The Whole Person

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Centers to Support the Independence of Specific Populations, Civil Rights, Developmentally Disabled Centers, Disabilities, Disabled Persons Rights, Human Services

Mission: The Whole Person (TWP) connects people with disabilities to the resources they need by supporting independent choice and advocating for positive change in the community. We envision a fully accessible community where opportunities and choices are not limited by disability. The Whole Person is a preeminent center for independent living founded in 1978, with widespread grass-roots support, strong consumer control, and a diverse, professional staff. We are a passionate voice of empowerment and advocacy for all persons with disabilities. For more than 44 years, we have been a leader in representing people with disabilities in the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. TWP dedicates its resources to direct services and community change and has guided thousands of people with disabilities to the independent lifestyles of their choice. The key part of our charter is to be consumer-controlled and consumer-focused. A majority of our board of directors and staff are people with disabilities.

Community Stories

14 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

ChristianPolarBear Client Served

Rating: 5

04/16/2025

We are very very happy that The Whole Person has facilitated and allowed our Mental Health Peer Group to continue for many years now ... We are hoping to grow the number of consumers, (because we are equipped to be good and helpful peers) however, it's been mentioned that our current size is really working and we listen to each other.

Previous Stories

Client Served

Rating: 5

10/30/2024

A huge Gigantic THANKS !!!! to The Whole Person We've had a PEER GROUP for years and it's very successful. There's probably more that we could do if someone from staff ... would come to our group and explain a few more of the services and aids and supports that we are forgetting about... because we are in a pretty good comfort zone of listening to eacho other's problems (etc.,) So, there's probably more that could happen... but, we, a couple of handfuls of people are used to each other and appreciate each other. So, again, THANK YOU THE WHOLE PERSON!! Sincerely, Maggie and Christopher (Chris)

Callingallcars Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 4

12/19/2024

My name is unimportant, but just so you know. It's Porter. Over the years I have benefitted from The Whole Person organization in several ways. I was born w/ several significant visible & invisible birth defects.

I first learned of TWP in 1994. Just graduated from college & finding meaningful work for a severely disabled person was difficult. After bouncing from one dead-end job to another a friend told me about the local Independent Living Center - where people did not live but had opportunity to hold meaningful jobs.

Working for & with The Whole Person has been rewarding in the sense that we learned independent living & modeled it for others at the same time. The Whole person has five core services. These services are offered to consumers (individuals with disabilities) to assist them in living as independently as possible. These five core services include: Information and Referral (I&R); Independent Living Skills: Peer Counseling: Individual and Systems Advocacy: and Transition.

The Whole Person is a busy place as well as a good kept secret. Staff at The Whole Person are dedicated to providing a quality service as well as numerous specific services related to numerous types of disabilities.

Being associated with The Whole Person has changed my life dramatically & for the good.

If disability occurs in your personal world or a precious family member, I would strongly encourage you or them to contact The Whole Person and connect with the staff to learn how to navigate the new circumstances.



dvandehey Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

12/05/2024

I am a therapist looking for additional resources for a patient. Nikki was so helpful and connected me with their resource library. Wow! The range of services is amazing!

Paulak12 General Member of the Public

Rating: 1

11/18/2024

Unfortunately I have not be able to reach anyone with The Whole Person. I’ve completed their Contact online form and sent several emails with no reply. After using their online contact form I received an automated email stating they received my information and would be contacting me. This too didn’t happen.

AEHagens Client Served

Rating: 5

11/15/2024

I have had the pleasure of working with this organization through the Show Me Home program. I have worked with several case managers as well as the transportation coordinator.
The staff is exceptional! Every individual I have encountered has been caring and supportive. The facilities are very accessible for disabilities of all kinds. They offer multiple programs and services.

dlamb Client Served

Rating: 5

10/30/2024

The Whole Person has helped me lead an independent life despite my disability

Mallory96 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/30/2024

I discovered I was not alone with mental health challenges. This realization began when 2 to 3 years ago I was chosen to speak with the mental health peers as the TWP group. That became my focus, I began to blossom. God has opened several doors, on which I have knocked. I pray he continues to help me grow in making a difference in the mental health field and make a difference.

Shaunaryan1313 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/29/2024

My name is Shauna and I received your services in 2023. I am a recovering alcoholic and have been sober for 18 months and counting. Life was uncertain and I was in a very dark place.

The Whole Person took me on and provided me resources and tools. I have since overcame a lit medically, but a journey still ahead. Your organization provided me guidance, resources, and tools to move forward in my journey.

I'm forever grateful to an organization who gave me hope in my journey.

Thank you,
Shauna

MaryGiGi

MaryGiGi Client Served

Rating: 5

10/29/2024

getting out and about; doing things with others; celebrating is on key with my rehabilitation.

C.Sims Client Served

Rating: 5

10/09/2024

The whole person has been an amazing organization to work with. For a long time now I've been sleeping on broken recliner because I am not able to sleep on a regular mattress. I have breathing problems and sleeping on a flat surface makes it hard to breathe. One of the case managers reached out to me and helped me get new recliner through a grant they had received. After years of interrupted sleep, I've finally been able to properly rest and breath well. I am so grateful for The Whole Person and grateful for the staff who work there.

Nasamuel Client Served

Rating: 1

12/16/2023

These folks deserve to be shut down. The manager Ruthie suggested to attend an IEP with one of her new reps. She never talked before the meeting or attempted to understand the background or needs of the child. She got on the zoom meeting and within 10 minutes she was having a full on conversation while her mic was on. She did not only not hear or help but she told her girl to call me afterwards. She said good news tgey gave you some options. I said the option they persented was to file a due process. She said well that's goid, right? I said they are going to sue me. She peoceeded to tell me even if she knew what she was doing, she would not be able to confront the school because they do business together. Disgusting!

CynthiaR65 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/17/2023

Compassionate group of people who support and empower people with disabilities to live independently. They have done so much great work for many years and have been a life line for the disability community. They support people in Kansas also.

1

KayKG General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/10/2019

Through their community American Sign Language classes, The Whole Person has impacted over 150+ people to learn basic ASL in order to learn how to communicate with family members, friends and to immerse themselves in Deaf culture. Micki from The Whole Person is passionate about teaching and it shows! TWP also teaches workshops in ASL for businesses and organizations!

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