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Empire Dreams

Where Dreams, Hope, and Friendship Entwine

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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:

  1. Dismantle systemic racism and generational poverty
  2. Confront social disorganization and social isolation
  3. Remediate the effects of childhood trauma
  4. Establish connected and supported communities
  5. Strengthen and restore the family unit
  6. 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.

Nikki Stephens

Neighborhood Development Specialist

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.

    Emily King

    Neighborhood Youth 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. 

        Will Collins

        Neighborhood & Youth Support Specialist

          Dacia Martin

          Resource Coordinator & Coach

            Board Members

            Grace Ahn

            Lauren Fraser

            Raymond Mabion Sr

            Reagan Smith

            Norm Henry

            Marc Jackson

            Preet Sandhu

            Brooke Taylor

            Contact Us

            About Empire Dreams

            Empire Dreams is a nonprofit organization supporting the development and sustainability of thriving and empowered communities.

            Contact Us

            816-433-0917

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