From the Director

When I am at conferences, I often hear, “I wish we had a Lee’s Summit CARES”.  The reasons for Lee’s Summit CARES success are many.  First, CARES is available to fill a community need to create, finance and sustain    programs that help youth and family.

• Community of Character

• Love and Logic Parenting Classes

• You Can Make a Difference (anti-bullying classes)

• Parent University

• Teen Council

• Partnership to Prevent Underage Drinking

 Second, CARES is successful due to community buy-in. LS CARES works with the faith, city, business, public safety, family, education, media and recreation community.

Third, CARES is a coalition that stresses the core values of respect, responsibility, collaboration, and appreciation.

Fourth, CARES is successful due to strong leadership from the Board of Directors (an active and working board) and the staff.

Fifth, CARES has the support of federal grants. The government has been moving money from law enforcement and education and putting it in Community 2000 Teams (Lee's Summit CARES).

By giving the grant money to a community coalition the stakeholders must work together to decide which programs are needed. Lee’s Summit CARES keeps all the data and reports results to the state.

Through two federal grants we have been able to:

• Work with the police department to increase party patrols and compliance checks.

• Hire a Student Assistance Program Coordinator to coordinate school referrals to assist youth who are demonstrating risky behaviors.

• Help fund ATOD clubs at the middle schools.

• Expand youth leadership through youth forums.

Sixth, CARES increases local funding each year.

In the last few years we have proven to be a viable organization which provides the means to fund programs for local problems, insures fiscal responsibility, believes in the integrity of this community and shows compassion for all members of the community. We are a coalition whose work will always be a part of Lee’s Summit.

Every community needs a Lee’s Summit CARES.