Hearing on the Human and Economic Impacts of Downsizing and Consolidation within the Missouri Department of Social Services


WHEN:  Saturday, October 29th, 10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.

WHERE: University of Missouri, 
Lafferre Hall, Room W0015


The Missouri Jobs with Justice Public Good Project, the St Louis Workers' Rights Board (WRB), Missouri Interfaith IMPACT and CWA 6355 are organizing an investigative hearing on the substantial downsizing of Department of Social Service offices across the state, shining light on the broad impact on rural and urban populations in Missouri. Many counties have already experienced the "downsizing," limiting opportunities for families and children in those counties to apply for and/or receive critical social services.   This hearing will illuminate the problems caused by downsizing in local communities, the strain it will put on other parts of Missouri’s safety net and its providers.  Testimony will also provide alternative solutions and recommendations from front-line workers in the Family Support Division and the Children’s Division, impacted civic leaders, and concerned community members.  A panel of statewide leaders, including those from the faith community, social service provider networks, and Missouri’s farming community will hear testimony and issue a report with final recommendations to follow.

The conveners of this hearing believe that the role of public workers and the public sector are as protectors of their neighbors in times of crisis, and as promoters of economic opportunity and self-determination within their own communities.  Closing state office buildings in Missouri counties will harm the members of the community, as well as negatively impact the economic sustainability of these local communities.  Members of these communities who rely on critical and often immediately-needed services will face significant obstacles to access, and it puts Missouri’s citizens at risk.

Do you have a story to tell about a time when you needed the social safety net?  To share your experience, please email Kelly Anthony at Kelly@mojwj.org

To find out more about this hearing, please contact Kelly Anthony at  HYPERLINK "mailto:Kelly@mojwj.org" Kelly@mojwj.org or 314-644-0466.