Hundreds of Kansas City’s Inner City Children are finding the Will To Succeed

Take a close look at your surroundings.  Maybe you are reading this while sipping on a freshly brewed cup of coffee or possibly in the comfort of your own home.  Whatever your case may be, you are surrounded by resources in an enthusiastic community.  At times, it is easy to become acclimated to the abundance of opportunities that make up our energetic atmosphere. However, take a moment to eliminate them from the setting. Instantaneously, a sense of withdrawal is upon us.  The motivating components of our day to day lives become scarce and our drive is interrupted.  Without our resources and the support of our community, we become a individual fighting to beat the odds.

Graciously, there are those who choose to share their good fortune.  They reach out to inspire others with all they have experienced.  The Will to Succeed Foundation strives to influence the lives of children and families who’s situation is the least desired. The Will to Succeed Foundation encompasses a wide array of our community’s projects and endeavors.  It is considered the “umbrella organization” of Kansas City that not only directs and supports specific existing initiatives, but also develops and maintains its own unique programs.  Will Shields and the Foundation’s members have carefully pieced together a combination of focuses aimed towards Abused/Neglected Women and Children’s Agencies, Literacy and Scholarships, and Improved Creativity. 

Operation Breakthrough

Operation Breakthrough is one of the many organizations sponsored and frequently visited by Will Shields and the foundation.  The center is a non-profit day care that serves over 600 children (ages 6 weeks to 17) in Kansas City. Operation Breakthrough’s mission is to help children who are living in poverty develop to their fullest potential by providing them a safe, loving and educational environment. They also support these children’s families through advocacy, education, referral services and emergency aid.  Shields strongly believes, “If there’s one kid who we can impact, then our efforts are all worthwhile.  If one child makes better life choices and his or her life turns out for the better, then we have succeeded.”