Kansas City changemakers: stories of local community impact

The articles spotlight local changemakers in Kansas City working to impact the community positively. They collectively illustrate stories of individuals and groups addressing societal needs through unique approaches.

A historic church, now partnered with other congregations, plays a transformative role in the Rosedale community by creating shared spaces and building the Whitmore Playground. A special education staff faces challenges in Wyandotte schools, leading to new recruitment and training initiatives to meet growing demands. Torrence Allen discusses his ascent from a coach to a school principal, emphasizing relationships and accountability. Meanwhile, local activists push for a sanctuary relocation for Frankie, a capuchin monkey who has dwelled in a store for years. These tales demonstrate diverse methods employed to address community challenges in Kansas City.

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Vincent Gunnels helps students with their assignments during summer school at Central Middle on Monday, June 16, 2025, in Kansas City. Gunnels, a Kansas City Public Schools 2025 Teacher of the Year, says because he grew up in the same neighborhoods where his students live they can connect in a special way. By Emily Curiel

NO. 1: ‘TEACHER OF THE YEAR,’ KNOWS HOW TO CONNECT WITH HIS KC STUDENTS, THEY’RE NEIGHBORS

Voices of KC - LogoThis interview is part of the third season of Voices of Kansas City, a project created in collaboration with KKFI Community Radio to highlight the experiences of Kansas Citians making an impact on the community. | Published July 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by PJ Green

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Torrence Allen navigated his way through the education field and went from substitute teaching to track coach, and today he is the pricipal at Belton High School. By J.M. Banks

NO. 2: HIS BOND WITH STUDENTS, TEACHERS, PROPELLED KANSAS TRACK COACH TO SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

Meet Torrence Allen, the principal at Belton High School in our latest episode of Voices of Kansas City, a collaboration with KKFI Community Radio. | Published July 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by J.M. Banks

Learn how Rosedale Methodist Church was one of several churches that popped up to serve workers at the Kansas Rolling Mill. And how the little Wyandotte County town’s rise and fall eventually led to an alliance of Methodists, Mennonites and Disciples of Christ called the Sharing Community in Rosedale. By Monty Davis

NO. 3: FIND OUT HOW THIS HISTORIC CHURCH BECAME AN ANCHOR FOR KC’S ROSEDALE COMMUNITY

Southwest Boulevard linked KC and the little town in Wyandotte County. | Published July 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Randy Mason Monty Davis

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A student walks past a study area at Gloria Willis Middle School on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, in Kansas City, Kansas. By Emily Curiel

NO. 4: WYANDOTTE SPECIAL EDUCATION STAFF ARE STRUGGLING. WHAT ARE SCHOOLS DOING ABOUT IT?

To try to keep special education staff above water, school districts in Wyandotte County say they’re strengthening recruitment efforts and introducing new training and development options. | Published July 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sofi Zeman

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Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. answered questions from fifth-grade students during a visit to Crossroads Academy as part of Royals Literacy League’s efforts to encourage reading among Kansas City elementary students on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in Kansas City. Shannon Reasby, right, instructional specialist, looked on during the event. By Tammy Ljungblad

NO. 5: TICKETS FOR BOOKS? HOW TO GET INTO ROYALS GAMES FOR FREE AND HELP KIDS

“If we can bring new fans to the ballpark and do something good for the community, it’s a win-win.” | Published July 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joseph Hernandez

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Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, left, and safety Tyrann Mathieu reached the biggest stage in football when they helped lead the team to a Super Bowl championship in Miami.

NO. 6: INSIDE TYRANN MATHIEU’S CHIEFS LEGACY — AND HOW IT STILL RESONATES TODAY IN KC

“I can feel his energy everywhere,” Sammy Watkins said of Tyrann Mathieu almost 6 years ago. It’s still true for anyone who has spent time with Mathieu. | Published July 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Vahe Gregorian

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Pet Stop, a locally owned pet store and “indoor zoo,” has operated in Shawnee since 1976. By Madeline King

NO. 7: MONKEY HAS LIVED 18 YEARS IN JOHNSON COUNTY PET STORE. ACTIVISTS SAY “FREE FRANKIE”

The latest group of activists are organizing in a years-long push to send Frankie, a capuchin monkey living in a pet store, to a primate sanctuary. | Published July 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Madeline King

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.