Doug Cowan 10/16/26 Doug Cowan 10/16/26

COMBAT Extension

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, and we will be sharing our support leading up to the election and encouraging voters to vote yes.

Richard Betts 10/8/26 Richard Betts 10/8/26

More Than a House: JSL Helps Families Feel at Home

A new home represents more than a new address. It's a fresh start, a sense of stability, and the opportunity to build a better future.

At Community Services League (CSL), we know that the journey to homeownership takes hard work, determination, and support from the community. And sometimes, it's the thoughtful gestures that make a big milestone feel even more special.

Members of the Junior Service League (JSL) recently came together to assemble Welcome Home baskets for families preparing to move into their new CSL affordable homes.

Richard Betts 9/3/26 Richard Betts 9/3/26

2026 LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENT

For more than three decades, Carole Wight has worked to make financial opportunity more accessible for everyone in our community.

As she retires from her role as President of Holy Rosary Credit Union, CSL is proud to honor Carole as the recipient of our 2026 Legacy Award, CSL’s highest honor.

Richard Betts 6/4/26 Richard Betts 6/4/26

More Than a Golf Tournament: Building Homes, Opportunities, and Futures

The Community Services League Golf Classic brought together business leaders, community partners, and supporters for a day of fun, networking, and philanthropy at Drumm Farm Golf Club. But the true impact of the event reaches far beyond the fairways.

Doug Cowan 3/5/26 Doug Cowan 3/5/26

Celebrating the First Anniversary of the Eastern Jackson County Drop-In Center

Next month, I will start my 17th year at CSL, and the rise of the number of people living on the streets is certainly the top social services conversation of the last decade. A variety of complex factors has contributed to a rise in the number of people living unsheltered. The problem is simply too great to overlook.

Richard Betts 12/30/25 Richard Betts 12/30/25

Chase Finds His Path Forward

Chase is the kind of person who lights up when he talks about electronics, curious, motivated, and eager to learn. While a student in the Lee’s Summit School District’s G.R.E.A.T. Program (Gaining Real-life Experience And Training)……

Richard Betts 12/26/25 Richard Betts 12/26/25

Ana’s Path to Stability and Strength

For 15 years, Ana Soto has been a steady, generous presence in the Northwest Independence community — volunteering at CSL events, cooking for neighbors, and showing up with her children by her side….

Richard Betts 12/9/25 Richard Betts 12/9/25

Tina’s Story

A series of traumatic events took her safety, her home, and her support system all at once. With nowhere to turn, she began living in her car, battling cold nights, exhaustion, serious health challenges, and the lasting trauma of domestic violence.

Doug Cowan 12/4/25 Doug Cowan 12/4/25

Christmas 2025 Matching Gift Campaign Helps CSL Change Lives

Generations of people, like the Ross family, have reached out to help neighbors, and have allowed CSL to be a lifeline for local families. To ensure we end this year on a high note, and go into 2026 in a strong position, the Rosses are matching all year-end gifts up to $50,000! Collectively, that will yield $100,000 or more to care for local families.