In the heart of Kansas City, Operation Breakthrough is doing more than just offering help—it’s building futures. With a mission to surround the city’s most vulnerable children and families with opportunity, care, and support, this nonprofit is transforming lives from the cradle to college and career.
Each day, more than 750 children walk through the doors of Operation Breakthrough (OB), many from families surviving on less than $1,000 a month. These children face challenges that go far beyond the classroom. Homelessness, food insecurity, exposure to violence, and the trauma of losing loved ones are all too common. But at OB, they are met with a team that is ready to support every need—academic, emotional, physical, and social.
“Many of our kids have seen more than most adults,” says CEO Mary Esselman. “We start where the needs are greatest.” That means not only offering early education but also providing onsite health and dental care, mental health services, a food pantry, and a clothing closet. A licensed therapist or social-emotional specialist is available for children who need extra support. Teachers and nurses work hand-in-hand, tracking developmental milestones and tailoring education to each child.
This holistic approach is what sets Operation Breakthrough apart. It’s not just about helping children survive—it’s about helping them thrive.
Take, for example, the teen who joined OB’s workforce development program, The Ignition Lab, after losing four classmates to gun violence. Determined to change his path, he found mentors and career training at OB. He graduated as valedictorian and is now heading to college to study engineering.
Or the little boy who entered OB as an infant diagnosed with “failure to thrive.” After losing both parents, he was nurtured daily by OB’s dedicated team. Today, he’s a thriving preschool graduate, racing tricycles on the playground and making friends over slices of pizza.
These stories are made possible by the community. Volunteers and donors play a vital role—reading to kids, helping in the kitchen, mentoring teens, and donating essentials. Their involvement does more than meet immediate needs; it sends a powerful message: “You matter.”
“Volunteers and donors wrap their arms around our families,” says Esselman. “Their friendship helps create the conditions for our families to grow.”
Now in its 53rd year, Operation Breakthrough is a testament to what’s possible when a community comes together. And the impact doesn’t stop with the children. OB teens give back too—spending more than 15,000 hours each summer mentoring younger kids.
At Operation Breakthrough, success isn’t just measured in test scores or graduation rates. It’s seen in every child who learns to trust again, every teen who discovers their potential, and every family that begins to hope for a brighter future.
And that’s what Operation Breakthrough is all about—empowering children and families to break through the barriers in their way and step into a future filled with possibility.