Video: Operation Breakthrough helping kiddos reach their full potential
November 9, 2017 | Bobby Burch
Founded in 1971 by two nuns, Sister Corita Bussanmas and Sister Berta Sailer, Operation Breakthrough serves more than 450 children daily with a mission to provide a safe educational environment for children in poverty.
The has adapted through the decades to meet the needs of Kansas City’s low-income community, Operation Breakthrough CEO Mary Esselman said. Implemented three years ago, the makerspace includes such zones as textiles, studio arts, chef’s corner and construction/toy hacking, she said. It’s part of an effort to expand early childhood development beyond merely teaching toddlers how to pick up a book, Esselman said.
Welcoming select children from ages 6 weeks to 13 years, the center also includes such health-related programs as a USDA-approved meal program serving more than 1,000 meals a day, occupational and physical therapy, speech and language therapy, a dental clinic, and an on-site Children’s Mercy clinic.
Learn more about the center with the video below.

2017 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
The WTF Series: Gift shopping for the ‘smart home’
On a daily basis, Ben Kittrell translates the jargon-filled world of technology for clients of his tech consultancy. The Words that Frustrate (WTF) series aims to offer readers some clarity in an industry dominated by techies’ confusing argot. With Christmas right around the corner, you may be looking for that techie, geeky person in…
Changes here and on the horizon for Startland
You don’t have to be a fan of 1970s rock legend David Bowie for these Changes. Startland News is in the midst of an evolution to better serve readers and to maximize its impact in Kansas City. A number of changes have already taken place, and many more are on the horizon. We’re a startup,…
Social reaction: Kansas City discusses whether it’s ‘too nice’
Is Kansas City too nice? That question recently provoked a lively discussion amongst the Kansas City entrepreneurial community, eliciting thoughtful responses on the merits and disadvantages of the area’s candor. Startland News compiled some of those comments below that we found on our website in what will mark a new focus that aims to stimulate…
