Many community members need assistance navigating essential online services and digital tools. Get Help KC provided free, personalized assistance to help residents access critical resources, such as their health portal, scholarships and case management services. In addition, 20 attendees received a free Chromebook funded by the City of Kansas City, Mo.
As our reliance on the internet has grown, so has the transition from paper applications to online forms for many essential resources. This trend became even more common as nonprofit organizations and government agencies shifted to solely online applications during the pandemic–with the tendency to keep this practice even after their offices reopened to in-person service. Many people who most need the assistance lack the digital skills necessary to navigate the online process, however. This reality was the genesis of Get Help KC, organized by representatives from Literacy KC, the KC Public Library, The Toolbox, Phoenix Family, JVS and KC Digital Drive. These organizations realized the idea through the Community Technology Action Network, where the concept quickly became a reality.
The one-stop-shop event, held on Nov. 8, 2025 at the Linwood Area Ministry Place (LAMP Campus) Great Hall, brought together a variety of organizations and institutions to offer one-on-one help to complete common tasks, such as finding housing, applying for SNAP or Medicaid and locating scholarships to help pay for college. Attendees also learned more about the resources available from the vendors, such as digital literacy and financial management classes, case management services and job training and employment placement services. Participating organizations included: Literacy KC, El Centro, CHES, Inc., KC Public Library, Community Assistance Council, KC Shepherd’s Center, JVS and ScholarSmarts.
Additionally, with the SNAP shutdown still in place at the time, the Community Assistance Council offered free bread and nonperishable food items to help those experiencing food insecurity and help getting signed up for their services. Ronnetta Parks-Davis, Executive Director with Community Assistance Council was grateful to attend the event, reflecting that “we’re just in some unprecedented times right now, and it’s gonna take all of us in the community to help community. This event is in alignment with what we do every day, which is to serve the community and provide resources.”
With funding from the City of Kansas City, Mo., KC Digital Drive secured a total of 70 devices. As a result, 20 attendees were able to receive a free Chromebook distributed at a workshop conducted at Get Help KC by Essential Families. Essential Families worked with attendees to fill the remaining spots at their two upcoming workshops where the additional 50 Chromebooks were distributed.
John Fitzpatrick, Digital Health Strategist with KC Digital Drive, reflected on his time at the event. “Community events really are special to me. They bring together great partners in locations where the community has easy access, and build the relationship so we have some continuity with people to see their situations over time. Specifically in healthcare, that idea of going to where people are, means how is it that I can help them have technology in their home that allow them to stay connected to their healthcare provider, to learn more about their health and get more information, and inviting them to get connected to their patient portal.”
For more about Get Help KC, check out this video.