Community Services League traces its roots to 1916, when twenty young women in Independence formed a Bible study class under the guidance of Helen Sea.

Inspired by evangelist Billy Sunday, the group began helping neighbors who were sick, struggling, or living in poverty. Among them was Bess Wallace, later First Lady Bess Truman.

At a meeting sponsored by the original group and held at Independence City Hall, the young women formally chose their name: Junior Service League.

In order to do this work, they raised funds by holding "silver teas", inviting friends to attend afternoon or evening functions where they were asked to make financial donations in return for cookies and tea. They carried on by themselves until January 1917, when they faced the reality that the work of relieving the ill and needy was increasing beyond their ability to handle it alone.

The Junior Service League, Associated Charities, and City Welfare Society merged to create the Community Welfare League.

Helen Sea was elected President and Bess Wallace served as Second Vice President.

During Christmas week of 1920, the Community Welfare League moved into the historic 1827 Log Courthouse near Independence Square.

As families struggled during the Great Depression, Community Welfare League became a central provider of relief services. Volunteers distributed food, clothing, and emergency assistance while coordinating federal relief programs throughout Eastern Jackson County. Programs such as:

• Beef Cannery
• Sewing center
• Daycare services
• “Cow hotel” for livestock displaced during the Dust Bowl
• Laundry and Kitchen (in the the local jail building)

The jail building was also a laundry, employing fifteen women who took care of uniforms, towels and all linens used in the beef cannery. The jail's kitchen also employed seven people, who provided free meals for the community garden project workers.

During World War II and the years that followed, Community Welfare League continued serving families facing economic uncertainty and changing community needs.

The organization expanded partnerships with civic groups, churches, schools, and local governments to address increasing community needs.

By 1963, Community Welfare League operated eight offices throughout Jackson County.

After nearly sixty years, the organization officially changed its name from Community Welfare League to Community Services League.

The new name reflected a broader mission focused on long-term stability and self-sufficiency.

The Christmas Store allowed parents to shop for affordable gifts while maintaining dignity and creating joyful holiday experiences for their families.

The first Mayor’s Christmas Concert was held in Independence and would go on to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to support CSL’s mission.

CSL purchased the former Western Auto Building at 300 West Maple in Independence, establishing its first permanent headquarters.

Major initiatives launched during this decade included Welfare-to-Work, housing counseling, volunteer coordination, Clothes Closet, MAACLink participation, and new fundraising events.

Following a successful capital campaign, CSL opened its current headquarters and Central Resource Center at 404 N. Noland Road.

CSL joined regional Continuum of Care efforts and expanded services addressing housing instability and homelessness.

Community Services League marked its centennial anniversary — one hundred years after a small Bible study group began helping neighbors.

CSL became a Financial Opportunity Center through LISC, integrating employment coaching, financial coaching, and income supports.

Beginning in 2017, LISC Greater Kansas City, Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) and Community Services League started a partnership to manage Family Self-Sufficiency programs at Hawthorn Place Apartments.

CSL opened its Drop-In Center serving neighbors experiencing homelessness, providing a welcoming space for support, resources, and pathways toward stability.

Partnerships with Independence School District students continued building affordable homes while providing hands-on career training opportunities.

Roadside Trash Crews celebrated the removal of more than two million pounds of litter from local neighborhoods.

Community Services League celebrates 110 years of helping neighbors meet immediate needs, achieve stability, and pursue brighter futures.

Helping people help themselves. Providing help today and hope for tomorrow.