As summer approaches in Kansas City, we know it\u2019s going to get hot. What\u2019s better than cooling off with a refreshing cold beverage?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s the approach Drenda Williams took when deciding on a new way to get her message to the community. As the founder of the Reach Back Foundation<\/a>, Williams has dedicated her life to creating opportunity, healing and resilience for survivors of domestic violence and trauma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her work focuses on whole-person wellness, supporting individuals not only through crisis but also on the path to lasting emotional, mental and community wellbeing. She has touched thousands of lives by offering motivational speaking, educational programs, healing resources and public awareness campaigns that break barriers and inspire positive community growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But what about the soft drinks?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA lot of times with domestic violence awareness, it\u2019s pamphlets or something like that,\u201d she said. \u201cI thought, \u2018Let\u2019s come up with some non-traditional ways to get the information out.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGod told me to continue with my advocacy but to do it in a different manner. What better way than a healthy, all-natural drink? People are going to gravitate toward that. Then, the resources are actually on the label on the can. It has the national hotline number to call or text if you need help. You can easily get the soda and give it to someone and say, \u2018Hey, I have a soda for you. Read the label.\u2019 So, it\u2019s inconspicuous.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of the work Williams and the Reach Back Foundation are doing, she is the May recipient of the Blue KC Gamechanger award. Founded in 2024 by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (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>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt\u2019s such an honor,\u201d she said of receiving the award. \u201cI\u2019m doing what God called me to do. To be recognized for just doing what I\u2019m supposed to do is just an honor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe KC Current has made headlines, since we have our own stadium. Being recognized by other successful women is an honor in itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd Blue KC is a health provider. If you\u2019re a victim of domestic violence, you\u2019re going to the hospital. So being supported by the health industry and also a women\u2019s sports team in the community just reaffirms that we\u2019re doing the right thing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Williams started her movement with lip gloss and beard products to get people\u2019s attention in the packaging, before adding the soft drinks late last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She also has added a youth component. It\u2019s not only to help youth in domestic violence situations, but it\u2019s preventative. She wants to teach young people the right way to deal with conflict, so they can have healthy relationships now and through adulthood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many young people who grow up around it feel like it\u2019s an acceptable way to resolve conflict. Williams is determined to change that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She\u2019s a domestic violence survivor herself, which provided the motivation. She wants others to know that domestic violence doesn\u2019t end your usefulness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou can be a victim, you can heal and become a survivor and still accomplish a lot of great things in life,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019m an example of that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPeople often suffer in silence. They\u2019re ashamed; they don\u2019t want to tell anybody, so they keep it inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSome people are buying the drinks because they taste good. But when they see what it\u2019s about, they\u2019re even more supportive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s very refreshing!<\/p>\n\n\n Blue KC Gamechanger program<\/p> <\/div>\n Blue KC supports the Kansas City community through impactful sports partnership programs<\/h3>