Happy Labor Day weekend from all of us at the City of Independence!

The Truman Memorial Building, Palmer Center and National Frontier Trails Museum will be closed Friday, Sept. 4, due to SantaCaliGon Days. Most City facilities will also be closed Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of Labor Day.

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Independence T.O.G.E.T.H.E.R.

Independence T.O.G.E.T.H.E.R. is a collaborative program between the City of Independence, the Community Services League (CSL), and MoDOT. It focuses on two important goals: helping residents experiencing housing instability and maintaining a clean and beautiful community.

Through the program, individuals who are unhoused or in unstable housing situations are hired to clean up litter and debris along key roads in Independence. This not only supports beautification efforts—it also provides meaningful, paid work and a path toward housing stability.

Get Involved

Independence TOGETHER written in green in a circle logo

What T.O.G.E.T.H.E.R. Stands For

Together Opportunities Grow Everyone To Help Empower Resiliency

Launched with a $100,000 grant in March 2023, this initiative targets major roadways and areas near parks and historic sites. Cleanup crews focus on busy corridors such as:

  • 24 Hwy., Truman Rd., M-78, I-70, 40 Hwy., 35th St., and 39th St.
  • Blue Ridge Blvd., Sterling Ave., Noland Rd., Lee's Summit Rd., and M-291.
Individuals picking up trash from the side of an Independence Road
Group photo of individuals who were part of the Independence TOGETHER program in 2023

 

Seven people stand shoulder to shoulder. Two hold awards in the shape of the state of Missouri.

 
People from the Independence TOGETHER program holding up a banner that says 1 million lbs of trash have been collected
Trailer full of yellow trash bags from the Independence Together program cleanup

FAQ's about Independence T.O.G.E.T.H.E.R.

This program creates immediate paid work for people who may be experiencing barriers to traditional employment. At the same time, the crews provide a highly visible service that benefits the entire community.

Crew members build consistency, confidence, teamwork, and workplace skills while working alongside CSL staff. Participants can also connect with other CSL employment, financial coaching, housing, and support services as they work toward their next goal.

Participation depends on current program requirements, funding, crew capacity, and individual circumstances. Contact CSL to learn whether the program may be a good fit.

The crew is intended to provide immediate work experience and a pathway toward greater employment stability. CSL may help participants explore training, permanent jobs, and other next steps.