What if healthcare didn't begin in a doctor's office, but in the places where families already gather, play, and build community?

In this episode of The Movement, the podcast from the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, host Mark Hewlett sits down with Will Franklin, President and CEO of KC Care Health Center, and Doug Day, Chief Marketing and Development Officer, to explore how healthcare organizations and community partners can remove barriers to care by meeting people where they are.

The conversation begins with KC Care's participation in the YMCA of Greater Kansas City's Healthy Kids Day, where a mobile health unit provided dental screenings and wellness services directly to families attending the event. From there, the discussion expands into the broader mission of community health centers, the importance of whole-person care, and why trusted community spaces like the YMCA play such a vital role in improving health outcomes.

Whether you're a parent, educator, coach, camp counselor, or simply someone who wants to better understand others, this conversation will challenge the way you think about empathy and community.

Will and Doug share how KC Care has evolved since 1971 into one of Kansas City's leading providers of accessible healthcare, offering medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, HIV care, care coordination, and insurance navigation regardless of a person's ability to pay. They also discuss how early intervention for children, strong community partnerships, and innovative approaches developed during the COVID-19 pandemic continue to shape the future of healthcare.

This episode is a reminder that healthier communities are built when organizations work together to make care more accessible, more personal, and more connected.

To learn more about YMCA of Greater Kansas City visit https://kansascityymca.org/

00:37 Healthcare Meets Community

01:43 What Is KC Care

04:08 Barriers to Access

05:31 How FQHCs Work

09:36 Everyone Belongs

12:06 Healthy Kids Day Partnership

16:00 Prevention and Active Living

19:24 Why Partnerships Matter

22:27 Biggest Impact Opportunities

25:35 Immunizations Partnership

26:30 Behavioral Health Access

27:20 Stress And Choices

29:38 Breaking Barriers Tactics

34:08 Clearing Up Misconceptions

38:00 Defining Partnership Success

42:39 Equity And Reimbursement

44:41 Hope After COVID Lessons

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What Would You Do If a Single Bite of Food Could Kill Your Child?

In this episode of The Movement, the podcast from the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, host Mark Hulet sits down with Mandi Kearns, COO of Just Like You Films, and Genevieve Muncy, the YMCA's Senior Behavioral Health Director, to talk about empathy, inclusion, food allergies, and the emotional realities many children face every single day.

They discuss the film May Contain My Life, which brings audiences into the daily realities of children and families living with life-threatening food allergies, and how storytelling – and a VR experience that shows both the child's and a friend's perspectives – can deepen understanding and inclusion. The conversation explores invisible needs, the burdens families carry, how kids learn empathy through social-emotional learning and conflict resolution, and why adult modeling matters in creating safe, inclusive spaces in camps, schools, and community programs.

Whether you're a parent, educator, coach, camp counselor, or simply someone who wants to better understand others, this conversation will challenge the way you think about empathy and community.

To learn more about YMCA of Greater Kansas City visit https://kansascityymca.org/

00:00 Welcome to The Movement

00:36 What Is May Contain My Life?

02:33 Storytelling Builds Empathy

03:41 Invisible Allergy Realities

04:33 The Burden on Families

06:13 Inclusion and Small Tweaks

10:15 Reactions After the VR Headsets Come Off

13:45 Empathy Into Action

16:05 Teaching Empathy to Kids

18:00 When Adults Are the Obstacle to Modeling Empathy

19:18 Impulse Control Skills

22:12 Modeling Invisible Needs

24:57 Life Is Not Fair Talk

27:43 Inclusive Spaces Without Spotlight

30:14 Why YMCA Partnership Works

33:10 Empathy Engine Program

35:54 Closing Thanks And Call To Action

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In this episode of The Movement, the podcast from the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, host Mark Hulet records from the North Kansas City YMCA during Healthy Kids Day – the YMCA's national initiative that has been championing healthy development for kids and families since 1992.

He's joined by Blue KC leaders Michaela Stevenson and Miranda Coffey to discuss why Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City partnered as presenting sponsor, how community health extends beyond clinics into walkability, food access, and social connection, and how events like Healthy Kids Day make resources more accessible for families. They highlight the importance of youth behavioral and mental health, including Blue KC's Shut Out the Stigma partnership with the Kansas City Royals, and emphasize belonging and community partnerships. Families and kids share excitement about activities like STEM/STEAM, planting seeds, sports, and the greenhouse.

To learn more about YMCA of Greater Kansas City visit https://kansascityymca.org/

00:00 Welcome to The Movement

00:38 Healthy Kids Day kickoff

01:42 Why Blue KC partnered with YMCA

03:17 Health beyond the clinic

04:57 Kids discover new passions

07:41 Healthy habits start young

08:50 KC Wolf surprise visit

09:39 Kids share their favorite activities

11:14 Youth mental health focus

14:10 Belonging as wellbeing

15:51 Power of partnerships

21:14 Meeting families where they are

22:46 Invitation to join the YMCA

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In this episode of The Movement, the podcast from the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, host Mark Hulet is joined by Kevin Holmes, evening news anchor at KSHB 41 Action News, and Gerald, a YMCA swim instructor who went from non-swimmer to certified swim instructor. Together they share their personal journeys with water – their fear, the avoidance, the turning points, and ultimately the confidence that comes from taking that first step into the pool.

Kevin candidly shares how he's always managed to get by – standing in shallow ends, wearing a life vest on boats while friends jumped in, laughing it off – but underneath it all, realizing he wasn't alone. Millions of people across Kansas City and beyond don't know how to swim. Gerald's journey is equally powerful: after traumatic childhood experiences near the water and years of being told to "stay away," he turned to water aerobics on a doctor's orders, then quietly began teaching himself to swim; half a lane at a time. The transformation didn't just improve his physical health, it changed his whole life.

This episode also dives into pool safety, the importance of YMCA swim lessons for all ages, and how the YMCA of Greater Kansas City offers financial assistance so that cost is never a barrier to learning. Whether you're looking for infant swimming lessons, children's swim lessons, or adult beginner classes, local swim lessons at your YMCA are closer and more accessible than you think.

We wrap up with an in-pool demonstration where Kevin – in his very first lesson – learns to blow bubbles, do a back float, and how to safely reach the edge of a pool.

If Kevin can do it, Kansas City can too.

To learn more about YMCA swim lessons and pool safety programs, visit https://kansascityymca.org/

00:00 Welcome to The Movement

00:36 Swim Safety at the Linwood YMCA

01:25 Meet Kevin Holmes and Gerald, YMCA Swim Instructor

02:52 Kevin's Honest Story: Avoiding the Deep End

05:43 Gerald's Journey: From Pushed In to Pool Instructor

07:39 The #1 Barrier to Swimming

08:07 Pool Safety and Why Kids' Swimming Lessons Matter

09:20 Advice for Adult Beginners: Be Patient, Don't Give Up

10:07 YMCA Scholarships and Financial Assistance

11:30 Kevin's First Swim Lesson Begins

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In this episode of The Movement, the podcast from the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, host Mark Hulet sits down with Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II to reflect on 20 years of the Cleaver YMCA and its impact along historic Troost Avenue.

Often described as Kansas City's dividing line, Troost was shaped by segregation, redlining, and decades of disinvestment. Congressman Cleaver shares his personal journey – from moving to Kansas City during a deeply segregated era to serving as mayor and later in Congress – and the lessons he learned about leadership, equity, and community healing.

He discusses his childhood experiences with poverty, his mother's civil rights activism, early marches connected to national leaders, and how access to the YMCA helped shape his understanding of belonging and opportunity. Cleaver also reflects on efforts to "erase" the Troost boundary, address funding disparities, and build a more unified Kansas City.

The conversation highlights the vision behind placing the Cleaver Family YMCA on Troost – creating not just a facility, but a bridge that brings people together across neighborhoods and backgrounds.

To learn more about the YMCA of Greater Kansas City visit https://kansascityymca.org/

00:00 Welcome to The Movement

00:36 Truce Avenue Divide

00:57 2006 YMCA Bridge Vision

02:17 Meet Emanuel Cleaver

02:52 From Texas to KC

05:43 Growing Up Poor

07:39 Quiet Heroes and Race

10:59 Civil Rights Awakening

13:21 Finding the YMCA

14:18 Call to Ministry

16:40 Remembering Jesse Jackson

18:08 Lessons as Mayor

20:27 How Troost Was Drawn

23:25 Cleaver YMCA as Bridge

27:44 Legacy and Closing

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Welcome to The Movement, a podcast by the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, where we explore the incredible stories that connect our community through youth programs, healthy living, and social responsibility. In this episode, we visit the Linwood YMCA and sit down with Gigi, the owner of Gigi's Vegan and Wellness Cafe, who shares her inspiring journey from surviving colon cancer to becoming a wellness chef. Learn how she turned to plant-based nutrition to heal herself and how she now helps her community through KC Health Initiative and Midwest Soul VegFest. Tune in to hear practical tips on healthy cooking, the importance of food access and justice, and how small changes in your kitchen can lead to big benefits in your health. Don't miss this heartfelt conversation and cooking demonstration that might just inspire you to make some healthy shifts in your life.

To learn more about the YMCA of Greater Kansas City visit https://kansascityymca.org/

00:00 Introduction to the Movement Podcast

00:36 Personal Connection to Healthy Living

02:06 Gigi's Journey to Wellness

03:11 The Impact of Food on Health

07:33 Transitioning to a Plant-Based Diet

09:20 Practical Tips for Healthy Eating

10:35 Addressing Common Misconceptions

15:20 Incorporating Healthy Foods into Daily Life

20:35 The KC Health Initiative

22:19 KC Health Initiative and Midwest Soul VegFest

23:21 Debunking Myths About Healthy Eating Costs

24:45 Creating a Balanced Plate

25:57 Cooking a Heart-Healthy Meal

32:21 The Golden Bowl: A Nutritious Feast

33:32 Final Thoughts and Community Connection

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Discover how volunteers at the YMCA of Greater Kansas City are transforming lives, strengthening communities, and inspiring a movement of service across the KC metro.

In this episode, we explore the power of volunteer work at the YMCA, highlighting the stories of passionate community members who give their time to support youth programs, families, and neighbors. Hear firsthand accounts of what inspires volunteers, how service creates lifelong relationships, and why the YMCA's Spirit of Service culture continues to make such a powerful difference in Kansas City

Welcome to The Movement! Join us as we celebrate 165 years of impact with the YMCA of Greater Kansas City.

Joining the conversation are Bill Gibson, Spirit of Service award winner, and Michelle Ford, Executive Director at Platte County YMCA, who help us shine a spotlight on the individuals bringing the Y's mission to life. Learn how YMCA volunteer opportunities support everything from food pantries and youth development to wellness, outreach, and community engagement — and why giving back is at the heart of who we are.

To learn more about the YMCA of Greater Kansas City- Let's Go! https://kansascityymca.org/

00:00 Introduction to the Movement Podcast

00:36 The Power of Volunteer Work at the YMCA

01:25 Meet Bill Gibson and Michelle Ford

02:01 Bill Gibson's Journey as a YMCA volunteer

06:06 Michelle Ford on Volunteer Energy

10:07 The Impact of Volunteering on the Community

13:52 Barriers to Volunteering and How to Overcome Them

15:55 The Emotional Rewards of Volunteering

17:21 Building a Family at the YMCA

18:55 Expanding YMCA Volunteer Efforts

28:01 The Importance of Volunteers at the YMCA

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Discover how the YMCA of Greater Kansas City's Pedaling for Parkinson's program is empowering individuals living with Parkinson's Disease through movement, education, and community support.

Welcome to The Movement! Join us as we celebrate 165 years of impact with the YMCA of Greater Kansas City.

In this episode, we highlight Pedaling for Parkinson's, a transformative YMCA wellness program designed to help participants with Parkinson's Disease improve mobility, strength, and quality of life. Learn how the YMCA of Greater Kansas City addresses chronic diseases through evidence-based exercise programs, health education, and the power of community connection.

Joining the conversation are Sarah Srock, Program Director II at Platte County Community Center South, and Dr. Muhammad M. Nashatizadeh, Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Kansas Medical Center, who share medical insights and inspiring stories behind this life-changing exercise program for Parkinson's Disease.

To learn more about the YMCA of Greater Kansas City- Let's Go! https://kansascityymca.org/

00:00 Welcome to the Movement: Celebrating 165 Years with the YMCA

00:36 Introduction to Platte County Community Center

01:13 Parkinson's Disease and the YMCA's Pedaling for Parkinson's Program

01:23 Meet the Experts: Sarah Schrock and Dr. Mohammed

05:00 Understanding Parkinson's Disease: Symptoms and Diagnosis

10:31 The Impact of Exercise: Pedaling for Parkinson's

12:41 Emotional and Social Support for Parkinson's Patients

21:21 Success Stories and Future Aspirations

25:02 The Power of Community and Group Exercise

26:04 New Treatments and Research in Parkinson's Disease

31:47 Concluding Thoughts and Hopeful Messages

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Discover how Harvesters and the YMCA of Greater Kansas City are tackling food insecurity through community partnerships, volunteerism, and support for families in need.

In this episode, we explore the critical issue of food security and insecurity in the Kansas City metro. Hear inspiring stories of volunteerism, community trust, and partnership that show how the YMCA and Harvesters are working together to provide hope and dignity to those in need.

Welcome to The Movement! Join us as we celebrate 165 years of impact with the YMCA of Greater Kansas City.

In this episode, Mark is joined by Elizabeth Keever, Chief Resource Officer at Harvesters, and Jim Hawkins, Spirit of Service honoree and longtime YMCA volunteer, to share how the Providence YMCA's food pantry is making a difference in the community and how volunteers are leading the fight against hunger.

To learn more about the YMCA of Greater Kansas City- Let's Go! https://kansascityymca.org/

00:00 Introduction to the Movement Podcast

00:35 Food Security Discussion with Elizabeth Keffer and Jim Hawkins

01:51 Jim Hawkins' Volunteer Journey

03:06 Elizabeth Keffer on Food Insecurity

03:52 The Role of Volunteers

04:59 Harvesters' Mission and Impact

06:47 Partnerships and Community Impact

11:48 Innovative Approaches to Tackling Hunger

17:57 Challenges and Future of Food Security

30:02 Encouragement to Volunteer and Conclusion

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Discover how the YMCA's New American Welcome Center in Kansas City is transforming immigrant lives through community, belonging, and support.

In this episode, we highlight the North Kansas City YMCA and its work as a New American Welcome Center, supporting one of the most diverse populations in the Kansas City metro. Hear powerful stories of immigrant integration, community belonging, and youth development that show how the YMCA builds bridges across cultures.

Welcome to The Movement! Join us as we celebrate 165 years of impact with the YMCA of Greater Kansas City.

In this episode Mark is joined by Executive Director Andrea Toney, Program Coordinator Aracely Van Kirk, and ESL graduate Mene share how the YMCA of Greater Kansas City empowers individuals through English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, immigrant support services, and a commitment to inclusion and belonging.

To learn more about the YMCA of Greater Kansas City- Let's Go! https://kansascityymca.org/

00:00 Welcome to The Movement: Celebrating 165 Years

01:05 Introduction to the North Kansas City YMCA

01:37 The New American Welcome Center: A Hub for Immigrant Support

02:47 Belonging Begins With Us: Creating Inclusive Spaces

03:18 Meet the Team: Stories of Impact and Inspiration

07:47 The Importance of Learning English

09:11 Building Community Through Programs and Events

21:10 Welcoming Week: How to Get Involved

23:10 Final Thoughts: Fostering Belonging and Inclusion

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