Newhouse Shelter

04/15/2026

We will always be in awe of the strength and resilience of Tyra Randle. Last November at our Imagine a Day Gala, Tyra shared her story of bravery, survival, and healing. She recently shared it again with Rae Daniel on KSHB 41.

Six years after being shot eight times by her ex-partner and left paralyzed, Tyra continues to rewrite her story by advocating for survivors, raising her children, and turning pain into purpose.

Stories like Tyra’s remind us that domestic violence thrives in silence, but healing begins when voices are heard. Tyra, thank you for your courage; and Rae, thank you for amplifying Tyra's voice. And to every survivor: your story matters, and you are not alone!

Watch the KSHB story: bit.ly/47WxGYk
Watch Tyra's video we shared at last year’s gala: bit.ly/4tIo8s7

04/14/2026

Join us in celebrating Courtney Lea Thomas, our President + CEO, on receiving the Downtown Kansas City Urban Hero Award!

Sharing from Courtney's post: "[I'm] grateful for everyone who believes in me and the mission at Newhouse. This community doesn’t just talk about change… it shows up to create it. ❤️ From our start at a kitchen table conversation 55 years ago, to building the future of this work today, I’m reminded that every moment is an invitation to step in and step up."

Courtney, we are incredibly proud of you and grateful for the passion and purpose you bring to this work every single day! 🤩

04/12/2026

We're so excited to welcome keynote speaker Jill Tupper, CEO + Founder of Global Warrior-PoweredbyLove, at the Newhouse Retreat on April 20! Jill brings powerful, neuroscience-based tools designed to help leaders shift from high-alert stress into a calm, centered state. Her work has been used in high-pressure environments around the world, helping professionals build resilience and respond with clarity under stress.

Join us for this FREE, full-day retreat created for the people who take care of people: social workers, mental health professionals, first responders, educators, and advocates. Expect meaningful connection, restorative breakout sessions, and practical tools to help you recharge and renew.

Thank you to the Community Mental Health Fund for sponsoring this event and making it possible for caregivers across our community to attend at no cost.

✨ Learn more and reserve your spot: newhousekc.org/retreat

04/09/2026

Congratulations to Captain Erica Oldham and Sergeant Nathan Kinate for this well-deserved national recognition! Their leadership in bringing the Seek Then Speak tool to KC is helping create more survivor-centered pathways to justice, giving survivors a way to document their experiences, explore options, and take next steps when they are ready. Thank you for your commitment to survivors in our community!

Congratulations to Captain Erica Oldham and Sergeant Nathan Kinate!

The pair received a national recognition for their work advocating on behalf of sexual assault survivors. End Violence Against Women International (EVAWI) honored the officers, who helped usher to Kansas City, “Seek Then Speak,” a tool used to document assaults and increase the quality of cases submitted to the prosecutor’s office. Well done 👏🏽

https://kcpolice.org/media/news-releases/new-online-tool-will-help-sexual-assault-survivors/

04/09/2026

We’re very excited to welcome phenomenal keynote speakers Jason Kander and Diana Kander to the upcoming Newhouse Retreat!

In "High Performance Without Burnout: Lessons from Two People Who Learned This the Hard Way," they share an honest look at ambition, pressure, and burnout, drawing from their own lived experiences navigating demanding careers and the weight that comes with them. (And for the first time ever, they’ll take the stage together for a joint keynote, making this a conversation you won’t hear anywhere else! ✨)

You’ll walk away with practical strategies to manage pressure, set boundaries, protect your focus, and stay mentally and emotionally healthy... without sacrificing performance.

This session is part of the Newhouse Retreat, a free, all-day self-care experience for those who spend their days caring for others. Learn more and register at newhousekc.org/retreat.

04/08/2026

Newhouse President + CEO Courtney Lea Thomas was recently featured in a roundtable discussion hosted by the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, alongside Shane Powers, President + CEO of NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The conversation, True Sanctuary, highlights the critical importance of shelter, security, and safety in housing - issues at the very heart of our mission. Courtney’s insights help shed light on what it truly means to create spaces where survivors can heal and rebuild, while also reflecting on what “sanctuary” really looks like, the challenges ahead, and how all of us can play a role in building safer communities.

We are deeply grateful to the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund for their continued partnership and generosity. Their commitment to investing in human services and strengthening communities makes this work possible, and we are honored to partner with them in creating lasting change.

Read the full discussion here: bit.ly/4s1TJDX

04/07/2026

Throwback to one month ago when the energy at our Worthy Pop-up Bar was unmatched! 💜

Deb Blaylock of Haren Companies and Kim McGownd of KDM Partner Solutions teamed up behind the bar (they raised an amazing $8,400!), and Treasure Advertising captured the magic on video for Haren Companies.

We’re so grateful for the partnership, generosity, and heart behind this night. It’s moments like these that make our community so special. Cheers to community, generosity, and making a difference together! 🥂

04/03/2026

We had an EGGscellent spring party for survivors and families currently living at Newhouse! 🌸 Thank you to our children’s team and volunteers for creating a memorable event filled with smiles, candy, and crafts!

04/03/2026

Last week we hosted a Spring Break camp for kids while school was out!

From creative moments to active adventures, the week was packed with memorable fun. We welcomed a visit from the Kansas City Public Library, complete with a fun craft and free books. They burned off energy playing kickball at Hy-Vee Arena, got creative during an art project (and enjoyed a pizza party!) with our partners at The HALO Foundation, and made a splash swimming at Linwood YMCA/James B. Nutter, Sr. Community Center. A trip to the park even turned magical with an impromptu magic show!

Experiences like these matter more than we can measure. They give kids the chance to explore, create, move, and simply enjoy being kids... building confidence and experiencing joy along the way. 💜

04/01/2026

📣 Back by popular demand! The Newhouse Retreat, an all-day FREE self-care event, is Monday, April 20. Knowing that financial resources are tight for all organizations, Newhouse is proud to offer this free event to help prioritize self-care for the people taking care of people... social workers, mental health professionals, first responders, teachers, therapists, caregivers, and healers of all kinds! Step away from the demands of your work and focus on rest, renewal, and reconnection.

📆 Join us on April 20 from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Center and enjoy:
> Hearing from inspiring keynote speakers Jill Tupper and Jason Kander + Diana Kander
> Indulging in self-care during immersive breakout sessions
> Connecting with others who understand the impact of this work
> Taking a new professional headshot

This retreat is completely free, but space is limited and registration is required. Register + more info: newhousekc.org/retreat

04/01/2026

📣 We’re proud to welcome three incredible leaders to the Newhouse Board of Directors!

Please join us in celebrating Nate Keller, Deputy General Counsel at UMB Bank; Tondee Voortman Lutterman, National Sector Leader – Nonprofit, Education & Public Sector at Forvis Mazars Group; and Myron McCant, President + CEO at MacPen Enterprises and Vice President + Co-Owner at Kiddie Depot - KD Academy.

At Newhouse, our Board of Directors is more than a governing body... it’s a group deeply rooted in action, advocacy, and unwavering support for survivors. Each member plays a vital role in advancing our mission and strengthening the services we provide every day.

We are honored to welcome Nate, Tondee, and Myron to this dedicated group of changemakers. Their leadership, expertise, and commitment will help us continue our work to create generational change and healthier communities.

03/31/2026

We’re proud to celebrate our President + CEO, Courtney Lea Thomas, for being featured in the “People on the Move” section of the Kansas City Business Journal in honor of Women’s History Month.

Courtney’s visionary leadership continues to move Newhouse forward by expanding how we serve survivors, strengthening our community impact, and changing the systems that perpetuate domestic violence.

> Read the full write-up here: bit.ly/4t0N7Y1

This recognition is a reflection of her passion, innovation, and unwavering commitment to creating a safer Kansas City for all. Join us in celebrating Courtney and all the powerful women leaders shaping our community! 💜🎉💪