About Empire Dreams
Empire Dreams is a project of Community Capital Fund, and invests in supporting the development and sustainability of thriving and empowered communities in Kansas City’s urban core.
We utilize a holistic model of community development built on intentional relationships to develop neighborhoods, support families, empower leaders, and equip entrepreneurs.
Our targeted neighborhood approach is designed to:
- Dismantle systemic racism and generational poverty
- Confront social disorganization and social isolation
- Remediate the effects of childhood trauma
- Establish connected and supported communities
- Strengthen and restore the family unit
- Offer enduring access to affordable homeownership for indigenous east-side residents.
Core Objectives
1. To develop safe, healthy, and vibrant communities and families.
2. To raise up hidden leaders and entrepreneurs in east-side KC.
3. To provide pathways to enduring homeownership & safe, affordable and quality housing options.
4. To see every individual achieve their full potential.
Our Beliefs
1. Our community is beautiful.
2. Our community faces systemic and systematic barriers to stability and growth.
3. Every individual in our community is valuable, possesses great worth and has the potential to achieve great things.
4. Individuals are most prone to succeed when connected to a larger tribe, community, or social network that champions them on their journey and offers opportunity for access to resources available in their social network.
Our Framework:
- Strengths-Based vs. Deficit-Based
- Empowering vs. Enabling
- Life Coach vs. Social Service Provider
- Career Growth/Entrepreneurship vs. Job Obtainment
- Grassroots vs. Institutional
Our Pillars and Philosophy
- Hope: Belief in the possibility that dreams can be achieved
- Partnership: authentic encouragement, motivation and accountability along the way
- Opportunity: the tangible ability to access realms of stability and growth
- Resource: bridges to social-connectedness and pooled resources
Kimberly Miller
Founder & Director
Kimberly has over 15 years experience working with families in urban neighborhoods and has developed numerous community programs and business ideas to address societal problems. Her strengths are exemplified in program and vision development, effective communication, and relational competency. She has a BA from UMKC and a minor in urban studies.
Michael Miller
Founder & Housing Specialist
Michael was born and raised in Kansas City and understands first-hand the struggles and barriers facing our city’s most vulnerable populations. Michael has strengths in management and professional training. He has a BA in psychology and is working towards a masters degree in counseling. Michael is a real estate agent, general contracter, and the driving force of Community Renewal Housing.
Chris Hubbard
Community Development Advocate & Family Coach
Chris is a Kansas City native with a passion for music, the youth and serving his community. Born into a single parent home, Chris believes that true change starts from the roots in the family unit. Chris shares our heart and is proud to be at Empire Dreams.
Emily King
Community Development Advocate & Family Coach
Emily has over 15 years of experience working with children and youth in various settings including education, after school programs, youth ministries, and residential treatment. She has a passion to see young people reach their full potential and enjoys partnering with families to promote their healthy development. She has a four year diploma in ministry leadership and a BA from UMKC in psychology and sociology.
Nikki Stephens
Community Development Advocate & Family Coach
Born and raised on the east side of Kansas City, Nikki has turned personal challenges into a lifelong commitment to uplifting others. Growing up in a neighborhood with limited resources and opportunities, she developed a deep passion for community empowerment. With a natural ability to build relationships through relating to the communities she serves, she specializes in mindset shifting, health awareness, crisis prevention/intervention, community advocacy, and resource connection. Currently training to become a licensed Community Health Worker, Nikki is dedicated to creating lasting change for both individuals and communities.
Board Members
Grace Ahn
Lauren Fraser
Raymond Mabion Sr
Reagan Smith
Candace Cheatem
Norm Henry
Preet Sandhu
Brooke Taylor
About Empire Dreams
Empire Dreams is a nonprofit organization supporting the development and sustainability of thriving and empowered communities.
Contact Us
816-433-0917