Where needs
are met

About AccessKC

The signature program of AcruxKC

Many families and individuals here in our own backyard are faced with the impossible decision of whether to buy groceries, pay rent, or take care of a medical need.

For those on a limited income, any unexpected medical expense can quickly become a challenge, especially if they can’t afford it. Not being able to afford needed healthcare may very well have an impact an existing medical condition, reduce the ability to work, and diminish one’s quality of life.

AccessKC began in July 2005 as Kansas City’s Medicine Cabinet as a program of AcruxKC (then BTLLF) established to provide short-term medical assistance for those in need in the KC metropolitan area.

Unfortunately, very few of the area’s numerous social service agencies have funding available for short-term healthcare emergencies.

That’s why AccessKC is shining a spotlight on this area, working with established emergency assistance agencies that already provide food, rent, utility assistance, and more. The goal is to reduce barriers to care and support people in their quest for improved health, quality of life, and self-sufficiency.

We champion a healthier future by delivering vital medical support to uplift our communities.

MISSION STATEMENT:

About AcruxKC

AcruxKC (formerly Baptist-Trinity Lutheran Legacy Foundation) is the foundation behind AccessKC, proudly providing access to health services and other resources to those in need throughout the metro area. AcruxKC's work includes:

  • Short-Term Medical Assistance

  • Health Grants to Selected Schools and Non-profits

  • Support for Medical Education

Offering Help.
Providing Hope.

The program uses a voucher system to provide eligible people with access to health products and services. Since it began in 2005, AccessKC has provided more than 43,000 needed healthcare services valued at over $11 million to 31,000 residents on both sides of the state line including:

Emergency dental care (fillings and extractions)

Diabetic Supplies

Hearing aids and Durable medical equipment

Vision exams and Eyeglasses

Prescriptions
(no controlled substances)

AccessKC is proud to partner with seven area domestic violence shelters to help survivors (both women and children)gain better health and quality of life and independence. AccessKC gives survivors hope for brighter futures by providing access to needed prescriptions, emergency dental care, durable medical goods, eye exams, and glasses.


Additionally, the program serves those coping with a cancer diagnosis through Cancer Action by providing nutritional supplement drinks to help them get the nourishment needed to maintain their strength, energy and weight, and better tolerate treatment. Clients also have access to durable medical goods, optical care and AccessKC's
other services.

“AccessKC is a voucher-based program that helps Kansas City-area residents with low incomes to access vital health services. This is possible through our relief network of 52 nonprofit intake sites that issue our vouchers and 115+ vendor sites that provide health services.

We meet crucial needs for individuals and families as they work toward independence and financial stability.”

— Beth Radtke, Executive Director, AcruxKC + AccessKC

$12+ million spent

47,600+ people served

Partnering for Good

AccessKC has partnered with many local and national pharmacies, Westport Eyecare, American Hearing and Audiology, the Seton Center Dental Clinic and more to help make it even more convenient for residents of the Kansas City region to find the help they need.

Our Team

  • Beth A. Radtke has served the non-profit sector in some capacity for more than 20 years. In June 2018, Beth started in her role as Executive Director of Baptist-Trinity Lutheran Legacy Foundation (now Acrux). Previously, Beth served a 13-year tenure at Commerce Bank as Vice President & Foundation Office Director, having ascended from Grants Manager and, later, Director of Foundation Administration. These roles followed eight years in development and communications at St. Louis-based arts and social services nonprofits. She has served on numerous non-profit boards, committees and task forces. Raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Beth earned an Executive MBA at UMKC’s Henry W. Bloch School of Management and an BA in Psychology at Bryn Mawr College.

    CONTACT

  • Jolanta is a visionary leader renowned for transforming organizations through strategic program management and consulting. With a proven track record of solving complex organizational challenges, Jolanta excels in guiding teams to achieve long-term goals and enhance operational efficiency. As Vice President of AccessKC at AcruxKC, she leverages her extensive experience, previously demonstrated as Director of Grants and Development Ops at United Way of Greater Kansas City. There, she led strategic grant management efforts and collaborated with influential stakeholders such as the Hall Family Foundation, Bloch Family Foundation, and Siemer Institute, significantly supporting low-income households in the community. Prior to this, Jolanta held senior management positions within the judicial system, driving significant policy changes and operational improvements, notably directing programs like the Bureau of Justice Assistance Veteran Treatment Court Program and overseeing multiple juvenile justice accreditation programs. Jolanta earned an MA in International Relations and Affairs at Washington University in St. Louis, and double BAs in Political Science and French. With her deep understanding, strategic foresight in government and nonprofit administration, and cross-cultural adaptability gained from international experiences, Jolanta remains dedicated to building sustainable communities.

    CONTACT

Our Board

  • Kenneth Woodward, Chair

    Amanda Hanova, Vice Chair

    Maggie Ross, Secretary

    Craig Roeder, Treasurer

    Kurt Saylor, Immediate Past Chair

    Gretchen Green, Medical Assistance Committee Chair

    Rich Jones, Finance Committee Chair

    Francisco Lopez, Health Education Committee Chair

    Kavitha Arabindoo, MD

    Karole Bradford

    Jim Brown

    Bette Croes

    Sara Goodburn

    Sarah Hazelwood

    Stephen Salanski, MD

    Anna Soe

    Manuel Solano

    Kia Turner

    Meghan Wendland, DDS, MPH

  • Cheryl Anderson

    Virginia Coppinger

    James B. Earnest, MD

    John McKeever

    Jane P. Rues, EdD

    Al W. Tikwart, Jr.

    David A. Tillema, MD