2026 Blue KC Gamechanger Honoree Shannon McCarthy – Month of September
Better Together
The general perception of a “gamechanger” is someone who takes a situation in crisis and single-handedly does something by themselves to make it better. Maybe it’s the quarterback who throws the game-winning touchdown pass in the final moments of a game or the goalkeeper who saves a penalty kick to preserve a victory in the waning seconds of a match.
Shannon McCarthy is definitely a gamechanger. But her M.O. is different. She has certainly proven over time that she has the ability to impact those around her, but she does it by involving others.
She is entrenched into the work of A Turning Point in Kansas City, which partners with other organizations in the area to provide basic needs of those in the community.
McCarthy, a retired teacher, lifelong champion of others and devoted KC Current season-ticket holder, understands that great teams are built when people feel valued, supported and empowered to succeed. She brings that philosophy to work as program manager and volunteer director at A Turning Point in Kansas City.
McCarthy oversees programs that serve more than 65,000 people annually through food assistance, clothing and basic needs support, school supplies and backpacks to over 250 kids each year, volunteer engagement, and adult education. While the numbers are impressive, they only tell part of the story. McCarthy’s true impact is found in the thousands of lives she touches through her compassion, fairness and unwavering belief in the potential of every person she meets.
Because of her work, McCarthy is the September recipient of the Blue KC Gamechanger award. Founded in 2024 by Blue KC and the Kansas City Current, the Blue KC Gamechanger program recognizes an individual whose leadership inspires physical, mental, emotional and community wellness by creating healthier, more inclusive environments. This can be done through healthcare, education, sport or advocacy efforts. To nominate the next Blue KC Gamechanger, CLICK HERE.
A Turning Point started in 2016 with only a food pantry and wardrobe. It has grown to expand into the Academy, as well as various support groups. In 2019, it was voted “Best Charitable Organization” in the Northland and received the Circle of Hope award from Harvesters in 2018.
Unaffiliated with the national Turning Point USA, A Turning Point in Kansas City’s mission is to “support families by providing basic needs and education equipping them for self-sufficiency. We believe that is best accomplished by helping those in need to help themselves. Our goal is to provide a hand in myriad ways, and our approach is two-fold.”
“First, to partner with organizations and agencies to provide the best services to the Northland communities as possible through combining our resources or referring clients to appropriate agencies and services,” said McCarthy.
“Secondly, A Turning Point continuously researches and assesses needs in the community, looking to provide services and make connections to fill gaps and creating unique programs to our repertoire of services.”
As a former educator, McCarthy never stopped teaching. She helps people recognize their strengths, encourages them to pursue their goals and creates opportunities for growth. Whether she is supporting a student working toward his or her high school diploma, welcoming a family to A Turning Point pantry, coordinating volunteers or mentoring staff, McCarthy leads with respect and kindness.
Behind the scenes, McCarthy is the steady force that keeps complex programs running. She manages volunteers, solves problems, builds relationships and ensures services are delivered with excellence. Yet she never loses sight of the human beings at the center of the work. She understands that providing food, school supplies or clothing is important, but restoring dignity and hope can change the trajectory of a person’s life.
As a passionate KC Current fan, McCarthy knows the power of teamwork, perseverance and showing up for your community. She embodies those values every day, helping thousands of people move from surviving to thriving.
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