Our Story
Serve the World (STW Charities) was founded in 2014 with a simple but powerful belief: no student should have to worry about where they will sleep at night. Starting in South Kansas City, a community often overlooked by the larger organizations working downtown and midtown, STW set out to address student homelessness where it was hitting hardest.
The work began inside the Center School District through a collective impact model called Impact Center Schools, bringing together social service agencies, nonprofits, faith communities, and individuals to remove the barriers that keep families from finding and keeping stable housing. In those early years, STW served about 25 families annually, working one by one to move them from crisis toward stability.
That focused approach delivered real results. By 2022, STW had helped house 107 students in the Center School District and reduced student homelessness by 33% in three years. The model worked because it was built on trust, consistency, and deep partnership with the school district itself.
Today, STW has expanded to the Raytown School District and continues to grow its reach across South Kansas City, bringing wraparound support to students and families in communities that have long needed it.
What Makes Serve the World Different
Embedded in School Districts
We don’t wait for families to find us. We work inside school systems alongside counselors, social workers, and McKinney-Vento liaisons to reach families where they are.
Whole-Family Approach
We support the entire family, not just the student, because family stability is what makes student success possible.
Relationship-Driven
Our work is built on trust, consistency, and long-term relationships with the families and school communities we serve.
Long-Term Focus
We don’t just respond to crisis. We help families build toward lasting stability through case navigation, life skills, mentorship, and resource connection.
Leadership & Governance
The work of Serve the World KC is guided by leaders who bring experience, perspective and a deep commitment to students and families across Kansas City.
Our Team
Marvin James
Intermin Executive Director
Serve the World is looking for people who care deeply about supporting students and families. Explore current opportunities and learn how you can be part of this work.
Board of Directors
Charmaine Willis
Board Chair
B&W Consulting, LLC
Chris Buford
Treasurer
Evangel Church
Rick Chambers
Secretary
Center School District Alumni
Mark Potter
Colonial Presbyterian Church
Rick Sanford
Residential Pro, Center School District Alumni
Ronnie Marquez
Alllied Universal, Impact Program Alumni
Interested in serving on our board? We welcome community leaders who are passionate about student success and family stability.
Working together
Our Partners & Sponsors
Serve the World KC is supported by schools, community organizations, businesses and other local partners who help strengthen its work with students and families. To learn more about partnering, contact us.
