Serve the World Charities: Empowering Communities and Breaking the Cycle of Poverty.
We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on Serve the World Charities, one of the recent recipients of our Nonprofit Catalyst Grant! Led by Kevin Jean-Paul, Impact Director, and Stephanie Boydston, Executive Director, Serve the World is dedicated to empowering families and breaking the cycle of poverty in Kansas City. Their unwavering commitment to self-dignity, renewed mindsets, and creating new opportunities has made a significant impact on the community. Through their various programs, including a community food pantry, diaper distribution through Happy Bottoms, and the Impact Center Schools program, they have transformed the lives of numerous individuals and families in need.
Serve the World Charities believes in the power of self-dignity as the foundation for lasting change. Recognizing the importance of fostering a sense of self-worth and agency, they have developed programs that empower families to take control of their circumstances and create a better future. By providing access to essential resources and opportunities to individuals and families in South KC, they enable individuals to break free from the cycle of poverty and build lives of self-sufficiency.
Serve the World’s weekly community food pantry addresses the immediate needs of food insecurity by providing nourishing meals to families in Kansas City. As one of the few food pantries available in South KC, they serve an average of 150 families each week, and in 2022 they served over 26,000 individuals. Additionally, their partnership with Happy Bottoms ensures that families have access to essential diapers, supporting the well-being and hygiene of young children. In 2022, Serve the World distributed over 9,000 diapers and 1,200 pull-ups to families in need. These initiatives have made a tangible difference in the lives of countless families, alleviating financial burdens and providing them with a sense of security.
One of Serve the World’s flagship programs, Impact Center School District, has been instrumental in supporting homeless families within the Center School District. In 2022, Serve the World housed 107 students in the Center School District, reducing student homelessness by 33% in 3 years. By providing housing, rental, and utility assistance, eviction support resources, employment readiness services, and transportation support services, they have not only created a safe haven for these families but also empowered them to rebuild their lives. The Impact Center School district is a testament to Serve the World’s commitment to education and holistic support as a means to break the cycle of poverty.
Serve the World Charities continues to make a profound impact in the South Kansas City community. With the support of the Nonprofit Catalyst Grant, they are poised to expand their reach and create even greater change. “We want to expand. We’re out here in South Kansas City right now, and we’re currently in the Center School District. But we know there are other districts around us that do need these services. And a lot of times being out in South Kansas City gets us missed. A lot of the great organizations are doing a lot of the work or downtown or midtown”, said Boydston. “So we are trying to bring resources to this resource desert.”
Serve the World Charities exemplifies the transformative power of empowering communities and breaking the cycle of poverty. Their commitment to self-dignity, renewed mindsets, and creating new opportunities is changing lives and empowering individuals to overcome adversity. We are honored to support and celebrate the remarkable work of Serve the World Charities as they continue to build a brighter future for those they serve!