Celebrating Community Leadership at the Livable Neighborhoods Holiday Luncheon

On December 12th, Argentine Betterment Corporation attended the Livable Neighborhoods Annual Holiday Luncheon, a wonderful event filled with great food, meaningful connections, and renewed energy for the year ahead. The luncheon provided an opportunity for community leaders from across Kansas City, Kansas to come together, reflect on shared accomplishments, and get motivated about what’s next for our neighborhoods.

We were honored to hear from and connect with local leaders including Mayor Tyrone Garner, Chief of Staff Irene Caudillo, Commissioner Bynum, Commissioner-Elect Howard, and Mayor-Elect Christal Watson, who were present to celebrate community leadership, present awards, and share their excitement for the future of KCK.

The Livable Neighborhoods program plays a vital role in empowering residents to improve the health and safety of Kansas City, Kansas neighborhoods by fostering community connectedness and civic engagement. By working directly with residents and neighborhood-based organizations, Livable Neighborhoods helps identify challenges and develop solutions that strengthen quality of life and ensure KCK remains a great place to live, raise a family, work, play, and start a business.

Several community groups and Neighborhood Business Revitalization (NBR) organizations were in attendance, including ABC. The luncheon also included the results of the Livable Neighborhoods Task Force Board elections, which began earlier this fall when participating groups recommitted to serving Wyandotte County and building a stronger community. The newly elected officers are:

• President: Monica Mendez, Armourdale Renewal

• Vice President: Chandra Ward, Turner Community Connection

• Secretary: Amanda DeVriese-Sebilla, Argentine Betterment Corporation

• Treasurer: Maria Fahlbar, Firm Foundation

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Livable Neighborhoods, Minah Chapell, and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas for hosting this event and for their continued support of neighborhood groups across our community. Their ongoing commitment to uplifting and empowering neighborhoods makes a meaningful difference.

ABC is proud to be part of this collaborative network and looks forward to continuing this important work alongside fellow neighborhood leaders in the year ahead.