About KC Empire Dreams
KC Empire Dreams supports 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 Ann
Founder & Director
Kimberly has over 17 years experience working in neighborhoods and with families in some of our nation’s most disenfranchised and neglected communities. She has developed numerous programs, models and curriculums to support holistic, grassroots community development and family restoration.
Kimberly is passionate about seeing individuals step into their unique purpose, passion, and potential from a whole and healed heart. Her strengths are exemplified in program and vision development, effective communication, and relational competency. She is a mother of 5 and has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from UMKC and a minor in urban studies.
Will Collins
Neighborhood & Youth Support Specialist
Will is a creative entrepreneur, artist, screen printer, community advocate and the founder of Integrity Screen Printing.
He is dedicated to community impact, youth empowerment, mental health awareness, and creating opportunities for others through education, mentorship, and entrepreneurship. His mission is to combine creativity, purpose, and innovation to build brands while making a positive difference in the community.
Emily King
Neighborhood Youth Program Director
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.
Patricia Murray
Queen of Admin & Organization
The youngest of seven siblings, she grew up with a strong sense of family and community. With over 20 years of healthcare experience, Patricia has worked with people from all walks of life, which has deepened her commitment to helping her community grow and thrive with care and compassion.
Outside of work, Patricia is a proud mother of five and shares her home with four dogs and two cats, While serving as an administrative assistant, she never hesitates to step in and support community initiatives whenever the opportunity arises. Her heart for service and dedication to others continue to guide her in everything she does.
Board Members
Elizabeth Blando
Marc Jackson
Regan Smith
Lauren Fraser
Raymond Mabion Sr
Advisory Board Members
Racquel Adams
Nathan B. Goertzen
Norman Henry
Steve Rich
Pete Sandhu
Jacob Bosch
Victor Hammonds
Jessica Powell
Ericka Saielli
About KC Empire Dreams
KC Empire Dreams is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization supporting the development and sustainability of thriving and empowered communities. EIN: 39-4913819
Contact Us
816-433-0917