Leawood council approves Human Services Fund recommendations and $385,000 substance-abuse continuum contribution

Leawood's governing body on a unanimous vote approved the United Community Services (UCS) Human Services Fund recommendation report and authorized the city’s participation in the 2026 substance-abuse continuum of care fund for $385,000.

Council member Harrison questioned a drop in the Salvation Army award, noting the organization’s central role in transitional housing, saying she was “a little bit discouraged to see that their funding had been cut by more than half.” UCS representative Erica Reyes told the council the grant review committee reduced the Salvation Army award because the agency’s application quality and staffing transitions raised concerns about sustaining prior funding levels: “their application and quality of application was slightly impacted as well as they have had staffing transitions… the committee questioned whether they could continue to have the $25,000 level funding and decided to go ahead and do a reduction,” Reyes said.

On the continuum fund resolution, council members asked how the Special Alcohol and opioid settlement monies flow. Staff explained Special Alcohol funds come from the state and are transferred quarterly and that opioid-settlement receipts arrive irregularly; the city will pay participation from existing fund balance to avoid drawing on projected receipts. The $385,000 total was described in the packet as $320,000 from the Special Alcohol Fund and $65,000 from the Opioid Settlement Fund.

Council members also asked about newly funded organizations; UCS explained that DECA (pronounced “Deca”), originally from Douglas County, received funding for outpatient services, intensive treatment and counseling and has been active statewide, including naloxone distribution.

The motions to approve the UCS recommendation report and the city’s participation in the continuum fund were made, seconded and carried by voice vote. Staff said the council’s commitment will be paid from existing fund balances.

Next steps: UCS will proceed with its grant administration and the city will execute payment and monitor grantee compliance; individual grantee awards and any follow-up reporting will be returned to council as required.