Mission Updates :: November 2026

A Message from Dr. Kristina Jones

As 2026 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on a year that has both challenged and strengthened CAPACares. Like many nonprofit organizations, we have navigated funding uncertainties, rising operational costs, and a growing demand for services. Yet, through it all, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to helping children and families heal, grow, and thrive. I am incredibly proud of our team’s resilience and dedication to ensuring that those who turn to CAPACares for support are met with care, dignity, and hope.

This year has also reminded me that the true impact of our work cannot be measured by numbers alone. It is reflected in the child who begins to feel safe again, the parent who discovers new confidence, and the family that finds a path forward after experiencing trauma. These moments of healing are possible because of the extraordinary people who carry out our mission every day and the generosity of a community that believes, as we do, that every child and family deserves the opportunity to thrive.

As we look toward 2027, we are embracing opportunities to strengthen our presence and deepen our impact throughout the Kansas City community. Our priorities include increasing awareness and visibility of CAPACares and the services we provide, cultivating new and meaningful community partnerships, and expanding our capacity to serve more children and families by strategically growing our teams. We recognize that meeting the increasing demand for our services requires more than maintaining what we have built. It requires intentional investment in our people, stronger connections across our community, and a shared commitment to ensuring that quality mental health care and prevention services remain accessible to those who need them most.

To our donors, community partners, volunteers, and friends: thank you for standing alongside us. Your generosity and belief in our mission have helped CAPACares remain a place of hope and healing for so many. As I share in the video above, your support is more important than ever. I invite you to continue this journey with us as we work to reach more people, build stronger partnerships, and create more opportunities for healing. Together, we can ensure that CAPACares continues to be a trusted resource for children and families throughout our community.

Family Connection Kit Drive

There's still time to participate in our 2026 Family Connection Kit Drive! If you'd like to participate, click the button below to sign up!

We're hoping to collect at least 200 kits filled with items that foster family togetherness: board games, a deck of cards, popcorn, a cozy blanket, and more. Round it all off with a pizza gift card and a grocery store or Walmart gift card, and you'll have given a family an evening to remember.

New this year: we've made participating easier with online signup! Choose a time to drop off your kit(s) at our 23rd Street location:

Drop-off takes place November 30 - December 4. Having trouble with the signup or have other questions? Email Kat Hellige, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, at khellige@capacares.org.

View the Family Connection Kit Drive flyer for the full list of suggested items and details.

Simple Ways to Connect This Season

The holidays can be busy, but connection is still important. It doesn't have to be expensive or extravagant; small moments often mean the most. Here are a few easy ideas to try at home:

• Plan a game night. Pick a board game, set a time, and enjoy one another. Winning isn't the point. Laughing together is.
• Make popcorn and watch a movie. Better yet, make it a regular thing and let each person take a turn choosing the movie. Special snacks will make it feel like a special night.
• Eat a meal together. Ask everyone to share one good thing from their day.
• Take a walk after dinner. Fresh air and a little time to talk can make a big difference.

These are the kinds of moments we hope to foster with Family Connection Kits, and you can, too!

End-of-Year Giving

Your gift helps CAPACares offer free counseling, education, and family support services to families across the Kansas City area. New this year, donors who do not itemize may be able to deduct up to $1,000 in cash gifts ($2,000 for married couples filing jointly), which makes now a great time to give!

We earned the 2026 Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency! See what your donations help us accomplish. Use this link to access our profile.