Mission Updates :: July 2026

CAPACares Mid-Year Update

As we reach the midpoint of 2026, I find myself reflecting with immense gratitude on what the CAPACares community has accomplished together. Every day, I have the privilege of witnessing the compassion, expertise, and unwavering commitment of our staff, interns, volunteers, board members, and community partners. Because of this collective effort, children, adults, and families across our community continue to find hope, healing, and support during some of life's most difficult moments.

During the first six months of this year, CAPACares has:

• provided 5,730.5 hours of counseling and therapeutic services to 318 children, adults, and families;
• completed 181 home visits through our Family Support program; and
• delivered prevention education to more than 4,000 students, parents, and community members.

These numbers represent far more than services provided—they represent safer families, healthier relationships, and brighter futures for the people we serve.

While 2026 has brought continued uncertainty within the public funding landscape, it has also reinforced an important truth: our mission is strongest when it is supported by an entire community. This year, we have continued implementing new strategies to strengthen CAPACares' long-term sustainability by expanding philanthropic partnerships, diversifying revenue, cultivating new community relationships, and investing in innovative approaches that will help ensure our services remain available for generations to come.

We have also celebrated meaningful milestones along the way. Our Prevention Education program continues to expand its reach, our AmeriCorps program recently received tentative approval for a funding increase, and our dedicated team continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and adaptability as we navigate an evolving funding environment. These successes are reminders that even during times of uncertainty, there is tremendous reason for hope.

As we enter the second half of the year, we remain focused on the same purpose that has guided CAPACares for more than five decades: strengthening families, preventing child abuse and neglect, and helping every individual who walks through our doors experience safety, healing, and belonging.

Thank you for believing in this work and for standing alongside us. Whether you support CAPACares through your generosity, partnership, advocacy, volunteerism, or trust in our services, you are an essential part of every life changed. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier community—one family at a time.

Former Interns: Where Are They Now?

What happens after an internship at CAPACares? For many of our former interns, it turns out, quite a lot. This month, we are spotlighting the incredible professionals who got their start right here. From a federal government employee who went on to serve seven years on our board of directors, to a pair of best friends who met during their placement and are now building their careers together, to a clinician who is leading a trauma services team and still using techniques she first learned in our intern office, these stories show what is possible when training, mentorship, and community come together.

One of those stories even ends with the title of President and CEO. We are so proud of the paths our alumni have walked, and we are grateful they took the time to share them. Read the full Where Are They Now feature or learn more about interning at CAPACares.

We've Been Busy!

Join us on socials so you can keep up with all the fun we've been having!

Pictured: Rose, Lindsey, and Raegan with Dr. April Duncan at the MO Association for Play Therapy Conference; grandsons of our Director of Family Services, Mindy Kissner, volunteering at Happy Bottoms; Farrah, Forrest, and Lexi at the Moananu family fireworks stand; photos of our collaborative art piece from Creative Emajinations' Creative's Day event.

Become a Mission Partner or Event Sponsor

Creating a future that's safe for all children and supportive of all families is our goal. You can help!

Your partnership helps ensure that kids and families right here in KC have access to the care, support, and connection they deserve.

If you or your organization are interested in partnering with us, we’d love to start that conversation. You can email Forrest Saucier, our VP of Fundraising and Philanthropy, at fsaucier@capacares.org to learn more.

Ryan and Kady Martin