Jackson County government, located in the downtown Kansas City Courthouse Building, 415 E. 12th St., operates under a home-rule charger approved by voters in 1978.

Two U.S. senators represent Missouri, and two U.S. representatives have Independence in their districts. Senators are elected to six-year terms, and representatives are elected to two-year terms. There are no term limits in Congress.

Since Andrew Drumm created the institute in 1929, Drumm Farm has been committed to providing foster children with a safe, stable, permanent place to live.

Midwest Foster Care and Adoption Association is an organization that works to help families with adopted or foster children.

Mid-Continent Public Library System and Kansas City Public Library

“In any kind of activity in life, there are many ways to do a thing, but among them there is a best way,” said Paul M. Thomson, president and CEO of the Truman Heartland Community Foundation.

The Sunshine Center is a non-profit group founded in 1975 that offers childcare, as well as occupational, speech and language, and physical therapy.

IBS Industries and Developing Potential

Comprehensive Mental Health Services is a non-profit mental health agency serving Eastern Jackson County.

Although the need has increased, officials with the Community Services League are standing by their policy that no one will ever be turned away for assistance.