Kaelyn Schroeder is the summer intern at Sheffield Place. She is part of the Catholic Summer Internship Kansas City (CSIKC) which is made possible by the Catherin V. Merrill Foundation. Sheffield Place has had summer interns through this program for many years.

Reflections of the Summer Intern

I started working here at Sheffield Place about a month ago as the summer intern through the Catholic Charities Summer Internship Program. I am studying Social Work at Wichita State University, and found this internship completely by accident with a quick Google search, and ended up being accepted and placed here at Sheffield Place. Although I came across this opportunity accidentally, it is no secret that it was something I was called to pursue and experience.

Through the summer intern program, I was assigned to Sheffield Place to work full time and to complete various requirements with the other interns throughout the summer. Although I have only been here for one month, I can say that Sheffield Place has already made an impact on my life. I primarily work in Project Hope, a preschool center in the basement the children learn and play while their mothers also attend class. I have taken on the role of a lead preschool teacher working with children ages three to eight. We work with them on calendar skills such as days of the week, months of the year, dates, alphabet, and number practice.

For some of the children, this is their first exposure to classroom structure and materials. We also love to have fun reading books, doing crafts, and having free play. Being able to work with the children here has allowed me to witness what it means to love, not only how I can show them love, but how they show me love. These children often come to Sheffield Place in tough situations that I have never had to experience, but they come to class with smiles and open hearts.

Sheffield Place is like a loving family; everyone checks up on each other, and I am always greeted by other staff and feel very welcome. Throughout my time at Sheffield Place, I have also been able to work preparing units for incoming families, which has allowed me to understand our mission and role as a community.

We help mothers and their children who are homeless, who have faced addiction and trauma, to help them become self-sufficient. The program Sheffield Place offers completely changes the lives of so many women and children who come through those doors and leave as new people. They are held to schedules with chores, groups, and class, with assistance provided for their families. When these women accomplish their goals, it is a win for everyone in the building.

Being part of this family has allowed me to witness what it means to live as we are called to be, serving others, showing love and forgiveness, especially through the hard times. All I can hope is that I have left a portion of the impact on Sheffield Place as they have left on me.

Finding Deeper Purpose through Service on the Sheffield Place Board

Board members Jennifer Hogan (right) 
and Bryan Peterson (left) worked
recently on a house owned by
Sheffield Place.

When I made the decision to move from Minnesota to Kansas City in 2022, I was looking for something more than just a new job. I wanted to find deeper purpose, something that would connect me to this new chapter of my life. 

But, like many big changes, it came with its own set of challenges—new city, new job, and an overwhelming sense of searching for meaning. Then, a co-worker invited me to join her for a luncheon at Sheffield Place, where she helped provide financial literacy to the mothers who called this place home. 

That invitation, simple as it seemed, turned out to be a turning point I didn’t even know I was waiting for. I remember stepping into Sheffield Place and meeting the mothers, hearing their stories, and connecting with the incredible community there. 

It’s true what they say: "Things happen for a reason." I was immediately struck by the heart and resilience of the women I met, and I felt an undeniable pull. I knew, in that moment, that this was where I was meant to be—where I could make a real difference.

Sheffield Place isn’t just a nonprofit; it’s a place where lives are being transformed, and I felt honored to become a part of that story. Sometimes, the greatest purpose comes when we least expect it—through connection, compassion, and the simple act of showing up. For me, Sheffield Place was that unexpected call to action, and it has been nothing short of life-changing. 

Jennifer Hogan 

Board Member

Why My Commitment to Sheffield Place has Grown - Bryan Peterson, Board Treasurer

 

Bryan Peterson (third from left) at the 13th Annual Sheffield Place Golf Tournament

My love and commitment to Sheffield Place's mission has only grown over the years. The unwavering dedication of Sheffield Place’s leadership, the impact on the lives of mothers and children in Kansas City, and the incredible success stories make this a charity worthy of our support.

The mothers who take the steps to join Sheffield Place are determined to succeed. They aspire to become more effective mothers to their children.  The ladies become strive positive contributing members of society. The dedicated Sheffield Place team and their mission provide the crucial support needed to make this a reality.

My family has found numerous ways to get involved with Sheffield Place.  Helping with back-to-school drives, assisting with the annual golf tournament, organizing essential needs drives, supporting the annual gala, serving on the board, and donating gifts at Christmas for the women and children. We consistently see the tangible results from the contributions of the people of Kansas City. The success stories from program graduates make all our efforts worthwhile.

I am proud to be involved with Sheffield Place. With this organization, our dedication and hard work directly impact the lives of those in need within our community.
 

My First Year as a Sheffield Place Board Member

 

Sarah Sanchex (l) with fellow board
member Missy Andeel at Off the Wall 2024

When I first applied for the Board of Sheffield Place, I was looking for a non-profit to join that had a direction but also felt like I could make an impact in my community. After my visit to Sheffield Place, I could tell it was special and I wanted to be a part of it.

I grew up with a lot of people in my life that could have benefited from a place like Sheffield Place, if they had ever been given the chance. Something that I am very passionate about is that I want to help women and their children thrive in a world that has not been built to represent or even protect them.

I have been looking for a group that can help me give back and truly feel like Sheffield Place was the place to do that. Our country (I believe) is in a mental health crisis that continues to lead to more and more people being unhoused.  

So much of our life is based on what we were born into. I am not saying that people cannot better themselves from a situation but when you are five steps behind other people it is a lot harder to get ahead and know how to get there and when there is addiction and/or mental illness people can be pushed even further behind.

Mental health facilities are so underfunded that it makes it almost impossible for people who are suffering to get the help they need. Being able to help even in a small way through an organization like Sheffield Place makes me feel like I am trying to be apart of the solution and not the problem. I have loved this first year as a board member and getting to know the incredible staff and the women and children that make up Sheffield place. I can’t wait to see how else I can help in the upcoming year.

Sarah Sanchez, Board Member

UMB Bank

 

A Cold Call that Opened a World of Opportunity

 

I would describe my introduction to Sheffield Place as a cold call that opened a world of opportunity. CEO/President Kelly Welch called my office at the East Patrol Division of the Kansas City Missouri Police Department and asked if I could attend an advisory council meeting at Sheffield Place. I agreed, without really understanding all the organization did. But over the course of several meetings, I began to understand how seriously Kelly and the incredible staff there pursued the organization’s mission and how that translated into tangible positive outcomes for those most vulnerable.

In addition to witnessing the Sheffield Place’s impact in the community, I have met some truly wonderful people and participated in events where I was able to meet clients whose lives have been totally changed, and in changing their lives, have changed the trajectory of their kids’ lives—it is truly amazing to see the potential people have when given the tools and opportunity to succeed. It has also been rewarding to meet the other board members who have donated time, money and talent to ensure Sheffield Place continues its success. I would challenge anyone to find a finer group.

After 34 years in law enforcement, I understand how important and wonderful it can be to make a difference. Sheffield Place makes a difference by bringing a calm to its clients' lives and has given many women and their families a safe place to live, and supported them to become wonderful mothers and productive citizens—these are lives and families that would otherwise have been disrupted by incarceration. I am truly honored to help in my small way in contributing to Sheffield’s great success!

 

Rick Smith

KCPD Chief (retired)

I Invest My Time, Talent, and Treasure Because I've Been Without a Home

It’s not hard to invest time, money and energy to an organization like Sheffield Place when you've experienced the devastation of being homeless.  

When my family’s home burned down, we experienced being without a home for a good while.  Relatives came to our aid but most of our basic supplies and cherished items went up in smoke.  

What I learned from that experience is that it’s important to have people and organizations in the community that know the importance of resourcing mothers and children. It’s one thing to provide shelter but it is another thing to teach mothers how to create and sustain healthy homes.  

Sheffield Place not only provides safe shelter but tools our families so they can manage their own lives.  In my opinion, this is the best part about Sheffield Place – teaching mothers and their children how to be self-sufficient in all areas of their lives. It’s a generational shift and I remain committed to making sure the mission continues. 

- Dionne M. King, Board Member, Sheffield Place

Tammy Edwards (left) and Dionne King (right)
at Off the Wall 2015

 

Why I Support Sheffield Place

Lundy Joyce, MS, MSW

Chair, Sheffield Place Advisory Council

I became aware of Sheffield Place through my volunteer activities at Kansas City Young Matrons. KCYM participates in writing and addressing thank-you notes several times a year and organizes a collection one month every year of “in kind” donations.  A member at KCYM invited me to “Off the Wall” which is one of the fundraisers Sheffield Place holds every year.  These experiences led me to support the nomination of Sheffield Place to become the beneficiary of the KCYM Magic Ball in 2021.

I was impressed after these interactions with the staff and learning the mission of Sheffield Place and looked forward for ways to continue my support.  Being on the Advisory Board allows me the opportunity to participate in contributions to the two primary fundraisers: “Off the Wall” in October and the annual Golf Tournament in June.  The “Back to School” cookout in August provides a fun opportunity to interact with moms and their children while providing backpacks with school supplies.  In October, a safe atmosphere is provided for the families to “Trunk or Treat,” and everyone dresses up in their favorite costume. These are just a few examples of activities created by Sheffield Place that connect families, staff, and volunteers.

There are many aspects of Sheffield Place that have earned my respect.  Their mission is “To empower homeless mothers and their children to heal from their trauma and become self-sufficient.”   They accept women who are continuing to struggle with addiction and their children. The program provides structure and services in a safe environment. The staff is accepting, kind and communicates their expectations.

Much of the success of Sheffield Place can be attributed to the staff.  They are dedicated and experienced.  They spend a great deal of time and effort acknowledging the community and volunteers that provide support.  They are genuine with their gratitude.  It is not surprising that they receive recognition for their efforts.  For example, they have received a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator 8 years in a row establishing their focus on transparency.

It is my goal to continue to support Sheffield Place and the women and children who are benefitting from this necessary and successful organization. 

Lundy (left) at KCYM ceremonial check presentation

Lundy at Trunk or Treat

Lundy with other KCYM members addressing 
a holiday mailing