Every semester, the Center for Community Engagement hosts dozens of community partners in the Plaster Student Union for the Community Engagement Fair. This past September, Missouri State welcomed 45 community partners to the third floor of Plaster Student Union. For those of you who couldn’t make it, we have a running list of possible community agencies to partner with in the coming year!
The theme of this list is Child Advocacy. Springfield has several challenges when it comes to Child Advocacy. The community faces high child abuse and neglect rates, child poverty, lacking school readiness, and poor preschool investment. Below are community agencies that are taking strides to address this community issue.
CASA of Southwest Missouri (Court Appointed Special Advocates): CASA is a nonprofit organization that recruits, trains and supports community volunteers who assist the court in protecting the best interests of abused and neglected children in Southwest Missouri.
Girl Scouts: They 2.6 million strong—1.8 million girls and 800,000 adults who believe in the power of every G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ to change the world. We’re the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
Ambassadors for Children: We provide quality services and support to neglected and abused children in our community. There are currently over 1,000 children in foster care in Greene, Christian, and Taney Counties with local child abuse rates continuing to be higher in comparison with the rest of the state. A4C’s programs work to provide essentials while fostering a sense of dignity and value in the children they serve.
FosterAdopt Connect: Comprehensive Foster Care Advocacy Agency for children in care and the families caring for them. You don’t have to be a foster parent to serve this community partner! From serving with Sammy’s Window to event assistance, this agency strives to transform children’s lives.
The Doula Foundation: Doula is a non-profit organization located in Springfield, MO. We assist mothers and their families before, during, and after pregnancy in Greene County and the surrounding areas. Doulas are experienced birth companions. They provide physical and emotional support before, during and after the birth. The word doula is Greek and means one who serves or “mothering the mother.” Childbirth education, prenatal yoga, parent classes, and breastfeeding support are some of the services Doula provides.
Missouri Mentoring Partnership: Missouri Mentoring partnership prepares youth for personal success in employment, education, healthy life styles and self sufficiency through mentored support. You can invest in the life of pregnant and/or parenting youth. The program equips young people with the necessary tools for employment and self-sufficiency. Additionally, they can fund some educational costs such as GED testing, ACT tests, and college registration fees.
This is nowhere near an exhaustive list; however, it is a good start. Follow your passion and find your place in the Springfield community!
Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more community partner lists! Next week- Education and Community Inclusion!