Community care · Foundation archive, 2022. Neighbors receive turkeys beside the delivery truck at an outdoor distribution. Silent archival footage.
About Know Joey Foundation
Good work begins
with knowing people.
Rooted in Kansas City. Built through relationships. The Know Joey Foundation connects young people and families with encouragement, resources and opportunity.
The relationships behind the work
From a conversation
to a commitment.
For Joseph “Joey Cuts” Thomas, a barbershop has always been a place to listen. People bring their plans, worries and ideas into the chair.
In 2007, he founded the Know Joey Foundation to help young men in Kansas City’s urban core make positive decisions, continue their education and explore entrepreneurship.
Local relationships turned that purpose into youth experiences, back-to-school support and Thanksgiving giving. The work grew by connecting people who had something to offer with neighbors who could use a little support.
What guides us
Opportunity grows
through connection.
Our mission
Connect young people with education, encouragement and entrepreneurship so they can recognize their abilities and make positive choices.
Our vision
A Kansas City where young people learn from local entrepreneurs, find support and see a place for themselves in the community’s future.
Our purpose
Bring people and resources together to support youth and families through lasting relationships and practical acts of service.
Our program history
Practical support.
Room to grow.
Fresh Cut Fresh Start
Free haircuts, backpacks, school supplies and family resources have helped students feel ready to begin a new school year.
Explore the program ↗Grooming For Success
The foundation’s legacy week-long camp introduced young men to entrepreneurship, economic awareness and life skills, helping them explore how a passion might become a business.
Turkey Tuesday
Neighbors bring food, time and financial support so local families can prepare for Thanksgiving. Join the 2026 collection and giveaway at Linwood YMCA in Missouri or Clippin 2 Please Barbershop in Kansas.
See the 2026 event ↗Youth Summit / Hustle & Motivate
The 2019 summit explored financial literacy, business ownership, entrepreneurship and technology—part of the foundation’s history of helping young people see possibilities.
Yearly educational scholarships
The foundation supports education through yearly scholarships. In 2025, Kia Merritt received a $500 educational scholarship.
A history of showing up
Built here.
Growing with Kansas City.
The foundation begins
A commitment to youth, education and entrepreneurship becomes a Kansas City foundation.
A fresh start
National coverage connects grooming, confidence and opportunity through Fresh Cut Fresh Start.
Care for the whole family
Community reporting documents back-to-school resources and Thanksgiving support beyond the meal.
The work continues
Donation collection November 23 and the turkey giveaway November 24 at both the Missouri and Kansas locations.
The people behind the work
Foundation leadership.
Meet the people who guide the Know Joey Foundation and help turn community relationships into practical support.
Joseph Thomas
FounderFounder whose community vision centers on helping people advance and supporting young men in Kansas City's urban core through education.
LaDonna Adams
PresidentLeads logistics and develops partnerships and funding for the foundation's annual initiatives.
Ronnica Smith
Vice PresidentProvides organizational guidance and long-range planning for the foundation’s work.
Bring what you do best
Your next connection
could start here.
Ask about a youth program, community partnership, group collection or a way to give your time. We would like to hear what you have in mind.
From the foundation archive
Many hands. One community.
Watch a short moment from the foundation archive, then explore where you would like to take part.