Mission Updates :: November 2024

Welcoming a Season of Connection and Care

As winter and the holiday season approaches, we know that, along with cherished moments, this special time of year can bring its own unique stressors. In the November and December issues of our CAPA Connections e-Newsletter, we're sharing tips, activities, and events to help bring joy, self-care, and togetherness into your holiday plans.

From cozy ideas for quality time (see the Gratitude Jar Activity in this issue or last year's Thankful Turkey activity on our YouTube channel) to practical advice for managing the rush of the season (see the Five Senses Check-In below or our Wintry Box Breathing exercise), we hope this issue adds a little warmth and support to these upcoming days.

Here's to a season of making time for what truly connects our hearts to ourselves and each other!

Chicken N Pickle - North Kansas City

Tuesday, November 12

6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

1761 Burlington

North Kansas City, MO 64116

We’re thrilled to partner with Chicken N Pickle’s North Kansas City location on Tuesday, November 12 from 6–8 p.m. for a community Give Back Night. During these two hours, 10% of all on-site food and beverage sales will go directly to CAPA’s programs to support KC families. Come enjoy a night out while supporting a great cause!

We’ll be there with fun coloring pages and more information about Baskets of Hope. We hope to see you—bring the family and share the joy of giving back this season!

:: Practicing Thankfulness

Family Gratitude Jar

This Thanksgiving season, create a Family Gratitude Jar to bring everyone together in the spirit of appreciation! Every day this month, have each family member write down something they’re thankful for on a slip of paper. It could be anything, a favorite meal, a sunny day, or a special friend. Drop each note in the jar, and watch it fill with beautiful moments of gratitude!

How to Get Started:

1. Grab a Jar – Any jar or container will work! Decorate it together as a family with stickers, markers, or a festive ribbon to make it special.
2. Prepare Your "Leaves" – Cut out slips of paper or use our printable Family Gratitude Jar template.
3. Set a Time – Choose a moment each day (like dinner time) for everyone to add their note to the jar.
4. Share Your Thanks – On Thanksgiving, gather around to read each note aloud. This is a time to reflect, laugh, and celebrate all the good things, big and small.

By taking a moment each day to give thanks, you’ll be building a family tradition that fosters mindfulness, joy, and togetherness.

:: Self-Care Moment

Five Senses Check-In

The holidays can be a whirlwind of activity, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Practicing a simple “Five Senses Check-In” is a quick grounding technique that can help everyone in the family reconnect and find calm—even on the busiest days. This mindfulness activity is especially helpful for kids, providing a tool to manage big feelings and stay present in the moment.

• Take a deep breath, then pause and observe your surroundings by engaging each of your five senses.
• Start by noticing five things you can see—like a nearby tree, a favorite decoration, or even the color of your own socks!
• Next, identify four things you can feel, such as the texture of your sweater or the warmth of a cozy blanket.
• Move through the remaining senses by naming three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.

Each step can help to slow your mind and gently bring attention back to the present moment, and it can be a powerful way to press "pause." Try it together on a quiet evening or even during a holiday outing. By tuning in to the little things around you, you’ll create a small moment of peace that can make the season a little brighter.

For those looking to make an even bigger impact, we're seeking $500 and $1000 sponsors to provide supplemental gift cards for baskets going to larger families.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Blue KC, LEAD Bank, Burmeister Gilmore, Comprehensive Mental Health, Evergy, JE Dunn, Danielle Trabon - Edward Jones, Edward Jones - Drew Hammer, Adam Kliethermes, & Kevin McClelland, State Street, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, QuikTrip, Commerce Bank, Truman Heartland Community Foundation, Cruise Planners, Trabon Group, The Cleaning Crew of KC, Ideolity, and MailWorks for headlining our 2024 Sponsorship and Partner drive.

Want to join these difference-makers to help keep kids safe and stand out as a caring business leader? Contact us today!