As we approach Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month this April, we’re honored to highlight organizations making a tangible impact in the fight against abuse. One such organization is the Mattie Rhodes Center, a community development program in Kansas City. Through their Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) Project, supported by the Children’s Services Fund (CSF) since 2018, Mattie Rhodes has been at the forefront of providing much-needed services for children and families affected by violence. In this month’s blog, join us as we explore the organization’s mission, their approach to child abuse prevention and how their collaboration with the CSF is creating lasting change.
About Mattie Rhodes Center and Their Mission to Empower Families
The Mattie Rhodes Center is a vital community development organization that works to empower, advocate for and connect families in Jackson County and Clay County. Their vision is to create a vibrant, connected community where individuals and families are healthy, safe and equipped to thrive. Mattie Rhodes’ President and CEO, John Fierro explains: “Our overall goal is to help improve personal health, and we do this through a wide variety of services—from mental health support to economic development and educational opportunities.”
Through their efforts, Mattie Rhodes serves a diverse range of families, including working specifically with Hispanic and Spanish-speaking women who are victims of domestic violence. The center provides a range of services, such as individual and family therapy, case management, food assistance and referrals for shelter. Additionally, they partner with local school districts and organizations to ensure that the most vulnerable are reached.
The VIP Program: Preventing Violence and Supporting Families
At the heart of Mattie Rhodes’ initiatives is the Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) Project, a cornerstone of their child abuse prevention efforts. The VIP program is designed to intervene early and prevent violence before it escalates, targeting families and children who are at risk. This program is unique because it combines both direct services and community engagement to create long-lasting change.
As Fierro shares, “The VIP program addresses child abuse by first working to build trust with the children and families in our programs. For example, when we work with youth after school through activities like soccer, we build that trust. As they feel more comfortable, issues like domestic violence and child abuse begin to surface, and we can offer appropriate referrals to counseling and other support services.”
Through these efforts, Mattie Rhodes not only addresses immediate needs but also builds a foundation of trust that helps families overcome abuse and violence. This approach is essential in communities where victims may be hesitant to speak up or seek help.
The Impact of CSF’s Partnership on the VIP Program
Since 2018, the Children’s Services Fund (CSF) has been a key partner in supporting the VIP program, enabling Mattie Rhodes to expand and deepen its work. As Fierro explains, “The relationship with the CSF has been a game-changer. It provided the stability and resources we needed to build lasting relationships within schools and neighborhoods. It’s through these relationships that we can intervene early and provide hope for those who need it most.”
The funding from the CSF has allowed Mattie Rhodes to maintain a consistent presence in both schools and community sites, ensuring that vulnerable families have access to critical support. Notably, the CSF’s partnership has also helped Mattie Rhodes secure additional funding, such as a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to implement violence prevention programs at Northeast Middle and Northeast High Schools in Kansas City. This success story underscores the importance of the CSF’s financial backing, which directly impacts the scope of Mattie Rhodes’ work.
Raising Awareness and Taking Action During Child Abuse Prevention Month
In recognition of Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month this April, Mattie Rhodes is hosting several activities to raise awareness and celebrate the strength of children. One of their most anticipated events is the Children’s Art Exhibit, showcasing artwork created by young people involved in the center’s programs. As Fierro puts it, “We need to acknowledge the importance of children in our community. By highlighting their talents, we help build their self-confidence and remind them of their value.”
Additionally, Mattie Rhodes celebrates Dia del Nino (Day of the Child), a festive event that includes food, music and community education. This celebration, which Mattie Rhodes has hosted for several years, draws inspiration from a similar holiday celebrated in Mexico. It’s a time to come together, celebrate children and educate the public on the importance of child protection.
The Most Critical Step in Preventing Child Abuse
When asked about the most critical step in preventing child abuse, Fierro emphasized the importance of education and family support:
“I think the most critical step is certainly providing education so that the community understands the behaviors that indicate someone is being abused. It’s crucial for us to work with the entire family and provide the necessary support. No individual just grows up wanting to be abusive to kids or adults. It’s a learned behavior, and we need to provide interventions to help teach individuals other ways of channeling their frustrations—not through violence, but through communication. Without organizations like Mattie Rhodes and the support of the Jackson County Children’s Services Fund, there is no one to say, ‘This is not how you treat kids and adults. Let me share some alternatives.’ And without that, we cannot make a real difference.”
How You Can Get Involved
The fight against child abuse is ongoing, and organizations like Mattie Rhodes need community support to continue their vital work. As Fierro emphasizes, “Without the community’s involvement and support, none of this is possible.” There are several ways for individuals and organizations to get involved, from volunteering to donating or spreading awareness about the importance of preventing child abuse.
By supporting initiatives like the Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) Project, we can work together to break the cycle of violence and ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe and supportive environment.
The Power of Prevention and Community Support
The work done by Mattie Rhodes and their Violence Intervention and Prevention Program is an essential part of protecting children in our community. Through their collaboration with the CSF, Mattie Rhodes has been able to expand its reach, provide more resources and create lasting impact in Kansas City. As we move through Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, remember the power of community partnerships in making meaningful change. Every step we take toward ending violence helps build a brighter, safer future for our children.
