Rockhill Gardens’ “Morning Mingle” Strengthens Community Bonds Through Violence-Prevention Efforts

As part of a grant from CCF’s Strengthening the Health of Neighborhoods (STRONG) program — funded by the KC Health Department’s Violence Prevention Fund — the Rockhill Gardens Neighborhood Association launched a bi-weekly Morning Mingle series that ran June through November.

Held every other Saturday from 9–10:30 a.m., each Morning Mingle took place on a different block within the neighborhood. Over the course of nine gatherings, the series reached an impressive 220 residents, offering a simple but powerful way for neighbors to connect in small, welcoming settings.

RGNA’s board developed the idea as a way to bring residents—whether homeowners or renters—together to build stronger relationships, share concerns related to crime and neighborhood safety, and spark ideas for community engagement heading into 2026.

By rotating locations throughout Rockhill Gardens, the series ensured that no single block carried the burden of hosting and that every part of the neighborhood had an opportunity to participate. This “bite-size” approach effectively brought the entire community together over the course of the summer and fall.

The initiative directly supports the goals of the Blueprint for Violence Prevention, which emphasizes building strong social connections as a core strategy for reducing violence and strengthening the long-term health of neighborhoods.

Residents shared positive feedback about the ease of participating, the relaxed environment, and the chance to meet neighbors they hadn’t interacted with before. With strong turnout and enthusiastic support, RGNA hopes to continue the Morning Mingle tradition in future years.

Photos courtesy of the organization.