Blog, Newsletter
From the structure of Bishop Sullivan Center’s (BSC) programs to our partnerships with other organizations, we work to honor the dignity of those we serve and create solutions that improve accessibility. Every day, we meet neighbors facing a variety of barriers that hold them back from stable housing, food security, and gainful employment.
New wheels get neighbor where she needs to go
Mobility is one of the greatest barriers faced in our local community. On a cold April day outside One City Café, we met Jennifer. She was wrapped in a blanket to protect herself from the cold, and BSC staff noticed she had been around most of the day. In engaging with Jennifer, we learned she was paraplegic, and her wheelchair was so broken that it would not roll without a lot of force. Within 30 minutes, we were able to secure a new wheelchair for her, restoring access to a freedom many of us take for granted – the ability to get where you need to go.
Unfortunately, Jennifer’s situation is not unique. Mobility disability is reported as the most common disability among middle-aged (almost 1 in 5) and older adults (about 1 in 4), according to CDC. And, as financial hardships increase, mobility disability is nearly five times as common among those living below the poverty level compared to those whose income is twice the poverty level.
Access to medical supplies is made possible through partnerships
Often, restrictive insurance policies or the lack of a primary care provider leave neighbors with unmet needs for medical supplies and equipment, which are vital to independent living.
Earlier this month, BSC partnered with Troost 39 Thrift Store to empower our local KC community members through a “Medical Accessibility Giveaway.” Together, we gave away 30+ walkers, commodes, and other medical supplies.
Grocery delivery is another way to support neighbors with dignity
“We find a community that is overlooked in Kansas City is seniors and disabled neighbors who simply cannot get out of the house,” states Chris Lowrance, BSC Food Manager. “It can be very difficult for them to get even basic food pantry staples. Let’s say you must depend on someone to give you a ride or bring you household goods. This is a major struggle beyond accessibility to a job or, simply, the outside world.
“Just over the last year, Bishop Sullivan Center has made a transformational impact through its grocery delivery program. We’ve gone from 20 to 40 seniors receiving home-delivered groceries. We now have 40 neighbors whom we are blessed to call upon. We check in on them, see how they’re doing, and identify other resources they need. And it goes so far beyond groceries in terms of accessibility. It allows BSC staff to help with documentation for rental and utility assistance, new housing, transportation, and more.”
Bringing employers and job seekers together in one accessible place
According to Josh Lohnes, BSC Employment Services Manager, “Our continued outreach to bring employers and other resources into our building certainly brings job resources to where our neighbors reside, especially those who face accessibility challenges.
“Employment barriers tend to compound each other and make the job search seem hopeless. We see a lot of relief on the faces of clients who get just a little bit of assistance in tackling these complex problems. They can focus on the job search, and with the support of BSC, address accessibility.”
Accessibility and dignity go hand in hand
For Bishop Sullivan Center, we strive to make ALL our programs accessible. We constantly adjust our programs based on the needs of our neighbors, keeping our support person-centered and dignity-driven.
Statistically, nationwide, a multitude of barriers particularly impact those with disabilities, which are compounded by poverty. Maybe we can’t fix it all, but through all of our BSC programs, your support helps us show our community members that we see them and their struggles, and that we are here to help.
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“We want the idea of helping others to become a natural part of their lives,” shared the Gaughan family, when they decided that instead of Christmas gifts for the adults, each grandchild would receive $100 to grocery shop for Kansas City’s Bishop Sullivan Center (BSC) Food Pantries.
As longtime friends of Bishop Sullivan Center, the grandparents raised their now-adult children to give back. “Over the years, we’d take the kids to help on small projects at BSC, like cleaning the ovens! As we’d be leaving, the kitchen would be prepping for meal service at One City Cafe, and community members would be lining up for a warm, hearty meal. The kids would get to see the need firsthand. We taught them it really is, but for the grace of God, that anyone’s life could have been so different. We have a responsibility to help others.”
Planting the seed of community giving
Now the family is planting the seed with the next generation – 19 grandchildren in all! With three cars loaded with provisions for BSC’s food pantries, Gaughan family members were eager to drop off the pantry staples they had spent hours shopping for. “We encouraged them to be thoughtful about their grocery choices. Our older grandchildren even looked up recipes that could easily and completely be put together by a family.”
A heartfelt thank you to the Gaughan family for kicking off 2026 with the first food donations to BSC!
Source: USDA, MO Hunger Atlas 2025
Food insecurity on the rise, families find help through BSC
In 2025, an average of 867 families visited BSC’s food pantries each month, and 40 homebound seniors received monthly grocery deliveries. Nationally, over the last five years, the number of individuals living in food-insecure households has tragically increased. For Missouri households, there has been a 14% increase in very low food security – meaning food insecurity is combined with hunger, where normal eating patterns are disrupted in the household. (USDA/Mo Hunger Atlas 2025)
BSC’s food pantries are vital to supporting our neighbors facing hunger.
Host a friends & family food drive this year!
Whether you’re a local business, group of friends, or a family looking to make a meaningful impact on our neighbors in need, consider supporting Bishop Sullivan Center (BSC) Food Pantries. Contact BSC for ideas on running your own fun and easy food drive in 2026!
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He walked out of prison and through BSC’s front door, ready to rebuild his life. Where is he today?
The Bishop Sullivan Center (BSC) Employment Services program makes a difference in many lives throughout our Kansas City community.
Rebuilding a life after hardship
Mark is one such community member who got his second chance at life. Eight years ago, Mark* was connected with the BSC team as he began rebuilding his life after incarceration. He had a bike for transportation and was finding it challenging to find work that was accessible. BSC was a lifeline – a phone, hygiene care, and bus passes helped Mark on his journey to self-sufficiency.
Mark is now almost a decade into the career he obtained through working with BSC. In that time, Mark gained on-the-job skills and was promoted to supervisor. He has also purchased a car and is considering a home purchase.
“I don’t drive by Bishop Sullivan Center without thinking of how you helped me,” he shared.
Job candidates work with BSC staff to learn basic computer and interview skills, as well as how to market their own talents to secure employment.
Comprehensive job services lead to brighter futures
Since 1995, the BSC Employment Services program has been supporting community members just like Mark, providing free job counseling. BSC works with each client on work-readiness, so they have the basic skills needed to be successful. Support includes working on vocational ability, attitude, and dependability. BSC offers two locations where clients can access computers for job searches, as well as resume and mock interview support.
We all deserve second chances, and Mark has certainly made the most of his thanks to everyone who supports this much needed BSC program. Thank you!
In the News: Bishop Sullivan Center Helps Kansas Citians Find Employment, Northeast News.
*Name changed for privacy
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Increased living costs bring more first-timers to Bishop Sullivan Center
All across our Kansas City community, dramatic increases in the cost of necessities have really hit home. Bishop Sullivan Center (BSC) is a vital safety net for our neighbors in need. This summer, our emergency assistance team reported an unusual increase in calls from neighbors who had suddenly been laid off from long-term employment — a trend that’s particularly concerning, considering the strain on budgets community-wide.
Fresh produce and pantry goods are offered at both Bishop Sullivan Center’s Kansas City locations. Individual donors account for 92% of BSC’s program dollars, making the food pantries possible.
Just last month, we met Brenda* — a hard-working KC resident who found herself laid off by the school district. Like many of us, she has never needed help before and never imagined needing a resource like BSC.
Brenda quickly found a part-time job, but it just wasn’t enough to make ends meet.
“When she reached out to us, Brenda was clearly feeling pretty low,” notes Programs Director Shilo Foster. “She mentioned she was struggling to afford groceries and hadn’t eaten much recently. These are our community members, and we simply can’t have that!”
Through BSC’s Food Pantry and Rent Assistance programs, we were able to alleviate some of Brenda’s immediate stressors – ensuring she had nutritious grocery staples and help with her rent.
“This was just the connection I needed,” she shares. “I feel so blessed that BSC was there when I needed support the most.” Brenda continues her search for more stable employment.
“The job market is tough right now … honestly, for everyone,” shares Foster. “The cost of living is climbing. Temporary or part-time jobs that people typically find to fill the gaps between gainful employment are no longer sufficient. We’re getting more calls and emails than ever before from community members like Brenda, who have never needed help before. I’m thrilled that BSC is here to fill the gaps.”
Image: Zillow. Rent prices have skyrocketed since 2015 throughout the Midwest, leaving individuals closer than ever to homelessness. Bishop Sullivan Center’s rental assistance program helps Kansas City residents make ends meet.
Tighter budgets across the Kansas City metro
Everyone is feeling the impact of rising costs. But for neighbors living paycheck to paycheck, the issues go far beyond skipping the eggs and coffee at the grocery store. Those already on tight budgets are finding it harder to balance all their monthly expenses, and those on Social Security are unable to save for a rainy day. Lost work hours mean having to choose which bills are most dire for many, not just in Kansas City, but across the country.
Lower-end housing prices have increased more than lower-end wages in recent years in the Kansas City metro. More alarmingly, rents have rapidly increased by 47% in the last 10 years in KC, according to Zillow. With skyrocketing rent and recent funding cuts impacting many partner organizations, BSC is one of the few remaining lifelines available for Kansas City residents in need of rent and utility assistance.
Vital community support enables BSC to provide a hand up
“We know the stresses families are under to make ends meet,” says Director of Outreach Hannah Brockway. “The strain on their incomes and benefits is greater than ever. We may not be the answer for everything, but we are privileged to experience the beauty of helping others every day; during these trying times, this is something to hold onto with both hands.”
Did you know that individual donors make up 92% of BSC’s program dollars? Truly incredible — a testament to the power of local community. Ongoing support from community members is vital to enabling BSC to provide a hand up to our neighbors in need!
*Name changed for privacy
