The Children’s Services Fund of Jackson County (CSF) is excited to welcome Melody Elston, MSW, as our newest program officer. Our program officers connect the Fund and our community, and Melody brings almost 20 years of extensive experience to the role.
A life-long Kansas Citian (and mom to 10-year-old twins), Melody began her social work career on the front lines for kids, as a case manager in the Children’s Division. She’s served many different populations since, including unhoused individuals, people experiencing domestic violence, and patients in long-term care facilities. Most recently, she was with the Area Agency on Aging, where she helped reinstate the program for the Kansas City area and emphasized inclusive policies and procedures.
We’re grateful for the deep and diverse know-how Melody adds to our team. (Fun trivia: Melody is also a licensed cosmetologist and freelance makeup artist!) Get to know Melody below.
What drew you to the CSF’s work focused on supporting Jackson County kids?
Melody: I’ve known since I was a little girl that I wanted to be a social worker, and I’m really excited about the way that my life has touched almost every aspect of social work. I’ve been able to see a lot of change, and I’ve been able to support a lot of families in crisis.
I’ve always had a strong passion for supporting marginalized communities. When the opportunity came along to support small nonprofits that work with underserved communities, it seemed like a good fit! I also love the community touch: Being able to witness the work that the nonprofits are doing firsthand is inspirational.
What excites you most about being a CSF program officer?
Melody: I’m excited to be back in children’s work. I’m so excited about where CSF is going and the impact we can make on a larger scale. I’ve seen how our partner organizations support individuals and children at different levels — education, mental health, prevention services — and the gamut of impact CSF makes in our community.
In your role as a program officer, how do you hope to support organizations serving children and families throughout Jackson County?
Melody: We listen to the organizations. The families are the experts on what they need, the organizations work hand in hand with the families, and I’m able to support the organizations. I can see their impact numbers and witness their expansion.
I can also bring my experience and offer suggestions: Hey, have you thought of this? I can bring that back to the CSF team and ask if we’ve considered providing this level or type of support. We’re also able to not only support organizations financially but help them come together and share resources, so folks aren’t siloed in their organizations.
Speaking of: The CSF emphasizes collaboration and community impact. What does meaningful collaboration look like to you?
Melody: Meaningful collaboration means coming together and listening — having a space where folks share resources and what they know. I think collaboration and community go hand in hand, because with collaboration, you build community.
One of our most recent convenings was about diversity, equity and inclusion. Our organizations know different aspects of what the community needs and even have different ideas on how they’re trying to be inclusive. They’re able to share those ideas and collaborate on access — so everyone has knowledge of the same opportunity and resources.
What motivates you personally to help children and families thrive?
Melody: Some communities aren’t aware of resources. You may be able to provide equity in the ability to access resources just by having these types of programs in the community. You can level the playing ground for folks who aren’t aware of opportunities because of whatever challenges that they may face.
What are you most hopeful about for the future of children and families in Jackson County?
Melody: I’ve mentioned this in so many ways through the other questions, but I would just love to see everyone have equal opportunities and access to resources, so children can thrive. If the children are well, then you have a better chance at your society being well. It all starts there.
Program officers are essential to CSF’s mission to champion the mental health and social-emotional well-being of Jackson County’s kids. When you see Melody next, tell her hello, welcome and thanks for the important work she’s doing with our partner organizations.
