Building A Safer, Healthier Community

Ivanhoe is committed to creating a safer, thriving neighborhood by partnering with community-based organizations, small businesses, and local stakeholders to provide vital resources and support. Serving the Ivanhoe community and its neighboring areas, Ivanhoe addresses critical gaps in social and city-wide services to promote social cohesion, foster healthy lifestyles, and improve key social determinants of health—especially those factors that contribute to violence.

A Holistic Approach To Violence Prevention

At the heart of Ivanhoe’s efforts is the “Healing While We Grow” program, a comprehensive violence prevention initiative focused on tackling the root causes of violence in the community. These root causes, often called social determinants of health, include physical and mental health challenges, food insecurity, lack of educational opportunities, and social isolation. By addressing these underlying issues, Ivanhoe seeks to reduce risk factors that lead to criminal and violent behavior among youth and adults.

Ivanhoe’s approach recognizes that families and community relationships play a crucial role in prevention. The program is designed to engage residents across all ages with targeted services that nurture health, education, and a sense of belonging.

Promoting Physical Health & Food Security

One of the core focuses of Ivanhoe’s programming is improving residents’ physical health and ensuring food security. This is achieved through multiple efforts, including the “INC Well” initiative, which offers healthy cooking classes and nutrition education. Ivanhoe also operates a community garden and learning farm, where residents can grow fresh produce, learn sustainable farming techniques, and connect with their neighbors.

The program hosts a regular farmer’s market and food distribution events, providing access to over 2,000 pounds of fresh produce annually. These efforts combat food insecurity—an urgent issue in Ivanhoe, where many households rely on food stamps and struggle to put nutritious meals on the table.

Enhancing Mental Wellness & Social Cohesion

Ivanhoe understands that mental health and social connection are key to reducing violence and improving quality of life. To support mental wellness, the program offers expert-led trainings on conflict resolution, stress management, and emotional resilience. Enrichment activities—ranging from cultural events to recreational programs—help build a stronger sense of community belonging.

These opportunities for positive social interaction are especially important in a neighborhood grappling with epidemic loneliness, fear of violence, and social isolation among seniors and youth alike. By fostering connection and mutual support, Ivanhoe helps residents feel safer and more engaged in their community.

Expanding Educational Opportunities & Economic Mobility

Educational attainment and financial literacy are critical to breaking the cycle of poverty and violence. Ivanhoe provides residents—both youth and adults—with access to tutoring, literacy programs, home-ownership education, and financial management workshops. These services aim to empower individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue higher education, secure stable housing, and improve economic prospects.

In addition, Ivanhoe offers free tax preparation services, SNAP-EBT enrollment assistance, and legal support resources. These efforts help residents navigate complex systems, reduce financial stress, and access benefits that promote stability.

Community Resource Hub & Enrichment Programs

Ivanhoe functions as a vital “resource hub” for at-risk youth and young adults, providing a safe space to access programming that promotes positive development. The neighborhood offers after-school and summer programs that keep youth engaged in constructive activities during critical out-of-school hours. Music programming, computer classes, urban farming workshops, and parenting education further enrich residents’ lives.

Support from local partners such as the Kansas City Police Department and city code enforcement helps address safety concerns and maintain neighborhood standards. Seasonal giveaways, including fresh produce, coats, and holiday gifts, ensure that vulnerable residents’ basic needs are met with dignity.

Targeting Hotspot Areas For Maximum Impact

Ivanhoe’s programming focuses on the high-crime “hotspot” areas within the 64109, 64128, and 64130 zip codes. These neighborhoods face some of Kansas City’s most significant challenges, including high rates of violent crime, food insecurity, low homeownership, and educational disparities.

Despite these challenges, Ivanhoe aims to serve over 600 individuals and families annually. The program sets clear goals for 2025, including increasing enrollment in violence prevention programs by 25%, reducing non-violent youth crime by 20%, and improving residents’ satisfaction with their quality of life by more than 20%.

Addressing Complex Challenges

The Ivanhoe neighborhood, bounded roughly by 31st to 47th Streets and Paseo to Prospect Avenue, suffers from multiple intertwined issues. Low resident retention, a scarcity of positive youth activities, and “house-ridden” seniors fearful of violence contribute to a fragile social fabric.

Education outcomes are among the lowest citywide, with literacy and school enrollment rates ranking near the bottom. Food insecurity is rampant, with many residents dependent on food assistance programs. Violence and crime persistently disrupt daily life, creating an environment of fear and hopelessness.

Without targeted interventions and community-driven supports, these challenges risk perpetuating cycles of poverty, isolation, and violence that threaten the well-being of current and future residents.

The Power Of Community-Driven Solutions

Ivanhoe’s strength lies in its deep ties to the community and its collaborative approach. Local leaders, volunteers, organizations, and small businesses all play critical roles in delivering programs that respond directly to resident needs. By filling gaps left by policy or resource shortfalls, Ivanhoe acts as an advocate and catalyst for change.

The “Healing While We Grow” program embodies this spirit of partnership, delivering trauma-informed, culturally relevant services designed to uplift families and individuals. This comprehensive approach is essential to transforming Ivanhoe into a place where residents can thrive, feel proud of their neighborhood, and build a hopeful future.

Looking Ahead: A Thriving Ivanhoe Community

Through its multifaceted programming, Ivanhoe is working toward a future where social cohesion is strengthened, healthy habits are the norm, and violence is significantly reduced. The commitment to nurturing physical and mental wellness, expanding educational and economic opportunities, and fostering community pride aligns with the broader mission of making Ivanhoe a safe, vibrant place to live.

With continued support and investment, Ivanhoe aims to reverse decades of disinvestment and hardship, creating a model neighborhood of resilience and opportunity within Kansas City.

Locations

Click on the window icon (upper right corner) of the map below to expand. List of all program locations is included with expanded view of map. Locations are also listed on this page below the map.