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Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm

Futures First

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At Futures First (formerly The Family Conservancy), we know the earliest years matter most. https://bit.ly/4nIpHog

We provide educators and caregivers with the support they need to help every child in Kansas City flourish. 🌱
Interested in our services? The experiences children have in these years shape how they learn, grow, and thrive for a lifetime. That’s why we build up the people who nurture young lives — giving educators and caregivers the tools, guidance, and encouragement they need to help every child thrive. Learn more and connect with us at www.futuresfirstkc.org

10/22/2026

What are child care providers seeing across Kansas City?

This summer, 355 providers shared their experiences with Futures First — from staffing and enrollment challenges to the realities of sustaining quality care.

Over the next few weeks, we’re sharing what we learned, along with voices from the people doing this work every day.

Explore what providers are telling us and why it matters for our region: https://bit.ly/4i2p8TG

10/21/2026

We were proud to honor United WE with the 2026 Betsy Vander Velde Award at our Futures First Gala.

Through research and advancing policy solutions, United WE is breaking down barriers to women's economic opportunity — including challenges around child care access. It's work that reflects Betsy's legacy and our shared commitment to a stronger future for children and families.

10/20/2026

Look what we grew together. 🌱

Because of the generosity of our community, the Futures First Gala raised $193,641 to advance Futures First’s work alongside children and the people who care for them.
But the impact of the evening goes beyond a number.

It’s a community saying the earliest years matter. That parents and caregivers deserve support. That early educators deserve investment. And that every child deserves a strong foundation from which to flourish.

From everyone at Futures First: thank you for putting futures first.

Together, we’re nurturing what’s next.

10/19/2026

Kansas City, thank you. 💙

Friday night, you showed what can happen when a community comes together around young children and the people who nurture them.

You celebrated. You listened. You gave. You connected.

And together, you helped make more strong starts possible.

To every guest, sponsor, donor, auction partner, volunteer and friend who made the Futures First Gala possible: thank you.

We’re still taking it all in — and we can’t wait to share more.

10/15/2026

One more day until A Night to Nurture Young Lives! 💙

Tomorrow evening, we'll come together with friends, partners and supporters from across Kansas City for a night dedicated to giving Kansas City children the strongest possible start.

From inspiring stories and meaningful connections to celebrating the people and organizations making a difference in our community, there's so much to look forward to at this year's Futures First Gala.

We've been hard at work behind the scenes, and we can't wait to see it all come together!

To everyone joining us tomorrow, we'll see you there!

Don’t have your tickets yet?

🎟️ Buy tickets here: https://bit.ly/44F3XRH

10/14/2026

Looking for child care in Kansas? Contact Child Care Aware of Kansas to find a list of licensed providers in your area!

10/08/2026

A legacy worth celebrating.

We're proud to recognize United WE as the recipient of the 2026 Betsy Vander Velde Award at this year's Futures First Gala!

Named in honor of Betsy Vander Velde and her 30 years of dedication to Kansas City's children and families, the award celebrates a commitment to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for people to thrive.

For more than three decades, United WE has carried that same spirit forward, working to strengthen the economic security of women and families throughout our community.

We're excited to celebrate their impact and honor Betsy's lasting legacy at A Night to Nurture Young Lives on Oct. 16.

Join us in congratulating United WE!

10/05/2026

For many families, child care is what makes going to work possible.

A proposed federal rule would lower Head Start's minimum service day to just 3 hours — replacing the full-day care many working families rely on today.

We've heard from parents facing an impossible choice: miss work and lose needed income, or go to work without child care.

As Head Start standards are reconsidered, we believe the realities of working families belong at the center of that conversation.

For a parent working a full day, three hours and eight hours mean very different things.

Ready to Share Your Perspective? Public comments are open through Tomorrow, Oct. 6. Follow our guide to submit yours.

Get Started: https://bit.ly/4rH0KM8

10/01/2026

Head Start Is More Than a Classroom.

For thousands of Kansas City families, Head Start means more than early education.

It can mean developmental screenings. Health and dental support. Mental health services. Family resources. And trusted educators who know their children and communities.

Proposed federal changes could alter some of the specific standards that help shape those comprehensive services.

For families already navigating limited child care options, what happens outside the classroom can matter just as much as what happens inside it.

We spoke with a local Head Start provider about what that support looks like firsthand, and what Head Start can mean for the children and families they serve.

Ready to Share Your Perspective? Public comments are open through Oct. 6. Follow our guide to submit yours.

Get Started: https://bit.ly/4rH0KM8

09/30/2026

Thousands of Kansas City Children Could Feel Changes.

Across the Kansas City metro, approximately 3,750 children and families are served by Head Start and Early Head Start.

Including:
1,804 dual-language learners.
630 children experiencing homelessness.
84 children in foster care.

Proposed federal changes could reshape standards around language instruction, eligibility, health and developmental services, and much more.

These aren’t just numbers. They’re our neighbors.

Families across Kansas City who may have nowhere else to turn for the care and support they rely on.

Ready to Share Your Perspective? Public comments are open through Oct. 6.

Follow our guide to submit yours.
Get Started: https://bit.ly/4rH0KM8

Address

444 Minnesota Avenue, Ste 200
Kansas City, KS
66101

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+19133421110

Website

https://futuresfirstkc.org/

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