By Carla Garcia, Partner Engagement Director
This season, I can feel the heaviness in our city almost as soon as I step outside. The political climate, the way immigrants and refugees are talked about, the comments online, the tension in local conversations. It hurts. Because people I love, families I know by name, are being spoken of as if they were a burden instead of a blessing. As if their stories, their courage, their sacrifices don’t matter.
But they are not burdens. Son nuestros vecinos.
by Jarrett Meek, Founder/Pastor/Executive Director
Growing up in Kansas in the 1970’s meant celebrating Kansas Day every January 29th. On those cold winter days, I remember singing “Home, Home on the Range” and learning about meadowlarks, sunflowers, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and the state motto of Kansas: Ad Astra Per Aspera (to the stars through adversity). All of those quintessential Kansas distinctives are etched in my consciousness as part of the pride I feel in being from this beautiful state. Yet, the motto, Ad Astra per Aspera, stands out with a special meaning as I reflect on 20 years of Mission Adelante.
by Erika Guedez, Community Resource Manager
When I think about Mission Adelante, I don’t just see a place, I see God’s presence moving in powerful ways. From the volunteers to the staff, from the students to the spaces we gather in, there’s an undeniable anointing that flows through everything this organization touches.
by Patrique Harris, Ministry Director
This past week has been a whirlwind, marked by joy and celebration, yet also mixed with sorrow and concern. Such is the duplicity of life.
Last Saturday, I turned thirty! To mark the milestone, I set out on a 30,000-step walk through some of my favorite parts of Kansas City and its surroundings. Though the forecast warned of a downpour, the day turned out beautifully! It was cool, with a faint drizzle, but not enough rain to dampen my spirits.
by Kristina Flores, Children’s Ministry Manager
When I think about Mission Adelante, I don’t just see a place, I see God’s presence moving in powerful ways. From the volunteers to the staff, from the students to the spaces we gather in, there’s an undeniable anointing that flows through everything this organization touches.
by Erick Flores, Ministry Apprentice
Arts Community is filled with kids who love art and are always eager to learn something new! We offer six exciting classes and are always looking for more students and volunteers to join us on Monday nights. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to lead Arts Community, and I am incredibly grateful for our amazing volunteers — I couldn’t do it without them!
by Elaine Reimers, Adult Ministry Director
The majority of you know him. You'll probably hear him before you see him if you walk through the door of Mission Adelante on a Thursday night. I have never seen him have a bad day, or at least it never shows in class. In fact, when I think of Gregg Frost, our beloved and faithful volunteer who has served for nearly twenty years, I hear his heartfelt chuckle and see his kind smile, not to mention the excitement in his eyes about teaching another level 1 ESL lesson!
It's hard to believe that twenty years ago we were preparing to launch Mission Adelante! So many beautiful memories, friends, and so much ministry fruit! And now it's time to celebrate God’s faithfulness!
On Thursday, September 18th, Mission Adelante will host SHINE, our first ever gala event, to celebrate 20 years of "loving people from all places." Since this is the kind of thing that only comes around once every couple of decades, we're really planning a special event that is worthy of this milestone moment. We would love for you to join us!
Here are some details:
Date and Time: Thursday, September 18, 2025, 6:00 p.m.
Venue: Children's Mercy Park (Home of Sporting KC)
Reception: Food, live jazz music, stadium experience including access to player locker room, media room.
Special Guests: Dan Deeble (Emcee), Dániel Sallói (Sporting KC Forward and Team Captain), Brad Gregory Jazz Quartet.
Program: Inspiring in-person and video elements celebrating the past and igniting the future of Mission Adelante. This program will kick off our 2025 year-end fundraising campaign.
Tickets: Individual tickets are available on our website for $250 each.
We hope you’ll join us to celebrate and launch Mission Adelante into its next 20 years!
