Who we are
Independence Young Matrons (IYM) was organized in 1940 to combine home interest and involvement in the civic and cultural life of the city.
in 1942, IYM made funds available to establish and equip the first Kindergarten in Independence. Our support of the school district has continued.
IYM was instrumental in securing a library in Independence. It has since became the Mid-Continent Public Library.
Children’s Theatre was formed in 1956 to provide a live theatre experience to elementary students in the Independence School District.
The Holly and Mistletoe Tour was first held in 1959 to raise funds for grants to local nonprofits organizations. IYM has given over $840,000 in grants, scholarships and special projects made possible through the success of the annual Holly and Mistletoe Homes Tour.
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Holly & Mistletoe Homes Tour
Independence Young Matrons is pleased to present the 64th annual Holly & Mistletoe Homes Tour.
Enjoy four beautifully decorated homes, Thursday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Don’t forget about the wildly popular Sweet Shop that is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All are conveniently located in Jackson County, Missouri.
Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 the day of the tour.
Find detailed information and buy tickets to the 64th annual Holly and Mistletoe Tour, Dec. 4, 2025 online at https://www.eventbrite.com/…/independence-young-matrons…
You may also buy tickets starting Nov. 1 at the following businesses:
• Alissa’s Flower’s, Independence, MO
• Petals & Potpourri, Blue Springs, MO
• Cockrell Mercantile Co., Lee’s Summit, MO
• Scandinavia Place, Independence, MO
• Corporate Copy Print, Independence, MO
• Vivilore, Englewood area
• The Living Stone, Lee’s Summit, MO
• Wild Bird House, Independence, MO
• Scott A. Roberson, DDS, Independence, MO
Tickets can be purchased at any of the tour homes and the Sweet Shop on the day of the tour.
Watch for updates on our Facebook page! Please visit and follow our site…Independence Young Matrons IYM.
Children’s Theatre
IYM is proud to present our 2026 production, “When I Grow Up”, written and directed by Ray Ettinger. The play will be performed for Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade students in the Independence School District.
Original plays and productions have been IYM’s gift to the community since 1956. The public is invited to a free evening performance on Thursday April 16, 7:00 pm at Truman High School, 3301 S Noland Road, Independence, MO .
Director Ray Ettinger has written and directed the 12 previous Young Matron plays.
Synopsis of When I Grow UP.
The Little Red Hen’s Chicks had a great day at school—it was Career Day. Different people made presentations explaining their jobs. The Chicks are telling the Little Red Hen all about them. Several of the presentations are seen in an almost vaudevillian way, and of course, they don’t go quite the way they were expected.
Find out what the Chicks want to be, as the Independence Young Matrons bring you When I Grow Up.
Scholarships
IYM offers multiple scholarships and Grants.
Scholarships are available to Eastern Jackson County residents set to attend any accredited Junior College, College or University. These include Metropolitan Community Colleges and UMKC. Click the buttons below for more information on scholarships.
Deadline: Truman Heartland – February 14
Deadline: UMKC – March 1
Grants in the Community
IYM awards financial grants to area agencies that serve those in our community.
Deadline: March 1
Not-for-profit Organizations May submit requests by clicking the button below.
Fall Coffee September 13, 2025
Independence Young Matrons 