KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - SparkWheel is pleased to announce it has been awarded a $26,250 Capacity Building Grant from the Children’s Services Fund (CSF) of Jackson County to support its KC Metro sites during Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026. This funding will enable SparkWheel to deliver HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) training in the KC Metro area.
The CSF believes in investing not only in services for children but also in the organizations that provide these services. Through the Igniting HOPE through SparkWheel project, staff will receive specialized training on topics such as:
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): How trauma and toxic stress impact behavior, development, and long-term outcomes.
Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs): How fostering positive experiences promotes resilience and growth.
HOPE Framework: Practical, strengths-based approaches to help students and families thrive by complementing existing models.
The flexible training will range from 1 to 2 hours, depending on availability, and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the site. The sessions will include time for discussions, questions, and interactive activities, ensuring participants gain a deep understanding of how to apply the HOPE framework in their work.
“Having foundational knowledge of ACEs and HOPE is crucial for educators and those working with children and families,” said Rachelle Soden, a HOPE Certified Facilitator and SparkWheel’s Grants Compliance Manager. “When teachers, staff, and community members understand how trauma impacts behavior, they are better equipped to respond with empathy and support, rather than frustration or punitive action. HOPE training helps reframe how we view these challenges and elevates our ability to make positive differences for students and families.”
SparkWheel is proud to partner with the Children’s Services Fund of Jackson County in this capacity-building effort and looks forward to strengthening its impact across KC Metro schools.
About Children’s Services Fund of Jackson County
The Children’s Services Fund (CSF) of Jackson County supports the mental health and well-being of children by funding organizations that help families thrive. Since its launch through a voter-approved ¼ cent sales tax in 2016, CSF has awarded over $84 million to 129 projects across 85 partners. With 32% of young children and 25% of older youth in the county living in poverty, CSF aims to close the funding gap in children’s services and provide hope, care, and connection. As an independent organization, CSF promotes equity and collaboration, ensuring all applicants—including small and first-time organizations—have fair access to funding, working toward a healthier, more connected community for Jackson County’s youth. Learn more at https://jacksoncountykids.org/