In a heartfelt tribute during Hispanic Heritage Month, Sporting Kansas City has once again demonstrated its commitment to community empowerment by selecting three exemplary Hispanic/Latino nonprofit organizations in the Kansas City Metro area to receive $5,000 each. This initiative not only underscores Sporting KC’s dedication to cultural celebration but also highlights the active involvement of its staff in the selection process.
The organizations were chosen through a collaborative voting system involving Sporting KC associates, coaches, and players, who came together to identify and support local nonprofits that embody the values of community service and cultural representation. This approach ensured that the voices of those who are part of the Sporting KC family played a crucial role in determining which organizations would receive this significant support.
"By investing in these organizations and their initiatives, we’re celebrating rich cultural heritage and creating opportunities for growth and empowerment that benefit the entire community," Maigan T. Bridgette, Sporting KC’s Community Impact Manager, shared. This sentiment reflects the team's collective belief in the importance of uplifting organizations that serve the community
The first organization honored is El Centro, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to building an educated, healthy, financially empowered, and engaged Latino community. Established in 1976, El Centro has consistently focused on enhancing the lives of Latinos and others through educational, social, and economic opportunities. Represented by Robert Ortiz, Director of Finances, and Julia Reza-Valenzuela, Director of Access, the organization is committed to early childhood education, community health, economic empowerment, and advocacy.
With the funds awarded by Sporting KC, El Centro will provide 100 Thanksgiving meals to families in need this holiday season, showcasing their unwavering dedication to serving the Latino community in Wyandotte and Johnson Counties. “El Centro is a welcoming center for Latino immigrants and families, and this support will significantly enhance our outreach during such a critical time of year,” they stated.
Next in line is the Mattie Rhodes Center, which has enriched lives for over 127 years through social services, behavioral health counseling, and the arts. Led by President/CEO John Fierro, the Center envisions a vibrant community where all individuals and families thrive. As the only fully bilingual and bicultural behavioral health care provider in the Greater Kansas City region, Mattie Rhodes stands out for its holistic approach to well-being.
The donation from Sporting KC will support their "Soccer for Success" program, an innovative initiative using soccer to promote healthy lifestyles and combat childhood obesity among youth. Serving over 200 children from grades K-8, this free afterschool program embodies the Center's mission to create safe, healthy communities filled with resources for success.
Finally, the is committed to creating the necessary conditions for the advancement of Latino youth by fostering representation and support for Latinx educators. Represented by President/CEO Edgar Palacios and Director of Digital Experiences Iván Ramírez, the LEC emphasizes that diverse teaching staff can significantly improve educational outcomes for students.
The funding from Sporting KC will be utilized to create a sensory room in their new community space, providing a safe and creative learning environment for the young people they serve. “This initiative is vital for providing a nurturing space where students can thrive and feel supported,” Ramírez remarked, underscoring the importance of catering to the unique needs of Latinx youth.
The selection of these three organizations through the collaborative efforts of Sporting KC's staff, coaches, and players exemplifies the power of community involvement in driving positive change. As the team celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, these nonprofits embody the spirit of resilience and empowerment within the Kansas City Metro area.
Through their dedication and the support of local initiatives, they are ensuring that the voices and stories of the Hispanic and Latino community are heard, valued, and celebrated
