Rising Stars: Meet Jennifer McCartney

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer McCartney.

Jennifer, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2015, I had emergency surgery and a lot of people helped me and my daughter so I wanted to pay it forward. I started a group on Facebook about paying it forward through small acts of kindness. My daughter and I started going to Seniors’ houses and doing yard work and housework for them.

We would post videos and pictures about our journey. The group is called Kansas City Heroes. It took off big time. People started joining the group and wanting to help. It was amazing. We started a Tuesday night picnic each week to serve our houseless friends. Each week many volunteers collect supplies and make delicious food for those who are struggling on the street.

It’s truly amazing to see all the awesome hearts that make up our Kansas City community. We also love to help single parents. We provide cakes and gifts for kids whose families are struggling. We provide beds and furniture for newly housed families and so much more. We also have a pet outreach. We have a pet food company that supplies us with dog and cat food each month. The magic is in paying it forward. When we help a family or individual we ask that they simply pay it forward within our group.

Most of the folks we help end up being volunteers! Our hashtag is #BeBlessedByBlessingOthers. On a personal note, I am a retired pro-boxer. I also share the same birthday as Ellen Degeneres. both Rosie O’Donnel and Ellen followed our group on Twitter. That is about it. Lol.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Definitely not. When you advocate for human rights it can get difficult at times. The city fought us for a long time on feeding people on the streets. One year the Health Department came to one of the houseless picnics and poured bleach all of the food. There were over 200 people waiting in line, hungry.

It was a horrible experience. Street Outreach Volunteers tend to blow up the media when injustice runs rampant. They haven’t bothered us in years, I am also a single mom so I know about the struggle. My daughter and I still struggle. Running a non-profit is full-time work that is paid in acts of kindness. That, I can handle.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have done many things in my life. In my 20s, I was a professional boxer. I fought out of Kansas City and then later San Diego California where I got 4th in the world. I have worked in the service industry most of my life. Six years ago, I started working for a non-profit, helping those with mental illness and drug addiction.

I did the data for them at the same time I started Kansas City Heroes. I now work for the American Cancer Society as a Coordinator for their Hope Lodge here in Kansas City. I am known for paying it forward as a way of life and hopefully inspiring others to do the same.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Kansas City has got some amazing, kind-hearted volunteers that truly bless people’s life. I am a huge Chiefs fan. earlier this year I was chosen, alongside Travis Kelce, as a nominee for an Honorary Epsy Award for Kansas City Humanitarian. Travis won, of course, but I was truly blessed to be nominated. My dislike of Kansas City would be the politics. Both sides need to come together.

The lack of affordable housing, in Kansas City, is heartbreaking. We all need to play our part in uplifting our fellow Kansas City residents instead of just pointing out their faults. We need to provide people with more resources so they can get back up on their feet again and succeed.

Contact Info:

• Email: jennifer.mccartney@kc-heroes.org
• Website: kc-heroes.org
• Instagram: @kansas_city_heroes
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/KansasCityHeroes/?ref=share
• Twitter: @Kansas City Heroes and @Kansas_Heroes
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGcZKPnDVJw

Image Credits
Theo