Missouri Coalition for Children hosted a Connected Communities – Thriving Families convening in Kansas City, Missouri, on Aug. 9. This convening was focused on the immediate incremental changes attendees could make both personally and organizationally. The group split into three groups to tackle the community’s three priority areas (Ask and Listen, Eliminate Financial Barriers, and Increase Access and Availability). Each subgroup established goals for 2025 and the steps and resources necessary to achieve those goals. MCC will reach out periodically to check in on goal progress between now and the next convening. Below, you’ll find a few takeaways from the convening discussion.

• Ask and Listen: Change how we listen to families and engage more effectively. This involves sharing resources, understanding the family’s needs and following up promptly.
• Access and Availability: Improve community referrals, support innovation and meet families where they are.
• Eliminate Financial Barriers: Address perceptions of funding and ensure accommodations for diverse family needs.

Download the full convening summary here: