Kansas City, Mo. — Crux KC, Kansas City’s marketing “un-agency,” has selected WeCode KC and Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA) as recipients of its 2024 Crux for a Cause program. After receiving a record-high 39 applications, Crux expanded the program for the first time, investing $50,000 of pro-bono marketing services to each nonprofit, totaling $100,000.
“We care about working with and supporting purpose-driven organizations in our community, which makes Crux for a Cause such a meaningful program to the full Crux team,” said Founder & CEO Melea McRae. “We were fortunate to receive so many worthy applications, and we’re proud to have found a way to serve not one, but two nonprofits this year. As the selection process becomes more challenging with growing interest, we look forward to finding ways to service more in the years to come.”
WeCode KC is a tech-ed nonprofit that is preparing a pipeline of future-ready tech professionals by training youth and young adults ages 7 to 26 on technology concepts, leadership and professional development. Serving Kansas City’s urban core, WeCode KC aims to create a more inclusive and equitable technology industry, by making coding more accessible to every young person, regardless of zip code or financial status.
“The Kansas City nonprofit community is filled with so many deserving organizations, and we are honored to be chosen for this year’s Crux for a Cause,” said Tammy Buckner, Founder and CEO of WeCode KC. “Working with Crux will allow us to better serve Kansas City’s young people, recruit more program volunteers and position Kansas City as a hub for development.”
Founded in 1975, CAPA is committed to preventing and treating all forms of child abuse by creating changes in individuals, families and society that strengthen relationships and promote healing. This mission carries with it the commitment to work with some of the community’s most vulnerable families. Each year, CAPA serves nearly 2,000 children and adults in Jackson County and the surrounding Kansas City metro through counseling, family support services, parenting classes and prevention education. CAPA programs are strengths-based, client-centered, trauma-informed, and provided in a culturally respectful way. No child or family is turned away based on their inability to pay.
“We’re thrilled Crux is investing in the often overlooked and under-supported mission of keeping children safe, putting the spotlight on the resources available to those who have experienced abuse, neglect or other significant family trauma,” said Rochelle Parker, President and CEO of CAPA. “We look forward to a dynamic collaboration that will help us amplify awareness on the realities of child abuse in Kansas City and reach more individuals in need of crucial support.”
Since its inception in 2020, Crux for a Cause has served a wide range of nonprofit organizations based in Kansas City, including People of All Color Succeed, KC Shepherd’s Center, Kanbe’s Markets and, most recently, What if Puppets.
Crux’s work with nonprofit client partners has earned awards including Nonprofit Connect Philly Awards for KC Shepherd’s Center, KC Common Good, Linda Hall Library and Young Friends of the Kansas City Public Library, as well as Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) PRISM awards for KC Common Good and The Pinnacle Prize. In 2022 as a result of its award-winning work with multiple nonprofit organizations, Nonprofit Connect honored Crux with its prestigious Community Champion award.
“Crux for a Cause and our continued work with nonprofits allows us to use our marketing superpowers to support those essential organizations working to build a stronger Kansas City,” McRae said.
Crux is a team of 47 with specialists across all marketing disciplines serving an active roster of more than 90 client partners. Crux has been named an Inc Best Workplaces and included on the Inc. 5000 (#1500 in 2023, and #2678 in 2022), a two-time Ingram’s Corporate Report 100 nominee, a two-time Kansas City Business Journal Champion of Business, and a three-time Greater KC Chamber of Commerce Top 10 Small Business. Crux has also been named as a Kansas City Business Journal’s Best Places to Work in 2021 and is a Healthy KC Gold Certified company.
Learn more about Crux for a Cause and the company’s commitment to the Kansas City community.
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About Crux KC
Founded in 2016, Crux KC is Kansas City’s “un-agency,” combining the leadership of a fractional CMO with a marketing-department-as-a-service model to provide simple, smart and affordable full-funnel marketing solutions for clients. Because when you’re a business leader looking for growth, you’d rather just get to the point. Crux is your in-house marketing team—outsourced. Everything you need, nothing you don’t. Learn more at cruxkc.com.
About WeCode KC
As part of our mission, WeCode KC prepares youth to cultivate a passion for technology by utilizing its own students as mentors and instructors. Students enrolled in this coding program build a portfolio of work to share with future employers and teaching experience in high school. Specific to our innovative workforce development program, WeCode KC offers high school students and young adults internships involving real-world technology projects, essential skill training, and a sustainable hourly wage, while preparing them for a career in technology, entrepreneurship, or secondary education. WeCode KC ensures coding programs are accessible to all!
About Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA)
Founded in 1975, CAPA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing and treating child abuse, neglect and family trauma through education, advocacy and support services. Each year, CAPA serves as a source of healing, hope and strength for nearly 2,000 children and adults in Jackson County, Missouri, and the surrounding Kansas City metropolitan area. CAPA leads innovative strategies that prevent and treat child abuse so children and families can be safe and reach their full potential, doing so with integrity, compassion, teamwork and respect. For more information about CAPA and its mission, please visit www.capacares.org.