Somewhere over 1,000 Children....

Well, I wish it were a rainbow, but it's actually a rainstorm.

We've learned that, as of May 2011, there were 1,021 children in foster care from Greene County, Missouri. That's the highest number I've seen in several years & many who've worked in the child abuse & neglect field in Southwest Missouri don't remember seeing the numbers this high in at least 12 years or so.

We are facing a foster care crisis here in Southwest Missouri. The Kansas City & St. Louis areas have traditionally ranked higher than Greene County for foster children, but who knows if they are experiencing comparable increases this year. If not, we may see Greene County jump to at least the 3rd highest ranked county in Missouri for Child Abuse & Neglect.

Not good...but there are things we can do. You can Adopt-a-Caseworker. We still have over 20 child protective services Caseworkers waiting to be adopted in Greene County. When you Adopt-a-Caseworker, you not only help a foster child & foster family with needs through foster care, but you can also help biological families get necessary resources to have their children returned home after foster care. This program strengthens children & families. Let's work together to break the cycle of abuse & neglect!

Adopt-a-Caseworker Program

~ A Story ~

A ladies church group has adopted a foster care Caseworker from Greene County. They provided a large wagon for the dad to transport groceries and his children to/from the grocery store. One of the children asked where the wagon came from & the dad said, "A group of Angels." It's amazing how something so small can make such a big difference for a family. Having this resource could help the dad keep his children at home & avoid another foster care placement!

There are still over 20 Caseworkers waiting to be Adopted in Greene County. If you want to make a difference & be part of a story like this, please contact me!

Sondra Uzzell
Agency Director
Ambassadors for Children
An Operating Agency of the Council of Churches
417-862-3586 ext. 236
suzzell@ccozarks.org

"Comfort for Kids"
Care Kits for Children in the Joplin Area

The Council of Churches is collecting NEW items to distribute to children in the Joplin, MO metro area to assist in dealing with the stress & trauma of the recent tornado disaster. Additional basic coping tips will also be included.

In just 2 days, we have already received nearly 5,000 requests for the Care Kits from the Jasper County Children's Division, Joplin area Childcare Providers & other Joplin area children's service agencies--with many more requests expected. We need your help!

"Comfort for Kids" Flyer & List of needed Items

Donation Drop Off sites

Volunteer Opportunities to sort donations & assemble Care Kits

Make a Monetary Donation ($10 per Care Kit)

Council of Churches staff will deliver Care Kits to the Joplin area June 9-10. THANK YOU!!

Adopt-a-Caseworker Luncheon

If you're in the Springfield area, please join us for a free Lunch event on Thursday, June 2nd to learn more about our Adopt-a-Caseworker program.

What a great way to get involved to support local abused & neglected children! We still have 26 Caseworkers waiting to be adopted.

Details available at: Adopt-a-Caseworker Luncheon Flyer

So excited that we just matched a new foster child with a Volunteer Tutor & will soon have 2 new Volunteer Tutors joining our program. This is such a blessing considering that we have 1 child on the waiting list!

It only takes 1 hour per week & can change a life. If you want to be part of this exciting program that allows you to make a direct impact in the life of a foster child from Greene County, Missouri, we'd LOVE to hear from you!


Volunteer Tutor Information
Our Website

Mustang Madness!

Okay--the fun has officially begun as we've started to sell entry tickets to win a 2011 Mustang GT (red with black racing stripes and yes, a 5.0L engine) or $10,000. These are given away as grand prizes at the Price Cutter Charity Championship golf tournament at Highland Springs Country Club in Springfield on August 14th.

Ambassadors for Children was the 3rd highest ticket seller in 2010 (out of over 40 other local children's charities). ***We also sold the winning ticket for the car last year!! With over 970 children in foster care from Greene County, we need your help to support these kids!

Please consider purchasing 1 or more entry tickets. Here are the details:

• Each ticket is $25
• Each ticket enters you to win a 2011 Mustang GT or $10,000 cash grand prize drawn August 14, 2011
• Each ticket also enters you to win one of 500 prizes valued at approximately $25 each
• Each ticket includes admission to all four days of the Price Cutter Charity Championship golf tournament at Highland Springs August 11-14, 2011
  
• Only 5,000 tickets will be sold

Ambassadors for Children will receive 100% of proceeds for the tickets we sell
Hurry! Tickets have sold out the past couple years.

2 Ways to get your tickets:
1-Purchase your ticket at the Council of Churches office Monday-Friday 8-4:30pm
2-Print the order form, complete it & send with payment to Ambassadors for Children (we'll mail your ticket stub back once payment is received).

Sondra Uzzell, Ambassadors for Children Director & Jerry Hatfield, 2010 Mustang Winner!

Pancakes, Cinnamon Rolls & Jazz!

Shrove Pancake Supper

to benefit local children's charities--like ours!
Hosted by the Binnie Clements Guild of First & Calvary Presbyterian Church

Tuesday, March 8th from 5-7:30pm
First & Calvary Presbyterian Church
820 E. Cherry Street (Springfield)
Adults $5, Children 3-11 $2.50, Under 3 Free