History
Partnership for Children was launched in 1991 as a joint initiative of the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation and Heart of America United Way.
In 1992, PFC released its first Report Card on the Status of Greater Kansas City’s Children and Youth, an informative community tool which annually measures the well-being of area children and youth.
In 1997, PFC introduced the #1 Question which encourages everyone to ask, “Is it good for the children?” in all decision making.
In 1999, responding to the need to increase its influence on behalf of children and youth, PFC became a 501(c)(3) organization.
In 2001, PFC became the parent agency for Kansas City’s Promise, connecting metro area children and youth with the resources they need to succeed: caring adults, safe places, a healthy start, marketable skills, and opportunities to serve. Kansas City’s Promise was recognized as the nation’s model Community of Promise.
In 2003, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation contracted with PFC to operate the Kauffman Teen Survey™, which highlighted findings and trends related to the behaviors and attitudes of teenagers in Greater Kansas City.
In 2010, the Annie E. Casey Foundation named PFC as the KIDS COUNT grantee for the state of Missouri. The foundation funds a nationwide network of KIDS COUNT projects which track the status of children on a county-by-county basis. The measurements of social, economic, educational and physical well-being are used to inform policymakers and the public of the needs of children and to spur action.
As Missouri’s leading children’s advocacy agency, PFC works with community and state partners to enact legislation and public policy that positively impact children and their families. PFC consistently collaborates with others and has launched initiatives to tackle critical issues impacting Missouri’s children and youth.
Partnership for Children is a member organization of Voices for America’s Children.
