Our Neighborhood

The Kirk draws people from all over Kansas City, but we look to build meaningful relationships with the people of South Kansas City. We particularly find meaning serving these neighborhood organizations:

Community Assistance Council (CAC)

Founded on the basic principle of “neighbors helping neighbors”, CAC is the only social service agency physically located in south Kansas City. The Kirk provides monetary support to CAC, which helps our neighbors in need of food, clothing, utility or medical assistance.

Center School District

The Kirk facility is located within the Center School District. Over the past five years, we have focused on building a relationship with Center Schools as one way we can build community with the people who live and learn near us. We support the district in a number of ways:

Center Elementary School

By supporting the teachers and staff at Center Elementary School each month, we strengthen ties to the school district early in children’s lives. There are a number of ways we do this, including:

breakfast as they start the school year
dinner during parent-teacher conferences
gift cards during teacher appreciation week
notes of encouragement to students during academic testing

Center Friends

The Center Friends program provides positive relationships between caring adults and students and staff from the Center School District. Center Friends helps volunteers and students form friendships that lead to student success and connections to the school experience. Volunteer to become a Center Friend to work in a classroom with students in the Center School District.

Center Middle School Peacemaking Awards

Through the Presbyterian Peace & Global Witness Offering, The Kirk presents four Peacemaking Awards to students from Center Middle School. By focusing on our oneness in Christ with all, we work to make the world a more peaceful and accepting place. Students are chosen by their teachers who see their actions each day. Students are selected based on a number of criteria including the use of nonviolent language, exhibiting reconciling behavior, and having high personal standards, among others. The award consists of a medal and a monetary scholarship that are presented during a school assembly. These awards have been given out for over 25 years and has been a foundation of our interactions with the district.

Christmas in October

Each year on the 2nd Saturday of October, Kirk members join in this citywide event to rehabilitate the homes of low income households. Crews are gathered and sent out to help repair and winterize homes that have been adopted in our community and assigned to The Kirk.

Alpha Montessori School

Alpha Montessori has partnered with The Kirk since 1974, nurturing countless youngsters seeking to provide exceptional and individually tailored education and care.