Organizations Helping the Heartland
When an organization goes above and beyond for their community, it is only fitting that their service to be recognized by us. For that reason, the Heartland Service Award was created – as a special award in recognition of the board, staff and volunteers of the organization and their years of service to their community.
Our 2019 Heartland Service Award was to Drumm Farm Center for Children.
For a century, Drumm Farm Center for Children has provided a nurturing environment for some of the most vulnerable citizens in our community. Having worked with nearly 2,000 youth, Drumm has an inspiring legacy of service and programs that yield the lifelong success of children and young adults.
Originally named the Andrew Drumm Institute, Drumm Farm Center for Children was established in 1919 by prominent Kansas City businessman, Major Andrew Drumm, as a home and working farm for orphaned and impoverished boys. The organization has transformed over the years, now serving both boys and girls in foster care, homeless young adults and those aging out of foster care, but Drumm’s mission has never wavered.
A community within itself, the campus at Drumm Farm Center for Children provides forever-family environments, focused on emotional and physical well-being, along with opportunities for educational and personal growth. In addition to providing a home, Drumm works diligently to place children and siblings in nurturing, loving homes. Children and families engage in a host of Drumm programs and services to help them overcome emotional, physical, financial, and educational challenges.
Drumm has four main programs: Educational Support, including assessments, tutoring and online education programs; Street Outreach, providing trauma-informed, culturally competent support services to youth and young adults struggling with maintaining stable housing across Eastern Jackson County; COMPASS, offering transitional housing and a network of support for those who have aged out of foster care; and Counseling Services providing a full-continuum of care.
Past Recipients of Special Awards
2018 – Blue Ridge Bank and Trust, Community Partner Award
2016 – Community Services League, Heartland Service Award
2015 – Independence Young Matrons, Heartland Service Award
2012 – Carol Sue Bass, Kyle Conway, Lloyd Uptegrove, Carole Roper Park Vaughan, and Luva Vaughan, Founder’s Recognition
2012 – Community of Christ, Community Partner Award
2011 – Rotary District 6040, Heartland Service Award,
2007 – Harry S. Truman Library & Museum, Silver Legacy Award