Heartstrings Community Foundation

Heartstrings Community Foundation is a unique Employment Service for adults with Developmental Disabilities who want to work and interact in the community. Individuals that participate in HCF's Employment Services are working in the community 95% of their day and are paid sales commission. HCF owns and operates three businesses, Goody Delivery, On My Own and Sacks on Santa Fe. Goody Delivery is a mobile candy company providing high quality snacks to office complexes in the K.C. Metro area. The employees package snacks, load sales carts and sell on one of the Goody Delivery teams. On My Own is a retail store for home accessories. The employees working in the store have the opportunity to tell the customers about HCF, they merchandise the product, run the cash register and credit card machine. The HCF teams are experiencing transitions every 30-50 minutes for a 5 1/2 hour day. HCF also provides job coaching and follow along services. To contact HCF call Bunny Higgins or Rosanne Thiry at 913-649-5700.

Mission: Assist adults with developmental disabilities to live meaningful, productive and independent lives through interactions with the community. Building successful & enriched business relationships in the community using the unique expertise & practices of the HCF model to employ adults with developmental disabilities.

HCF was founded on the principles that:

• All people have talents and skills to share.
• All people will have choices in living options, employment and socialization
• All people have the opportunity to interact with the community.
• Maintain Quality
• Practice kindness, encouragement and respect
• Recognition of individuals' strengths and talents
• Recognition of individuals' challenges
• Advocacy for an education about people with developmental disabilities
• People with developmental disabilities can become valuable employees with appropriate training and support.

Methods used to achieve mission:

• Respectful person centered planning
• Vocational training (on the job) in Heartstrings Businesses
• Vocational placement in the community with appropriate support
• Regular fitness training at local center
• Interactive volunteer experiences

Productivity & Connections

Heartstrings Community Foundation (HCF) TM is a licensed community service provider for adults with developmental disabilities. The focus of this agency is productivity and connectivity in the community. We provide vocational and educational interaction in the community.  We believe that all of the employees of HCF have abilities that can be developed and enhanced by offering opportunity, choice and ongoing training and support for employment. 

Business Opportunities

Heartstrings Community Foundation owns operates 3 businesses, Goody Delivery and On My Own and Sacks On Santa Fe. Goody Delivery is part of our organizational employment service.  An organizational employment team of 3 and a Team Supervisor package & sell high quality snack items by appointment in business offices. On My Own is a retail store selling home accessories items at affordable prices. On My Own also creates custom gift baskets delivering in the KC Metro area or we will ship anywhere in the USA. Sacks on Santa Fe is a fine clothing and accessories store.

Benefits to Individuals & the Business Community

HCF is creating a diverse work force by expanding the knowledge and awareness of people's abilities despite the label of Mental Retardation or Developmentally Disabled. The teams are in the community 95% of the day interacting with over 400 persons on a weekly basis. HCF employees bring a positive attitude, friendly smile, desirable products along with an enthusiasm to be employed and working together.  Heartstrings Team Supervisors are teaching professional business skills, sales, customer service, quality control, purchasing, and socialization skills on the job.

Giving Back to the Community

Heartstrings Community Foundation also provides community interaction by volunteering and hosting an All American Celebration annually. This event is to honor and express our gratitude to the community, fire fighters, police officers and veterans. City, county and state elected officials take part in supporting HCF's efforts.

Case Management Services

HCF services also include case management which promotes maximum independence and successful inclusion into the community. The main goal is to maximize individuals' freedom of choice, control, integration and individualization. Accountability and continuity of services and supports are available to individuals and their families for as long as services are needed.