Social Services Summit unites community for positive change

The City of Independence Health Department welcomed 76 participants from 35 local agencies to the 2025 Social Services Summit, hosted at the Mid-Continent Library's North branch, on April 1, 2025.

This inspiring event brought together social service workers, providers, leaders, advocates, and health professionals for one purpose: to strengthen collaboration and provide better support to Independence residents.

"The Summit continues to do what it was always meant to do: break down silos, foster real relationships, and drive better outcomes for our residents," said Health Department Director Christina Heinen. "And thanks to the amazing support of other City departments and the Mid-Continent Public Library, which generously donated the space, this year's event was one of our best yet."

What began as a simple idea from Mayor Eileen Weir in 2015 has grown into a powerful tradition of connection, collaboration, and community impact.

The two-hour format-quick, intentional, and deeply impactful-allowed organizations to build new partnerships, share resources, and strategize around common challenges. Participating organizations included Big Brothers Big Sisters, CAPA, Care Beyond the Boulevard, Comprehensive Mental Health Services, First Call, Fort Osage School District, Foster Adopt Connect, Happy Bottoms, Hope House, Jackson County Public Health, Job One, Lunch Partners, Mattie Rhodes, Mothers' Refuge, Resource Health, River of Refuge, Rose Brooks, The Salvation Army, Shelter KC, Sleepyhead Beds, The Whole Person, and more.

A Look Back: A Decade of Summit Impact

The Summit's roots stretch back to May 2015, when roundtable discussions brought over 100 attendees together to identify needs and connect across services. Each year, the event evolved with stronger themes and deeper goals:

• 2016: Collaborating for a Better Community saw a rise in attendance and a focus on shared learning and resource promotion.
• 2017: Working Together for Collective Impact brought national, state, and local speakers to the stage, elevating the conversation.
• 2018: The final event before a hiatus, focused on achieving higher-impact outcomes through strategic alignment.

After a several-year hiatus, the Health Department staff proudly hosted the return of the Social Services Summit in 2024, infusing the event with renewed energy and purpose.

What's Next?

The City of Independence remains committed to fostering a connected, collaborative social service ecosystem. Planning for next year's Summit is already underway, and we welcome feedback, ideas, and participation from all community partners.

For more information or to get involved in next year's Social Service Summit, please contact health-dept@indepmo.org.