Patricia P. Pinegar stated, "The giant redwood trees that grow in Northern California . . . have a very shallow root system. But when they are surrounded by other redwood trees, the strongest, fiercest wind cannot blow them over. The roots of the giant trees intertwine and strengthen each other. When a storm comes, they actually hold each other up".

Imagine for a moment that every family within your community receives an annual week, full of family opportunities. The week-long celebration includes education, incentives, activities, and entertainment. Then, watch as the significance of family life spreads throughout the year. Envision stronger families, connected to each other, and the profound effect on the community. Families become like the giant redwood trees. They intertwine and strengthen each other. Yes, when life’s storms come, they begin to hold each other up.

Jackson County, which includes the greater Kansas City Metro area, is a community with strong family values. In April of each year, Jackson County recommits its residents to the importance of family life through Family Week. Through the efforts of numerous volunteers and enthusiastic support from businesses, schools, and churches, the celebration begins. Family Week is filled with "Family Time" incentives, a Sacred Sunday Music Festival, "Family of the Year" recognition, bank "Family History" contest, and a community decorated with family life. A weekly Monday Family Night runs all year long. Jackson County is serious in it's commitment to families.

Join Jackson County as they celebrate family life. Visit Family Week and watch the redwood trees grow!

Welcome to Family Week where we are "Putting Families First". Our site is designed to help both our local community and others start and maintain a family week of their own.

To start, we recommend you click on this link to read The Jackson County Coordinator's account of the events that originally motivated the committee to build this wonderful community sponsored event.

For all the members of the Jackson County community click on the Jackson County link to go directly to our upcoming local event.

Click on the Getting Started link in the menu bar above to see how starting your own Family Week is as easy as 1 - 2 - 3. On the right side of that page are links to other pages that will help you coordinate community, school, business, and church support and involvement.

Use the Contact Us link to get in touch with the staff at Family Week. We would love to help you and your communitee get started with your very own Family Week organization. Our resources can help you focus your efforts in strengthing the families in your community.

Take a moment to view this Family Week Video. It is a pictorial presentation of the text contained on the left side of this page. It was originally made for the 5th anniversary of the Family Week celebration held in 2003. This video is a great example of the talents, creativity, and hard work Family Week volunteers donate to our efforts every year. We hope you will enjoy it.

Kicks off with a family run/walk around our track at 8 a.m.

• Kids’ fun run
• Presentations from physicians
• Zimmer Mobile Learning Center (learn how your body moves)
• Blood glucose screening
• Blood pressure checks
• Learn about medical services provided at St. Mary’s
• Medical center tours
• Bike safety course with the Blue Springs Police Department
• LifeFlight Eagle air ambulance
• Central Jackson County Fire/EMS
• Give aways
• Special events just for kids