
By Richard Zimmer, CPA, MBA on December 22, 2021
Chief Financial Officer
Health Forward Foundation
By Richard Zimmer, CPA, MBA on December 22, 2021
Chief Financial Officer
Health Forward Foundation
Farewells are difficult so I choose not to think of it in those terms, more of a “see you soon.” The foundation was just a little over four years old when I started as the CFO and still considered in its formative years. Over the last 13 years, I have witnessed such tremendous growth, maturity, […]
By Health Forward Blog Team on December 20, 2021
Our voices are brighter when we come together as a community. We want to thank all of you for your part in the work we did in the community this year. This has been a year of growth and understanding for us at Health Forward, and we look forward to sharing that with you in […]
By Health Forward Foundation on December 16, 2021
Reflecting on the past year at Health Forward, our work can be summarized as learning, listening, and reflecting. As we’ve shared, we spent 2021 in a purpose alignment process. This process allowed us to identify the motivation behind our work. This renewed commitment to our communities will guide our new, five-year purpose plan that will […]
By Marylou Flandez on December 14, 2021
Executive Assistant to Qiana Thomason
Health Forward Foundation
In November, I joined Health Forward as Qiana’s executive assistant. I will be supporting Qiana and her leadership team through an array of tasks, but especially by managing their complex calendars, creating visual presentations and agendas, and coordinating with the board of directors and Community Advisory Committee. My path to Health Forward is not the […]
By Cori Stites on December 9, 2021
Program Associate
Health Forward Foundation
Jennifer Sykes
Communications Director, Health Forward Foundation
Communications director Jennifer Sykes has helmed Health Forward’s communications for 15 years. She has seen the organization through some significant projects, including strategic planning, logo redesigns, website development, our 10-year and 15-year celebrations, our name change and rebranding in 2018, and media campaigns around important issues like tobacco prevention and Medicaid Expansion. While Jen’s role […]
By Noah Ybarra on December 2, 2021
AmeriCorps VISTA
KC Common Good
Adam McClun
Community Engagement Manager, KC Common Good
Black and brown communities in cities across the United States face challenges limiting upward mobility — Kansas City is no different. Excluded from prosperity, faced with higher rates of poverty, and lower life expectancies, these communities have fallen victim to cycles of violence. However, the power of hope shared by our community members led them […]
By Allie Utley on December 2, 2021
Communications Intern
Health Forward Foundation
I grew up in Allen County, a community of 13,000 people spread out over 404 square miles, and a school system that fed well over half its students free or reduced school lunches. For most of my upbringing, poverty was just a fact of life, etched into generational lifestyles of families who have never been […]
By Health Forward Grants Team on November 17, 2021
Health Forward Foundation
Last week, we announced changes to our grantmaking process that will take place in 2022. Our 2022 foundation defined grant funding process will change to provide sustaining support during this transition period, while our applicant defined grants will be awarded less frequently. You can read the full details here. Understandably, you have reached out to […]
By Ryan Hudnall on November 5, 2021
Executive Director
Della Lamb Community Services
It has been said that nothing is permanent except change. Consider the past 18 months. The emergence of SARS-CoV-2, more commonly known as COVID-19, prompted global change, resulting in an exceptional era of transition and disruption. We collectively stepped into an environment characterized by uncertainty, and we are still adjusting to the nature and extent […]
By Natasha Sims on October 28, 2021
Local Health Buzz Blog Administrator
Health Forward Foundation
Amethyst Place works with local women and children to achieve recovery, reunification, and resilience. They provide family-centered care that enables these families to overcome the interconnected cycles of poverty, trauma, and substance use. This care includes safe housing and basic needs; educational and vocational supports; recovery, wellness, and financial coaching; and therapy and care management. […]