The LIGHT House Ribbon Cutting
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The LIGHT House Announces New, Expanded Kansas City Location to Deepen Ministry Impact for At-Risk Pregnant Women and New Mothers; Missouri Secretary of State and Kansas City Mayor Pro Tem Among Featured Speakers
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – January 20, 2026 – The LIGHT House, a Christ-centered affiliate ministry of the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home (MBCH), is thrilled to announce the opening of its new, expanded Kansas City facility with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 2:30 p.m.
The move to 7221 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO, marks a powerful new season for the ministry, allowing it to significantly increase its capacity for Christ-centered care and support for young, at-risk pregnant women and new mothers in the KC area.
The public and all media are invited to attend the event, which will feature a formal ribbon cutting, and remarks from prominent state and local leaders. The program includes:
• Opening Remarks: Dr. Juston Gates, President of the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home (MBCH)
• Opening Prayer: Travis Yeargans, Pastor of River’s Edge Fellowship & LH Board Member
• Remarks: Cara Peoples, The LIGHT House Board Chair
• Remarks: Ryana Parks-Shaw, Kansas City Mayor Pro Tem
• Remarks: Denny Hoskins, Missouri Secretary of State
• Prayer of Dedication: Vernon Welkner, Pastor of High Prairie Church
A small reception and tours of the new facility will follow immediately after the ceremony.
A New Home for a Growing Mission
The LIGHT House offers a safe, loving residential environment for young pregnant women. Beyond residential services, the ministry provides vital Community-Based Programs—including intensive case management, counseling, and life-skills education—to support young mothers in moving toward self-sufficiency.
The relocation is a transformational step designed to focus directly on client care. The new space allows the ministry to streamline staff workflows, establish a presence in the Troost corridor, and provide a more welcoming environment for families.
“The LIGHT House is entering a powerful new season filled with momentum, purpose, and God’s faithfulness,” said Julie Ball, VP of The LIGHT House. “This move is not just about space; it enables us to grow, adapt, and reach even more families in need with Christ-centered care and support. Everything we do is fueled by the generosity of our ministry partners and blessed by God’s provision.”
Program Improvements and Urgent Community Focus
The LIGHT House is intentionally growing and adapting to better serve families in crisis. In response to seeing more families struggling under the weight of financial stress, housing instability, and mental health challenges, the ministry has made several advancements:
• Expanded Class Offerings: Providing more opportunities for parenting education, life skills, and spiritual growth.
• Increased Counseling Access: New interns and staff are joining the team to offer support, including a free Child-Centered Play Therapy initiative for home-based clients and their children.
• Housing Stability Program: The ministry is piloting a new Housing Stability Program to walk alongside families navigating urgent housing insecurity.
• Home-Based Services: They are strengthening their Home-Based Pregnancy Services, meeting clients where they are.
• Baby Boutique: All individuals enrolled in programs can earn participation points to shop for essential baby items.
MEDIA INVITATION: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
• WHAT: Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Celebration for The LIGHT House’s new KC location.
• WHO: Leadership from The LIGHT House, community partners, and Dr. Juston Gates, President of MBCH.
• WHEN: Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. (Reception and tours immediately following).
• WHERE: 7221 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO
• RSVP: Media is asked to RSVP to the contact information below for planning purposes.
About The LIGHT House
The LIGHT House, an affiliate of the MBCH Children and Family Ministries, is a Christ-centered ministry dedicated to providing hope, healthy pregnancy outcomes and practical support for at-risk young pregnant women and new mothers in the Kansas City area. Programs include residential maternity care, in-home pregnancy services, and community-based outreach focused on life skills, parenting education, and spiritual development to promote long-term stability and self-sufficiency.
Media Contact
Ben King, Regional Representative
816.472.9072 • [email protected] • lighthousekc.org
