KVC’s Partnership with the Kauffman Center Benefits Kansas Youth in Foster Care and Psychiatric Treatment

For most people in the greater Kansas City area, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is one of the most recognizable parts of the downtown skyline. Its beautiful half-shell architecture is matched by the dazzling symphony, ballet, opera, and other programs on its stages.

While many people have enjoyed a Kauffman Center performance, there are thousands of area children and teenagers who simply don’t have that opportunity. That’s a reality that the Kauffman Center is working to change through its Open Doors Community Tickets program.

The Open Doors program is a community initiative aimed at connecting youth and families from throughout the metropolitan area to educational programs and performances at the Kauffman Center. By offering reduced and even free tickets to local social service agencies and schools, the program reduces barriers for children and youth to experience high-quality performing arts.

Since May 2015, children and families served by nonprofit child welfare and behavioral healthcare leader KVC Health Systems have benefited from the program. In particular, the partnership benefits Kansas children who have experienced abuse and neglect and are being cared for in KVC foster families, as well as youth receiving psychiatric treatment at KVC Prairie Ridge Hospital in Kansas City, Kan.

In the first six months of the partnership, children served by KVC have attended a Josh Turner concert, a National Geographic Live presentation, a Patti LaBelle concert, and an acapella performance by Take 6 and Manhattan Transfer. Moving forward, the Kauffman Center is targeting programming that will appeal to KVC’s foster families including the Kansas City Ballet’s Nutcracker in December and the Kansas City Symphony’s Family Concert Series throughout the year.

Schofer

“I’ve seen firsthand the impact as our community’s youth is inspired, challenged and motivated by unique and memorable performing arts experiences.,” said Paul J. Schofer, President and CEO of the Kauffman Center. “The Kauffman Center’s Open Doors program is pleased to be able to work with KVC Health Systems to provide youth and families access to the arts in partnership with our resident companies and community arts groups.”

“Nurturing a love of the arts for present and future generations is at the core of our vision for the Kauffman Center,” said Julia Irene Kauffman, Chairman of the Kauffman Center. “One of the ways we realize that vision is by bridging gaps between the arts and the needs of individuals, families, organizations and communities.”

Through the Open Doors Community Tickets program, the Kauffman Center provides about 500 tickets to approximately 15-20 local social service agencies throughout the performance season (September – June).

Arensberg

“KVC serves many children and families who might not otherwise experience the arts at the Kauffman Center,” said Renny Arensberg, Executive Vice President at KVC Health Systems. “It’s such a joy for us to distribute tickets to children who are going through a difficult time. The performances help lift their spirits, give them new ideas about what’s possible, and enrich their experience of life.”

To learn more, visit www.kvc.org and www.kauffmancenter.org.