KVC helps children and families in crisis, because we all need connection. This helping takes place over time, one child and one family at a time. These stories give a glimpse of how KVC staff, amazing foster/adoptive parents and community partners all come together to make a tremendous positive difference in the lives of children and families who have experienced difficult times.

Success Story: Sister and Brother Get a Loving Home When Teacher Fosters Then Adopts Them

“Yes, it’s hard. It’s REALLY hard,” says Michelle, who began as a foster mom and adopted the two children in her care. “But the overwhelming joy that comes with each tiny success towards healing… the joy in these moments far outweighs anything else.” Read Michelle and her family’s story of resilience, trust and joy.

Finding Success at KVC Academy: Dean’s Journey to a Bright Future

One service we offer to help Missouri children succeed is KVC Academy, a group of schools providing alternative and therapeutic education for K-12 students who have struggled in traditional settings. Learn how KVC student, Dean, and his mom Hannah found hope for the future with support from teachers and therapists.

How KVC Helped Teen Get a Second Chance at Life: Music Therapy for Children’s Mental Health

“Michael” is the name of a 17-year-old boy who came to KVC Niles residential treatment, a program of nonprofit KVC Missouri in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri. Michael had experienced a lot of trauma and adversity in his young life. As he began engaging with KVC therapists including music therapist Hope and expressive program manager Ashton, he found that his natural interest in music along with his songwriting talent could be used to express himself in a powerful, healing way.

Parents Learn Healthy Skills and Safely Reunify with Daughter 

An investigation of physical abuse led authorities to remove an elementary school aged girl from her home. Her parents relied on yelling and physical discipline to parent their young daughter, and at first, they were reluctant to work with KVC staff. Over time, they felt like KVC was on their team and helped them learn new parenting techniques so their daughter could safely return home.

Single Father Works Hard to Safely Reunite Family [VIDEO]

When James’ suddenly had to become the primary caregiver for his two young children, he felt stressed and overwhelmed with this important responsibility. A court decision was made to remove his children from the home and have a foster family care for them while James learned healthy skills for becoming a successful father in order to safely reunite this family.

Family of Eight Finds Healing from Childhood Trauma, Substance Abuse

The parents of six children were struggling with substance abuse when a judge decided to remove the children from the home. The KVC therapist discovered that the parents had experienced trauma during their childhood and helped the couple heal from their past and learn healthy coping techniques.

Personal Calling Leads to Career for KVC Foster Parent Coordinator

For Steve White, his job feels more like a personal calling. He knows firsthand the joys and challenges that foster parents experience because he was a foster parent before coming to work for KVC. He and his wife adopted three boys from foster care, and Steve hopes to inspire others to foster or adopt.

 You’re Never Too Old to be Adopted: Bob’s Story [VIDEO]

Bob needed a forever family to adopt him, but over time, the 17-year-old began to think that he was too old to be adopted. Keira Jones came across a video of Bob online talking bout what he desired in a family, and she realized her family could meet all of this needs.