Celebrating 816 Day: Making an Impact Through Community Connection
On Wednesday, August 16, we celebrated 816 day with our 816 Impact Bus Tour. In 2018, the KC City Council passed a resolution declaring August 16 Kansas City’s newest holiday. It’s that special day in August that marks a celebration of all things KC. The 816 Impact Bus Tour immersive event was open to all community members. The day was an interactive experience, offering participants the unique opportunity to visit and engage with nonprofit agencies that form the very fabric of our community’s support network.
Our stops included a diverse range of organizations, each dedicated to catalyzing positive change in their own remarkable ways. Participants learned about the incredible work of Jewish Vocational Service of Kansas City who provides safety and opportunity to refugee families in Kansas City; Operation Breakthrough provided a volunteer opportunity and shared information about their youth and family programs; Amethyst Place welcomed our group and gave a glimpse into one of their long-term apartments for those recovering from substance use; Cultivate KC led a tour through their Westport Commons Farm and shared how they support an equitable, sustainable and healthy local food system; Sam Rodgers Health shared about their high quality, compassionate, and affordable healthcare available at their multiple locations in KC; and Transition Zone opened their space for us for lunch and conversation, while sharing about their safe space where youth learn workforce, life skills and entrepreneurship training.
At Operation Breakthrough, bus tour participants volunteered their time with various youth programs. Volunteers helped with art projects, construction project assistance in the youth lab, and assistance with an interactive math game.
We celebrated more than just a day; we celebrated a shared vision of progress, compassion, and unity. Visit our Events page for upcoming community events.