Our Roots
During the Christmas season of 1972, two churches joined in an effort to make the season happier for less‐fortunate neighbors. They began a food pantry supported by donations from their congregations. It soon became apparent that there was another forms of assistance.
To better serve these families, and have the ability to offer additional services, other churches were invited to join in a more comprehensive service system in the Hickman Mills area. In 1974, Community Assistance Council was formed by this coalition of churches in the belief that by working together, they could better serve their community.
Milestones
1976 - Community Assistance Council is incorporated as a private, not‐for‐ profit emergency assistance agency.
1983 - The first grant awarded to CAC allows for the first paid staff position, after operating for eleven years solely with volunteers.
1991 - Programs are combined into one location at 10901 Blue Ridge Boulevard.
1995 - To provide more efficient service, CAC joins MAACLink, a metro‐wide database operated through the Mid‐America Assistance Coalition.
1998 - CAC expands services to assist homeless or nearly homeless families.
2008 ‐ New programs are begun:
- A second food pantry at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ
- A SNAP Center (online job search) is opened in partnership with the Full Employment Council and Missouri Career Center
- CAC becomes the fiscal agent of the Hickman Mills Prevention Coalition, which works to prevent alcohol and drug abuse in the area
Today—Community Assistance Council is the only social service agency in south Kansas City. Five full‐time, three part‐time staff members and over 50 volunteers provide many forms of assistance for the community.