Community Services League
Melodie Chrisman

Beyond the Basics

Navigating this global health crisis and the resulting job loss and economic uncertainty, Blue Springs comes together to help each other and assist our neighbors in need. We are fortunate to have established organizations such as Community Services League - an organization that has existed for over a century to ensure basic needs are met and assistance is given to those whose lives are hit with an array of challenges. CSL offers food, personal hygiene items, employment services, and financial coaching to families and individuals in our community. Staff and volunteers continue working hard to assist with the challenges that unprecedented numbers of individuals and families in our community are now experiencing.

As Vice President of Income Supports for Community Services League, Blue Springs resident Melodie Chrisman oversees the Blue Springs, Oak Grove, Buckner, and Grain Valley CSL sites serving families and individuals who are in economic crisis or live below the poverty level. “I believe that we as citizens of any community are here to serve each other,” she says. “I grew up very poor in Mississippi and Arkansas and know what it is like to not have the basic necessities of life. I appreciate what I have been given and how hard I worked to ensure my children did not endure the same struggles. In the same breath, it is not always something that is in a person's control and life happens so we need to be there to lift each other up and bring our talents to the table to let that human being know they count, they matter, and it will get better. Especially our kiddos here in Blue Springs. It is just not okay for any child to go without the basic needs in life. That just does not work for me.”

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Community Services League served around 250-300 families per month, averaging about 9,000 individuals each year. With the dramatic and sudden increase in unemployment, the organization has seen a 200% increase in need in Blue Springs and a 400% increase throughout the agency, which operates seven offices throughout Eastern Jackson County. CSL has also responded by launching the COVID-19 Help Center at www.cslc19.org to provide assistance and resources for food, housing, employment, finances, and wellness. The website is updated often as new information becomes available from a variety of programs and resources.

As the largest provider of social services in Eastern Jackson County, Community Services League also offers CNA and welding certification programs, provides thousands of children with school supplies at the start of the school year, and serves over 2,000 families with gifts, decorations, wrapping paper, clothing, and a holiday meal at their Christmas Store event.

“This job allows me to send a message of hope out into the community to let them know there is an organization that truly cares about them and are here to lift them up in their time of need,” Melodie says. “The best day for me is when we have a family come into CSL who are clearly in a crisis and by the time they leave our offices that look of despair has been removed from their faces and tears of joy or relief have replaced that because we were able to meet their needs and start them on the path for economic stability.”

To receive assistance, donate, or learn more about volunteering, visit www.cslcares.org

Who do you feel has a positive impact on our community in Blue Springs? Nominate an individual or organization to be featured on Local Focus by contacting jaime@anthem-photo.com.