A Fresh Start

Zach Godsy speaks candidly about his past. He used drugs, stole cars and committed other thefts. And he went to prison.

“I paid the price,” says Godsy. “Prison was almost a blessing. It got me away from drugs. Having bills to pay was my excuse for stealing...

Welcome Home

Like any other 5-years-olds would, Artis Rollins' daughters marveled at all the presents beneath their Christmas tree, then immediately began to anticipate unwrapping each package. The identical twins’ father, meanwhile, was still overjoyed about the gift...

Working On The Future

Doug Nicholson has a smile worthy of jolly old St. Nicholas. Cheeks dimpled. Eyes twinkling. Gold teeth sparkling. 

And the 53-year-old Kansas City man can hardly contain his merriment as the day Jackson County will be presenting the keys to its s...

Clear Title Presented To First Constructing Futures Recipient

Barbara Nelson considers herself blessed. 

Six years ago, Jackson County ended her and her two daughters’ struggle with homelessness, when County Executive Mike Sanders presented them the keys to the first vacant house remodeled through the county...

'Home For The Holidays' Takes On A Whole New Meaning

"I want to live up here! It's gonna be fun!" 

Four-year-old Ranyah couldn't control her joy, smiling broadly as she swung on the swing set in the yard of her new home in the Ivanhoe Neighborhood of Kansas City -- her fa...

Jackson County Program Teaches Ex-Offenders Job Skills

With his knee pads and stocking cap, Ter-Rance Yancey looks the part of the construction worker he is becoming. 

On the first Monday in December, Yancey was helping put the finishing touches on a home in the Ivanhoe Neighborhood that Jackson Count...

2 Families Receive Constructing Futures Houses

Latoya Caldwell could scarcely speak. She sobbed, shedding tears of joy. 

"Oh, my God," she cried. "This has been a long time coming."

"Home for the holidays" took on even greater meaning during a special presentation ...

'Lightning' Strikes Mother & Daughter In A Good Way

Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders compared all the hardships Kristie Smith and her two daughters have endured to being struck by lightning -- not once or twice, but three times.

First, in 2008 lymphoma claimed the life of Kristie's husband and the girl...

A Once Homeless Family Has A New Place To Call Home

Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders had a surprise for Wayne and Jacqueline Scott and their 12-year-old daughter Symone: a key. The key to their new home. 

The Scotts knew they were being considered possible recipients for a formerly vacant hous...

Program's Gift Of A Home Changes A Mother & Her Daughters' Lives

A new future began Monday (April 6) for Barbara Nelson and her two daughters. 

Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders and County Legislator James Tindall, Sr. (2nd District) announced that the Nelsons would be receiving the first home rehabilitated...