With a decades-long career devoted to children’s welfare, Susan Jones has made a difference to so many children and families over the years.
A licensed clinical social worker, Susan has worked at the Community Mental Health Fund for 22 years. Susan goes above and beyond in her role to ensure that The Children’s Place is able to maximize our funding from the Community Mental Health Fund, one of our largest funders who contributed more than $350,000 in the last year.
“Susan is such a valuable partner of The Children’s Place and truly helps us serve more children and families because of her immense dedication to the work,” said Dawn Downes, Vice President of Program Administration at The Children’s Place. “Susan brings expansive knowledge from the fine details to the big picture of the mental health field in Kansas City, helping us maximize impact and build access for as many children as possible.”
Susan launched her career at the Children’s Division, where she began working with The Children’s Place, routinely bringing in children for assessments and treatment. In her current role as Director of Programs at the Community Mental Health Fund, she provides technical assistance to support agencies in developing solid quality improvement practices, with a focus on development of key performance indicators for the value-based pay program.
Thanks to Susan’s dedication to this work, we are able to maximize our funding through the Community Mental Health Fund, resulting in more money for these vital programs.
“Susan’s dedication and knowledge about key performance indicators has not only allowed for increased funding for these important programs, but she is also helping us reconsider when children are ready for discharge, allowing us to serve more clients,” Dawn said. “She is so generous with her time, knowledge and technical support. We are so grateful for Susan!”
The Advocate for Hope Award will be awarded at the Gratitude Bruncheon on August 27. Meet the other honorees of Gratitude Bruncheon 2026 here.
