COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

especially with rising poverty rates in Johnson County. According to a UCS newsletter citing the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the poverty rate for young adults has rose from 9.4% to 14.4% between 2019 and 2021. This age range includes 18-24 year olds, and is the group that Caballero falls under.

Though Caballero has faced many struggles, having access to resources offered by the district has helped him to lead the life he wants to live.

“I have this idea of comparison: what I was and where I am now,” Caballero said. “Either way you go you have to do things for yourself. But here it’s more like you have the support of actually the government or the students and the school, which is like a natural help.”

Surrounding resources that are actively assisting those in need in different ways.

MCKINNEY-VENTO FOOD PANTRIES

Provides rights and services to youth experiencing homelessness or another loss of living situation

The act includes services such as; hygiene items, enrollment advocacy and other academic assistance, medical vouchers, etc.

A distribution center where people can receive food. Supplied with food from a food bank, pantries feed hundreds of people per week.

A couple wide-spread food pantries include; Harvesters and Seton Center

Free Lunches Local Churches

Local churches provides hot meals, safe housing, clean facilities, and services to the Kansas City homeless population.

Shelter KC, a Kansas City Rescue Mission is operating daily to assist those who are in need whenever and however possible.

Free or reduced-price school lunches ensures that students have nutrition they need throughout the day to learn.

Sources: Kansas City Public Schools, FoodPantires.org, Shelter KC