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Programs
The Center addresses its mission through the following programs that
provide over 1,500 assists each month:
 Emergency
Client Assistance -
This is a comprehensive program that assists clients with shelter, utility and medical expenses, food, clothing and transportation. This program meets the basic needs of individuals facing chronic poverty- the low income, the elderly, the homebound and the homeless- by providing life-sustaining assists at critical times. Emergency Client Assistance works to stabilize individuals, families and neighborhoods, with long-term results benefiting the entire community.
 Senior Services -
This program focuses on improving the quality of life of the elderly and of homebound seniors. The Center’s Saturday Meal Delivery to the homebound is a vital part of this program, and is staffed by volunteers. Minor Home Repairs provides assistance for a wide variety of tasks such as minor electrical and plumbing problems (leaking toilets, sinks and faucets), light housekeeping, mailing letters, and ensuring seasonal home preparedness (storm windows, yard maintenance, etc.). Health and wellness screenings targeting specific needs are provided throughout the year, along with a full range of emergency assistance and free legal assistance. Computers are available enabling seniors to stay in touch with family and friends, access specific information, and learn basic computer skills.
 Legal Assistance -
An attorney specializing in the legal needs and issues of the elderly is on staff to provide free legal counsel to seniors in areas such as: tax preparation and Public entitlement; Applications and Appeals assistance; lessening of function and end of life issues. Free counsel is also provided to clients of the Center.
 Health Maintenance -
This is a free, ongoing program staffed by area health care professionals such as Swope Parkway, Truman Medical Center, St. Luke’s, KU School of Nursing and the Park University School of Nursing. This program offers mammograms; basic health and dental screenings; nutritional and disease prevention education; home health assessment for the homebound; and flu shots.
Community Relationships
The Center works closely with state and local nonprofit agencies such as Salvation Army, Division of Family Services, Seton Center, Don Bosco, the Black Health Care Coalition, the Epilepsy Foundation of Kansas City and Hospice Care. Area health care providers such as Swope Parkway, Truman Medical Center, St. Luke’s, and the Park University School of Nursing are part of our ongoing Health Maintenance program. The Center partners with agencies that do not have their own emergency assistance programs, such as Front Porch Alliance in the Ivanhoe neighborhood. We assist their clients with shelter, mortgage and utility payments, food, clothing and transportation. The Center is a board member with the local FEMA Food and Shelter program, and actively involved with Mid America Coalition’s Agency Relations Committee, and the Central City Cluster Group. This collaboration of interests results in more effective ways to best serve people in need.
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