Former Kansas City Mayor Sly Returns As Nice Guy

Actually, this presser is worth a peek at we're posting because it's a local, grassroots effort for a great organization . . . Check-it:

Benilde Hall Celebrates Over 30 Years of Tackling Veteran Homelessness, Transforming Lives, and Breaking the Cycle of Addiction

KANSAS CITY, MO – For over three decades, Benilde Hall has been a beacon of hope for Veterans and individuals battling homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges. Now, Kansas City’s best-kept recovery secret is ready to share its story. On Friday, December 6, 2024, Benilde Hall invites the community to celebrate its enduring legacy and learn how it continues to transform lives at the Rumely Tractor Historic Event Space (1222 W. 12th St.).

This milestone event offers an extraordinary opportunity to hear powerful stories of recovery, resilience, and redemption from inspiring speakers, including a graduate of Benilde Hall’s program and notable Kansas City leaders.

Event Highlights

- Emcee: Former Kansas City Mayor and Marine Veteran, Sylvester "Sly" James, Jr., will lead the program with his commitment to community and service.
- Keynote Speaker: Willie Mays Aikens, former Kansas City Royals legend and First baseman, will share his personal story of redemption after overcoming addiction and serving time in prison.
- Personal Success Stories: Hear from a graduate of Benilde Hall, whose transformative journey underscores the program's life-changing impact.
- Lunch by Jack Stack Barbecue: Enjoy one of Kansas City’s favorite meals while celebrating a brighter future for our Veterans and community members.

Benilde Hall’s Mission and Legacy

- Mission: At Benilde Hall, we are committed to unlocking the potential within each person. Through personalized services, we help build brighter futures for Veterans and individuals who have faced challenges such as incarceration, addiction, trauma, and housing insecurity. Our mission is to empower individuals to lead their lives confidently by fostering sustained recovery, stable housing, economic self-sufficiency, and improved mental and physical well-being.

- Founded by Godfrey Kobets, Benilde Hall has evolved into a vital resource for those in recovery. From its humble beginnings, the organization has expanded to provide housing and supportive services for Veterans including females in the SafeHaven program and adult males and permanent supportive housing through the Matt Talbot Apartments and the Dr. Thomas Hall House.

Through its continuum of care, Benilde Hall helps clients establish a “sense of community” and belonging that sustains their recovery and enables them to become role models for others.

“Now is the time to invest in the future of Kansas City,” says Mark Mullinix, Chairman of the Board. “Benilde Hall’s transitional housing and comprehensive support model targets the root causes of homelessness and substance use. With the community’s help, we can continue using these tools to end homelessness in our city.”
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More info: https://www.benildehall.org/