Kennett Area Community Service

The kacs social services program offers free emergency assistance to qualified households for rent, utilities, and other living expenses. Additional services include case management, crisis intervention, emergency housing assistance for individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless, legal referrals, and connections to agency partners for additional support. Case management services, ranging from one to twelve months, were provided to 472 households during the fiscal year.

Kacs offers the bridges out of poverty program to address and reduce poverty while fostering a more sustainable and prosperous community. Through workshops, concepts, and resources, the program equips employers, social service agencies, and individuals with tools to address poverty comprehensively. This fiscal year, 87 community members and agency staff completed this free training. Kacs also provides the getting ahead curriculum, a 16-session program designed to help individuals in poverty build personal resources for a better future. Classes are offered weekly in both english and spanish. This year, 36 individuals successfully completed the program. The financial empowerment workshop is a five-week program available to getting ahead graduates with perfect attendance. Participants receive personalized financial education and practice, along with connections to local financial resources. Upon completion, participants become eligible for a savings match program of up to 1,000. This year, 11 individuals graduated from this program.

Housing program - kacs owns and operates three low-income rental properties that provide affordable housing for 7 adults and 10 children. This program helps to address the critical need for stable and affordable housing within the community.