Children's Services Fund of Jackson County

Nearly one in five children in the USA struggle with mental, emotional or behavioral disorders. However, only 20% of these children receive specialized mental health care. Funding deficits, a shortage of providers and other issues can keep children from accessing the services they need. We’re privileged to fund partner organizations who provide outpatient psychiatric services, which give families access to diagnostic evaluations as well as ongoing psychiatric treatment and medication management. This care can make all the difference, helping kids and their caregivers receive the support they need for a vibrant, healthy family life. https://bit.ly/4attjUu #MentalHealth #PsychiatricTreatment #BreakingBarriers #Therapy

If you haven’t witnessed their impact, it can be easy to think of an eating disorder as something experienced by other people, far from your orbit. But here’s a fact: one person dies from an eating disorder every 52 minutes, making eating disorders the second deadliest of all mental health conditions. Today, we want to recognize the complexity of eating disorders, along with the efforts of anyone working to support someone struggling with one. We’re grateful to partner with organizations who help children dealing with mental health issues like this, and with organizations who help kids and families struggling with food insecurity and other issues that can contribute to eating disorders. #EDAW #EatingDisorderAwarenessWeek #TheTimeisNow #MentalHealth

Today, we’re proud to recognize one of our amazing funded partners, Citizens of the World Charter Schools - Kansas City. Their whole-child focus sets their students up to thrive in their lives and communities both in school and outside of it, and we’re proud to partner with them as they impact the kids who walk through their school doors every single day. Read our latest blog to learn more about how Citizens uses social-emotional learning, a focus on diversity, and a focus on building community to help their students thrive. https://bit.ly/3CQ83fs

The need for counseling among children is great. That’s why we are so proud to fund local organizations who bring evidence-based modes of therapy to children and families in need, including cognitive behavioral therapy, functional family therapy and trauma treatment methods like EMDR (just to name a few) Counseling services lead to healthier kids, stronger communities and safer home and school environments. We’re honored to be a part of the impact these amazing local organizations are making on children and families in Jackson County. https://bit.ly/3xMXua7 #counseling #therapy #cbt #fft #mentalhealthmatters

Did you know that one-third of U.S. teenagers will experience some form of abuse—physical, sexual, or emotional—from a romantic partner before they reach adulthood? One out of three. That statistic should stop us in our tracks and make us ask—what can we do about this? February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, recognized every year to bring awareness to the very real issue of abuse in teenage dating relationships. At the Children's Services Fund, we’re proud to partner with organizations like Comprehensive Mental Health Services, which provides support to young people in a variety of areas that impact mental health, including those in dangerous situations. If you’re passionate about this issue, check out their website to find a way to get involved. And join us in thanking CMHS and other organizations like them for doing this important work. https://bit.ly/40LBGHZ #TeenDatingViolenceAwarenessMonth #TDVAM #TeenViolence #MentalHealth

One of the best ways to provide support to families and children is to meet them right where they are—in their homes and in their communities. And many of our funded partners who provide Home and Community-Based Intervention services do just that. Bringing services into spaces where young people can feel comfortable helps them engage more deeply. Research shows that in-home interventions can help decrease rates of child abuse and neglect, improve academic performance and behavior at school and boost children’s overall health. These programs have a ripple effect that goes beyond one child or family and impacts the community as a whole—community-based services can contribute to lower crime rates and higher educational attainment. We’re proud to fund partners who impact children and communities through these services, and we’re excited to see the impact they continue to make in the coming year. https://bit.ly/3sZ9mDm #HomeandCommunityBasedIntervention #BehavioralHealth #EmotionalWellbeing #MentalHealth

National School Counseling Week is February 3-7, and this year’s theme is “School Counseling: Helping Students Thrive.” The impact of school counselors isn’t limited to just schools. They play a vital role in helping students thrive in the classroom and beyond, supporting their social and emotional wellbeing and boosting their mental health. It’s a simple fact: we need school counselors now more than ever. So many students face mental health challenges both at school and at home, and the impact that school counselors make isn’t just important—it can be life-changing. This week, take time to thank a school counselor who has impacted your life or the life of a child you know. And to all the school counselors reading this—thank you for making the world a better place for kids everywhere! https://bit.ly/3I2b4X9 #NSCW25 #SchoolCounselingWeek #schoolcounselor #counselorappreciation

February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements of African Americans and the incredible impact they’ve made on our country. In 2025, the theme for Black History Month is “African Americans and Labor”, recognizing and celebrating the role that hard work has played in the African American experience. At the Children's Services Fund, we recognize, affirm and celebrate the role that the African American community has played in our past and our present, both across the country and in our local community. Join us in celebrating Black History Month by spending time supporting Black-owned businesses, learning from Black writers and thinkers, viewing art by Black artists and finding other ways to celebrate Black culture. #BlackHistoryMonth #AfricanAmericansandLabor #blackownedbusiness #blackhistory

Our mission is simple. We are dedicated to improving the lives of children and families in Jackson County. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to grow up healthy, safe, and full of hope. We do this by partnering with local organizations that are making a real, lasting difference. Whether through mental health services, educational support, or community-based programs, we invest in initiatives that help children thrive now and in the future. Our work is guided by a deep commitment to equity and community. We are focused on creating a community where all children have the support and resources they need to succeed, regardless of their background. Together, we can create a community where children and families can thrive. ?? #SupportingOurKids #CommunityImpact #ChildWellBeing #JacksonCountyKids

We’re so proud of the impact we’ve been able to support in 2024. It’s truly a privilege to partner with organizations who are providing tangible support that’s so desperately needed in Jackson County. Making a difference in the lives of these kids and families is what drives us to do what we do. In this month’s blog post, hear from some of our staff in their own words as they share what they’re proud of from 2024 and what they’re excited about in 2025. The future is bright at the Children's Services Fund, and we can’t wait to see what’s next. https://bit.ly/4hbntK7