United Way of Greater Kansas City Names 2026 CommUNITY Volunteers of the Year — One Helped Open Seven Transitional Homes

On April 30, 2026, the United Way of Greater Kansas City announced its CommUNITY Volunteers of the Year — three Kansas Citians whose service shaped neighborhoods over the past year. The honorees include two adults and one youth, recognized at the organization's annual celebration tied to National Volunteer Month.

One adult honoree contributed more than 1,000 volunteer hours over the past year, much of it helping launch new transitional housing options for families exiting homelessness. Their efforts directly supported the opening of seven transitional homes, providing safe, stable shelter for families while they get back on their feet. The other adult honoree was recognized for sustained service in mentoring and youth programs across the metro.

“The honorees include two adults and one youth, recognized at the organization's annual celebration tied to National Volunteer Month.”

The youth honoree — a high-school student — was praised for organizing food drives and building a peer-led tutoring program in their school. United Way leaders noted that recognizing young volunteers is part of a deliberate effort to encourage lifelong civic engagement: studies show that volunteering before age 18 dramatically increases the likelihood of giving time and money throughout adulthood.

United Way of Greater Kansas City partners with more than 100 local nonprofits and channels millions of dollars each year into education, financial stability and healthcare programs. The annual awards spotlight the human side of those numbers — neighbors who give their time so that other neighbors can sleep safely, eat dinner or finish their homework on time. As the local chapter put it, "Community is built by the hours you don't have to give but choose to give anyway."