At the end of 2021, LevelUp Kids celebrated our 20th year as a non-profit organization in the Kansas City area. Over the last 20 years, we’ve seen countless patients in our attempts to make a difference in the lives of children of low-income families.
As we look ahead into the new year, we want to take the time to reflect on the last 20 years of LevelUp Kids, as well as thank our sponsors and partners for their generosity. Without help from other organizations and individuals in Kansas City, we wouldn’t have been able to provide the services we do for as long as we have.
The Legacy of LevelUp Kids
Our mission at LevelUp Kids has always been to provide free vision and dental care to those who don’t have access to these services. Many children of low-income families in the Kansas City area are unable to access these services on their own, making our job as an organization that much more important.
Proper oral hygiene and vision care are essential as kids grow. Creating healthy habits now, as well as correcting any dental or vision problems, will benefit the child’s health in the future. By collaborating with school districts in North Kansas City counties, including Clay and Platte, we give these children an opportunity they wouldn’t otherwise have.
As of today, LevelUp Kids has the most efficient and comprehensive school-based models in the area that provides students with access to care. With further support from partners, sponsors, and other individuals, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of children in Kansas City.
20 Years in Review
In the last 20 years, LevelUp Kids has:
Served more than 25,000 children for 85,000 dental chair visits in Clay and Platte Counties
Added a full-time dentist to our staff in order to provide additional in-office dental care
Added a vision care program that makes it easy for students to get access to eyecare and for schools to fulfill mandated vision screenings with the ICare4Kids vision program
Offered vision screenings to all 10 school districts in Clay and Platte Counties
We have hosted countless events that have been huge successes for our organization over the years. Between our Brush Up on Fashion events, Golf Tournaments, cocktail dinners, and others, we’ve been able to raise money needed to support our organization and the children we serve.
Testimonials from Previous Patients
Testimonials from our previous patients, schools, and families that we’ve worked with in the past have shown how the LevelUp Kids programs have positively impacted the health of many children and students. By giving students access to school-based health care services, we can help to improve their academic success.
Take a look below at some testimonials from previous patients, their families, and individuals from schools we’ve serviced:
“Having dental assistants that speak Spanish is so helpful. It is very comforting to our immigrant students who have never been to the dentist before. I am so thankful that my students are receiving dental care, and their dental problems are being identified and resolved!”
“I don’t have a story, but I do know that this takes stress away from families that don’t have the luxury of time, insurance, money, etc. to take their child to the dentist. Thank you for all that you do!”
“[LevelUp Kids] helped promote proper hygiene with students.”
“For my students with special needs, transitions are challenging, especially when going from school to the dentist office. Since the service is here, it helps the students with their health and reducing behaviors.”
“A former student used the program and it led the family to more support outside of the school which significantly improved this student's health and academics.”
“I have had students in the past with dental pain or dental issues. Receiving these services helped provide them with the proper care, relieved pain, and provided a service they would otherwise likely not receive.”
“I have had students receive services from [LevelUp Kids] and it is wonderful knowing they are receiving dental care that they otherwise would not have received outside of school.”
“The nurses and doctors who work on the kids are so friendly and kind. Because my kiddos are K students, some of them have never been to the dentist. Going to see them here at school where they feel safe and get work done with these friendly people really sets my kiddos up for success and to not be scared to go.”
“There are multiple students that have never been to a dentist before, and would not be able to go if it were not for [LevelUp Kids]. Additionally, this program allows for students to experience a dentist in a safe and calming environment, and learn that a dentist is not scary at all!”
“This program is the only access some students have to dental care.”
“It’s wonderful for my students who may not have any insurance. They feel conscious about their looks so having this resource has been a Godsend. Thank you for all you do!”
“I have seen first-hand the impact your services have had on my students’ self-esteem! Thank you so much for your help.”
Thank You to Our Partners and Sponsors
LevelUp Kids would like to extend a special thank you to our partners and sponsors, as well as the following school districts that have allowed us to serve students from low-income families:
North Kansas City
Park Hill
Liberty
Platte R-III
Kearney
Smithville
Excelsior Springs
West Platte
North Platte
Missouri City
Thank you to the following sponsors for your pledge donations and the support you’ve given to LevelUp Kids:
Zimmer Realty Company
Better Homes and Garden
Patterson Dental/VOCO
Payit
Ernst and Young
Vision Eyesource
Curry Real Estate
Welch and Associates
If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer or partner for LevelUp Kids, or you’d like to make a donation, contact us today at 816-413-9009.