Yvonne Brown has seen thousands of needy in her 30 years with MLM.

Decades of Service and Need Meet in Wyandotte County

MLM’s Wyandotte County office this fall is passing two very important anniversaries. In October, coordinator Yvonne Brown marked her 30th year and, in November, the Wyandotte center celebrated 35 years.

Located in the basement of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church at 722 Reynolds, Kansas City, Kan., the center is reached by walking down two flights of concrete stairs to the church basement.

“If those steps weren’t concrete, they’d be worn through from all the footsteps of people who have come here for help,” Yvonne said. “After 35 years, there have been thousands of people who have come down those steps to get help.”

Yvonne has personally talked to most of those people. She shakes her head at the challenges facing a majority who come.

“Often, it’s a combination of things,” she said. “A lost job or even lost jobs, sickness, you name it.”

Yvonne has seen many changes as well. “The first of this year, the number of Hispanics that we see increased dramatically,” she noted. “In many cases, it was because their (work) hours were being cut. They’re employed, but when they are cut to four or three days a week, they can’t make it.”

The economy is a factor in other ways. “We’re getting people in who weren’t in poverty before. It’s a real shock.”

The stimulus program has been one positive. “Several of those programs have especially helped with food supplies. We are also increasing partnerships with organizations such as the Workforce Partnership and that helps. It’s difficult today to be effective without good partnerships.”

Yvonne has no plan for retirement. Although she has gained a healthy level of skepticism, she has no doubt that God put her at the Wyandotte location for a purpose. “I ask more questions,” she laughed. “But I think I’ve also grown spiritually and that’s important.”