Lee's Summit CARES
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About Us

For over 22 years, Lee's Summit CARES formerly the Drug Awareness Referral Exchange, D.A.R.E. has grown and developed into a thriving and important community based and grass roots organization.  We are a community task force working to combat substance abuse and promote youth safety in Lee's Summit.  The task force is comprised of representatives from healthcare organizations, law enforcement, area businesses, churches, and civic groups along with educators, students and parents.  The group meets regularly to develop and implement community strategies to address this problem.

In addition, Lee's Summit CARES is part of a Community 2000 team and operates in conjunction with the Missouri Youth Adult Alliance Against Underage Drinking.  Together we are committed to reducing the rate of alcohol use among youth in Missouri.  This is a grassroots organization that believes that everyone's support is vital to reducing and eliminating teen alcohol use.

From the Board President

Lee's Summit CARES continues to support and promote initiatives in the community as a part of our mission to reduce substance abuse, promote youth safety and thereby improve the health and well-being of the community.  There are many important programs and projects we actively support and conduct such as Parent University, the Community of Character initiative, including the annual Mayor's Character Breakfast, Love & Logic parenting programs, the I Can Make a Difference bullying program, and Alcohol Retailer Training.  We support efforts such as DARE, Teen Council and the Community Safe Prom & Graduation partnership.  Lee's Summit CARES is also involved in the Lee's Summit Partnership to Prevent Underage Drinking Coalition. 

Partnerships and funding are critical to the success of our efforts. Lee’s Summit CARES works to provide programs at a reasonable cost so all residents can benefit. Scholarships are available for most programs and can be obtained in advance of participation. Funding for our organization is obtained through grants, fundraising, donations, in kind services, and program fees. A copy of our annual report is available on this website or by request. Our community partners are many and we value their participation. Without their efforts and support Lee’s Summit CARES would not have the community wide impact we currently have.

It goes without saying the programs, initiatives, and successes of Lee’s Summit CARES would not be possible without the dedicated and talented staff and volunteers who make it all happen. I would like to encourage you to take a few minutes and learn a little more about this great community organization. We are always looking for volunteers to assist in all capacities within the organization. For more information about Lee’s Summit CARES please call our Community Director, Roby Little at 816.347.3298.