SE Kansas City News

The City of Independence is set to launch its IRIS rideshare program in 2025. The on-demand service will commence on Thursday, January 2, with reservations opening the day prior, on January 1.

The Palmer Center, located at 218A N. Pleasant Street in Independence, Missouri, continues its mission to enhance the health of adults aged 60 and above. It will remain closed on January 1 for New Year's Day and January 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday.

Highlighted programs for January include a Gratitude Journaling session on Friday, January 3 at 10:30 a.m., and a Goal Setting workshop scheduled for Tuesday, January 7 at the same time. Additionally, a presentation about Missouri's native animals will be held on Tuesday, January 14 by a representative from George Owens Nature Park.

Other activities this month include a Travel Program Preview event on Thursday, January 23 at 1:00 p.m., and "Snowballs and More" featuring indoor winter-themed activities on Friday, January 24 at 10:45 a.m. A Book Swap is planned for Tuesday, January 28 at 10:30 a.m., where participants can exchange wrapped books.

On Thursday, January 30 at 12:30 p.m., the American Rhythm Dance Group will perform a patriotic show featuring dancers aged between three and nineteen years old.

Court reservations are available for individuals aged eighteen and over every Saturday morning. The cost is $25 per hour-long session with bookings required by the preceding Wednesday.

For those experiencing low vision issues, resources such as magnifiers and check writing guides are offered through co-sponsorship with MO Rehab Services for the Blind. Information about additional support services like Wolfner Library and KU’s Audio Reader program is also accessible.

Regular wellness check phone calls are conducted by staff or volunteers to maintain contact with seniors in the community. Those interested can reach out to be added to the call list.

Transportation services including RideKC Freedom provide curb-to-curb transit within city limits for eligible older adults and individuals requiring ADA paratransit. United Way's free referral line connects residents with necessary community resources around-the-clock via their website or by dialing "211".