United Way of Greater Kansas City’s Family Empowerment Initiative helps families maintain stable housing, keep children in school and build long-term financial stability.
Walking through a neighborhood and up to the front door of her own apartment with her daughters was something Brittany P., of Independence, Mo., could not have imagined just a few years ago. Today, with support through United Way of Greater Kansas City’s Family Empowerment Initiative and Community Services League, her family has found stable housing, school consistency and a clearer path forward.
“I actually came from a homeless shelter. So we were looking for any kind of help we could get, just as far as assistance of maybe, like utilities or food or anything,” Brittany shared.
A friend told her about Community Services League, a United Way Impact 100 partner that connects families with resources to help them move toward stability.
“It’s a blessing, because I don’t have family out here, unfortunately,” said Brittany. “So just having them as, like, my backbone is just been a big help.”
Community Services League is one of the agencies United Way of Greater Kansas City works with through the Family Empowerment Initiative, a program made possible with support from the Siemer Institute.
“It’s much more transformational than is transactional,” said Todd Jordan, PHD, United Way of Greater Kansas City, Vice President of Community Impact. “We’re not just paying a bill for somebody, but really, hopefully, the idea is, you know, when they kind of graduate, if you will, from this program, that they have a much more stable situation and can kind of figure life out a lot better than they could when they started it.”
The Family Empowerment Initiative is designed to help families maintain stable housing through intensive, supportive case management. Brittany meets monthly with both a stability coach and a budgeting coach.
“When I go in there, we basically fill out a paper, like a mental health screening, and we just go over how I’m feeling. And then she’ll ask me what I need help with for the month, and just checks in with me,” said Brittany. “I didn’t imagine I would be getting this much help, and I didn’t even know it was possible to get this much help from them. So it’s definitely been amazing.”
STABLE HOUSING SUPPORTS STUDENT SUCCESS
In addition to stable housing, the Family Empowerment Initiative focuses on keeping kids attending the same schools—because disruptive moves can upend a child’s learning progress.
Brittany’s 12-year-old daughter knows how hard it is to bounce around between schools.
“Sometimes I went in through the middle of the school year, so I didn’t know what we were on and my grades were failing,” Desiree said.
But since she and her sister have been in the same home—and the same school district—for the past four years while working with the Family Empowerment Initiative, it’s been a total turnaround.
“It’s been good,” Desiree said. “I’ve been getting better grades and the teachers are really nice. And I know what I’m doing.”
She’s also seen the positive changes in her mom.
“She is more focused and more, like, happy and calm,” Desiree said. “And she’s not really stressed like she used to be.”
BUILDING FINANCIAL STABILITY FOR THE FUTURE
That’s because Brittany has been able to maintain stable housing, employment and schooling—and she’s learned how to budget. The program also puts money from her rent into a savings account that she can cash out later for emergencies or major purchases, such as a new home or car.
“So 10 years ago, I definitely was not in a position I wanted to be at in life. So I didn’t, I’m going to be honest with you, I didn’t see a future, or like, a good future for myself,” said Brittany. “Honestly, just everything I was dealing with back then. But since I’ve been here, and since I’ve been connected with CSL, I definitely see a bright future.”
“My mom went through a lot and she made us get here. And I love my mom <17:54> I’m really proud of my mom.
“I’m proud of you, too,” Brittany said.
FAMILY EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE IMPACT IN 2025
In 2025, United Way’s Family Empowerment Initiative:
- Worked with six community nonprofit partners
- 333 households supported
- 812 children in 7 school districts served
- 95% avoided a disruptive move
Thanks to the generous support of our community, United Way of Greater Kansas City can help families like Brittany’s move toward stability through programs including the Family Empowerment Initiative. Give today to help more families maintain stable housing, keep children in school and invest in brighter futures.