September 2022

"A little nonsense, now and then, is relished by the wisest men."

Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association recently competed in the United Way Willy Wonka Hat Decorating Contest. The contest is a large part of the United Way of Central Missouri's 2022 Campaign to raise over $2 million for our community. The competition took place from Aug. 8-31. There were several individuals within our organization who took part in the decoration and design of the hat. The final product was quite a work of art. All of this hard work and teamwork paid off as our organization's hat was recognized for the Most Unique Award. This should come as no surprise as we are a very unique group of individuals!

Congratulations CMFCAA and a shoutout to the amazing individuals who were able to make this achievement possible.

High flying and deep diving adventures

We had two drop-off Odyssey events in August. One was at Capital Cheer in Jefferson City where the youth had the opportunity to do the ninja warrior course, as well as the aerial silks.

The other Odyssey event was Ber Juan Park / Splash Zone in Phelps County. The youth enjoyed a picnic, followed by fingerpainting, arts/crafts, a dance party, yard games, and free play at the park. Once it was time to leave the park, the youth enjoyed their privately rented Splash Zone, where they splashed the night away.

To sign up for upcoming Odyssey events click the button below.

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Helping kids soar before they can crawl

Even as we gave out school supply care packs, resource coordinators still got calls for resources. Here are two Begin Again Backpacks for infant girls, placed in the same home. The caregiver reached out, seeking assistance with clothing and a baby gate. The Direct Services Department provided the family with a Begin Again Backpack for each girl, a baby gate, and a large bag of clothing from The Trunk. "I just wanted to thank you so so so much!" the foster parents said. "All of the stuff will go to great use and the gift cards are extremely helpful!"

Opening the door for the future of Missouri's youth

Joyce, one of our kinship navigators, recently helped a grandmother who had guardianship of her three grandchildren. The oldest boy reached 18 and had a serious vehicle accident, resulting in traumatic brain injuries. That caused the grandmother to lose the guardianship of this legal adult. The grandmother had expenses from missing work and traveling to St. Louis for his care. We helped her with some financial difficulties and found a reduced-priced attorney who agreed to help her regain guardianship so she can make decisions for her son's care. We are working with the attorney to complete the process. It's gratifying to be able to relieve some of her burdens, and she's been grateful for our support.

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"Where words fail, music speaks."

Hans Christian Anderson was onto something when he spoke those words. Our volunteer department still has opportunities at the Ozark and the Jefferson City amphitheaters if you wish to attend some great shows like Darius Rucker, and Cody Johnson. You get in free to work concessions, which help us raise funds for foster, adoptive, and kinship families across mid-Missouri. Here are the upcoming concerts:

Darius Rucker—Sept. 10th

Cody Johnson—Sept. 17th.

To sign up click the button below.

Volunteer

We need you like peanut butter needs jelly!

Five years ago at this time of the year we had seven full-time employees. By the end of this year we are expected to have over 86! We know there is a growing need in the communities we serve and we will continue to grow. We have openings in almost every department. If you have a set of skills and a heart to help children, come join our team.

Apply today