Mayor Rory Rowland | City of Independence
Mayor Rory Rowland | City of Independence
The City of Independence Health Department organized the 2025 Social Services Summit, gathering 76 participants from 35 local agencies at the Mid-Continent Library's North branch on April 1. The event aimed to enhance collaboration among social service workers, providers, leaders, advocates, and health professionals to improve support for Independence residents.
Health Department Director Christina Heinen remarked, “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.” The Mid-Continent Public Library supported the event by donating the space.
Initially inspired by Mayor Eileen Weir in 2015, the Summit has become a significant tradition in the community. The event's two-hour format facilitated new partnerships, resource sharing, and strategy discussions. Organizations attending included Big Brothers Big Sisters, CAPA, and Comprehensive Mental Health Services, among others.
The Summit's origins date back to May 2015, when more than 100 attendees participated in roundtable discussions to identify needs and collaborative opportunities. Over the years, it has focused on themes such as community collaboration, collective impact, and strategic alignment.
After a hiatus, the Summit returned in 2024, hosted by the Health Department with renewed vigor. Planning for next year's Summit is ongoing, inviting feedback and participation from the community. For more information, interested parties can contact health-dept@indepmo.org.
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