Non-profit in limbo as Jackson County budget stalemate freezes vital funding
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Every week, the non-profit Greater Impact reaches out to 15 to 20 victims of non-fatal shootings in Kansas City. They also offer critical services to individuals battling drug addiction — transportation, food, hygiene items, clothing, and mentorship — all free of charge.
But five months into this year, the organization is facing a crisis. Jackson County has not released any of the COMBAT funds Greater Impact relies on to operate.
Last year, the non-profit received $314,000 through the COMBAT program. This year, they’ve received nothing — a consequence of an ongoing budget ime between the Jackson County Legislature and County Executive Frank White.
Branden Mims is the CEO of Greater Impact, which has operated in Kansas City for a decade. They are the only designated agency in the county helping their clientele.
“I want to be clear, we’re not continuing on because we have the money. We do not have the money,” Mims said. “We just don’t have a choice, and we don’t know what that’s going to look like. That could mean that I have to furlough staff, or I have to lay some staff off – all options are on the table.”
Without funding, the organization has entered “emergency mode,” scrambling to keep doors open while continuing to meet the needs of the community.
“We have to keep operating. We have to keep spending, and we have no idea what’s going to happen,” Mims said.
Anna Daniels is one of the people Greater Impact has helped. She’s in recovery from drug addiction and credits the organization for giving her the tools and she needed to change her life.
“I don’t live that life no more. I’m on the other side,” Daniels said.
She leaned on the mentorship Greater Impact offers — a lifeline during moments of vulnerability.
“Instead of calling the dope man, I call my mentors,” Daniels said. “And they pick up their phone. Next thing you know, we’ll be on that phone three hours and it’s over — but I can go to sleep right after that.”
Beyond addiction recovery, the organization intervenes directly with victims of violence in hopes of reducing retaliation and repeat harm. The Kansas City Police Department refers between 15 and 20 victims of non fatal shootings to Greater Impact on a weekly basis.
“It is our way of seeking to address violence,” Mims said. “We want to lower the risk for retaliation.”
However, there is some hope on the horizon. A group of Jackson County legislators filed a lawsuit against Executive Frank White in an effort to force a budget approval or outline the scope of his authority. The next hearing is scheduled for June 22 where they are seeking a preliminary injunction.
Until then, Mims said Greater Impact will keep showing up — even if the checks don’t.
And as for Daniels, she has a direct message for county leaders:
“Y’all need to write those checks,” Daniels said.
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