March 2021

Learning Through Thank You to our Outgoing Board Members Challenges We appreciate your service!

United Way of Central Missouri prepares for its Annual Meeting, held on February 5 via Zoom. come to this community and needing our assistance. Greg Matt Tollerton, to the United Way. We will was an outstanding leader and Gaspare Calvaruso Ryan Henry Mike Hoelscher Central Bancompany continue helping each other up, I appreciate all he did, and Capital Region Williams-Keepers Legends United Way Board Chair to live the best possible lives continues to do, for the United we can. We will continue to Way of Central Missouri. Medical Center Bank Th ese last couple of years fi ght for the health, education, Doug Otto & Sally Moore, have brought us all so many fi nancial, and basic needs 2020 Campaign Co-chairs. challenges, from the tornado of those around us. We will Th ese two knocked it out of and fl ood, to hail storms and continue to give what we can the park. Surpassing a $2.1 a pandemic. But from those with our time, our money and million goal through such an challenges, we have learned a our hearts. Th is community is unprecedented year is almost great deal. We have learned of caring, compassionate and kind. unbelievable. But Doug & Sally the resiliency of this community. Year aft er year I continue to be did it. Th ey worked creatively We have learned about the amazed by its generosity. I know and diligently to shape a strength of our very own United that through thick or thin, we campaign like no other. Truly, Way, who many leaned upon will continue to Live United. jobs well done, team. throughout these challenging Th is is my fi rst opportunity Th e United Way Staff . times. We learned of the as 2021 Board Chairman to What a great group! Th is United Way’s true greatness give written recognition to group lives and breathes the and leadership as we saw them several people who served us United Way. Th eir dedication, in action, leading the eff orts of extraordinarily well in 2020. compassion and motivation healing our community by being Greg Meeker, 2020 Board for this organization and this the rock of so many agencies Chairman. Under his leadership, community is astounding. Th ey Claudia Kehoe Dave Meyer Lori Simms throughout this critical time of the campaign goal of $2.1 have worked long and hard these Community Central State of need. We’ve learned about the million was surpassed. $235,000 past two years and have been importance of volunteerism, in one-time Community committed beyond resolve to Volunteer Bank Missouri being there for your friends, Support Grants were awarded do what they had to in order to family, neighbors and small to 28 health and human service meet the needs of those most businesses. We each value life a agencies throughout the vulnerable. Our community bit more, or a lot more, and have community. Additionally, United owes each of you our respect and been reminded of life’s fragility. Way of Central Missouri raised gratitude. Th ank you, Ann Bax, We have learned so much and over $250,000 for COVID-19 and your staff for all you have we must continue to look for the related eff orts. Greg led us done and continue to do each silver lining. through emergency meetings and every day. As we look to 2021, I am to approve getting the dollars #LiveUnited optimistic that great things will out to agencies desperately Continuing to Serve in Our New Normal Three Rivers Electric Cooperative service agencies, churches and We are also working with 70+ faith-based groups around our volunteers on the Fund Allocation Employees Give Back community! process to ensure transparency And so many people helped and accountability to United Way Lorie Kiso, Three Rivers by giving! Th e United Way of donors. Th rough this process, Electric Cooperative Central Missouri’s COVID-19 United Way of Central Missouri Commitment to community. Response Fund was established partner agencies reapply for It’s one of the seven cooperative to raise funds for local 501(c) partnership and funding for principles under which (3) health and human service the upcoming year. Six panels cooperatives operate. It’s also agencies in our service area to comprised of community probably the principle that assist with their surge in demand volunteers with diverse skill sets is dearest to the hearts of the for services. United Way was able meet each week for fi ve weeks employees at Th ree Rivers to award over $172,000 in grants to review agency fi nancials and Electric Cooperative (TREC). for intermediate and long-term applications, tour agency facilities, While the employees at the COVID-related eff orts; and and have candid face-to-face cooperative and the propane another $76,000 to provide direct discussions with the agency subsidiary give freely, they are Ann Bax, assistance to people in the food leaders and board members. a humble lot and don’t really United Way President service and healthcare industries Panel members analyze agency like any recognition. Th ey do, Our community understands through related relief funds— applications to confi rm goals however, like to have fun and how important it is to take care thanks to the extraordinary and program objectives have enjoy the spirit of competition. generosity of our community. been accomplished, and make During the “Year of COVID,” of each other. We saw that very Th ree Rivers Electric Cooperative (TREC) employees were Additionally, individuals and recommendations regarding co-op employees upped their clearly almost two years ago honored to receive the William W. Quigg, Major/Large Division businesses donated over $2.194 quality programming, game and formed a committee when an EF-3 tornado devastated from United Way of Central Missouri. Th e award is for a business million to the 2020 United Way governance, fi nance, to raise awareness, and of course, our community. We saw it again that continues to beat its personal best in the United Way Campaign. Th at is over $2.4 administration and the impact of fundraise for the United Way over this last year as we endured a campaign. TREC employees bested their 2020 campaign by 22%. million in gift s entrusted to the their services on the community. of Central Missouri Campaign. global pandemic. Pictured from left are: Stephanie Phillips, Nick Hinch, Vicki United Way in 2020 to ensure Based on recommendations from Th e fi rst project was to decorate So many caring, Lange, Clint Pickett, Ann Bax with United Way, Justin Wegman, we have the fi nancial capacity to the fund allocation volunteers, a sign—in the shape of the hat compassionate people and April Voss, Michelle Wolfe, Amber Brondel with United Way, Lisa continue to protect and serve our the United Way Board of from Cat in the Hat–on the organizations asked, “How can Plassmeyer and Roger Kloeppel. we help?” Th ey stepped forward community. Directors determines whether theme “Oh the Places You Will to help provide food to hungry United Way staff , Board fi scal responsibility and effi cient Go” as part of United Way’s “Wearing the United Way and Moniteau counties—many families through mobile pantries, of Directors and an army of operations dictate level funding, Dr. Seuss-themed Campaign. shirts is a great way to spread of these overlapping with delivered meals to homebound volunteers take the trust our decreased funding or increased Employees were involved the word about this amazing counties served by the United seniors, made handmade masks, community shows through funding for each partner agency in designing, painting, and organization,” said Member Way of Central Missouri. Th e donated lifesaving blood…. their fi nancial and volunteer for the upcoming year. installing the sign in the front Accounts Representative Karen cooperative has employees who people off ered to shop for support very seriously. We just So as we tiptoe back to our yard of the headquarters offi ce Mebruer. “It’s nice knowing you live in fi ve of those counties, so their neighbors and checked announced up to $400,000 in new normal, post-pandemic— in Linn. Employees also had the can play a small part in helping the fact that they can help people on seniors to ensure they were grants to address the critical we know there is more work to opportunity to buy a United Way others.” in their own community is of safe. Our agency partners were unmet needs of our 28 agency be done! Rest assured United t-shirt which they could wear Since United Way provides utmost importance. on the front lines, being agile partners as well as all 5010(c)(3) Way’s priority is to continue to each Wednesday with jeans. “Th e service to numerous counties When asked what it means for and thinking outside the box agencies in our 9-county service be here to protect and serve our best part about this project was and organizations, it gives the co- the cooperative to be involved to continue serving; as were so area that meet the qualifi cation community. We could not do that it raised extra money for op’s employees the opportunity in the United Way Campaign, many other health and human criteria. this important work without you. United Way,” said Mary Ruth to give a blanket donation to Member Service Representative Th ank you! Kliethermes, a Member Accounts the organization or choose a Lisa Kremer said, “Giving to the Representative at TREC. “With partner agency in a specifi c United Way is a great way for everyone wearing their shirts on county that has great meaning to TREC to provide more than just Wednesdays, it reminds us that them. Th e cooperative provides electricity to our communities, the little extra we contribute can electric service to its members it is a way to give back to people go a long way in helping others in the rural areas of Osage, in our communities who are not less fortunate than us. It’s a win- Cole, Maries, Miller, Gasconade TREC members.” win situation!” and small portions of Franklin Continued on Page 3 United Way of Central Missouri 1925-2021 2 March 2021 United Way of Central Missouri Providing Healthcare 2021 United Way of Central Missouri Leadership in Central Missouri Executive Committee Kyra Clevenger, Matt Tollerton Mark Mueller Community Health Center Chairman Treasurer of Central Missouri Central Bank Jeff erson Bank Community Health Center of Central Missouri (CHCCMO) Andy Fechtel Gregg Bexten is one of 28 United Way partner Vice Chairman Member At Large agencies and is a Federally Fechtel Beverage & Sales Hawthorn Bank Qualifi ed Health Center located in Mid-Missouri. Our mission Greg Meeker Sharon Campbell is to provide improved access Past Chairman Member At Large to primary care, behavioral Modern Litho-Print Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance healthcare, and oral health care services for medically Community Health Center of Central Missouri is one of 28 Beverly Staff ord Ryan Freeman underserved individuals in United Way partner agencies located at 1511 Christy Drive in Secretary Member At Large Central Missouri regardless of Jeff erson City. Learn more about Community Health Center SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital Freeman Mortuary their ability to pay. services at www.chccmo.org. To meet our patient’s needs, Community Health Center off ers family practice, pediatrics, Board of Directors behavioral health, dental, dietary, Corey Backues Ryann Gildersleeve Stacey Sturm ob/gyn, optometry, ultrasound GFI Digital ABC17 Modine Manufacturing and lab services. Community Health Center has locations in Amy Berendzen Brenda Leydens Connie Vaughan Jeff erson City, California, Fulton, and Linn. Offi ce of Lieutenant Mid America Bank Candlewood Suites Hotel CHCCMO also has three Governor Mike Kehoe mobile units. Th e mobile Lindsay Huhman Chip Webb Community Health Center staff utilize its mobile medical unit to dental unit provides dental Tammy Chute Capital Region Ameren Missouri help work a community COVID testing event. services to children in several Scholastic Medical Center Mid-Missouri schools. We also their needs met. CHCCMO Central Missouri to provide Sheriff John Wheeler have two mobile medical units. employees spent countless improved access to care to the Kirk Duncan Dr. Larry Linthacum Cole County Government Both medical units have all the hours calling patients to provide underserved. Being a partner Williams-Keepers Jeff erson City School District capabilities that a normal exam them with resources for food, with United Way helps us reach Dr. Jerald Woolfolk room would have, down to the transportation and to ensure that goal in various ways. One Bob Gilbert Ben Musholt Lincoln University ability to collect lab specimens. they had access to any needed way that United Way helps is Bartlett & West Armstrong Teasdale Our newest mobile unit is medical, dental, and behavioral through providing funding to Treaka Young health services. CHCCMO, like assist patients who need dental equipped with two medical exam Missouri Telehealth Network rooms. Th e larger unit allows us many other healthcare facilities, work but cannot aff ord it. to see more patients while out in had to quickly implement Th ere are no words to explain the Ex-Offi cio the community. Th roughout the telehealth services in the face of emotions associated with giving COVID-19 pandemic, we were the pandemic. Using our OTTO someone their smile back. Mike Downey Britt Smith able to use our mobile units to program for these telehealth Additionally, the United Communications Chairman Fund Allocation Chairman services, patients could still Way assists our patients by see patients with or suspected KJLU, Lincoln University City of Jeff erson of having COVID-19 so that physically see their provider by providing funding to pay for they did not have to come into merely connecting through a prescriptions for those who our main clinics. Most recently, link sent securely to the patient. cannot aff ord their medications. the newest unit is being used to Most recently, CHCCMO has Assistance with medications assist in community COVID-19 been providing COVID-19 helps increase patient medication testing events located at the vaccinations, with a focus on adherence and improve health American Legion in Jeff erson vaccinating the underserved outcomes. Th is assistance City. Th e mobile units allow population. Community Health helps bridge the gap until we CHCCMO the fl exibility to Center has been working can get their medication from help better meet the patient’s closely with the local hospitals, a pharmaceutical prescription needs. Our mobile units have health departments and other assistance program. Th is also attended community events healthcare organizations to program helps the patient on like Project Homeless to provide ensure we are addressing the their journey to a healthier life. better access to medical and needs of the community and Th e United Way also provides dental services for those that discussing how we can distribute us with a wonderful network of may have transportation or other vaccines in an equitable manner. community agencies. We have barriers to receiving care. Th e health center has held found this partnership to be During the COVID-19 numerous vaccination clinics very benefi cial in disseminating pandemic, the Community for patients and has partnered information to other Health Center of Central with other United Way agencies organizations and helping us to Missouri assisted the community to hold vaccine clinics at know about all the resources that by continuing to see patients other organizations to provide are available in our community. for sick, preventative, and vaccines to those underserved Community Health Center chronic care visits. We treated communities. We have also of Central Missouri is here and patients with COVID-19 in the participated in the mass vaccine ready to help anyone in need. outpatient setting. When most events coordinated by the Cole With a full range of services, people were asked to quarantine, County Health Department and we are here to provide quality CHCCMO reached out to the Missouri National Guard. healthcare to all. We strive to patients to ensure they still had It is the mission of the achieve our vision of embracing Community Health Center of people, inspiring health.

United Way of Central Missouri 1925-2021 United Way of Central Missouri March 2021 3 What’s Happening Changing MO Diapers,

Seek, support and strengthen Changing MO Lives our local Girl Scouts through the Cynthia Quetsch Cookie Program! Purchasing Girl and Katie Epema, Scout Cookies means more this year Capital City Diaper Bank than ever before! A box of cookies Diapers are a basic need for could help girls return to normalcy, any young child. Diapers are fund their next big adventure or also very expensive, costing help our local community. Th an average of $80 per month, you for buying cookies this year, ank or per child. Even before the donating them back through the COVID-19 pandemic, many Cookie Share Program, to support families struggled to supply a our local Girl Scouts! http://bit.ly/ suffi cient amount of diapers to SupportGSCookies keep their baby or toddler clean, dry and healthy. Th is is called Capital City Diaper Bank board members Chris Moore (rear, diaper need and aff ects 1 in 3 left ), Cynthia Quetsch (middle), and Leslie Kerns (front, right) families with young children. repackage diapers for distribution. Did you know that there is no public assistance specifi cally provided to low-income families to help them supply this basic necessity? SNAP (food stamps) and WIC benefi ts cannot be e used to purchase diapers; in Senior Nutrition Center and Th fact, the only federal assistance Salvation Army implemented a program that can be used for drive-thru model during COVID so diapers is Temporary Assistance they could continue serving food to for Needy Families (TANF), their clients. Pictured above, Senior and with the maximum TANF Nutrition Center client Vic Baker benefi t in Missouri for a family receives a hot lunch from a volunteer. of 3 (1 adult, 2 children) being under $300 per month, it’s hard to cover diapers along with heat, electric and water bills, rent, When the Disaster Relief Donation Center disbanded aft er the clothing, transportation and 2019 tornado, Capital City Diaper Bank received many of the other basic needs. remaining diapers and wipes to help agencies serving low- When diapers are in short income families. Homemaker Health Care was supply, parents are forced able to assist with loaning to make diffi cult decisions. wheelchairs to the seniors Oft entimes, children are left who attended the Cole County in dirty diapers for extended Senior COVID Vaccine Clinic periods of time, or parents held at the Linc in Jeff are forced to resort to drastic erson measures such as cleaning out City. Th ank you, Homemaker Health Care! dirty disposable diapers and using them again. We know that there are immediate physical Capital City Diaper Bank has grown from distributing 7,000 consequences for children diapers to 65 low-income families in 2016 to distributing over left in dirty diapers too long- 70,000 diapers to over 650 families in 2020. -urinary tract infections and chronic diaper rash being the Th ank you from Capitol Projects to all most common. Th ere are also who helped advocate for the protection of emotional consequences for both sheltered workshops by speaking against children and parents--mothers the American Rescue Plan! We are grateful who report diaper need are for your support! nearly twice as likely as their peers to report symptoms of depression and other mental health needs, which can impact attachment with their children. To these moms, diaper need is even more stressful than food insecurity. Parents without enough diapers for their children On average, babies use over are not able to take children to 2,000 diapers in their fi rst year childcare or preschool. Without Katie Epema and Joe Kemp of life. Double this for a visual childcare, parents may not with Santa at the fi rst “Stuff estimate of how many they will be able to work, placing low- Santa’s Sleigh” diaper drive in use before they are able to use income families in an even more December of 2015. the toilet consistently! Join Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving this March, precarious fi nancial situation. and Day of Giving on March 31, to support Th is is where the Capital City Explorers Discovery Center, and low-income families in 2016 to United Way of Central Missouri! For more Diaper Bank and our partner the Pregnancy Help Center. distributing over 70,000 diapers information and for deals and discounts at Jersey agencies make a diff erence. Th e idea to form the Capital to over 650 families in 2020! Mike’s, stay tuned on our Facebook page at Because we choose to work City Diaper Bank grew out of None of this would be possible @unitedwaycemo! with community agencies to a Stuff Santa’s Sleigh diaper without community support, give the diapers to the families drive and pictures with Santa whether that be families who need them, families are event organized by Katie Epema donating partial packages of able to both meet an immediate and Joe Kemp and hosted by diapers that their children need and access a variety of First Presbyterian Church in have outgrown, participating services that lead them toward December of 2015. Originally in fundraisers such as “Dining building independence and self- planned to be a one-time event for Diapers” where restaurants suffi ciency. Our role is simply to supporting families in the JC donated a portion of their sales, collect diapers and use fi nancial Schools’ Parents as Teachers taking advantage of the Missouri donations to purchase diapers in program, church members Diaper Bank Tax Credit, or “Th ree Rivers” Continued from Page 1 bulk, which volunteers repackage encouraged the founders to more signifi cant funding such program since it was made they are even more successful into bags of 25 and distribute hold a second annual drive in as the $5,000 Community available at the co-op. “I know because of a $10,000 grant to our partners. We currently December of 2016. Broader Support Grant we received I am one of the more fortunate from CoBank’s Sharing Success provide approximately 7,500 community support led to from the United Way during ones, so I want to step up and program which contributes diapers a month (300 packages establishing a diaper bank the summer of 2020. Th is pay it forward to help those who to charitable organizations in total) to the Cole County that would support more grant was crucial to helping us are not as fortunate as I have and causes its customers care Health Department’s WIC families within the Jeff erson continue to supply diapers to been,” she said. about most. CoBank is one of program, Common Ground City, Missouri area, and we our partner agencies even while Stephanie Phillips agreed, the largest private providers of Community Building, Jeff erson became a 501(c)(3) non-profi t our regular fundraisers were “Just knowing I can possibly credit to the U.S. rural economy. City School District’s Parents in 2017. We have grown from impacted by COVID-19. It be helping someone is a very Th e bank delivers loans, leases as Teachers program, Little distributing 7,000 diapers to 65 Continued on Page 5 rewarding process and a and other fi nancial services to campaign like this is always fun agribusiness, rural infrastructure to be involved in.” and Farm Credit customers “I am blessed to have a in all 50 states. It is because of healthy, happy family and a this grant, and the generosity wonderful job at Th ree Rivers, of TREC employees that the Th e sign showing the and by giving to the United Way, cooperative received the 2020 cooperative’s support for all of us at TREC are helping William W. Quigg award in United Way included the Dr. make the lives of so many a little the Major/Large Division. Seuss-themed hat with the co- bit easier each day,” said Lisa Th is award is for a business op’s mascot Willie Wiredhand Kramer. that continues to surpass its and a power pole. Employees Th e work of United Way personal best in the United enjoyed volunteering their time and its partnering agencies has Way campaign. TREC also and talents for this project. always had a very special place received the award in 2014 and Staff Accountant April Voss in the heart of April Voss. “I is grateful for this long-standing said she is honored to work had an aunt with special needs partnership to make our for a company that sees the who recently passed away. community an even better place importance of supporting She benefi ted so much from to live. local organizations like United the programs made possible Th ree Rivers Electric Way that are concerned in the through the United Way and Cooperative provides service betterment of communities. it is important for me to show to 18,000 members in the rural Giving to United Way is support for an organization that areas of seven counties. Th e personal for many of the provided my aunt with so many co-op has offi ces in Linn and employees at TREC. wonderful opportunities.” Brazito and are proud to support Mary Ruth Kliethermes said While the cooperative’s the United Way of Central she has been involved in the employees give to the program, Missouri. United Way of Central Missouri 1925-2021 4 March 2021 United Way of Central Missouri Meet our Agency Directors New Leadership, providing annual substance multitude of programs we off er use prevention training to for 5th grade through 9th grade New Vision at RACS Missouri National Guard men so youth have the knowledge, and women. During my time skills and awareness to make Angela Hirsch, with the Missouri National healthy lifestyle decisions. Rape & Abuse Crisis Service Guard, I had the privilege Favorite thing about Council I returned to the Jeff erson City of working as the Survivor for Drug Free Youth Rape & Abuse Crisis Service Outreach Services Coordinator One of my favorite things as the Executive Director in by assisting families of deceased about CDFY is the collaboration, October, 2020. I began my services members. In January partnership, passion, and career with RACS in the 1990’s of 2017, I started volunteering ultimately striving for the aft er earning a degree in Child with Council for Drug Free same goal to motivate, educate, and Family Development from Youth as the Community and collaborate to promote a (Southwest) Missouri State Outreach Chair. In March of drug-free lifestyle among youth University. I was initially hired 2019, I started working with the in mid-Missouri. Each of the as the Volunteer Coordinator Missouri Department of Mental programs we off er through aft er the then President of Andrea Holloway, Health as the Opioid Treatment CDFY share this information the United Way, Connie Council for Drug Free Youth Specialist assisting the State starting at kindergarten through Cunningham, recommended me Opioid Response (SOR) high school. for the position. Two years later, Tell us about you/your family Project Director on projects Upcoming events/programs I was granted the opportunity I have been married for 12 and initiatives that are funded CDFY’s Annual Banquet to serve as the Cole County years to my husband, Cole. We by Substance Abuse Mental planning is underway (more Victim Advocate through a fi rst- have three children, Jeg (11 years Health Services Administration to come) and in the early part of-its-kind grant partnership old), Adleigh (10 years old) and (SAMHSA) pertaining to the of May, Board of Realtors and between RACS, the Cole County Easton (9 years old) who are all opioid epidemic. CDFY will host a 5K run/walk. Prosecuting Attorney’s Offi ce, active in sports and attend Blair Current Position CDFY’s website will have further the Cole County Sheriff ’s Oaks. I’m currently the Executive information about event details Department and the Jeff erson Professional Background Director of Council for Drug at www.jccdfy.org. City Police Department. I started my career in 2007 Free Youth. Favorite movie During that time I obtained my as a substance use counselor Most excited about in your My favorite movie is certifi cation in Victim Advocacy providing substance use new position Christmas Vacation; I can’t get and later, when working as education and group counseling My excitement is fueled by enough of the Griswold Family!! the Victim Advocate for the to persons incarcerated in knowing that I’m working for Fun fact about you Missouri Attorney General’s Missouri’s prisons. In 2009, an organization that provides In 2019, I decided to repel Offi ce, I obtained my graduate I continued my career as a education to the youth of Mid- down the Jeff erson Building certifi cation in Victimology from substance use counselor with a Missouri to make the choice of located in Jeff erson City at Washburn University. local substance use treatment living a drug-free lifestyle. CDFY’s Over the Edge event Prior to returning to RACS, provider in Jeff erson City. In Tell us about Council for to help raise funds for Council I worked with communities, December of 2010, I became Drug Free Youth (CDFY) for Drug Free Youth. Th at families, and state and national a stay-at-home mom of my CDFY is one of United experience was a moment in my organizations to address local three children until I decided Way’s 28 partner agencies. life that was exhilarating, heart- causes and conditions of poverty to go back to work in 2014. In Our mission is to motivate, pounding, and a moment I’m in my role as the Chief Program May of 2014, I worked with educate and collaborate to glad I participated in. Would I Offi cer for Central Missouri the Missouri National Guard Rape & Abuse Crisis Services undergoes a remodel at its shelter promote drug-free lifestyles do it again? Guess you’ll have to Community Action (CMCA). as a Substance Use Prevention during the pandemic to better serve its clients by installing among youth in mid-Missouri. be there to fi nd out! During my 15 years with CMCA, Coordinator, which allowed more kitchens and providing new fl ooring, cabinetry, beds and a We achieve this through a I was able to transform CMCA’s me to travel across the state private bathroom for each of its nine guest rooms. service delivery model from one of crisis intervention to still providing all of the same that violence from occurring public education teaching United Way partner agency community organizing and services that the guests had is equally as important. RACS grades 1, 2 and 3, serving as an that provides shoes for children family support. As a trained access to at the shelter. Th is has received a grant from the elementary counselor, a special who meet fi nancial eligibility facilitator, I have more than 20 enabled staff and guests to Department of Health and services administrator, a high requirements in a four-county years of experience in strategic stay safe during the height of Senior Services to pilot a sexual school at-risk counselor and region; including Cole, Miller, planning, poverty simulations, the pandemic. During this assault prevention project Jeff erson City High School’s Moniteau and Osage counties. nature and dynamics of domestic time, the Board agreed that the in Cole County. Th is three Guidance Director. I spent Favorite thing about Th e violence, interpersonal violence, current fl oorplan of the shelter year project will focus on the fi ve years as the counselor for Sneaker Project poverty 101 and Compassion was unsuitable for dealing with development, implementation, Missouri’s Virtual Instruction It has a rich history, yet has Fatigue facilitated trainings and the Coronavirus. Guests were and evaluation of a community Program (MOVIP) and the last constantly evolved to more workshops. I have worked with oft en paired with non-family sexual assault prevention plan. nine years as a graduate school eff ectively meet needs. Th e more than 500 organizations in 2 members, especially when the In order to do this, RACS has admissions representative for thought of new shoes for young countries in these areas. shelter operated at full capacity, established a Sexual Assault William Woods University. people takes me right back to I grew up in Springfi eld, and every room shared a Prevention Task Force made up Current Position Simes Shoe Store on Clinton Missouri and have called bathroom with an adjoining of law enforcement, educators, I am the Executive Director Square when my old shoes were Jeff erson City “home” for 28 room. RACS also had a large judicial representatives and Theresa McClellan, of Th e Sneaker Project, a United put in the box wrapped with years. My husband, Gerald, industrial kitchen that was human service organizations. The Sneaker Project Way partner agency. harlequin print paper and tied and I have raised our two shared by all guests. In addition, RACS will establish Most excited about in your with string while I walked out Th e board decided to a Youth Advisory Committee Tell us about you/your family amazing children, Stephen new position with my new pair. and Anna, here and are now take advantage of the time made up of local youth ages 14- A native of Clinton, Missouri, I’m excited about the “stretch” Upcoming events/programs the guests were off site and 18 who will guide the Task Force I came to Jeff erson City in 1995. experiencing the “empty nest” of learning the skills needed to Our major fundraiser is the as our now college-aged kids, approved an adaptation of all as to the threats, needs and My husband of 37 years, Rick, serve young people in a very 2021 Haunted Hustle, a 5K Run/ guest rooms and bathrooms obstacles facing sexual assault passed away unexpectedly in one at Missouri S&T and one at specifi c and completely diff erent Walk scheduled for Saturday, Mizzou, prepare for their adult to make them more conducive prevention from their points of 2014. We have two grown way. I look forward to working October 30, 2021. We hope to to the post-COVID-19 world. view. children: Kristen Th iessen lives. with new people including see you there! Serving those in need is a Th is included new fl ooring, For more information about (2001 graduate of JCHS) lives county health and school Favorite movie cabinetry, beds and a private the Sexual Assault Prevention in Colorado Springs with her privilege second only to being nurses, and “my people” school Th e Family Stone and Th e a mom for me. Th e impact bathroom for each of the nine Task force or the Youth husband Mike and children counselors! Th e Sneaker Project Shawshank Redemption come guest rooms. Advisory Committee, please Andrew and Brooke. Army that a single person can have Board and United Way staff have to mind. on another to make their life a In addition to the guest rooms contact Sue Engelage at sue@ Captain Connor (2006 graduate been welcoming and eager to Fun fact about you adaptation, it was determined racsjc.org. of JCHS) lives in San Antonio little easier, their future a little help me be successful. Sports cars and hats and brighter and their community a that the large industrial kitchen RACS is one of the 28 United with his wife Corinne and twins, Tell us about Th e Sneaker are among my favorite things needed to be reconfi gured Way of Central Missouri Owen and Ian. little more inclusive is amazing. Project especially when paired on a road We all have the opportunity to into three small individual partner agencies. Th rough Professional Background It is a small non-profi t trip. kitchens. Th is also provided our partnership, RACS not I have served 31 years in do so. I’m just lucky enough to get to experience it almost daily. the opportunity to move the only receives funding, but also Th e mission of RACS is “to kitchens to the same fl oor as support and collaboration from support survivors of domestic the guest rooms, making access other member agencies. violence, sexual assault and for those with disabilities much United Way of Central stalking through advocacy, easier. Th is move also allowed Missouri made it possible for counseling and shelter services in for a much needed update of the RACS to maintain services a space designed for healing and living area of the shelter. during the height of the hope.” RACS serves adult and Although the board was COVID-19 pandemic. Th is child survivors of these crimes prepared to absorb the cost eff ort has not been without in nine counties throughout of these adaptations, funding challenges and the need for Central Missouri. Our services from the CARES Act made additional resources. Funding include a 24-hour hotline, available through the Missouri from the United Way of Central residential shelter, outreach, legal Department of Economic Missouri Community Support advocacy, personal advocacy, Development and Cole County Grant meant that shelter hospital advocacy, counseling, provided the necessary funds to guests could maintain safe and and case management support complete the work. In addition secure shelter even though the for residents and non-residents. to the CARES Act funding, the shelter itself had to undergo RACS also provides education generous supporters of RACS renovations. and training for human service made it possible to furnish United Way of Central organizations, law enforcement and stock the new living Missouri has been a huge entities, civic organizations, quarters and kitchens with all support in this recent transition faith-based organizations, of the items needed to make the of leadership. Th e partner schools and other community shelter a true home away from agencies have welcomed me partners. home. with open arms and the United In April, 2020, the Board of As RACS looks toward Way staff have been cheering Directors made the diffi cult the future, we realize that as RACS on as we move into the decision to house shelter important as responding to future with a new vision, a new guests off site at a hotel while survivors of interpersonal mission and new leadership. violence is, working to prevent become a fan Do you love knowing what’s happening with United Way of Central Missouri and our Partner Agencies? Like us on Facebook for updated information at www.facebook.com/unitedwaycemo

United Way of Central Missouri 1925-2021 United Way of Central Missouri March 2021 5 Meet Our Board Members Community involvement Favorite part about being on Community involvement is more than handing out Along with serving on the the Board of Directors • St. Andrew Catholic the money. For our agencies, Board of Directors of the United My favorite part is being Church, Holts Summit the process is a management Way of Central Missouri, I also around smart, caring people on • Founding member of review. Th e process provides serve on the Board of Directors the Board and on the staff . Christ Renews His Parish an overview by a group of two United Way partner Favorite thing about United (now Welcome/Renewal) at St. of volunteers with varied agencies—Th e ABLE Learning Way Andrew experience, expertise, and Center and Little Explorers What I like most about • Building Committee talents. It provides an “outside- Discovery Center. I also serve United Way is that there are • Parish Council/ in” look into the operation of the of the Board of Directors of numerous and varied volunteer Administration Committee agencies, where they are looking Capital City Cinema. I am also opportunities. Bring your skills, • Summer Camp Counselor for avenues for improvement, on the planning committee for talents and interests to United • Member of the Knights of expansion and collaboration. the Missouri Jazzfest. Way, and they will help you fi nd Columbus For our community, it Tell us about your role as the a way to use them to make a • Jeff erson City Marriage provides a level of oversight Communications Chair diff erence in our community. Encounter – Served with my of our agencies. Th e process Britt Smith, Mike Downey, As the Communications Favorite Campaign theme & wife, Candy, on presenting ensures that we get the very Fund Allocation Chair Communications Chair Chair for the United Way of why team and in various roles on best use of every dollar the the local board since 1995; community so generously gives. Tell us about you/your family Central Missouri, I get to work I have worked with so many Tell us about you/your family on planning committee for When I talk to co-workers I am a native of Jeff erson with some of the brightest, themes over the years, so it’s I grew up living in Texas and National Marriage Encounter during our workplace campaign, City and attended public most creative people in our hard to pick one, but I really then in Perry, Missouri as the Conference in 2008, 2012, & I can assure them with all schools here. I’m a graduate of community through the liked the superhero theme we youngest of fi ve children. My 2015 and also served on the confi dence that every dollar they Benedictine College and Mizzou. organization’s Marketing Team. did about 10 years ago. It really wife, Candy, and I met in high board for National Marriage entrust to the United Way is My wife and I have one son, one Th is committee develops the demonstrates what United Way school when I was working in Encounter. being put to the very best use to daughter, one granddaughter, theme for the annual campaign is all about—ordinary people an outdoor theater in Hannibal. • Involved in various improve the lives of their friends and helps plan many of the doing extraordinary things to We moved to the Jeff erson City one cat and one dog. organizations with kids when and neighbors because of the activities associated with the help others. area in 1992 and raised our Profession they were growing up, including fund allocation process. campaign. I serve as a liaison Favorite vacation spot family here. Candy works for I am the General Manger of coaching baseball & soft ball, Favorite part about being on from the committee to the I love the gulf coast, but Maui the Missouri State Employees’ KJLU, the public radio voice of as a Boy Scout leader, and road the Board of Directors Board. was really something special. Retirement System. We have a Lincoln University. crew for Show Choir. Before this past year, I Fun fact about you son, Glenn, who is an engineer • United Way – various would have said “having the I am writing a comedic spy and works for the State of capacities opportunity to be in the same novel. Missouri. We have a daughter, Hannah McAllister, who teaches • Missouri Society of room with so many giving “Diapers” Continued from Page 3 French at Helias Catholic High Engineers – volunteering in people in our community.” But MATHCOUNTS and as a math this past year has reminded me also allowed us to expand our has supported the Capital City 250 packages of wipes. school, and a daughter, Grace, who is working on a career as a tutor for Junior High students of what an honor it is to help our services to additional families Diaper Bank. In the summer of Th e Capital City Diaper Tell us about your role as the community be a better, healthier, through our “emergency” 2019, we stepped in to provide Bank’s board of directors is writer/producer in Los Angeles. Family is the most important Fund Allocation Chair and safer place to live and raise distribution program hosted diapers and wipes to families grateful for our volunteers and I began volunteering with the a family. by the Pregnancy Help Center. impacted by the tornado and all those who have supported thing to me and I really enjoy when we get together on United Way as a panel member Favorite thing about United Th is program is designed to fl ooding through the Red our vision that “All children in the fund allocation process Way provide a one-time package of Cross shelter, the Multi-Agency in the communities we serve weekends for dinners, playing cards, taking our dogs for hikes where the United Way partner Our partner agencies… Every diapers to families who fi nd Resource Center and “free sales” will have access to a suffi cient and just being together. agencies apply for their level meeting or event I’ve attended, themselves in immediate need hosted by the Southwest Early supply of diapers.” Something Profession of United Way funding for the I’ve learned something new and and then connect them to one Childhood Center. When the as simple as a diaper can reduce I’m a civil engineer and next year. Th rough that process, wonderful about the reach and of our partners for continued disaster relief donation center stressors and help prevent child have worked for various I learned so much about the impact these agencies have in support. Without this grant, disbanded, the United Way was abuse and neglect. In short, it organizations. I’ve worked for partner agencies. Th e process our community. families of 1,000 babies and instrumental in directing a large can change a life. Learn more the Jeff erson City Public Works really drew me in. Aft er a few Favorite vacation spot toddlers may have had to choose portion of the remaining diapers about how you can help at www. Department for more than 20 years, I was asked to service as a I enjoy traveling to new places, between buying diapers or other to the Capital City Diaper Bank. capitalcitydiaperbank.org or on years in various capacities. I panel co-chair. In that process, seeing and experiencing new necessities such as food, utilities Th is allowed us to provide Facebook www.facebook.com/ am currently the Operations I had the opportunity to meet things. Some of my favorites are or child care. ongoing support to disaster JCMOdiapers. Division Director with my the other panel chairs as they the beaches in Florida, SCUBA Th is is not the fi rst time the survivors through over 500 primary duties being overseeing explained the workings, needs, diving in Mexico, fi shing in the United Way of Central Missouri packages of diapers and nearly the operations of the Street, challenges and joys from the Great Lakes (Door County, WI), Airport, Central Maintenance agencies of their prospective and hiking in national parks – and Parking Divisions. panels. I was honored to be most recently Rocky Mountain I’m active in the National asked to service as co-chair and National Park in Colorado. Society of Professional Engineers then, ultimately, chair of the Fun fact about you (NSPE) serving in various roles Fund Allocation Committee I was an Army Helicopter pilot at the local, state, and national where I assist the committee from 1988-1995 serving in the levels. I was honored to be in reaching a consensus Missouri Army National Guard. elected vice president of our funding recommendation to be In high school and college, I national organization in 2020 presented to the board. was a “professional actor” at the and will serve as president in Why is Fund Allocation Clemmons Amphitheater in 2022. important? Hannibal, Missouri. I most oft en Th e fund allocation process played Injun Joe and Pap Finn. Learning and Growing Together Through Conscious Discipline Julie Schmitz, Show-Me Child Care Center Show-Me Child Care Center will celebrate 26 years of business in June. Since 1995, Show-Me Child Care (SMCCC) has served families with children ages 2 through 12 years. Off ering care year round gives many opportunities to learn One of the rules at Show-Me Child Care Center is to ‘Laugh out and change. One of the biggest loud; share with friends and just act silly sometimes because we changes for SMCCC was the can!’ implementation of Conscious Discipline. Th e journey began in 2010 and has skyrocketed ever since with school-wide Children at Show-Me Child Care Center explore and learn with friends. implementation for staff . Several years ago, SMCCC Finding calming techniques Discipline has shift ed staff be more successful in formal partnered with United Way that are not manipulative are and parent thinking from “my schooling. Where does a of Central Missouri’s Early important. One skill that is child is doing this on purpose” child or a parent begin with Childhood Initiative. United routinely practiced at SMCCC to “my child lacks the skills Conscious Discipline? Begin Way of Central Missouri is off ering two positive choices. to eff ectively communicate.” with a willingness to think has championed the Early I have had several parents If you struggle with your diff erent and do diff erent. I Childhood Initiative for over say “there aren’t two positive child’s behavior, try shift ing am inspired by the founder of ten years. Th rough this initiative choices in this situation.” I can your thoughts. It is powerful! Conscious Discipline, Dr. Becky United Way supports early confi dently tell all parents that We cannot stop our negative Bailey’s quote “Discipline isn’t childhood programs in the there are two positive choices. thoughts from coming into something you do to children; central Missouri area to ensure Example, Sarah throws a toy and our minds; however, we can It’s something you develop children birth through 5 years Jenayah gone muddy! A little dirt provides tons of exploring. hits Jamie. Stop and think about control how we react to them. within them.” old receive quality early learning two positive choices: Changing your mindset before Her quote is a summary opportunities, aid parents in connected, problem-solving have been participating in •“Sarah, you can pat the behavior will provide a road of how United Way’s Early positive parenting practices, skills. an administrative Conscious Jamie on the shoulder or leg to success. Childhood Initiative partners and support strong transition SMCCC is blessed to be Discipline series that provides (like this) when you want to Being a member of United with child care programs programming into kindergarten. part of a program that focuses directors with tools to help play with her. Which do you Way’s Early Childhood Initiative and reaches many families Th e Early Childhood Initiative on community connections increase staff morale, retain choose?” has benefi tted our entire staff . through the directors who supports early childhood and providing quality care to employees, and provide optimal •“Sarah, OUCH! United Way’s focus on early participate. Show-Me Child providers, Born Learning children. One benefi t of the quality of care. Th rowing toys hurts. Look at childhood has strengthened Care appreciates the support materials to low-income Early Childhood Initiative How do I know Conscious Jamie’s face. Jamie doesn’t like SMCCC and the families we of United Way and its families, the Born Learning is the availability of training Discipline is eff ective? Ask it when you throw toys. Pick serve. Since partnering, the encouragement of Conscious Trail at Memorial Park, and and resources that would the parents at Show-Me CCC. up the toy and hand it to Jamie behaviors among preschool Discipline. the annual Week of the Young otherwise not be accessible Teaching a child to label their (like this) or put it safely in the aged children have decreased I want to challenge childcare Child activities and events. to our program. For example, feelings (instead of ignoring or box. Which do you choose? In and staff have tools to deescalate programs, employees, parents, Th is initiative also promotes staff and parents have fall and burying the feeling) has been the box or give it to Jamie?” the behavior quicker. In an siblings, friends, family and the training and coaching spring Conscious Discipline helpful in teaching children to •“Sarah, when you ideal world, the mad/anger/rage neighbors—everybody--to shift of the Conscious Discipline training available because self-regulate. Aft er naming the are done with the toy, you may would disappear but that is just your thinking from “I cannot approach to Early Childhood the United Way provides the emotion, what’s next? SMCCC put it on the table or on the not realistic. What is realistic is do this because it’s too hard” to professionals. Conscious fi nancial support to bring teaches children and parents to shelf (pointing or tapping table/ preparing for upset emotions “I can do hard things.” Simple? Discipline provides a proven in a Conscious Discipline CALM/BREATHE. We share the shelf). Pick up the toy and show and having diverse tools to No! However, by working and comprehensive approach to trainer. Th e Early Childhood Conscious Discipline 4 tools of me which you choose.” combat and teach children together using positive intent, discipline that empowers parents Initiative also promotes calming which include: Balloon, Children act out for two to work through their upset off ering two positive choices with the self-awareness, brain networking within the childcare STAR, Drain and Pretzel basic reasons, either seeking feelings. and reacting to our feelings in a information, developmental industry and the community. breathing. Composure is key to love/connection or safety. Th ey Children who learn to composed manner, everybody knowledge and usable skills Show-Me (and many other successful communication and are not acting out to annoy or self-regulate their social- involved in the situation will necessary to create safe, early childhood programs) problem solving. make others mad. Conscious emotional development will benefi t! United Way of Central Missouri 1925-2021 6 March 2021 United Way of Central Missouri Congratulations to the 2021 Annual Meeting Award Winners!

SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital received the Outstanding Pacesetter Award, Major/Large Firm Division.

Chris Schrimpf, volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters, received Janet Wear-Enloe, SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital, received the Linda E. McAnany Volunteer of the Year Award. one of four LIVE UNITED Awards for her outstanding service to the United Way of Central Missouri.

Bartlett & West received the William W. Quigg Award, Small Firm Division.

Th eresa Verslues, United Way of Central Missouri, received the Ruth C. Meloy Award for Distinguished Service for her work with the United Way Early Childhood Initiative.

Lorie Smith, Dreams to Reality & Th e Sneaker Project, received Th ree Rivers Electric Cooperative received the William W. one of four LIVE UNITED Awards posthumously for her Quigg Award, Major/Large Firm Division. outstanding service to the United Way of Central Missouri. Pictured is Lorie’s daughter, Hannah, receiving the award in honor of her mom.

Phil Freeman, Freeman Mortuary, received one of four LIVE UNITED Awards for his outstanding service to the United Way of Central Missouri.

Jeff erson City Area Board of Realtors received the Rookie of GFI Digital received the Outstanding Pacesetter Award, Small the Year Award for their outstanding service to the United Way Firm Division. of Central Missouri and the community.

Ryan Henry, Williams-Keepers, received one of four LIVE UNITED Awards for his outstanding service to the United Way of Central Missouri.

United Way of Central Missouri 1925-2021