From the Director

As summer ends and the school year approaches, uncertainty creeps into all aspects of our lives. During the last six months “virtual versus in-person”, “social distancing”, “Zoom meetings” are phrases not only new to our vernacular but central to our daily contemplations. Concurrently the past due and deeper recognition of racial injustice is calling on us to make significant changes to stomp out systemic racism and secure a better future for our children.

It is certainly a time of confusion and concern that must be balanced against our inherent need to live life well. And while the path moving forward is overshadowed by anxiety and even fear, we are left with a clear directive: it is time to turn to each other, not on each other.

Drumm Farm and it’s many supporters focus on youth in foster care and young adults who are homeless each and every day, in the 100 years before Covid-19 and every day since. Our young people experience the same anxiety and fear that troubles each of us. It is our imperative to help them meet challenges and stay the course to a successful adulthood.

The first ever “virtual” Benefit Dinner was hugely successful and upcoming events will continue to balance the need for resources with the safety of our supporters. On October 1st a safety conscious Golf Classic will be held, and in late October Drumm Farm hopes to host a restructured and socially distanced fall event.

Drumm Farm is so thankful for the amazing support of so many; your efforts allow young people to thrive even during this difficult and surreal time. Be safe and thank you for being a part of the Drumm Family!
Brad

Virtual Benefit Dinner 2020

Thank you to everyone who participated in the first ever Virtual Benefit Dinner and Online Auction. With your participation you raised over $140,000 to directly benefit the young people who call Drumm their HOME. Your generosity in this extraordinary and difficult time speaks volumes of your kindness. Essential and important services will continue to be provided to our youth because of friends like you!

Please take a few minutes to enjoy a portion of the the video by clicking on the picture below.

Congratulations Graduates!!

Through hard work, determination and resilience, four COMPASS youth achieved a milestone by graduating from the COMPASS program. They received their Drumm rings (donated by Drenon Jewelry) during the virtual event.

Please join us in congratulating Davontae, TiJhana, Breitneie, and Noah!

Clinical Support

Drumm Farm's clinical program is designed to provide individualized treatment/interventions that fit the unique needs of our children and young adults. Drumm abides by the Trauma-Informed Care Model, which is a treatment framework that engages the whole person in creating physical, psychological and emotional safety for our children and young adults. All of our children and young adults have experienced trauma. The Covid-19 Pandemic and political/racial issues have exacerbated populations that are already overwhelmed with stress and uncertainty. We continue to provide therapy using telehealth and social distancing.  

The clinical team continues to meet clients and provide therapeutic support for the numerous challenges intensified by current conditions. Processing this "new norm" is central to the well-being of children and young adults. 

Educational Support

Education programs at Drumm have been buzzing along! We were pleased to continue supporting students in April and May through virtual sessions. While this was challenging, it worked well and we were happy to continue providing support to our kids. Throughout June and July we have been able to offer 1 to 1 in-person tutoring with lots of health and safety procedures in place.

We are excited this summer to be moving our library from Swinney Hall to Nelson Hall, a wonderful resource is easily accessible to our kids and families. We have been busy moving and tagging books and deeply appreciate the support of our COMPASS young adults, high school students, Tom Crowe (Facilities Director), Dominic Toese (Summer Ed Intern) and several of our teachers for helping out!

Street Outreach

Street Outreach is focused on providing mentoring and support to young adults who are experiencing homelessness and housing instability. That includes counseling, educational support, life skills, basic assistance, career support and housing opportunities.

Drumm's Street Outreach staff have been working hard to meet unaccompanied and homeless youth where they are, wherever that may be. Some are working to obtain legal documents (birth certificates, social security cards, state ID's) while other are preparing to get a driving permit, and eventually a driver's license. These essential documents are crucial to their progress.

Some young people struggle staying connected to school as they cope with their lack of housing stabillity, not to mention the additional challenges surrounding COVID-19. Finding resources for coursework led to recent graduations of three young adults.

 From the Director

As summer has arrived, the Spring lambs graze the property while the Spring goats test every foot of fence for an escape route. Lola, the 650 pound sow, rules the hog pen while the boar named Floyd stays out of her way. Drumm’s donkey Sweet Pea is president of the pastures while Aries, a Great Pyrenees, is the north side guard. And Monkey the farm cat patrols her barn and campus throughout the day and night. 

Drumm Farm bustles with activity as our young people participate in the care and of the animals and the planting of the crops, a vision set forth a century ago by Andrew Drumm. On October 12th, Drumm Farm will celebrate 100 years of serving children with an amazing, family friendly Hoedown on our campus. Sweet Pea and Monkey will vie to be the unofficial event marshal while visitors enjoy live music, hayrides, horseback riding, carnival activities, crafts and more.  There will be special dedications, the release of a Drumm biography, and the official unveiling of a Drumm monument. 

Drumm is so thankful for the incredible support of so many. That support has helped us grow our capacity to serve more kids, better. Today more than 70 young people at a time are provided housing, counseling services, educational support, and life skills. That number will grow to 80 this fall, but our core business has always been about hope and love and opportunity. 

So the young people along with Lola, Floyd, Sweet Pea, Aries and Monkey would love to have you join us in October for the Drumm Century Celebration Hoedown! And who knows, you might get recruited to chase a runaway goat. 

 Thanks for being a part of the Drumm family,   Brad

 Click on Sweet Pea's picture for a personal invite!

Record Setting Annual Benefit Dinner

The Annual Benefit Dinner kicked off Drumm's Century Celebration year with a record number of guests attending! Over 375 guests enjoyed a beautiful evening filled with fabulous food, friendship and fun. Thank you to everyone who sponsored, including Title Sponsor Summit Homes and Presenting Sponsors Carman and Tom Duvall! Thank you to the businesses and individuals who donated items for the silent and live auctions and thank you to our guests who helped us raise a record amount of money to make a real difference in the lives of our youth!!

Please take a few minutes to enjoy the video by clicking on the picture below.

Congratulations Graduates!!

Through hard work, determination and resilience, three COMPASS youth achieved a milestone by graduating from high school. In addition, four COMPASS youth successfully completed another semester of college. Three other youth have taken what they have learned through COMPASS and are steps away from permanent independent living. All of the youth in the COMPASS program continue to work hard and make strides toward realizing their life goals.

To celebrate, the COMPASS youth will be spending a day at Worlds of Fun on Friday, July 5th! You can help reward their many accomplishments by donating tickets and/or funds to purchase tickets and food for the day. 

Celebrating 100 Years of Caring for Children

With thanks to our "Century Celebration” Premier Sponsors, Second Nature, Summit Homes and Truckmovers, this year’s Drumm Farm Hoedown will include many special activities including dedications of the new Andrew Drumm monument (created by Byron Constance), an amphitheater made possible by the Rotary Club of Eastern Independence, naming ceremonies for buildings, a documentary film by Summit Video Services, and the official release of an Andrew Drumm biography written by former KC Star reporter Brian Burnes, with a foreword by Pulitzer Prize recipient and Drumm Farm alum Richard Rhodes.

Click the picture to view the documentary trailer. 

There are still opportunities to become a Century Celebration Sponsor.

You don't want to miss out! 

 From the Director

With a birthday celebration of Andrew Drumm on February 6, Drumm Farm kicked off the beginning of our 100th year serving young people. There have been nearly 2,000 youth impacted by the gifts set forth by Drumm in 1919. We are pleased to announce the Drumm “Century Celebration”  that begins April 26, 2019 at our annual Benefit Dinner and culminates with the Drumm Farm Hoedown on October 12, 2019. 

With thanks to our "Century Celebration”  Premier Sponsors, Second Nature, Summit Homes and Truckmovers, this year’s Drumm Farm Hoedown will include dedications of a new Drumm monument and the release of an Andrew Drumm biography written by former KC Star reporter Brian Burnes, with a foreword by Pulitzer Prize recipient and Drumm Farm alum Richard Rhodes. 

As we begin a year of thankful consideration of our numerous volunteers and supporters, Summit Video produced a short film of the Drumm campus. Viewers will get a sense of this grand place, one that Andrew Drumm must have known would become a place of healing and hope for children. Enjoy the video!

  Click on the picture to view.

Welcome to Our New Families and Staff

Robert and Cynthia Wade have provided a loving home to children in foster care for more than ten years. Their motivation comes from observing children in difficult situations, and their focus is helping young people grow as individuals as a part of their loving and caring family. The Wades have been happily married for 18 years and have already become an integral part of the Drumm community. 

Tomas and Sandra Cervantes believe kids are a greater blessing for them than they could ever hope for and fostering is an extension of love. The Cervantes have spent many snow days this winter in the Dr. Ray Morrison library. Drumm Farm has become a huge support in their life because of it's prevailing sense of community. The Cervantes have been foster parents for six year and married eight.

Drumm Farm is excited to welcome Shakera Garrard to the staff as the new HOME Program Therapist. Shakera has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Lincoln University and a master’s in clinical mental health counseling from Walden University. She has worked previously in organizations focused on domestic violence with adults and children who are overcoming the trauma of abusive relationships.  Shekera states, “My goal is to create a safe place for children to be able to express their feelings and work through the negative impact of past experiences. It is an honor to work for an organization that prides itself in creating a loving community of hope and healing for children and youth to call home.” Shakera is already having a wonderful impact in her first month at Drumm Farm! 

 From the Director

With summer coming to a close and school starting, an overwhelming response was received in the form of Care Packages for young adults in our COMPASS program. Whether attending classes at local community colleges, trade schools or the University of Missouri, every young adult in COMPASS had what they needed to start the year off right, and a good beginning inevitably increases their opportunity to succeed. On behalf of each one of them, thank you for making a difference in their life!

This fall is a very busy time at Drumm Farm as we march to our Century Celebration next year. On October 4, the Drumm Golf Classic, sponsored by Second Nature, shotguns into action at 9:00 AM. Then on October 13, the annual Drumm Farm Hoedown kicks up on the Drumm campus from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Both events have sponsorship opportunities remaining. Team up with some friends in the golf tournament or pick up a family pass for the Hoedown and have a great time while supporting our mission to serve kids and young adults that have endured abuse, neglect or homelessness. 

Drumm Farm will be opening two new foster homes on campus in November and a new apartment complex in eastern Independence one year from now, at which time Drumm will have a housing capacity of 90 as well as an outreach program serving another 60 homeless young adults in eastern Jackson County. Our incredible growth required an engaged and talented Board of Directors and Staff, but equally it was fueled by the time, talent and treasure of so many supporters like you. Our story is both quaint and powerful: a dedicated group of individuals pulling in the same direction can significantly impact the lives of children and young adults. We are so thankful to have you a part of the Drumm Farm family!

Please "LIKE" us on Facebook to keep up with all the fun at Drumm Farm Center for Children, Brad 

Brainfit Camp 

We wrapped up summer at Drumm with our annual Brainfit day camp experience. “Summer Feels” was the backdrop theme as our kids enjoyed lots of great activities, while practicing our camp principles of Stick Together, No Hurts, and Have Fun!

Highlights from camp included making summer time capsules, tie-dying, weaving, cooking and playing cooperative games. We also continued the tradition this year of designing cards for our annual holiday card contest.

Throughout the week the kids rehearsed several plays with humorous takes on nursery rhymes and fairy tales. Camp ended on several exciting notes with the performances of our plays, an afternoon adventure at SkyZone in Lee’s Summit, and a back to school dinner provided by the Board of Directors. We are looking forward to continued learning adventures together in the coming year at Drumm!

Independence Uncorked

Charity of Choice

The Rotary Club of Eastern Independence has chosen Drumm Farm as their Charity of Choice partner for Independence Uncorked 2018! The club’s contributions from this year’s wine fest profits will support the creation of an outdoor amphitheater to extend existing learning and gathering spaces allowing children and adults alike the opportunity to connect to nature. Your ticket purchase will support this project. 

Interested in volunteering at the event?

Click here!

Growing the Drumm Neighborhood

Drumm continues to expand capacity to provide a nurturing and safe family environment to children in the foster care system.  Two new single-family homes are moving closer to completion and will house an additional 10 – 12 children by late fall 2018.  Drumm is actively taking applications from interested foster families who desire to relocate and partner with Drumm in creating physical stability, educational support, emotional well-being and life skills development through a variety of services and experiences. 

This intentional community of fostering continues to provide a place of safety, support, connectedness, and hope to children and foster parents alike.  While we wish for a day where Drumm’s programs and supports will no longer be needed, we are grateful for growing the number of children who can benefit from this unique opportunity, the foster families who provide loving care, and unbelievably generous supporters who make it all possible.  

 From the Director

On the heels of an amazingly successful “Chances of a Lifetime” Benefit Dinner, Drumm Farm is poised to expand beyond our borders. In June, a new building will open at 622 S Crysler in Independence that will house young adults that are homeless or aged out of foster care. The project, a partnership with the City of Independence, the Builders Development Corporation and Drumm, is a rehabilitation of a house more than 100 years old that had been abandoned and deemed a dangerous building. Upon completion, the 3,400 square feet will include five individual apartments and an office. Open house is Wednesday, May 30, 2-4:00 p.m.

Drumm Farm is proud to announce that the Independence Young Matrons have awarded a grant that will secure all the furnishings for one of the five apartments at the newly remodeled site. We are so thankful for the ongoing support of IYM. 

How Can You Help?
*Anyone interested in furnishing all or part of the remaining four apartments can do so through Drumm’s Amazon Registry (click here).
*Anyone interested in staging one of the five apartments between June 1st and June 10th can sign up to do so by contacting Lisa.Moorhouse@DrummFarm.org. 

With the opening of the new site this June, the completion of two new foster homes this fall, and the expected completion of a new 9-unit facility near the Independence Center in the fall of 2019, Drumm Farm remains focused on providing HOPE and LOVE and OPPORTUNITIES to succeed to every young person we serve. We do so because it is our mission and our purpose. Our work is a tribute to our founder, Andrew Drumm. And the success of our kids is a direct result of the amazing efforts by supporters like you. Together we can change the world, one child at a time.

Please "LIKE" us on Facebook to keep up with all the fun at Drumm Farm Center for Children, Brad 

Congratulations Graduates

Denekia
Post High School Plans: Enroll in Nursing School

John
Post High School Plans: Enroll in the Lineman Program at MCC  

Kaya
Post High School Plans: Attend college to major in Physical Therapy

Laine
Post High School Plans: Currently attending YouthBuild

Nikia
Post High School Plans: Enroll in an EMT program in the Fall 

Benefit Dinner 2018

On April 27 the Annual Benefit Dinner: A Chance of a Lifetime: Racing to the Future was enjoyed by over 350 of Drumm's closest friends. Triple Crown Sponsor Summit Homes and Breeders' Cup Sponsor Carman and Tom Duvall helped make this year's dinner the best yet! Guests enjoyed the Kentucky Derby flair including southern food and drinks, Derby Casual attire and a fashionable Derby hat contest. The evening ended with the video below showcasing some of the people who give and receive the chance of a lifetime! If you want to Create a Chance of a Lifetime click here.

Please take a minute to enjoy the video. The success of our programs and our young people is a reflection of the support and friendship provided by YOU!  Drumm is so thankful.

   Click on picture to see video from dinner.

Drumm Street Outreach Service Program

With the generous support of a grant from the Jackson County Community Children’s Services Fund and a partnership with Synergy Services and reStart, Inc., Drumm has embarked on implementing the Street Outreach Services Program. Through this new program, Drumm Farm provides trauma-informed, culturally competent support services to youth and young adults struggling with maintaining stable housing across eastern Jackson County. Drumm employs a case worker and therapist who will provide outreach in local schools, community agencies, libraries, and other community locations to conveniently offer youth an array of services and resources that will provide them with a path to securing basic needs, gaining housing stability, achieving educational and employment success, and preparing to transition to healthy, sustainable adulthood. Drumm is working in partnership with Synergy Services and reStart, Inc. to ensure youth across Jackson County have access to these vital services.

Drumm has welcomed two new staff members to the team:

                    

Brandon Collins, Outreach Case Worker, comes to Drumm from Synergy Services. He has spent the last few years as a Case Worker in the Street Outreach Services program as well as the Transitional Living Program. Collins has an educational background in psychology and social work and has previous experience working with youth in residential treatment and educational settings.

Abhi Dutt, Outreach Therapist, comes to Drumm from Catholic Charities where he coached youth in a Financial Empowerment program. Abhi’s educational background is in counseling psychology and music and he has several years of experience in a broad array of community services and volunteer coordination capacities.

From the Director

The COMPASS program at Drumm Farm serves young adults who are homeless or aged out of foster care ages 17-22 with six apartments on the campus. Following the holiday season, a new location will open with five additional apartments near Crysler and Winner in Independence.The donated site is the result of a partnership with the City of Independence and the Builders Development Corporation, and it doubles as a resource for young adults as well as a community improvement effort.

Additionally, Drumm Farm was recently donated 3.6 acres near the Independence Center Mall for the construction of a 10 unit facility that will also serve the COMPASS program. We are pleased to share that Drumm Farm was approved for a $300,000 Federal Home Loan Bank grant for the project. Combined with Missouri AHAP Tax Credits, a low interest loan from Mutual of Omaha Bank and a grant from the Goppert Foundation, construction of the new building should begin in 2018.

In 2019, Drumm Farm will have increased capacity to serve 20 young adults who are homeless or aged out of foster care. You can be a part of our efforts: donations or donations for Missouri AHAP Tax Credits would assist in the construction phase. You can help us "Furnish the Future" by donating or purchasing items to outfit new apartments. A shopping list on Amazon has been created as a guideline for the items needed. 

May you and your family have a blessed holiday season.

Brad

Fall Fun and Events

A FALL TO REMEMBER 

Crossroads Golf Classic, City Slickers Hoe Down, Three Trails Tractor Cruise, and Drumm Days - there was something for everyone this fall. Because of the generosity of many sponsors including Crossroads Financial, NorthPoint Development, Pete and Elizabeth Anderson, and Three Trails Tractor Club, over $200,000 was raised to support services for our kids. Our sponsors, guests and participants are making a difference in the lives of children and we are SO THANKFUL!

We thank:

For many years now the generosity of the employees of Olsson Associates has helped make the holidays extra special for our kids by buying gifts for all of them!!

If you would like to help during the holidays, we have young adults to adopt for Christmas and family wish lists too. Contact Lisa.Moorhouse@drummfarm.org to see how you can help.

From the Director

Late this year Drumm Farm will break ground on two new homes for children as well as open a new off-campus facility for five young adults who have aged out of foster care or are homeless, bringing our total census to 75 young people.

Drumm Farm recently received a donation of land near the Independence Center. The new location is targeted for the development of up to 20 residences for young adults. The “teen homelessness” population, sometimes referred to as unaccompanied youth, is predominantly the result of disruptive family conditions including trauma, physical abuse, sexual abuse, mental health or substance abuse issues within a family, and/or parental neglect. More than 70% of young adults experiencing teen homelessness have suffered from physical or sexual abuse and more than 60% suffer from depression. Nationally the high school drop rate of homeless teens exceeds 75%.

Drumm Farm is committed to serve 17-22 year olds by specifically working with local school districts and others to identify young adults that are still in school by no decree but their own initiative. By providing housing, educational support, mental health services, job training/employment and essential life skills, the goal of Drumm’s COMPASS program is to provide an opportunity for young people to become productive and independent adults.

You can be a part of our efforts in a variety of ways:

• Sponsor a residence on a monthly basis
• Contribute to our capital initiative to build housing
• Furnish a residence
• Outfit a kitchen
• Assist with transportation needs

If you are interested in contributing in any way, please email Lisa.Moorhouse@drummfarm.org or call the office at 816-373-3434.

Brad Smith, Executive Director 

4th Annual City Slickers Hoe Down

Click on picture below for quick video!

You are invited to join the friendly folks from Northpoint Development and Pete & Elizabeth Anderson on Saturday, October 14th at the 4th Annual City Slickers Hoe Down benefiting Drumm Farm Center for Children, Variety The Children’s Charity, Water4 and Hillcrest Platte County.

BBQ, mechanical bull, caricature artists, kids activities, pony rides, live music, line dancing, face painting, petting zoo, tractor rides and much more!!! Everyone is invited!

Please buy your tickets today for a root hootin' good time!

If you are interested in volunteering click here!

Holidays are Approaching

Imagine shopping for over 50 kids! The six families living at Drumm will be doing just that in the next couple of months, and they could use your help! Or maybe you'd like to buy gifts for the young adults in our growing COMPASS program? If you or your business are interested in helping out, please email Lisa.Moorhouse@drummfarm.org and thank you in advance for your generous spirit!

 From the Director 

Drumm Farm recently held a job fair for campus jobs on our farm, in our kitchen and at our market. More than 20 young people filled out applications and had individual interviews with the Farm Manager, Market Coordinator and Food Service Director. Andrew Drumm believed that young people who learn and embrace work ethic have the ability to overcome whatever challenges they face. Today young people on our campus experience work through service projects, chores, farming, retail sales, and food service, learning basic values including punctuality, diligence, trustworthiness, manners, and so much more. 

Recently the remodel and transformation of the former dining hall into the H. R. Nelson Hall for Counseling and Education has grown our ability to serve an increasing population of young people living at or associated with Drumm Farm. The lower level of the building includes space for educational and counseling services while the upstairs banquet room and commercial kitchen allows us to have space for our community to gather for celebrations and services.

Nelson Hall has garnered a great deal of attention for those looking to rent space for their events. Several professional and civic groups have booked or are considering Drumm as their event location. We are using this interest to increase opportunities for young people to learn and experience working in food service. Nelson Hall accommodates up to 150 people and is a fantastic space to hold small weddings, business meetings, training sessions and more. "Your Event, Our Success" is the mantra for Nelson Hall as we provide a space for special memories while giving our young people the values needed for a successful life.

Please "LIKE" us on Facebook to keep up with all the fun at Drumm Farm Center for Children, Brad 

Alum Returns to Drumm Farm

Ray Blackman, Class of 1961

I was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and my life truly began in 1954 when I was accepted to the Andrew Drumm Institute following a two year waiting period. I wouldn't trade the seven and a half years of growing up at Drumm for any amount of money.

The wonderful staff at Drumm took a very angry child and turned him into a young man that was ready to go out and face the world and be a self-sufficient and productive citizen.

I feel so blessed to be able to return to my childhood home and join a dedicated staff to give back the same support to a group of children that is currently facing the same challenges that I faced as a youth. It provides me the opportunity to share my life experience and to let the children know that I have walked a mile in their shoes.

The majority of my life has been spent in the restaurant industry beginning as a pot and pan washer at Stephenson's Apple Farm restaurant. I have worked in the restaurant industry throughout my career and am excited to share my experiences with young people so that they will be prepared to work in one of the largest industries in the world. I feel grateful to be giving back to my childhood home.

Benefit Dinner 2017

On April 28 the Annual Benefit Dinner: Drumm Bridges, Connecting Promise & Progress was enjoyed by over 350 of Drumm's closest friends. Title and Presenting Sponsors Summit Homes and Carman and Tom Duvall helped make this year's dinner the best yet! Guests enjoyed food, drinks, and auctions and were introduced to three young people who shared their stories about the impact of living at Drumm. The evening ended with the video above showcasing the COMPASS program. Please take a minute to enjoy it. The success of our programs and our young people is a reflection of the support and friendship provided us by YOU! Thank you.

     Click on picture to see video from dinner.

Grant Awarded

Drumm Farm is excited to begin the process of upgrading our data collection, tracking and reporting system through a nationally recognized software called Apricot. Apricot is a secure and flexible software solution that offers real-time access to data through a secure internet connection. Drumm will be able to use the improved reporting to attract, acquire, and maintain new and existing funding necessary for organizational success. Drumm will also be able to evaluate the effectiveness of programming that is provided on the campus. This opportunity was made possible by a $33,000 grant from the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City with technical support from the Local Investment Commission (LINC).  Drumm Farm is extremely grateful to our community partners that support our efforts to constantly improve our capacity to serve children and young adults.  

 From the Director

Life at Drumm Farm has been exciting of late:

• Shan Long-Moore has joined the Drumm staff as our Clinical Director and Jason Rogers is now our COMPASS Coordinator, huge additions to the Drumm team.
• The remodel and expansion of H. R. Nelson Hall for Counseling and Education is nearing completion.
• Almost $600,000 was donated for the addition of two new homes on campus, construction slated to begin in July.
• The City of Independence and Builder's Development Corporation are working to help Drumm open COMPASS apartments near the city square.
• Cell phone towers have been popping up in Independence. Drumm is so thankful to Mayor Eileen Weir, Representative Rory Rowland, and City staff for their efforts to get answers and action. 
• Drumm Farm is bustling with activity in preparation for this year's benefit dinner, "Drumm Bridges, Connecting Promise and Progress".
• And early spring means baby lambs and goats have arrived at Drumm!

Please "LIKE" us on Facebook to keep up with all the fun at Drumm Farm Center for Children, Brad 

Meet Our New Staff

Shan Long-Moore, M.A., LPC

Shan recieved her Master in Counseling and Education from UMKC in 2004 and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Shan has extensive experience working with diverse dually diagnosed clients in a variety of setting ranging in age from 3 to 65. Additionally she has provided support and guidance to couples, individuals and families who have experienced trauma, eating disorders, sexual misconduct, autism, bereavement, depression, self-esteem and attachment issues. Treatment approaches are an eclectic array of modalities including but not limited to CBT, SFT, MI, TFT, FST and humor. Shan combines her respect for people with a strengths-based approach to assist clients in gaining more insight and achieving their goals in a caring and supportive manner. 

Jason Rogers

Jason comes to Drumm Farm from Cornerstones of Care. Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, Jason has enthusiastically worked in the social work field for 11 years. When Jason is not providing services for Drumm Farm's young adults, he enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, reading, and watching sports.

Welcome Shan and Jason!

Compass is Expanding

Drumm is expanding the COMPASS program (independent living for young adults who have aged out of foster care or are homeless) by partnering with Builder’s Development Corporation (BDC), a local nonprofit community development organization, to rehabilitate a vacant and abandoned property at 622 S. Crysler Ave., Independence. It will become a place of hope and opportunity for young people striving to become successful adults. Drumm and BDC plan to use the current structure to create a 5-unit facility that will house COMPASS participants working to further their dreams through college or career training.  Drumm will provide regular monitoring of the property through a full-time social worker who will meet weekly with each resident to ensure they are moving toward the accomplishment of their goals.  These young adults will be offered educational and therapeutic support services as well.

We are currently seeking financial support to fulfill the funding requirement needed to complete the rehabilitation of the building. Drumm will be seeking lightly used furniture donations to help these young people have what they need to be comfortable and successful. If you are interested in helping in any way, please contact Associate Director, John Tramel.

 From the Director

Recently I spoke to a young couple exploring the possibility of fostering children. As I listened to their hopes and dreams of being a family to children in need, it provided me a much needed respite from the social media rancor that seems to overwhelm our thoughts and dampen our spirits. Right in front of me was a young couple considering the most selfless of acts: providing a home to children in need, a course of action fraught with so many unknowns for themselves. They reminded me that hope and service to those in need still thrives above the noise that can sometimes be so distracting. In my 2016 Drumm Benefit Dinner speech, I asked for your help. If you would "talk about fostering with two or three people, and ask them to talk about fostering with two or three people, we would cause a conversation among thousands." 

I hope you have found the time to have those conversations about fostering as more than 3,000 metropolitan area children are in care. We need that young couple and so many more because the message is critically important; every child deserves to be loved and every child needs a family.

Brad 

Click the image below to learn more about foster care. 

A Season of Blessings and Memories

We can't thank all our generous donors enough! Each and everyone of you made the holidays special for the children at Drumm, including our young people in the Compass program (pictured below)! Olsson Associates, Toyota, The Villas, Drumm Board members, First Presbyterian Church of Independence, GEHA, House of Rocks, Kiwanas Club of Independence, Midwest Genealogy Center, Ragin' Rats Car Club, Rotary Club of Eastern Independence, State Street Corporation, The Salon in KC and many more individuals and families provided gifts and/or money. The funds helped provide a holiday dinner, a visit from Santa, a lighting ceremony, a family experience and a Season to remember. We are blessed to have so much support during the holidays and all year long. THANK YOU ALL!

Drumm is Recognized!

Drumm Farm is honored to have received the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award for Outstanding Organizational Community Service and Leadership from the Independence Human Relations Commission and the Committee of Concerned Citizens.  While we greatly appreciate this recognition, we are clear that we have so much more work to do to live up to an award named in honor of Dr. King.

Dr. King’s focus was to challenge the cancer of racism infiltrating our society, from individual bigotry to unjust policies and laws.  He and thousands of civil rights advocates worked courageously and tirelessly to create a society where all citizens experience freedom and justice.  While Dr. King’s dream is still not fully realized, his immeasurable sacrifice has provided us the opportunity to continue the work that will lead to freedom and justice for all.

Drumm Farm in particular carries this vision forward by working to provide a healing environment for children in foster care, and a community where children are free from experiences of abuse and neglect.  Child abuse and neglect is a significant and complex public health issue that affects children across race, ethnicity, socio-economics, religion, education, and beyond. Families exposed to systemic issues of social and economic inequality and/or interpersonal struggles such as addiction and mental illness face an increased risk of involvement in the child welfare system.  Drumm Farm exists to combat these issues, which impede the very freedom, justice and healing that Dr. King championed.

From the Director

This holiday season we are thankful for so many blessings. More than 70 incredible kids, six dedicated and loving couples, 11 awesome board members, hundreds of generous volunteers and donors, thousands of caring community members, and a professional and tireless staff make for a season of many thanks. 

We look forward to expanding our service footprint beyond the borders of Drumm in the coming years. The growth of our mission is directly connected to the quality of the individuals who support it. We thank you for being one of the people that helps provide a nurturing environment that inspires and yields life long success of children and young adults.

May you and your family have a blessed holiday season. 

Happy Thanksgiving, Brad

Successful Fall Events

A fall to remember:  Dell EMC and Crossroads Golf Classics, City Slickers Hoe Down, Three Trails Tractor Cruise, Olsson Associates Art Show, Drumm Days and a Brew Bash. There was something for everyone this fall. Because of the generosity of many sponsors including Dell EMC, Crossroads Financial, NorthPoint Development, Pete and Elizabeth Anderson, Olsson Associates, Three Trails Tractor Club and MO Better Brews, over $200,000 was raised to support services for our kids that make a difference in their lives and we are THANKFUL TO ALL!

Djemarley is a US Citizen!

Djemarley came to the United States from Haiti and has been living in the Compass program for the last few years. DJ goes to school while working two jobs and is the Resident Assistant for the Compass program. He found time this summer and fall to study for his citizenship test. With the help of teachers, staff, board members, families and kids, he passed with flying red, white and blue colors. We are so proud of you Djemarley!

Holidays are Approaching

Imagine shopping for over 50 kids! The six families living at Drumm will be doing just that in the next couple of months, and they could use your help! If you or your business are interested in helping out, please email Lisa.Moorhouse@drummfarm.org and thank you in advance for your generous spirit!

On Nov. 29, 2016, join the #GivingTuesday movement by donating to Drumm Farm Center for Children.

When you support children in foster care through Drumm, you are investing in the future of our kids. Your contribution means children and young adults can continue living in loving, stable family homes, receive clinical support and education support through our services.

Most importantly, your donation helps young people around the globe create opportunity – for themselves, their communities and our world.

Click here to donate to Drumm this #GivingTuesday, and celebrate the rest of the 2016 holiday season knowing you're helping to change lives.

From the Director

We are pleased to bring you this newsletter from our new constituent database. It is our intent to improve communications about Drumm's mission, upcoming events, and volunteer opportunities.

Drumm is excited to announce recent approval of $560,000 in Missouri AHAP tax credits for the construction of a new home for children here at Drumm in the summer of 2017. This will allow us to provide housing for up to 10 additional children. For more information on tax credits, click here!

October is a busy month at Drumm Farm. From golf tournaments to pumpkin patches, from tractor parades to art shows, and a giant hoedown in between, we celebrate our mission. Thank you for your ongoing support, and we hope you will consider joining us this at one of our events this month.

Educational Support Update

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Summers are never dull at Drumm! Our kids completed an awesome day camp experience called Brainfit this summer.  Camp kicked off with a field trip to the Kansas City Zoo and concluded with an awesome afternoon of water slides and a back to school dinner provided by the Board of Directors.

The week proceeding their first day of school, thirty-five kids enjoyed enrichment classes such as Fun on the Farm, Cooking to the Beat of My Own Drumm, Drumm Designers, Orienteering, Sports and Dance. The kids practiced the principles of Stick Together, No Hurts and Have Fun.

Students designed cards for our annual holiday card contest and created maps of the campus for the Annual Spring Benefit Dinner. It’s going to be another great year for learning at Drumm!

Holidays are Approaching

Imagine shopping for over 50 kids! The six families living at Drumm will be doing just that in the next couple of months, and they could use your help! If you or your business are interested in helping out, please email Lisa.Moorhouse@drummfarm.org and thank you in advance for your generous spirit!