- Community engagement
Through age-friendly initiatives, leadership networks and volunteer programs, older adults had more opportunities to stay engaged, connected and active in their communities. In 2025, the Communities for All Ages program expanded its peer city network, hosted workshops and peer-learning sessions, advanced development of new tools and resources for local governments, and identified funding opportunities to support continued growth of age-friendly practices across the region. MARC also expanded the Give 5 volunteer-matching program through five cohorts, while the Leadership in Aging Network and Silver-Haired Legislature continued to bring together advocates, service providers and community leaders to address issues affecting older adults. During Older Americans Month in May, MARC convened the region’s aging services community through the annual Age Positive Conference, which attracted more than 200 professionals, and the Age of Celebration, a 60+ block party and resource fair that welcomed nearly 500
attendees.
- Nutrition incentives
MARC expanded access to healthy food for low-income families and older adults through the Double Up Food Bucks program, which operated at 168 grocery stores, farmers markets and farm-direct locations across Kansas and Missouri in 2025. The program helps SNAP participants stretch their food dollars by providing additional incentives for purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables, improving access to nutritious food while supporting local farmers and food retailers. MARC also secured funding in the form of a new USDA Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program award to sustain and expand the program.
- Produce prescription
KC Fresh Rx connects health care and nutrition through a “food as medicine” approach that helps participants improve their health through greater access to fresh fruits and vegetables. In 2025, MARC hosted a third cohort of the produce prescription program, which serves Medicaid patients experiencing food insecurity and at risk for or managing diabetes and hypertension. To make the program more accessible, MARC expanded translation and interpretation services in Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese and Somali and provided transportation assistance to participants.
- Aging services
MARC strengthened services that help older adults remain healthy, independent and connected to their communities through investments in nutrition, caregiving support and community infrastructure. In 2025, MARC completed renovations to KC Meal Link, a frozen meal repack facility, while evaluating opportunities to expand operations, develop partnerships, pursue medically tailored meal programs and identify sustainable funding strategies. MARC also invested in senior centers and transportation services across the region through facility improvements and vehicle support. In addition, MARC offered the Aging Mastery Program for Caregivers and enabled 17 children to attend summer camp through the GRANDPass respite program for older guardians.
- Community Care Hub
Connections among health care providers, community organizations and social service agencies continued
to grow in 2025, improving health outcomes and helping residents remain healthy and independent in their communities. In 2025, MARC expanded services for patients experiencing heart failure, diabetes and hypertension; advanced objectives under the USAging Center of Excellence initiative; and strengthened the region’s Community Care Hub infrastructure through the launch of the Community Support Network Advisory and Community-Based Organization Coalition.
- Ombudsman
MARC’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman program advocates for older adults living in long-term care settings. In 2025, the program served 11,665 residents and adapted to funding reductions through innovative approaches such as the Resident Advocacy Flex Plan, allowing staff and volunteers to continue responding effectively to complaints and resident needs. MARC also supported resident safety during emergency closures and continued working with residents, families and care providers to promote quality of life, informed decision-making and person-centered care.
- Community health workers
MARC strengthened the region’s community health worker (CHW) workforce in 2025 by expanding training, leadership development and tools that support the integration of CHWs into healthcare and community-based organizations. CHWs serve as trusted links between residents and systems of care. Through the KC Regional Community Health Worker Collaborative, MARC updated training curricula, expanded Spanish-language training opportunities, and developed new technical assistance resources to support workforce growth and professional development. MARC also created guidance and reimbursement tools to help healthcare providers and community organizations access Medicare and Kansas Medicaid funding for CHW services, supporting a more sustainable model for connecting residents with healthcare, social services and other community resources.
- Veteran-Directed Care
Veteran-Directed Care helps older veterans and veterans with disabilities remain independent and continue living in their homes and communities while maintaining greater control over their long-term services and supports. In 2025, MARC collaborated with the Kansas City VA Medical Center to serve more than 75 veterans across the region.
