She started as ‘soup girl.’ Lee’s Summit Social Services leader has deep roots in LS

Lee’s Summit Social Services’ new executive director has a strong connection to the nonprofit, dating back to her days as a young girl helping organize food donations.

Megan Salerno, selected to lead the organization last fall, began working for Lee’s Summit Social Services in 2016 as the officer manager and human resources professional before becoming assistant director in 2020. But her involvement in and commitment to the local charity and to the Lee’s Summit community began long before then.

“I have been volunteering at Lee’s Summit Social Services since I was 7 years old as the ‘soup girl,’ helping to sort the soups during the Boy Scout food drive,” she said.

Salerno comes by the connection naturally, growing up in a family with strong ties to the nonprofit. Her brother, Matt Sanning, served as the organization’s executive director for several years before resigning last year. In addition, Salerno and Sanning are both the grandchildren of Geneva High, the Lee’s Summit Social Services founder who also led the nonprofit for several decades.

“I am excited for what the future holds for Lee’s Summit Social Services,” said Salerno, adding she feels fortunate for the support she continues to receive from her brother and grandmother, as well as the staff, the community and the board.

Salerno grew up in Lee’s Summit and is a 2002 graduate of Lee’s Summit High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s in business administration with an emphasis in human resources management. She also had experience working in various administrative positions before joining Lee’s Summit Social Services.

Since its incorporation in 1992, Lee’s Summit Social Services has provided assistance to low-income, elderly and disabled persons. The nonprofit focuses on emergency needs while also enabling these individuals to maintain dignity, learn to set and meet realistic goals and ultimately achieve greater independence. Assistance is provided for basic needs such as food, utility and rent assistance, clothing and medical items as well as school supplies for children and holiday needs.

In addition, Lee’s Summit Social Services offers budget counseling and referrals to other agencies as needed.

Around 93% of the charity’s clients live in Lee’s Summit, said Tonee Schwartz, the organization’s director of development. The organization also serves the communities of Lone Jack, Greenwood and Lake Lotawana.

“Whenever a neighbor is in need, the community steps forward to help them,” Schwartz said. “Families in need are grateful for the support extended by their community during difficult times.”

Lee’s Summit Social Services is funded through community donations, fundraising efforts and grant funds. The nonprofit’s annual Pancake Breakfast scheduled from 7 to 11 a.m. Feb. 17 at Bridge Space, 210 S.W. Market St. in Lee’s Summit.

In 2023, the organization provided $1.44 million in assistance to approximately 2,570 individuals. In addition to the community and grant funding, Lee’s Summit Social Services has a team of volunteers who are vital to the nonprofit’s success.

“We have 48 regular volunteers who come in on a consistent schedule,” Schwartz said, “and we see over 500 hours of community service, whether it is court ordered or school required for graduation or to pass a class.”

Without these volunteers, the organization would not be able to provide assistance to the large number of local families, she said.

“As we operate with minimal staff, our success and ability to prioritize our clients is largely due to the support of our volunteers who are always there to help fulfill the mission of LSSS,” Schwartz said.

During 2024, Schwartz said Lee’s Summit Social Services is emphasizing its Thrift Shop, which is located at the organization’s office at 108 S.E. Fourth St.

“Many people are not aware of its existence,” she said. “The Thrift Shop serves two major purposes for the success of LSSS. Firstly, our clients have access to the items they need, whether it be their children’s outgrown clothes or a small appliance that has broken.”

In addition, money from Thrift Shop purchases goes back to the LSSS direct assistance fund. The Thrift Shop is open to both clients and community members.

“This fund helps with utilities, prescriptions, budget counseling and other items that families may need financial assistance for,” Schwartz said.

Anyone interested in helping Lee’s Summit Social Services assist others may donate financially by going here or donate items to the Thrift Shop or the organization’s food pantry. The food pantry/bread room also serves both clients and other community members, with the pantry open to clients by appointment and the bread room open to the public during the organization’s business hours.