When the global credit markets nearly evaporated last fall and some of Wall Street’s giant financial services industries failed, the Miss-Lou didn’t notice much — at least not at first.

But as we approach the one-year mark since the markets began falling, some effects are still trickling down to our community — and in particular the most needy among us.

In recent weeks local non-profits have reported funding has been growing scarce. As consumers tightened their belts a bit some charitable giving has been shed in the process.

And, just like the world’s industries that, faced with declining revenues, tightened their own belts and regrouped, so are local non-profits.

The Boys & Girls Club of the Miss-Lou recently closed its doors over the summer due to a lack of funds. Prior to closing the club boasted serving more than 4,000 registered members. The club provided a great place for youth to spend time in a controlled, monitored environment that fosters academic success and good character choices.

In the same boat is the Salvation Army’s Thrift Store. The store temporarily closed last weekend in an attempt to remodel and reorganize its efforts.

Salvation Army officials say they’ve seen a significant increase in the number of requests for assistance and an equally significant drop in contributions and revenue from the store.

We hope these and other non-profits can quickly retool their operating models to align themselves to function under diminished resources in the short terms, but also that they can find ways to create self-sustaining revenue for the long-term.

The global economy will improve and we hope that when it does our retooled non-profits will be leaner, meaner and more efficient at providing the great services that our community so desperately needs.