Illuminating Hope

Sonderluss Soul - A Benefit for Hope House with Charlie Harris

Saturday, April 18, 2026 , 8:00 pm CST at Knuckleheads Knuckleheads: 2715 Rochester Ave, Kansas City, MO We are excited to announce the Sonderluss Soul: A Benefit Concert for Hope House! Sonderluss Soul is comprised of Charlie Harris (basses and guitars), Bill Thompson (harmonicas), Marcus Rattler (percussion and steel pan). All members are veteran musicians who have played in a number of musical projects in different genres all over the country. The band prides itself in being “genre-less,” incorporating elements of funk, Latin, rock, jazz, and classical in its original compositions. Recently referred to as “the most original band in Kansas City,” they are a must-see event! Critically acclaimed Nashville saxophonist David Bosviet will be joining Sonderluss Soul for this special night. David has shared the stage with many Grammy winners in and around Nashville. David and Charlie Harris, the bassist and founder of Sonderluss Soul, have played together for years and recently recorded a soundtrack for a movie. David and Charlie last appeared together in Kansas City in 2023 for sold out concert promoted by the Folly Theater. Follow Sonderluss Soul on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Sonderluss-Soul-61550294162722/ [https://www.facebook.com/p/Sonderluss-Soul-61550294162722/] Enjoy a one of a kind jazz concert from the band, Sonderluss Soul, with proceeds benefitting Hope House! The band prides itself in being “genre-less,” incorporating elements of funk, Latin, rock, jazz, and classical in its original compositions. Event and Ticket Information: https://www.hopehouse.net/events/calendar-of-events [https://www.hopehouse.net/events/calendar-of-events] or Visit: https://tickets.knuckleheadskc.com/orderticketsarea.asp?p=3499&a=1&fbclid=IwY2xjawPkmBlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF1VFVadUVmOTZpdW15MEhuc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiYnc9a2wpkA8gNvonEI92LxusJZs9-1HkzcAa5Nz2RMQfs29ilr4KsDGAyG_aem_v9PykiYjpTwg_M7NCXJiow [https://tickets.knuckleheadskc.com/orderticketsarea.asp?p=3499&a=1&fbclid=IwY2xjawPkmBlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF1VFVadUVmOTZpdW15MEhuc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiYnc9a2wpkA8gNvonEI92LxusJZs9-1HkzcAa5Nz2RMQfs29ilr4KsDGAyG_aem_v9PykiYjpTwg_M7NCXJiow]

Illuminating Policy, Process, and Budgets with Missouri House Speaker Dr. Jon Patterson

Missouri House Speaker Dr. Jon Patterson, represents District 30, which includes parts of Lee’s Summit. He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2018. Rep. Patterson is a 1998 graduate of Blue Springs High School. He then attended the University of Missouri–Columbia, where he earned both his bachelor's and medical degree. After medical school, Dr. Patterson completed his surgical residency at Truman Medical Center in downtown Kansas City. Dr. Patterson practiced general surgery in eastern Jackson County from 2011-2022. Rep. Patterson lives in Lee’s Summit with his wife, Jennifer. They have two children, Leah and Andrew. In his spare time, Dr. Patterson enjoys family time, reading, and golf. Dr. Patterson is committed to public service through medical missions. He has completed surgical mission trips around the world, including to the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Jordan. In this episode, we dive into the legislative process, explore how bills and budgets are shaped, and discuss how these decisions impact communities, especially those navigating domestic violence and seeking critical support services. We also talk about the importance of collaboration between policymakers and community organizations to create lasting, meaningful change. Listen in as we talk about turning awareness into action and advancing policies that truly support survivors and strengthen our communities. Hosts: Director of Community Engagement, Tina Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, MaryAnne Metheny, and Chief Operating Officer, Ilene Shehan. https://www.hopehouse.net/ [https://www.hopehouse.net/] If you are in an emergency, call or text 9-1-1. For information about our services and how Hope House can help, call our 24-Hour Hotline at 816-461-HOPE (4673) [tel:+1-816-461-4673] or the National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233.

Missouri Crime Victims Funding: Take Action Now

Today, we need your voice. For decades, Missouri’s victim service organizations have worked alongside law enforcement, healthcare providers, court systems, and local communities to ensure that individuals impacted by crime have access to safe and supportive services. One of the primary funding sources for victim services is the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). VOCA provides grants to states, which then distribute funds to local agencies serving victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and other violent crimes. Over the past several years, however, federal VOCA funding has declined significantly. For the past four years, the State of Missouri has included a line item in its General Revenue budget to help offset these federal reductions and stabilize victim service agencies. In the proposed budget for FY2027, Governor Kehoe has eliminated the General Revenue line items of $25 million to help bridge the cuts from Federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) allocations. In addition to the $25 million budget cuts, Governor Kehoe has proposed another $1 million cut from the Department of Social Services (DSS) Domestic Violence Shelter and Services fund (DVSS). These funds are specifically designed to help domestic violence agencies provide core services to victims. To Find Your Legislators & For more information: https://www.hopehouse.net/get-involved/take-action-now [https://www.hopehouse.net/get-involved/take-action-now]

How Teen Leadership Prevents Dating Violence

In this powerful Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month conversation, Youth Prevention Specialist Sadi Geier joins us to explore how teen leadership is more than a confidence-builder, it’s a prevention strategy. Together, we dive into what leadership really looks like for young people and how developing skills like communication, boundary-setting, decision-making, and peer influence can help teens build healthier relationships and recognize red flags early. This episode unpacks: * How leadership shapes identity and self-worth * Why empowering youth voice shifts peer culture * How teens can safely use their influence to create change * The role of youth leaders in transforming community norms Through this conversation, we highlight how giving teens the tools to lead doesn’t just prepare them for the future it actively reduces risk, builds resilience, and strengthens prevention today. Because when teens learn to lead, they also learn to love safely, respectfully, and with confidence.

Red Flags & Real Talk with Youth Prevention Specialist Sadi Geier

In recognition of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, this special episode features Youth Prevention Specialist Sadi Geier in an important conversation centered on empowering young people to build healthy, respectful relationships. Together, we explore what teen dating violence really looks like beyond the stereotypes including warning signs, the role of boundaries, peer influence, and how early relationship patterns can shape future well-being. Sadi shares insights from prevention work happening directly with youth, highlighting the importance of leadership, communication skills, and self-awareness in creating safe relationship dynamics. This episode is designed for teens, parents, educators, and community members who want to better understand how to recognize red flags, support young people, and foster a culture where respect and safety are the norm — not the exception. Prevention starts with conversation. And when we equip youth with knowledge and confidence, we help them step into relationships rooted in dignity, value, and mutual respect. Host: Tina Johnson If you are in an emergency, call or text 9-1-1. For information about our services and how Hope House can help, call our 24-Hour Hotline at 816-461-HOPE (4673) [tel:+1-816-461-4673] or the National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233. hopehouse.net [http://hopehouse.net]