Jade Van Slyke is a passionate community builder and difference maker dedicated to creating hope-filled experiences for children and families in Kansas City. As the Program Manager at HopeKids Kansas City, she helps turn challenging moments into lasting memories for families who have a child with a life-threatening medical condition.
With over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and event management, including roles with the American Lung Association, Love KC, and Heartland Community Church, Jade has devoted her career to strengthening relationships and building programs that bring people together for a greater purpose.
A proud Kansas Citian, Jade believes in engaging intentionally, serving compassionately, and making a meaningful difference in others' lives.
A few months back we had a representative from the Protecting KS Children From Sexual Predators organization address the Overland Park Rotary Club on their work to get Erin's Law passed in the state of Kansas.
Protecting KS Children From Sexual Predators is a group of survivors that works to educate the public about the prevalence of child sexual abuse in our communities and advocates for laws that will better support survivors and protect future children from being abused. The group played an instrumental role in removing the criminal statute of limitations for child sexual abuse in Kansas. This year they will focus on passing Erin's Law, which will require that students be taught once a year about body safety awareness and child sexual abuse prevention.
They are now asking for our support. HB2576, was referred to the House Education Committee and is scheduled for a hearing on Feb 9 at 1:30. Please call or write your State Representative and ask them to support passage of this important bill.
Erin’s Law helps kids learn, in age-appropriate ways, how to recognize unsafe situations, understand body safety, and know how and where to report abuse—empowering them to protect themselves and ask for help. It also trains educators to identify signs of abuse and respond properly, with the goal of protecting children through awareness and early intervention.
