How Just Like You Films and the YMCA of Greater Kansas City are helping kids and adults practice empathy in real life
Empathy is more than a feeling. It is something we learn, practice and turn into action.
In a recent episode of The Movement, YMCA of Greater Kansas City President and CEO Mark Hulet sat down with Mandi Kearns of Just Like You Films and Genevieve Muncy, Senior Behavioral Health Director at the Y, to talk about empathy, inclusion and the daily realities of children living with life-threatening food allergies.
At the center of the conversation was May Contain: My Life, a film from Just Like You Films that helps viewers understand what life can feel like for children and families managing food allergies.
For many kids, birthday parties, school events, restaurants and snacks with friends can bring stress, planning and risk. But the film is not just about food allergies.
It is about belonging.
At the Y, children practice these skills every day in programs, camps, sports, swim lessons and youth development spaces. They are learning how to manage emotions, friendships, conflict and inclusion.
That is why this partnership matters.
Just Like You Films uses storytelling to open hearts and minds. The YMCA helps turn those stories into real-life learning and action.
Sometimes inclusion starts with a small shift:
“Everyone needs different tools to feel safe and have fun.”
“Fair does not always mean everyone gets the same thing. Fair means everyone gets what they need.”
“You belong here.”
Empathy does not require perfect words. It starts with being open, listening first and making room for someone else’s experience.
Sometimes, one story can change the way we see each other.
Watch or Listen
Watch or listen to this episode of The Movement and learn how empathy, storytelling and inclusion can help build a stronger, more compassionate Kansas City.
