I want to keep you apprised of our work that provides alternative loans to families that would otherwise turn to toxic lending operations.

The Family Stability Initiative is a way to help us a build a stronger community. As communities, we need to look for ways to make sure that families feel invested and connected, and will fight to stay in place.

In the next 60 days, we hope to place 60 barrels at businesses, churches, and other locations across the metro to collect school supplies, backpacks, and tennis shoe donations for this year's Back to School Fairs.

We can't wait to celebrate the grand-opening of BlendWell in late July. Stay tuned for news and updates!

Community Services League is proud to partner with Stewardship Capital for the second consecutive year as the Presenting Sponsor of Ooh! Stewardship Capital and its employees are steadfast champions of philanthropy in Eastern Jackson County, and great supporters of the work we do for our neighbors in poverty.

Personal development that gives capacity for growth is what will lift poor families out of poverty and towards self-sufficiency.

As one of the largest workforce development/job placement providers in our area, we have to be tuned in to who is growing, what skills are needed, and much more.

May we never forget our neighbors' struggles and hardship, but may we also never forget that in the face of adversity, a community can come together and overcome anything.

Once open, we envision a vibrant community hot spot. It will be a place to seek and find community, job opportunities, social outlets, a caring coach, and much more.

Education is the way out of poverty for families, and kids must have early education opportunities to be prepared for school.

Through partnerships, we're creating a system that supports training or retraining for unemployed or under-employed adults.

Thanks to your support, CSL has opened its 11th location inside of Hawthorne Place Apartments in Independence. This location takes a focused approach to helping families build assets and wealth, thanks to unique partnerships.

In November, we formally wrapped up our celebration of 100 years at our Centennial Gala. The gala was a chance to reflect, celebrate, and a chance to look into the future.

This is how our entire communities MUST – and DID – come together to make meaningful and lasting change in one family’s life.

As we approach Thanksgiving, CSL would like to thank you, our loyal supporters and friends, for everything you've done to make this historic anniversary year a special one.

Staff worked long and hard to get the house move-in ready with all of the essentials so that it was not just a house - it was a place Samuel, Bessie, and their children could call “HOME”. On November 2, 2016, the family moved in and now has a place to lay their heads at night and make everlasting memories.

Most families that we are helping have been chronically homeless, and have very few personal possessions. We expect to house all these families before Christmas, but we need your gently-used household items.

When Tammy came to CSL, Work Express helped her create a résumé, she used the computer lab, and was given job leads. Tammy and her daughter also received help with school supplies, the Christmas store, and emergency assistance to help make ends meet.

When CSL helps parents during the Holiday season, we are helping them potentially avoid making some disastrous financial decisions. Additionally, CSL's support can help turn stressful times into joyous occasions for kids and parents alike.

Low-income families need access to loans to invest in themselves and their futures. This vulnerable population needs credit just as much, if not more than their middle- and wealthy-class counterparts.