The 15 and the Mahomies Foundation Expands Access to Early Education and Parent Support Through Support of SOCI

Kansas City, MO (February 18, 2025) – Systems of Care Initiative (SOCI) announced an impactful partnership with the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation. The organization hosted a scholarship award celebration today to celebrate the expansion of early childhood education scholarships to ten additional families at Open Minds Child Development Center in Olathe, Kansas, and an expansion of SOCI’s innovative Parent U program with the support of the Foundation.

“These scholarships are a lifeline for working parents, ensuring their children receive the high-quality early education and care they deserve while they build brighter futures for their families,” said Dr. Janice Suzanne Smith, Executive Director of SOCI. “The support from the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation helps empower both generations, creating transformational change in Kansas City.”

The cost of childcare is a significant burden for working families in Kansas City, with low-income households spending an average of more than 30% of their income on childcare, far exceeding the federal affordability guideline of 7%. SOCI bridges this gap by partnering with early childhood education centers that serve families with the highest need, providing scholarships for full-day, full-year care. With support from the 15 and The Mahomies Foundation and other key funders, SOCI is increasing the total scholarships it provides from 80 to 100 in 2025, directly impacting families who otherwise could not afford high-quality early learning opportunities. In addition, SOCI aims to boost Kindergarten readiness rates among its scholarship recipients, with previous scholarship recipients already showing a 39% increase in kindergarten preparedness. The 15 and The Mahomies Foundation’s funding will also support a new Parent U session in 2025, providing resources for more families to break the cycle of poverty and build sustainable paths to success. Parent U, an important program in SOCI’s two-generation approach, equips parents with essential tools to advance personally and professionally. Sessions focus on critical topics such as child development, financial literacy, stress management, and career advancement, empowering parents to thrive at home and in the workforce.

“By investing in these children and parents, SOCI and The 15 and The Mahomies Foundation are creating a ripple effect that benefits families, early childhood education centers, communities, and the economy,” said Abdul Yahaya, owner of Open Minds Child Development Center.

The collaboration between SOCI and the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation comes at a pivotal time as costs of early childhood education continue to be unaffordable and 61% of Missouri parents report workforce disruptions due to childcare issues. SOCI’s holistic approach strengthens early education centers by supporting teachers, parents, and children, ensuring stability and high-quality education for families in need. Community members can join the 15 and The Mahomies Foundation in funding scholarships and empowering families by learning more and donating online at www.socicommunities.org.

About Systems of Care Initiative (SOCI)

Systems of Care Initiative (SOCI) transforms Kansas City’s workforce of today and tomorrow by increasing access to high-quality early education opportunities for low-income working families and bolstering the early childhood education workforce. SOCI partners with early childhood education centers with little or no access to philanthropic support and provides gap funding to cover the cost of full-day, full-year care beyond families’ means, as well as invests resources and expertise in families and teachers so centers can remain open for our economy. Since its inception in 2019, SOCI has invested in the growth of 270 children and their families and eight early childhood education centers in the Kansas City region. Learn more at www.socicommunities.org.

About 15 and the Mahomies Foundation

Founded by NFL MVP, Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes in 2019, The 15 and The Mahomies Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of children. The Foundation supports initiatives that focus on health, wellness, communities in need of resources, and other charitable causes. Learn more at www.15andthemahomies.org.