Ros Thorpe
Director of Outreach
If you would like to Volunteer for any of the Opportunities below, please contact our Director of Outreach
Food Insecurity
"Feed the Need" Food Drives
Since May 2020, Atonement has responded to our neighbors’ needs with regular drives, collecting non-perishable food items, as well as personal hygiene and cleaning supplies – and delivered them to local food pantries including those at Jewish Community Center, Johnson County Community College, KU Lutheran Campus Ministry Student Food Pantry, Project 1020, Asbury UMC, and MLM.
Members of Atonement also volunteer at the food pantries at area food pantries. In addition we regularly collect school supplies and snacks for Brookridge Elementary, and Christmas gifts for MLM.
Members of Atonement also volunteer at the food pantries at area food pantries. In addition we regularly collect school supplies and snacks for Brookridge Elementary, and Christmas gifts for MLM.
MLM first opened its doors in 1971, and today serves those in need in the greater KC area in a variety of ways, including: its Community Care Centers, the Financial Opportunity Center, Minor Home Repair program, its annual Christmas Store, an Orchard & Garden, its Family Empowerment program, and Permanent Supportive Housing. Atonement members regularly provide volunteer hours and support.
MLM has now established a presence here in Johnson County, and is actively supporting families through its Rapid Re-Housing Program and other services; this ministry offices at Atonement.
MLM has now established a presence here in Johnson County, and is actively supporting families through its Rapid Re-Housing Program and other services; this ministry offices at Atonement.
Peace, Justice & Equality
Johnson County's Justice Ministry was born in 2020 through conversations with a variety of local congregations. It became official in 2021, and now includes 27 interfaith communities. Atonement is an active member of the network, and has members participating in its three current issues of homelessness, affordable housing, and the mental health crisis care for county residents.
And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8
And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8
Who We Are
What We Have Accomplished
The Good Faith Network includes 27 interfaith faith communities across Johnson County working together to build a collective voice so large it can't be ignored. We organize and use that voice to advocate for changes that address the root causes of our community's most pressing problems.
Coming Up
We will begin our 4th year with community-wide listening sessions, where members of our faith communities and others are invited to come together in small groups and share the concerns they see in Johnson County. We will also provide updates on the three issues that we have been working on, and invite members of our community to be involved in one of the research teams addressing those issues. This year we will also be focusing on a 4th issue - Eldercare.
We invite all who wish to join us in making our voices heard – and in doing so, make Johnson County a more welcoming home for all.
We invite all who wish to join us in making our voices heard – and in doing so, make Johnson County a more welcoming home for all.
Three research teams focusing on Homelessness, Affordable Housing, an Mental Health Crisis Care, have done extensive research in each area to understand the issues surrounding each and exploring how other communities created solutions. We then addressed those who have the power to implement the changes we seek.
- Johnson County will be opening a Crisis Stabilization Center in 2025 to serve voluntary patients, but involuntary patients still end up in ERs and that needs to be addressed.
- Chairman Kelly has set a goal of ending Chronic Homelessness by 2029; however, a roadmap to reach Functional Zero still needs to be developed.
- We continue to advocate for an Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which has proven to be very successful in the creation of affordable housing in other communities - including Lawrence KS, Topeka KS, and KCMO.
Though we belong to diverse faith traditions, our members find common ground in values of justice and fairness. We build power and take direct action on problems facing our community so that all people are treated with the respect and dignity that our faith traditions tell us they deserve.
LGBTQIA+ Advocacy Ministry
The LGBTQ Support Group ministry offers encouragement, growth, and hope through thoughtful conversations and support. We meet regularly throughout the year and welcome those who would like to join us!
Other Community Ministries
Blessings Abound Thrift Store is a Christian not-for-profit serving the KC area by selling and recycling donated merchandise to provide aid to people in need.
While volunteering or working at BA you will have the opportunity to make new friendships and take initiative for leadership. For your dedication and selflessness you will help Blessings Abound maintain its mission to aid those in need.
While volunteering or working at BA you will have the opportunity to make new friendships and take initiative for leadership. For your dedication and selflessness you will help Blessings Abound maintain its mission to aid those in need.
Brookridge Elementary School opened in 1967 and serves children and families at 9920 Lowell in Overland Park. Today, Brookridge guides more than 500 students in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade.
Atonement volunteers serve as tutors and in-class helpers; opportunities are also available to help with school parties and field trips. We also provide classroom snacks twice a year to support the teachers and students, and offer a school supplies drive during the summer to be donated to the school.
Atonement volunteers serve as tutors and in-class helpers; opportunities are also available to help with school parties and field trips. We also provide classroom snacks twice a year to support the teachers and students, and offer a school supplies drive during the summer to be donated to the school.
Atonement members give “the gift of life;” your blood donations are then shared with hospitals around the Metro KC area.
We encourage members to visit the Center at 10568 Metcalf Ave, just south of the church.
We encourage members to visit the Center at 10568 Metcalf Ave, just south of the church.
Hollis Renewal Center provides “a time and place apart” for individuals, small groups, and organizations to pause and reflect on their mission.
Atonement members serve on the board for Hollis, and our groups are encouraged to use the facility for retreats and work projects.
Atonement members serve on the board for Hollis, and our groups are encouraged to use the facility for retreats and work projects.