Smart Talks. Cold Drinks.
Presenting THINK & DRINK – where the curious gather. This ongoing lecture series delivers a wide array of topics that generate fresh perspectives, ideas, and discussion. These community-driven events are powered by a collaboration between UMKC, Linda Hall Library, The Third Place Historian, and Casual Animal Brewing Company.
Your RSVP is appreciated to help us preset the room and accommodate as many seats as possible for interested attendees. You will also receive at least 1 reminder email about the event when you RSVP.
NOVEMBER 12 - Truths About Homelessness in Kansas City and Beyond
Speakers: Jaynell (KK) Assmann, APRN-C, Founder and CEO Care Beyond the Boulevard
Tabatha Paxton
Johnny Cuilich
Jimmy Roy
Join Care Beyond the Boulevard (CBB) and three of their peers—individuals with lived experiences of homelessness and Substance Use Disorder. Each speaker will tell their story about what brought them into homelessness, and out of homelessness. All have strong ties to CBB: one was a patient who they helped get off the streets 10 years ago, one was in respite and is now on staff at CBB, and the other went through recovery and is now a peer worker with the organization. Their last homelessness was 10, 8 and 2 years ago respectively. KK will be asking them questions during the session including the Q&A from you, the audience.
speaker/moderator bio:
KK, Founder and CEO of Care Beyond the Boulevard (CBB) is leading the charge in equity and access for those experiencing homelessness in the Greater Kansas City Metro.
KK founded CBB in 2016, with a desire to bring healthcare to those living on the streets. This was born out of serving at a food and clothing ministry in Kansas City and noticing people continually coming up for help with medical related concerns. She vowed to start a clinic in that ministry that would provide a link to services and basic healthcare to those at great risk for health problems and poor access to healthcare.
Under her leadership, CBB has grown from one clinic weekly to multiple clinics, serving thousands. The organization has grown organically with the streets and the needs of those on the streets helping to guide the direction of the organization. CBB has over 300 volunteers and 21 full-time employees, partners with multiple agencies throughout the metro area and continues to keep the patient at the core of the mission.
In her free time she enjoys travel, crochet, and watching football at every level. Her husband, Chris is a pivotal piece of the success of CBB and volunteers regularly driving the bus and helping with all computer and IT needs of the organization. She has a 32 year old son, Kerrick, a Navy Veteran and mechanic, a 30 year old daughter, Kenlee, DPT, and 18 year old Kai, who is a freshman in college.
KK graduated from nursing school in 1992 with an Associate Degree in Nursing and worked as a critical care nurse for many years. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing in 2014 and her Masters in Nursing, obtaining a degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2016.