Janet Miles-Bartee’s Impactful Leadership at Greater KC LINC

News Summary

Janet Miles-Bartee’s inspiring journey from an elementary school teacher to the President and CEO of Greater KC LINC showcases the power of community service. Under her leadership, LINC has grown into a vital nonprofit, supporting approximately 6,500 students across 54 schools with programs ranging from education to emergency assistance, workforce development, and foster youth support. Janet emphasizes collaboration and hopes to expand resources for seniors while believing in the strength of community engagement to drive positive change.

Janet Miles-Bartee’s Inspiring Journey as CEO of Greater KC LINC

In the heart of Kansas City, a remarkable journey unfolds that highlights the power of community service and personal growth. Janet Miles-Bartee, who moved to the city back in 1997, began as an elementary school teacher with a firm belief that education was essential for making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their neighborhoods.

From Classroom to Community

While her teaching career had its rewards, it was her volunteering experience with an after-school program through Greater KC LINC that broadened her perspective on the importance of community service. Janet quickly realized that her impact could extend beyond the classroom, affecting not only the children but also their families and the broader community.

This revelation sparked a significant transition in her career. Encouraged by those around her, she decided to take a leap of faith and applied for the position of site director at LINC. Her journey didn’t stop there; she advanced from a full-time site coordinator to supervisor and then climbed the ranks to become the first vice president. Today, she proudly holds the title of President and CEO of LINC, a position that enables her to advocate strongly for her community.

A Multitude of Services

Under Janet’s leadership, LINC has grown into a crucial nonprofit organization that provides an extensive range of programs designed to support families in need. From youth outreach and emergency relief to workforce development and foster child skills training, the organization touches the lives of many. On a daily basis, LINC serves around 6,500 students across 54 schools within the Kansas City area, providing critical support that helps young people thrive.

One particularly impactful program is the workforce development initiative, which assists approximately 775 individuals in overcoming personal barriers through job training and resources aimed at self-sufficiency. Janet’s team has distributed around $153,000 in incentives to help individuals achieve their employment goals.

Legal Aid and Emergency Assistance

LINC also reaches out to families needing urgent support—offering emergency assistance for essential utilities like gas, water, and electricity. The Justice In The Schools program has been noteworthy this year, helping 197 children and connecting 632 families with necessary legal aid, showcasing the organization’s commitment to tackling complex challenges facing families in their time of need.

Empowering Foster Youth

One of LINC’s standout initiatives is its program for foster youth, which serves approximately 600 youths. This initiative not only provides essential life skills but also instills confidence in young people as they prepare for adulthood. Additionally, LINC collaborates with local daycare centers to deliver early childhood support and training, recognizing that investing in the youngest members of the community is essential for long-term growth.

A Vision for the Future

However, like many nonprofits, LINC faces challenges, particularly with potential state and federal budget cuts that could affect funding. Despite this uncertainty, Janet believes that LINC serves as a stable community resource, one that provides services without judgment.

With a personal philosophy rooted in the idea of being one’s brother’s keeper, she emphasizes the importance of collaboration. In her view, community organizations are stronger when they work together, and she actively advocates for this kind of collective effort.

Looking ahead, LINC aims to expand its resources for the senior population, recognizing that every demographic deserves support and opportunity. Janet encourages those aspiring to follow a similar path to engage with genuine passion, emphasizing that this work is not just hard work, it is heart work.

In this vibrant Kansas City community, Janet Miles-Bartee’s journey is a testament to the incredible things that can happen when we invest in our communities and support each other. Her story is one of hope, perseverance, and the enduring belief that together, we can make a difference.

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Additional Resources

• Kansas City Star: Local News Article
• Wikipedia: Nonprofit Organization
• KSHB: Increase in Clients at Kansas City Nonprofit
• KCTV5: Taylor Swift Donates to Nonprofit
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Community