On October 17th, KVC Health Systems unveiled its positive impact in the lives of children and families at its 2019 Annual Celebration at KVC’s Ball Conference Center in Olathe, Kansas.

During the event, KVC thanked staff, donors, and partners; released its 2019 Impact Report; shared inspiring stories about the positive difference the organization has made; and honored community members who have joined them in this work.

A young woman named Shanel shared her story of thriving in high school thanks to support of loving foster family.

Each year KVC positively affects the lives of children, adults and families through its diverse continuum of services including in-home family support, foster care, adoption, behavioral healthcare, substance use treatment, and children’s psychiatric hospitals. In the 2019 fiscal year, KVC achieved these national results:

• Served and positively impacted 71,560 people’s lives
• Safely prevented 13,268 children from entering foster care by stabilizing and strengthening their families
• Helped 726 families safely reunite after one or more of their children were in foster care
• Supported 7,106 children in foster care, cared for by relatives or foster families
• Matched 808 children with loving adoptive families, bringing the total number of children matched with forever families in the agency’s history to 5,321
• Provided in-home services such as family therapy, behavioral healthcare and skill-building to 26,894 children & adults
• Treated 3,090 children and adults at its psychiatric hospitals and residential treatment centers
• Provided over 18,916 expressive therapy sessions
• Reached over 3,500 community leaders with training or consultation on best practices in child welfare and behavioral health

The full 2019 Annual Report can be found here.

Hero Awards

Hero Award Recipient Jill Docking

Each year, KVC presents its Hero Award to an individual, couple or organization that has made a significant difference in KVC’s evolution and in the lives of children and families (view past heroes here). This year, the honor went to HOPE LIVES Campaign champions Marc Bennett, Sedgwick County District Attorney; Jill Docking of The Docking Group/RW Baird; and Patrick Goebel of Star Lumber & Supply Co. who made significant contributions to the establishment of the new children’s psychiatric hospital in Wichita, KS. More children and adolescents are experiencing suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, psychological trauma, substance abuse, and other mental health challenges, and these leaders stepped up to create a solution. By championing our HOPE LIVES Campaign, Marc Bennett, Jill Docking and Patrick Goebel are helping to raise significant philanthropic support to open KVC Hospitals Wichita. This new children’s psychiatric hospital is giving critical help and hope to children in need.

Values-Driven Partner Awards

KVC also honored six individuals and community partners who demonstrate its closely-held values like authenticity, compassion, family connection, collaboration, urgency, innovation and diversity.

• Centurions Leadership Program, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
• Bob Noone (Guardian Ad Litem and Attorney) and Beth Hughes Noone (Registered Play Therapist), advocates for West Virginia children and families
• Min. Nina Shaw-Woody, Executive Director, Kansas Family Advisory Network, Inc.
• The University of Kansas School of Social Welfare
• Dr. Chizimuzo Okoli, The University of Kentucky College of Nursing
• Kelly Simms, Service Coordinator, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

 

 

The program was followed by a cocktail reception where speakers, honorees and guests mingled and continued the celebration. The KVC team is already looking forward to next year’s event, which will mark the 50th Anniversary of KVC’s life-changing work.