Community Services League

10/23/2026

- Community Services League success stories.

Jessika joined Community Services League’s Family Stability Program (FSP) with a goal of creating greater financial stability for herself and her family.

When she began the program, finding steady employment was a challenge. Many of the opportunities available to her were temporary positions or one-day jobs that didn’t provide the consistent income she needed. But Jessika was determined to keep moving forward.

To help cover her bills, she began selling food and taking on cleaning jobs whenever she could. Through her hard work and resourcefulness, Jessika was not only able to meet her immediate needs—she also managed to save money toward an important goal.

When a friend referred her to a promising job opportunity, Jessika learned that she needed a specific certification to qualify. Because she had been diligently saving, she was able to pay for the certification herself and take the next step toward her career goal.

And her hard work paid off!

Jessika successfully earned the certification and secured a full-time job with a consistent schedule that also works well for her personal and family life.

Jessika’s milestone is about more than finding a job. It’s about perseverance, planning, and taking small steps that build toward greater financial stability and opportunity.

Congratulations, Jessika! We’re excited to celebrate this milestone with you and can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!

10/22/2026

Calling all volunteers! CSL’s Independence Christmas Store needs YOU!

Volunteer opportunities begin November 3, and we have LOTS of openings available! This is a wonderful opportunity for large groups, churches, businesses, and organizations to come together and make a difference this Christmas season!

Each year, CSL’s Christmas Store serves nearly 5,000 children, and it takes hundreds of incredible volunteers to make it all happen.

Whether you're volunteering with a group or signing up on your own, just one shift can make a meaningful impact on local families!

📅 Sign up today: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4BAEA92CA7F9CE9-65596685-2026 #/

Help us make the season brighter for our neighbors. We can't do it without you!

*To learn about our Christmas Stores in Blue Springs, Buckner, Grain Valley, or Oak Grove, please contact those offices directly.

10/21/2026

Early voting is underway in Missouri!

Jackson County voters can make their voices heard ahead of Election Day through no-excuse absentee voting.

As you prepare to cast your ballot, remember that COMBAT funding supports programs and services throughout Jackson County, including important work here at Community Services League.

Every vote matters, and we encourage our neighbors to get informed and make their voices heard!

10/21/2026

Join us for a meal and fellowship tonight at CSL's Neighborhood Dinner at Stone Church. Dinner is open to everyone and starts at 6pm.

Stone Church is located at 1012 West Lexington Ave, Independence, MO 64050.

10/20/2026

Community partnerships are making a difference!

CSL President and CEO Doug Cowan recently spoke with The Examiner about how COMBAT funding supports CSL’s work to strengthen neighborhoods, connect residents with vital resources, and build safer, healthier communities.

Through initiatives like STRIVIN’ at Hawthorne Apartments, COMBAT funding helps CSL bring resources directly to residents, build meaningful relationships, and create lasting change.

We’re grateful for our partnership with COMBAT and the opportunity to work together to make a difference in our community!

Read the full article here: https://www.examiner.net/2026/10/19/news/combat-renewal-102026/

10/19/2026

A warm welcome makes a house feel even more like home!

A huge thank you to the Junior Service League of Independence for providing thoughtful homeowner welcome kits for CSL families! These baskets are filled with household essentials to help families settle into their new homes and start this exciting new chapter.

We’re so grateful for community partners who go above and beyond to help our neighbors feel supported and welcomed!

10/16/2026

Stronger families build stronger communities! In his latest blog, CSL President and CEO Doug Cowan shares how CSL and Jackson County COMBAT are working together to strengthen neighborhoods, support families, and create safer, brighter futures. Leading up to the election, we'll be sharing more about this important partnership and its impact on our community!

Read more about this impactful partnership:

In November, Jackson County voters are being asked to consider a ballot measure that would reauthorize Jackson County COMBAT’s (Community Based Anti-Crime Tax) one-quarter cent sales tax. Earlier in 2026, the CSL Board of Directors voted unanimously to endorse the passage of COMBAT’s extension, ...

10/15/2026

Calling all volunteers! CSL’s Independence Christmas Store needs YOU!

Volunteer opportunities begin November 3, and we have LOTS of openings available! This is a wonderful opportunity for large groups, churches, businesses, and organizations to come together and make a difference this Christmas season!

Each year, CSL’s Christmas Store serves nearly 5,000 children, and it takes hundreds of incredible volunteers to make it all happen.

Whether you're volunteering with a group or signing up on your own, just one shift can make a meaningful impact on local families!

📅 Sign up today: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4BAEA92CA7F9CE9-65596685-2026 #/

Help us make the season brighter for our neighbors. We can't do it without you!

*To learn about our Christmas Stores in Blue Springs, Buckner, Grain Valley, or Oak Grove, please contact those offices directly.

10/14/2026

🎤 Meet CSL’s 2026 LUMINOUS Master of Ceremonies! ✨

We’re thrilled to welcome Nikki Vivas — TV & Radio Host — to the stage as the Master of Ceremonies for LUMINOUS: Lighting Pathways to Change! Nikki Vivas

Known for her dynamic personality, engaging presence, and infectious energy, Nikki will help bring the evening to life as we celebrate the power of community and the impact of Community Services League.

Get ready for an unforgettable night of inspiration, celebration, and purpose! 💫

📅 Saturday, November 7, 2026
📍 Midland Theatre | Kansas City

🎟️ Have you secured your tickets yet? Registration closes Thursday, October 15!

Join us for a night that makes a difference.

👉 cslcares.org/luminous

10/13/2026

Exciting progress continues on CSL's affordable homes!

Through our partnership with the Independence School District high school students in Career and Technical Education pathways are getting hands-on construction experience while earning school credit!

Working alongside CSL's contractor, students are building valuable career skills, gaining confidence, and making a real difference in their community.

It's a win-win! Students gain real-world experience, and local families gain access to affordable homes.