By Richard L. Gaw
Staff Writer

Just as it has done over the past several years, Kennett Area Community Service’s (KACS) annual meeting – held this year on Jan. 29 at the Greathouse at Loch Nairn Farm – served to illuminate the magnitude of work the agency does to ensure the health and well-being of the thousands of residents it helps.

Before more than 200 community leaders, KACS Chief Executive Officer Leah Reynolds thanked the agency’s volunteers, staff and Board of Directors, whose “unwavering leadership, tireless efforts and steadfast commitment to our mission have made it possible for us to grow, adapt and serve our community during a time of increasing need,” a period she said that has seen a 12 percent increase in the number of households facing poverty in southern Chester County.

Reflecting KACS’ Annual Impact Report (Oct. 1, 2023-Sept. 30, 2024), Reynolds said KACS delivered $2.26 million in value in services to 22 municipalities in southern Chester County through food distribution and providing housing stability, crisis intervention, community education and affordable housing initiatives. 

In all, KACS delivered services to 2,356 families and through its food assistance programs, KACS delivered over 1 million pounds of food to more than 6,000 individuals, including 455 seniors and 2,019 children. The food distribution also included 504 Thanksgiving meals and 760 Holiday meals, which were supported by nearly 200 volunteers, who collectively contributed over 13,000 hours of service last year to the agency.

“Let’s let that sink in for a minute,” Reynolds said. “The time that people have given to us for us all to collectively come together to help those who have less is why this is a fantastic community to live and work in.”

Reynolds said that KACS’ social services programs provided support to 472 households and helped 42 families move from homelessness to stable housing, while at the same time providing them with critical interactions with case management. In addition, KACS continued to empower individuals through education and financial literacy. This past year, 36 people graduated from the agency’s Getting Ahead workshops and 18 people completed financial empowerment workshops.

In May of 2024, KACS celebrated the second year of its affordable housing program, an initiative that preserved housing for 18 individuals across three properties that were generously gifted to KACS.

Reynolds said that progress continues on the creation of KACS’ new headquarters along West Cypress Street in Kennett Square. When completed, the building will serve as a food distribution center, enable the agency to expand its community outreach programs and provide opportunities for partnering organizations to share space with KACS staff. 

“It represents more than just a building,” Reynolds said of the new facility. “It symbolizes hope, stability and a brighter future for those we serve. We look forward to sharing more updates as this dream becomes a reality and we are so grateful to have you along on this journey with us. I would like to thank each of you – our board members, our staff, our partners our volunteers and our supporters – for your role in making this work possible. 

“You are the heart of KACS, and with your continued partnership we will keep building a stronger, more resilient community for all. Together, we will continue to make meaningful change.” 

To learn more about Kennett Area Community Service, visit www.KACSImpact.org.

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email [email protected].