KANSAS CITY, Kan. — 70-year-old Kansas City, Kan. resident Henry Rodriquez had not had his house painted in at least 50 years, which is what sparked his sister Josephine Aguirre to reach out to IUPAT DC 3 to inquire about its community outreach services.
With an objective to get back into leadership, IUPAT DC 3 Director of Organizing Josh Wyrick shared that over the past year, the organization has focused on giving back to the community and the working class — including participating in a Harvesters Community Food Network food drive, assisting Northeast Middle School students with its “Parade of Dog Houses” competition and now painting houses across the Kansas City, metro.
“We used to do neighborhood clean ups; we’re getting back involved in the community,” Wyrick said. “This is what we should be doing — working class solidarity, helping fellow workers.”
While Rodriguez — a disability and social security recipient — was unable to perform proper maintenance on his home, not because he didn’t want to, Aguirre shared, but rather, because he did not have the means to do it, his sister contacted IUPAT DC 3 because she had seen the community engagement from the local and asked if they would consider Rodriguez for exterior improvements.
“The painters union has been so wonderful and cooperative; [It is] so understanding of the community’s needs,” Aguirre said in an interview. “My brother is very needy and appreciates everything that’s done for him.”
IUPAT DC 3 began work on Rodriquez’s home in October 2025, scrapping off aged paint and power washing. However, weather conditions led the Painters — including Wyrick, Business Manager Joey Flickner and members Rick Carrey, Andrew “Aj” Herrera, Dominic Davis and Chester Mobley — to postpone the project until spring.
On Saturday morning, May 9, IUPAT DC 3 was at Rodriguez’s home with paint, which was donated by manufacturers Spectrum paint and Davis Paint Company as well as supplies, which were provided by contractors — including MVP Painting, A.T. Switzer Company, Inc., Dayco Painting Inc., Insco Industries and Color Inc.
“The supplies were received from the community; I appreciate all of that as well because [it could not be done] without their input and generosity,” Aguirre said in an interview. “It’s good to know people still care and are reaching out without hesitation; they’re just doing it their heart. — it’s wonderful and really appreciated.”
And in addition to Aguirre, gratitude remains a mutual feeling for Rodriguez.
“My brother calls me all the time and says ‘You don’t know what I’m looking at. I’m staring at my home and I cannot take my eyes off of it,’” Aguirre said in an interview. “He was absolutely in awe of their work.”
Julia Williams — a Kansas City native — is a reporter and digital producer for The Labor Beacon. A University of Missouri School of Journalism alumna, she previously served as the editor-in-chief of The Northeast News before joining The Labor Beacon staff.
Williams’s grandfather was a Claycomo Ford Motor Company retiree and avid UAW Local 249 supporter, allowing her to understand the union difference from a young age.
In her free time, Williams enjoys spending time with her family, traveling to see her friends and hanging out at home with her cat, Greta. She loves a good cup of coffee, seeing local, live music and shopping secondhand. With a passion for storytelling, she hopes to bring her knowledge of journalistic integrity to the Kansas City union community — giving union and labor workers a voice, while holding people in powerful positions accountable.
