Della Lamb Community Services 2021 Impact Report

Connected 2021 Impact Report

A letter from our Executive Director

Thank you

As we reflect upon 2021, we are astounded by the number of ways you endeavored to connect and to serve. 2021 was an odd year, with the lingering uncertainty of COVID 19 weighing on our minds and spirits as we collectively navigated society’s pendulum of reopening plans and subsequent closures.

Across our programs, collaboration with existing and new volunteers, donors, and partners allowed us to pursue new possibilities for impact all the while maintaining our ongoing programs These efforts reflected responses to COVID 19 but also included deeper investments in core issues faced by our neighbors. As I read this report and consider how many people chose to engage, it’s easy to find reasons for gratitude, for your presence and service enriched our impact. Together, we held a vaccination clinic for vulnerable populations, opened new early education classrooms, launched new community engagement and volunteer opportunities, pursued trauma informed learning experiences, and welcomed a historic number of new arrivals through our resettlement program. As a capstone to the year, we hosted officials from the White House in December alongside our Missouri refugee resettlement partners to consider how a united city can overcome seemingly daunting challenges.

As we consider 2021 and identify new opportunities and responses to the challenges faced by our neighbors, it’s clear that we are stronger together. In that spirit, thank you for being part of the Della Lamb community and for working with us to realize a kinder Kansas City. Truly, it is our joy to share this city with you

Ryan Hudnall Executive Director

In 2021, we solidified the 5 organizational values that will continue to guide us in building the kinder Kansas City of which we dream. Let's LIGHT the city.

Learning

We pursue opportunities to learn and grow. We create pathways to listen to our program participants, community partners, regulators, fellow Kansas Citians, and each other. We reflect on our program quality, eager to adapt our care and service approach in response to new learnings.

Integrity

We build trust through proactive communication and client-centered care. We provide clear pathways to assess financial information and our program impact. We reflect on essential components of quality service and discipline ourselves to invest in key areas of impact.

Gratitude

We rejoice in the diversity of the Della Lamb community and offer kindness towards each other as we navigate differences. We believe that all people have something wonderful to contribute towards a kinder Kansas City. We express our thankfulness for each shared moment.

Health

We establish goals and consider new methods, curriculums, and tools to maximize our impact. We capture data and information to refine how to better serve children, youth, and families. We form new partnerships to enhance our approach and response to challenges faced by our neighbors.

Togetherness

We honor all members of the Della Lamb community, welcoming and celebrating each member’s presence with joy and hospitality. We gather with purpose, recognizing that meaningful connections are transformative. We embrace our role as servant leaders, seeking to empower, encourage, and elevate members of the Della Lamb community

Kansas City INSPIRING A KINDER

Our Mission: Della Lamb Community Services exists to empower its clients to meet the challenges of education, employment, and self sufficiency in an ever changing world.

Our Vision is that every individual will be nourished, educated, and supported in an atmosphere of love and respect to permit them to achieve to their full potential.

were cared for and educated in our Early Education program ranging from 6 weeks to 5 years old.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

A Place of Welcome

Capital Improvements

2021 was a year of growth in many ways. Thanks to a hoard of volunteers and generous people who gifted their time and talents, our 1960s building received some beautiful upgrades.

The Church of the Resurrection sent more than 150 volunteers for their Bless This School Initiative where they deep cleaned and repainted classrooms and hallways in our Early Ed wing. One volunteer even outfitted the downstairs hallway with a fun and vibrant mural for our little learners to enjoy.

Patrick Johnston, a former board member, led the charge on the complete overhaul of our Refugee Services wing. Formerly a dark and dated basement, the Refugee Services department is now bright and welcoming for both employees and clients

Teams Reunited

Youth Services

2021 brought the reconnection that many children were yearning for after the previous year. Our youth athletes were ready to reunite with their teammates and we saw a resurgence in participation and dedication from the previous year.

352 children competed in football, track & field, and basketball, and many kids participated in multiple. 76 men and women volunteered 9,368 hours to pour into Della athletes. These coaches know the impact they have on their players goes much deeper than Xs and Os, and that is reflected in the real connections that develop throughout the season.

Our football players (ages 5-14) learned that it’s not the biggest or best-dressed teams that win, it’s the team that works the hardest. 3 Della teams won championships in the fall, including our 6-year-olds who celebrated with the Chiefs.

In an age where instant gratification is the norm, our players learn to overcome adversity and work through obstacles. 11 of our female basketball players received college offers to play ball in 2021 and continue their education, some of them firstgeneration college students.

s for over 20 years. What we have built at nization that not only helps young ladies fulfill their dream of playing collegiate basketball, but it also produces great humans. We cater to EVERYONE. We believe in community, diversity and family. There is no other organization in Kansas City where this is at the core of their sports program."

Betty Bennett, Girls Basketball Volunteer

Leading Little Learners

Early Childhood Education

meals provided 20,000 children served 82

Though the year came with its challenges, it also came with much growth. We hired four new teachers and opened two newly renovated classrooms with the help of the Church of the Resurrection's Bless This School Initiative. This allowed us to welcome more children within our community including one child of refugee status. Demographics served remained fairly representative of a typical year, with 75% of students coming from low income households Within race and nationality, there are other factors to be considered Among those identified as Black/African American, Caucasian, or mixed race, our program serves multiple children who are Sudanese, Somalian, Mexican, Guyanese, Congolese, and Afghani. It is our joy to serve such a beautiful tapestry of humanity.

The Historic Northeast has been previously identified as a childcare desert, and we are passionate about improving both access to early education and quality to our community with the support of the KC Pre K Cooperative. Kindergarten readiness is at the core of our program, and this partnership is vital in closing the gap to accessible and high quality early education.

“The Kauffman Foundation is a proud supporter of Della Lamb’s early education program. The opportunity to strengthen educators’ practice and enhance learning opportunities for young children directly aligns with our goal to ensure all children are prepared for kindergarten. The first five years of life build a foundation upon which all later learning depends, therefore it is critical we invest at an early age.”

Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

A City of Welcome Refugee Services

The majority of new connections forged in 2021 were through our Refugee Services efforts. In August, our hearts broke as we watched live footage of our Afghan allies fighting their way onto planes to flee from the resurgence of the Taliban. The plight of refugees was front and center, and people desperately wanted to help. Kansas City quickly identified itself as a city of welcome when Mayor Lucas shared his desire to welcome refugees Between August and December, more than 500 new donors gave to support our efforts and 485 groups or individuals signed up to volunteer

We welcomed 176 Afghan evacuees in the span of 10 weeks: 29 under the age of 5, 48 school ages, 22 teenagers, and 77 adults all while continuing to care for our existing clients who had arrived during the previous 12 months. Due to the influx of cases and difficulty in identifying dignified and affordable housing, we partnered with a local hotel to house our families upon arrival. The hotel allowed our case managers to meet with clients more efficiently and assess their needs quicker. Volunteers from across the metro came to provide childcare and activities, ESL classes, and even serve meals. Local restauranteurs provided free lunch and dinner and donors from across the country sent cribs and pack and plays to provide rest for our littlest arrivals. Families were excited to move from the hotel into their long term home and find their new normal. Still, the hotel provided Evacuees an immediate community and a beautiful way for volunteers to serve and welcome them.

The heart of Kansas City beat loudly for our new neighbors and we had the privilege to provide avenues of connection to their new homes, jobs, community and schools Kansas City truly is a city of great hospitality

"Beginning in 1610 and continuing for more than 200 years, our ancestors immigrated to this country. Some did so with the hopes of building a more prosperous life, while others were refugees yearning to breathe free. For each of them, caring people opened their hearts to provide shelter, food, clothing, and work. Today, we have the opportunity through Platte Woods United Methodist Church and Della Lamb to do the same, providing for new immigrants much like so many did for our ancestors " The Crouser family

Welcomed

Community Connections

At the beginning of 2021, University Health (FKA Truman Medical Centers) contacted Della Lamb about a partnership during the initial rollout of the COVID 19 vaccine Due to many vaccine registrations only being online and in English, there was a large gap in accessibility Digital inequity, language barriers, citizenship, and accessibility were identified as distinct obstacles keeping people from receiving the vaccine.

We were identified to be a strong partner for University Health because of our relationships with those in our community who may not speak English, may have difficulty registering for vaccinations online, and those who simply don’t live within walking distance of a vaccination site. With help from our partners at KCPS, KCIA, LiteracyKC, Don Bosco, JVS and Guadalupe Centers, we were able to register 250 vulnerable individuals in our community to receive their vaccines.

University Health worked tirelessly as they set up a vaccination clinic in the Della Lamb gym and administered over 400 vaccinations in March and April. We’re thankful for the opportunity to serve those who may otherwise not have had the chance to receive their vaccine due to boundaries that others may not consider.

Operation Holidays

Operation Holidays is a combination of two classic Della events: Operation Thanksgiving and Operation Santa. Due to COVID-19, we combined both events in 2020 and transitioned to a drive thru event. We loved the dignity and flexibility that the drive thru event allowed our clients, so we continued it into 2021.

1,698 people were served through Operation Holidays. Each family received a grocery gift card, winter warmth kits, and a gift for each member of the family. Over 100 volunteers signed up to help serve our community by preparing, packaging, and delivering gift bags. More than $5,000 in gifts were donated through our Amazon Wishlist and $56,627 was donated to aid in our efforts by 117 individuals and our corporate sponsors We are thankful for all who served, especially our Chairs, Patrick and Rhonda Johnston

INDIVIDUAL DONORS

2021 Partners

2021 Leadership

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Executive Director: Ryan Hudnall

Engagement Director: Cori Wallace

Finance Director: Marie Tayrien Marketing Director: Ashley Foster

Early Education Director: Marie Taylor

Refugee Services Director: Danilo Aguilar

Youth Services Director: Tony Woods

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President: Mike McCluskey | Henderson Engineers

Vice President: Dave Schukai | BRR

Treasurer: Cheryl Redline | American Century Investments

Secretary: Jean Gaslin | United Methodist Women, KS

Nancy Lear | United Methodist Women, MO

Patrick Woolley | Polsinelli

Patrick McLaughlin | Church of the Resurrection

Jill Hershberger | United Methodist Women, KS

Inspiring a kinder Kansas City

WWW DELLALAMB ORG 500 WOODLAND AVE. KANSAS CITY, MO 64106