piece of produce in the U.S. travels 1,500 miles, while local food may only travel 100 miles (or less). When local farmers are well compensated they are less likely to sell their land to developers. This helps preserve green space that can draw down harmful carbon and reduce flooding. Farmers markets throughout the KC Metro area are open from spring to fall.

Patronize local restaurants that partner with local growers:  Look for local restaurants that offer “farm to table” cuisine.  You’ll support a local business while reducing the impact on the environment due to storing and transporting.

Look for items that are made locally, or Made in America: Local businesses typically consume less land and locate closer to residents than big chains. This means there is more green space to absorb heavy rains and less air pollution. In addition to providing more jobs, local companies provide a unique selection of products not available anywhere else. Buying from a local retailer also keeps 4 times the amount of money in the local economy compared to chains.

Join a CSA program: Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) creates a partnership between you and the farmer. Subscription plans allow you to become a shareholder of a local farm, and in return you enjoy a weekly share of food directly from the farm.

100% local Christmas: Commit to buying 100% of your Christmas presents locally. Supporting local vendors and shops improves the economy, supplies local jobs and lessens the impact on the environment caused by large chain stores, and you get to give unique and thoughtful gifts

Resources:

Why Buy Local Food?

Local Farm to Table Restaurants

Local Farmers and CSAs - Kansas City Food Circle

Cultivate KC

Made in KC - Explore

#ShopLocalKC

Made in America

KC Public School partnerships

• Church of the Resurrection partners with eight local elementary schools to help improve lifelong outcomes for students. A full description of opportunities and steps to get involved are available at our Partner Schools Ministry page.
• RezDowntown partners specifically with two schools and our members are encouraged to participate here to build community along fellow RezDowntown participants.
• Information on our two schools
  • Wendell Phillips Elementary
    • Located at 2400 Prospect Ave. KCMO (view website)
    • For more information on serving at Wendell Phillips, contact Sally Smith!
    • See all opportunities to serve here.
  • East High School
    • Located at 1924 Van Brunt Ave, KCMO (view website)
    • For more information on serving at East High School, contact Pastor Patrick.McLaughlin@cor.org.

For questions about the serve partners below, contact Pastor Patrick.McLaughlin@cor.org!

If you've just served with us, please click here to answer a few quick questions about your experience. (1 minute time commitment)

Serve Locations

• Adelante Thrift: 3720 State Ave, Kansas City, KS(view website)
• Amethyst Place: 2735A Troost KCMO 64109 (view website)
• Community LINC: 4012-14 Troost St KCMO 64110 (view website)
• Connections to Success: 300 West Linwood Blvd, KCMO 64111 (view website)
• Della Lamb: 500 Woodland Ave KCMO (view website)
• Don Bosco Center: 580 Campbell KCMO 64106 (view website)
• East High School: 1924 Van Brunt Ave, KCMO (view website)
• Giving HopeKC: 6640 State street in Kansas City, KS 66102 (view website)
• Happy Bottoms: 303 W. 79th Street, Kansas City, MO 64114 (view website)
• Healing House: 4600 Saint John KCMO 64123 (view website)
• Hillcrest Transitional Living: 738 N. 31st St., KCKS (view website)
• Hope Faith Homeless Assistance Campus: 705 Virginia Ave., KCMO 64106 (view website)
• ShelterKC Men's Shelter & Recovery Services: 1520 Cherry St. KCMO (view website
  • To serve at ShelterKC, please fill out this quick application.
• ShelterKC Women's Shelter & Recovery Services: Park in Lot at Prospect & Peery (view website)
  • To serve at ShelterKC, please fill out this quick application.
• Lazarus Ministries: Linwood United Church, 3151 Olive St, KCMO 64109 (view website)
• Metro Early Learning Center: 3827 Troost Ave Kansas City, MO 64109 (website)
• Metro Lutheran Ministries: 3031 Holmes St., KCMO 64109 (view website)
• Newhouse: Address not listed for the safety of residents (view website)
• The Micah Ministry (Mondays): 606 Gladstone Blvd, KCMO 64124 (view website)
• Neighbor 2 Neighbor: 3551 Wabash Ave, Kansas City, MO 64109 (view website)
• Operation Breakthrough: 3039 Troost Ave., KCMO 64109 (view website)
• The Reading Nook (1st & 3rd Saturdays): 1903 Hardesty Ave., KCMO (for more info on tutoring, click here)
• Reconciliation Services: 3101 Troost Ave KCMO 64109 (view website)
• reStart, Inc.: 918 E. 9th St, KCMO 64106 (view website)
• Rose Brooks Center: Address not listed for the safety of residents (view website)
• Sheffield Place: 6604 E. 12th St. KCMO 64126 (view website)
• St. Mark Early Education Center: 2008 E. 12th St., KCMO 64127 (view website)
• Student Farm at Gibbs Rd: 4223 Gibbs Rd., KCKS (view website)
• Synergy Services: 2001 NE Parvin Rd, KCMO 64116 (view website)
• United Prayer Movement: 340 David L. Gray Dr. Kansas City, KS 66101 (website)
• UpLift: 1516 Prospect Ave., KCMO 64127 (view website)
• Urban Christian Academy: 4328 Jackson Ave KCMO 64130 (view website)
• Wendell Phillips Elementary: 2400 Prospect Ave. KCMO (view website)

Now more than ever families who are struggling can use a little extra help to meet their children's needs.

Even though children from most of our ongoing school partners are not meeting in person, we are working with their schools and the district to deliver the Backpacks for Hunger bags filled with non-perishable food for the weekend.

Join a small group of people on Wednesday afternoons at the Leawood campus for a 90-minute shift and help organize the food and participate in the filling of over 1,000 bags of food that will be delivered to seven schools across the city.

Safety precautions are in place, including reducing the number of volunteers serving at one time, raising the age requirement for participation, requiring face masks and asking screening questions.

If you are able to be on your feet and active for 90 minutes please join us. Those taking part in set up should be able to lift 10-15 lbs. Learn more and register here.

Other ways to serve:

• Backpack Angel: Resurrection’s Backpacks for Hunger Ministry helps alleviate this issue by providing nutritious, child-friendly food to over 1,500 students a week. Students who participate in the program receive a bag with items such as cereal, a box of shelf stable milk, cup of fruit, can of soup and other non-perishable food that is easily prepared. You can provide food for a student for a year for $225, or $18.75/month. Give online and become a Backpack Angel.

• Deliver Backpacks: Fridays 8am -12pm to Elementary Schools. Requires heavy lifting and possibly driving the church's box truck. Contact Bruce Gaddis at deliveryteam@cor.org

• Pick-up Empty Tubs: Tuesdays 7am -1pm from Elementary Schools. Requires moderate lifting and possibly driving the church's box truck. Contact Bruce Gaddis at deliveryteam@cor.org
  

• Do a Peanut Butter Drive: Peanut butter is a great source of non-perishable protein that can be used for quick meals, so families receive a small jar of peanut butter every month in addition to the usual food. Collect donations of non-glass, 14-16 oz containers of peanut butter. Please do not provide larger jars as these make the bags too heavy for some of the smaller kids and our delivery team. This is a great way to support this ministry and help struggling families at times when kids don’t have access to school meals. Contact Roberta Lyle for more information - roberta.lyle@cor.org.

• Pray for the Children: Each week as they receive the supplemental weekend food.

All activities take place at Resurrection Leawood Campus, Building A, Lower Level Mission Space.

You can find out more about our local community advocates and partners at these websites.

Kansas

Foster Care Agencies - Resource families in Kansas must be licensed through one of these agencies. All of these agencies sponsor MAPP trainings, a free 10-week course required for foster parents and/or foster-to-adopt parents in Kansas.

• KVC
• Ember Hope
• DCCCA
• St. Francis
• Children’s Alliance: This is a very helpful website for on-line trainings that are required to maintain your license and other support for KS foster parents. There are also links to all of the KS Foster Care Agencies
• Kansas Foster and Adoptive Parent Association: This is a foster parent support group. They also operate a resource center where foster parents can pick up clothing and other items needed for their kiddos
• Kansas Gear Up: Gear Up offers educational support including scholarship opportunities for Kansas foster kids. It is run via Wichita State University, but their scholarship can be used at any State-sponsored post-secondary educational school (i.e. tech schools, community colleges, and 4-year colleges in Kansas)

Information on children available for adoption in Kansas is available at www.adoptkskids.org.

Missouri

Missouri is not privatized like Kansas. Children are placed directly from the State of Missouri Division of Family Services, which provides general information on the foster care and adoption process in Missouri.

• Midwest Foster Care and Adoption Association (MFCAA): This organization is a great resource for Missouri foster parents in regards to the MO-required training program STARS and information on fostering in Missouri. They also offer metro-wide foster parent support for KS and MO foster parents, including a resource center for clothing.
• Cornerstones of Care: This organization in Kansas City, MO is an umbrella organization that provides an array of preventive, treatment, and support services for children and their families. Their partner agencies include the Gillis, Marillac, Ozanam, and Spofford group homes as well as the Healthy Families program.
• Ozanam: Residential treatment program for boys and girls 12 to 18. They also offer other services as indicated on their website.
• Gillis: An Intensive Residential Treatment program at Gillis offers safety, healing and trauma-informed treatment to boys ages 5 to 18 who need more intensive supports and supervision. This short-term residential program provides individualized treatment plans - including therapy, psychiatric care and recreational activities - to ensure each boy receives the healing and skills he needs to be successful in his long-term community placement.
• YES Program: The YES (Youth Educational Success) Program is part of healthy families. The goal of this program is to help foster youth in MO attend college. The YES program is seeking mentors and tutors for the youth – more information can be found on their webpage
• Crittenton Children’s Center: Crittenton Children's Center offers a range of services including psychiatric hospital programs for young children and adolescents, and residential treatment for adolescent girls and boys. They also offer foster care and adoption services.
• Synergy Services: Synergy provides a full continuum of care to assist individuals and families with immediate respite from violence, and services which empower clients to find and choose good options for future safety and success. They provide supportive services to families in crisis in an effort to prevent violence. Their programs include crisis hotlines, emergency shelter, transitional housing, therapeutic services, advocacy, mentoring and violence prevention programs throughout Greater Kansas City.
• Stepping Stones: Kansas City Steppingstone is a transitional living program working with young people ages 16-21 that helps them transition safely and successfully into independence. The program is based on positive youth development strategies and provides housing, employment services, education counseling, life skills training, and permanency planning. Part of the Steppingstone program is safe, stable housing accommodations in either campus or community apartments. Steppingstone offers life skills training to help youth find work, with the end goal being self-sufficiency. The program helps youth create an education and career plan, develop work readiness skills, learn how to apply for jobs, dress for interviews, etc.

Mentoring and Child Advocate Opportunities

• YOUThrive: YOUTHRIVE is a new nonprofit organization that is focused on empowering and supporting our foster youth as they transition to adulthood. The organization was established in July 2015 after the founding team and its community partners agreed that the best opportunity for sustainable and scalable impact was to form a new organization that is intently focused on meeting the wants and needs of this specific population of young people. Their vision is to see all youth become adults that thrive in their community. They are currently recruiting Support Families.
• YES Program: Mentor kids in the YES Program or tutor them with their schoolwork.
• Gillis Boys Home: A Child’s Hope Be-a-Mentor program works with boys at the Gillis Home. Penny Zadeh is the contact for our Be-a-Mentor program pzadeh1@gmail.com.
• CASA, Court-appointed Special Advocate, is an individual appointed by the judge who serves as an advocate for the youth throughout their time in foster care. This is an important role that can far outlast the foster care worker or foster care home for the youth in terms of consistency. CASA is always looking for more volunteers – if you would like to make a positive impact in a child’s life, this is a great way to do that.
• Jackson County CASA
• CASA of Johnson and Wyandotte Counties

Other Resources:

• Family Conservancy: Resource for summer camp info and childcare providers who take the DCF reimbursement
• Kansas City YMCA: The YMCA offers summer day camp and after-school programs at selected schools that is covered by the DCF childcare stipend

Using Psalm 4:8 as the guiding mission, the Beds Program provides new beds to children who don’t have beds of their own in Kansas City urban and suburban communities. Our purpose is to recognize and address the physical need for sleep, thus providing a sense of comfort, rest and peace. Through this coordinated demonstration of God’s love and provision, we will bring smiles and comfort to children and families. Our focus is to serve the children referred by Resurrection's partner school districts and specific mission partners.

Upcoming Serving Opportunities:

Beds Pick-up Parties:

Volunteers are needed to load/unload mattresses, greet participants and assist them in picking up linens and pajamas. This is a great serving opportunity for the whole family-appropriate for children 7 and older when accompanied by an adult. Please note this event takes place outside-dress accordingly!

• April 26, 2020 - Wheatley Elementary School - 1:00-3:00pm
• May 3, 2020 - Wheatley Elementary School - 1:00-3:00pm

Other Serve Opportunities:

Host a Linen Drive

Host a linen drive in your school, workplace, or neighborhood! New twin linens will be provided to school aged children who receive beds through the Program. If you need more information on the Program for your drive, please contact bedsforeverybody@gmail.com.

Slat Support Construction

Have access to free or inexpensive lumber? We are always looking for lumber to build our slat support structure. This structure is used in place of a box spring.

Sponsor a Bed

Don’t let a Kansas City child sleep on the floor tonight. Consider sponsoring a bed!

• $95 for a new twin bed (mattress, mattress pad, slat support and metal frame)
• $40 for a new set of linens
• $135 for a twin bed and all the linens!

Contact bedsforeverybody@gmail.com with questions.

Please visit the Beds Ministry Donations page for more information about how to support this ministry with donations.

I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety. -Psalm 4:8

Our RezDT Construction ministry is looking for volunteers of all skill levels and from all of our campuses. This ministry meets the first & third Saturdays of each month to help families and Serve Saturday partners that have a little more advanced and time consuming needs then they can address on their own. We partner with Christmas in October on many of the homes.  For info email rezdtconstruction@cor.org.