COMO | November 2020 by The COMO Companies Magazines | COMO Magazine

N OVEM BER 2020 | T HE NO NPR O F IT ISSU E | A PU B L ICATION OF TH E B U SIN E SS TIM E S COM PAN Y

BARBRA HORRELL

HOW MISSOURI RURAL CRISIS CENTER SUPPORTS FAMILY FARMS Page 38 COMO GIVES CAMPAIGN Page 93

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Putting a New “T” in Teamwork. We are pleased to welcome Tennille Lester to The Trust Company team as our new Associate Trust Officer in our Columbia branch. We also want to congratulate her on being one of three nominees for this year's Athena Young Professional Award, presented by the Women’s Network. As an only child in a no-stoplight town, Lester learned the importance of connecting with people during her many years playing travel softball. She brings that same spirit of teamwork and a can-do attitude to her new position with us, where she works with clients to establish and execute wealth management plans. Lester has more than 13 years of personal banking, branch management and regional management experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in

“I love being a connector and resource for people to help them get to a place where they are in control.” finance with a minor in economics from the University of Missouri. Her passion for helping others extends to numerous community

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service activities: She has served on the board of directors for the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, the Women’s Network steering committee, and the Ronald McDonald House. Although Lester still enjoys softball, helping to tag-team a busy toddler with her husband takes priority these days. The couple is currently building their dream home here in Columbia.

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For 22 years, Boone Hospital Center has supported Heart of Missouri United Way in their effort to recognize and thank the organizations leading the way in our community. Thank you, to the 2020 Pacesetter organizations. This message is made possible with the support of 10

OCTOBER 2020

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Missouri Employers Mutual Providence Bank PWArchitects Simon Oswald Architecture The Bank of Missouri The Giving Branch Veterans United Foundation Watlow Williams-Keepers

Certified Partner Agencies Columbia Housing Authority EasterSeals Midwest First Chance for Children Grade A Plus Great Circle Heart of Missouri CASA Heart of Missouri United Way

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Letter from the Publisher

ART DIRECTOR’S PICKS

The Joy of Serving

ftentimes, I stew and ponder until the last minute on what I want to write for my publisher’s letter, causing my team to wonder if I actually am aware that it will need to be published every month. But, this issue came to me very easily. I love our city so much that my businesses are named after it. One of the primary reasons why is because I see the love and service for others every day. People all around us are giving of their time, talent, and treasure to support their neighbors and work on the social issues we face as a community. It’s inspiring and energizing. I have had the privilege of serving on many different boards and know firsthand that I receive far more back than I can give by learning about the journeys of others. This issue is packed full of nonprofits that you may or may not be familiar with. I invite you to get a cup of coffee and a comfy chair and read all about the amazing work your friends and neighbors are doing in our community. Learn about how Job Point helps teach young adults new trade skills by building affordable housing on page 28. Learn how Patchwork Farms, Missouri Rural Crisis Center, and the farmers involved feed our community here and across the nation during times of crisis on page 38. I personally loved how Impact US teaches real life skills such as balancing a checkbook to our at risk-youth population on page 49. Lastly, discover who our community chose as the most impactful members of our nonprofit sector on page 53. I have this challenge for you. If you aren’t already committed to a cause, pick an issue that you feel strongly about, find a nonprofit that serves that issue, and ask them how

I have this challenge for you. If you aren’t already committed to a cause, pick an issue that you feel strongly about, find a nonprofit that serves that issue, and ask them how you can help. you can help. You have so much to give that would bless them, and it’s not necessarily only your money (although that always helps, too). If you need inspiration, you can always visit www.ImpactCOMO.com to learn about agencies that aren’t included in this issue. If you are an agency and you aren’t listed, please reach out to me so we can include you. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this issue. Please feel free to email me at Erica@COMOMag.com and share them with me. ’Til next month . . . take care of each other.

My favorite place in Missouri is about four hours south from here in the St. Francois Mountains. One of the oldest mountain ranges in the US, its glades, creeks, and forests are beautiful. My grandpa was raised there, and it is where my family often gathers for Thanksgiving. I am so grateful for this remote respite from our busy world. I hope you are also able to enjoy a few favorites during this holiday season — here are some of mine. Stories from Grandpa After an uncertain and challenging year, listening to familiar stories sounds so soothing right now. Firepits & Forests A lot of my time is spent in front of a screen. I can't wait to disconnect, breathe some fresh air, and go on a hike. Benjamin Hamrah's Green Bean Casserole (recipe at issuu.com) We published this recipe back in 2016 in COMO Living before Hamrah and Amanda Elliott opened Beet Box. I made it exactly once (last year), and the compliments I received ensured its position on every Thanksgiving menu moving forward.

ON THE COVER Barbra Horrell is our 2020 Impact COMO award recipient for Most Impactful Board Member. Page 53. Photo by Anthony Jinson

NOVEM B ER 2020 | THE NO NPROFIT ISSUE | A PUBLICAT ION OF T HE BUSINE SS T IME S COMPANY

BARBRA HORRELL

HOW MISSOURI RURAL CRISIS CENTER SUPPORTS FAMILY FARMS Page 38 COMO GIVES CAMPAIGN Page 93

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Senior Vice President Fran Patrick Fran@comomag.com

EDITORIAL Publisher Erica Pefferman Erica@comomag.com

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I can’t recall my first volunteer experience, however my favorite has been volunteering at the Central Missouri Humane Society. Nothing better than spending time in a room full of cats!

My first volunteer experience would have to be working in my church's nursery when I was around 10. I was there to entertain the kids who were around 3 or 4 so the adults could tend to the babies. I couldn't have asked for an easier gig.

My first volunteer experience was at Harvesters in Kansas City. I spent hours there with my parents sorting through produce and getting it ready for families. It was such a rewarding experience and a fun way to spend time with my own family.

My high school excused seniors that did a volunteer project from the last two weeks of school, so I assisted art therapy classes for special education students. I may have signed up for selfish reasons, but learned so much and loved my experience!

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IN THIS ISSUE

46 FAVORITE FINDS Local nonprofit’s goodies serve doubleduty this holiday season.

NOVEMBER 2020 | The Nonprofit Issue

Publisher’s Letter

FAVORITE FINDS Nonprofit Swag

LIVING

ART & CULTURE We Are One

PET FRIENDLY Fostering for Columbia’s Humane Society

WELLNESS A Desire to Defend

HOMES Building Dreams

GOURMET Giving Rural Missouri a Voice

FRIENDS & FAMILY Fostering the Future

COUPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW Liz and Lee Sensintaffar

WORKING 71

CLOSER LOOK

BRIEFLY IN THE NEWS

75 Movers & Shakers

FEATURES

LOCAL GOVERNMENT Second Monday in October

IMPACT COMO Celebrating the passion and generosity of the individuals, organizations, and companies that work to make Columbia a better place for all.

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT Young Life Columbia

80 CELEBRATIONS The Columbia Cemetery

85 BUSINESS UPDATE Regional Economic Development Inc.

89 PERSON YOU SHOULD KNOW Chris Horn

106 THIS OR THAT Isaac Vandepopuliere

PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR HEART IS In its eighth edition, CoMoGives introduces donors to 140 nonprofits to support during unprecedented times.

98 BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER ENTERS A NEW ERA IN SERVING MID-MISSOURI As it prepares for the 100th anniversary of its founding, Boone also moves toward independence.

Free services for foster, kinship &

adoptive families in Central Missouri 4 Begin Again Backpacks - basic necessities for children entering foster care 4 Family Development - pre-service and in-service training 4 Odyssey - fun events for families so caregivers can rejuvenate 4 Roots - training & support groups for foster, adoptive & kinship families 4 30 Days to Family - family finding services 4 Kinship Navigators - serves grandparents who are primary caregivers 4 Community Connections Youth Project - serves ages 17-26 who are aging-out of foster care without a support system

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1 3 in

941 famil ies ser ved in 9 countie s in FY2020 !

families don’t have enough diapers. WRITTEN BY KASEY HAMMOCK (SCHAUMBURG)

id you know? 1 in 3 families in the United States don’t have enough diapers for their child. When I first heard this statistic, I was shocked. After researching what that means for the child and caregiver’s health, I was even more shocked. When babies’ diapers aren’t changed as often as they should be, they can develop rashes and infections and it can affect their social-emotional development-- all of which have long-term negative effects for the child. When caregivers can’t change their child as often as they need to, they are at an increased risk for depression, anxiety, and increased risk of child abuse and neglect. First Chance for Children helps to protect families against all of this. Our Baby Bags program provides supplemental diapers and so much more to families in midMissouri. By supporting families with basic needs, they can focus on bigger goals, such as child development and getting their child ready for kindergarten. Baby Bags, along with our other core programs are here for families, even during COVID-19. Being a parent is hard, and we’re here to help.

BABY BAGS Necessities for families when they need them the most, like diapers, wipes, health, and safety items. Free and available to families at or below 200% of the poverty line.

LEND & LEARN A fun place for parents to play with their children, connect with other parents, ask development questions, and check out toys. Free and open to anyone with children ages 0-5.

CRIBS A safe bed for infants, home visitation, resources and safe sleep information for families. Free and available to families at or below 200% of the poverty line.

BABY U Home visitation for families with children ages 0-5, focusing on child development and family well-being. Free and available to families at or below 200% of the poverty line.

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wouldn’t have enough diapers without the program.

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gained new skills to help their child grow and develop.

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Living

BUILDING DREAMS

GIVING RURAL MISSOURI A VOICE

COUPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW

Job Point furthers their community benefits by developing affordable housing for Columbians.

The Missouri Rural Crisis Center provides support for rural Missouri and communities in need.

Liz and Lee Sensintaffar describe their first date, their kids, and how they stay involved in the community.

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Living

ART & CULTURE

We Are One Wontanara celebrates diversity by teaching Af rican dance and percussion. BY ALYSSA SHIKLES

lass begins with the beat of the drums. The dancers begin to stretch and warm up, their feet bare against the floor as an instructor shares the history of the dance being taught that day, each having a different meaning and purpose to its choreography. The drumming starts again, a clear rhythm as each step is broken down and movements are added to the dance. As the class nears its close, the dancers form into a circle, individually performing in the daunting middle and letting their bodies flow with the pulse of the music. With a final slap of the drum, the class concludes. With a diverse crew of dancers and percussionists, Wontanara is a community nonprofit that celebrates culture in Columbia by focusing on the performing arts of West Africa. The group hosts workshops and classes at local schools and puts on events like the African Dance Percussion Celebration, where master West African dance teachers come and perform from Guinea, Ghana, and Zimbabwe. “We study West African dance and percussion and we love sharing it with our community,” Art Director Julie Staveley-O’Carroll says. “It brings us a lot of joy.” Wontanara was created a little over two years ago, when Julie moved to Columbia from South Carolina for her husband’s job. Guinea

“It takes me to another place when I hear the drums,” she explains. “The rhythm goes through my whole body, and I feel extremely present. And in the moment, I feel so much joy.” dance was already a large part of her life for 20 years, and she didn’t want to give that up. “I said they have to have some kind of West African dance community, or I’m not going there,” she says, laughing. Luckily, Julie found an inactive group that had Guinea ties and breathed new life into it, finding percussionists to help get it going again. The group was named Wontanara, after a Guinea phrase that means “we are one,” showing the nonprofit’s mission of community. “There’s so much community in Guinea, and everybody really supports each other,” Julie explains. “I just love that concept.” Wontanara also serves as an opportunity for those in Columbia to expand their cultural

horizons. “I just think it’s so important,” Julie says. “I want people that live here to see it and experience it. It’s a fun way to learn about other cultures, and it’s just a great way to bring the community together for something positive.” You don’t have to be a dancer to get involved. There are classes for beginners, events you could attend to learn more about the culture, or you could even volunteer to help out. “It’s a positive and uplifting experience, dancing with everyone,” member Davina Eubanks says. “It’s something I look forward to.” Julie herself wasn’t a performer before finding a passion for Guinea dance. As a language teacher, she always had an appreciation for other cultures, so she was amazed when she saw an African dance performance for the first time. Without any dance background, she started taking classes, immediately sparking a passion that resonated with her on a soul level. “I just loved it,” she says. “I wasn’t very good at it, though I thought I was. But I had the passion for it to go on, and if you have that, you can accomplish pretty much anything.” Now, Julie shares those feelings with others through Wontanara. “It takes me to another place when I hear the drums,” she explains. “The rhythm goes through my whole body, and I feel extremely present. And in the moment, I feel so much joy.”

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Living

PET FRIENDLY

"It’s rewarding to see an animal who needs you, and it’s great to see where you can get them from a point where they need help . . . to where they can be adopted by a family and have a great rest of their life."

Fostering for Columbia’s Humane Society A Columbian’s experience fostering dogs. BY JESSICA JAINC HI L L

any people have heard of adopting a dog from Columbia’s Humane Society, but not as many have heard of fostering a dog. But being a foster parent to a dog can not only provide the same companionship that adopted dogs offer, but it can also play an important role in helping animals in need. Tony Wirkus is one such foster parent who gives back to the Columbia community by fostering dogs for the shelter. Tony has been fostering dogs since 2015, and about 15 dogs have come and gone through his home during that time.

“I’ve always loved dogs,” he says. “I never had one growing up, so I got my first dog when I graduated. . . . and then I thought [foster parenting] would kind of be a good way to give back.” To get a foster pet, the foster parent chooses a shelter pet that they believe they can care for properly, and then it’s temporarily released into their care while waiting for a long-term owner to adopt the pet. Tony says dogs may come to him because they “either have a behavioral issue, or they’re scared of the shelter.” He adds, “It’s rewarding to see an animal who needs you, and it’s great to

see where you can get them from a point where they need help to where they can be adopted by a family and have a great rest of their life.” However, not just anyone can jump into being a pet’s foster parent. The Columbia Humane Society has an application process that a potential foster parent must complete first. The process is extensive and detailed enough for a potential foster parent to have time to ask themselves hard questions and decide if they are cut out for the job. Tony says, “Someone that just loves animals and wants to do something for their community would be a really good fit.” Fostering an animal has some heartbreak to it. Eventually, each of Tony’s foster pets must leave him to go to permanent families. “It’s both the best part and the worst part,” Tony says. “You get connected to animals, especially if you have one long-term. They feel like they’re your dog, and when they get adopted out, you just kind of feel that void. It’s both rewarding and very difficult. I definitely miss some of my fosters.” However, Tony believes being a foster parent to shelter dogs is worthwhile. “It’s making a difference in that animal’s life,” he says. “It’s making a difference for that animal and helping them be successful.” Currently, Tony is fostering a dog named Dallas for the Columbia Humane Society. He says: “The dog I am fostering is a mixed breed with some white and brindle. I’ve had Dallas for a couple months as he’s been going through heartworm treatment.” If Tony could leave a potential foster parent with an idea, he says, “I think just that fostering is a great service, and I would highly suggest that anyone who is interested look into it.”

COMOMAG.COM

NOVEMBER 2020

Living

WELLNESS

A Desire to Defend A local nonprofit brings awareness and support for individuals struggling with diabetes. BY HANNAH KUECK

abrina Weaver, registered nurse and certified lifestyle coach by the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists, has always had a desire to volunteer at a business or nonprofit organization that specializes in diabetes prevention. This desire, paired with her passion for youth and the lack of other specialized organizations in the area, led her to start her own nonprofit: Defense Against Diabetes. Sabrina made her nonprofit official in May of 2018. “I’m a nurse, and I see a lot of the complications that come from people being diabetic,” says Sabrina. “We [in the health field] don’t do a lot in terms of prevention or catching people when they’re pre-diabetic.” After doing more research, Sabrina found the Prevent T2 program that was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Prevent T2 curriculum focuses on people who are at high-risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, who are pre-diabetic, or had gestational diabetes. Through Defense Against Diabetes, Sabrina’s mission is to help people not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. “Your mental and emotional health also play into your physical health, so trying to find a balance to have all of those things together and be the healthiest you can be is our mission,” says Sabrina. Defense Against Diabetes is there to help people along the journey as they try to find the balance that will bring them the best quality of life. Along with the Prevent T2 programs, Defense Against Diabetes also offers support with self-management for those who already have Type 2 diabetes, as well as affordable online food demonstrations, and a men’s health summit that’s currently in the works.

“Your mental and emotional health also play into your physical health, so trying to find a balance to have all of those things together and be the healthiest you can be is our mission.” — Sabrina Weaver “A lot of men don’t participate in programs like Prevent T2, and that stems from a lot of different reasons, including not thinking that the situation is as serious as it is. It usually takes something dire for them to see a health care provider,” says Sabrina. “We’re trying to

get men to be more engaged in the preventative health side.” Sabrina also offers one-on-one coaching. That service looks different for everyone, whether it’s processing the diagnosis with someone, helping them understand what their diagnosis means, or explaining what they can do to gain more control over the disease. “A lot of people are in denial when they receive their diagnosis, so [we try] to get them to understand the severity of their diagnosis — not to scare them, but to help them understand what can happen if they continue with the way that they are,” Sabrina says. Changes in diet and activity can make a difference for those struggling with diabetes, and Defense Against Diabetes is there to support these individuals along the way. Anyone can come to the classes offered by the organization, whether it’s a child, a significant other, or the individual living with diabetes. All of the information is free and can be of great help to everyone. Sabrina says: “Sometimes people just need someone to let it all out to and not be judged by how they’re feeling. We go from there and figure out what’s in our control and what we can do from here to get the results we want.”

COMOMAG.COM

Living

HOMES

Building

Dreams

Job Point furthers their community benef its by developing affordable housing for Columbians. BY J E NNI FE R T R U E S DA L E

NOVEMBER 2020

o be “housing-cost burdened” means that housing costs 30% or more of one’s gross monthly income. According to data released by the City of Columbia Housing Programs Division in 2019, more than 16,000 Columbia households are housing-cost burdened; 7,500 of those are paying 50% or more. The same data showed the median house cost in Columbia is around $208,000, while the median family income in Columbia is just $47,236. Moreover, according to the 2019 Columbia Board of Realtors data, the average “sold price” of a single-family home rose by more than $60,000 from September 2015 to September 2019. “The shortage of affordable housing in Columbia is really big,” says Randy Cole, manager of the City of Columbia’s Housing Programs Division. “Homeownership is getting out of reach for many low-to-moderate income families. [That’s a problem because homeownership is] the best way to build equity and wealth. When they can’t afford to own, it can perpetuate generational poverty. But, wages don’t keep pace with rising housing costs.” The answer to the affordable housing shortage may lie partly in the efforts of a well-established local nonprofit organization, Job Point, and the part it plays in a unique public-private partnership.

Filling Two Needs At Once Job Point has been helping connect people with employment opportunities through education and hands-on training since 1965. Since the early 2000s, Job Point has built more than 15 houses in conjunction with the city, including four with the Columbia Community Land Trust. They’ve also completely renovated two others, built five for Central Missouri Community Action, and have assisted in building 16 with Habitat for Humanity. ComoCHDO was incorporated by Job Point in 2014. A CHDO (pronounced chodo) is a community housing development organization. CMCA, Job Point, and Habitat for Humanity are all CHDOs.

Opposite page: Steve Smith, Randy Cole, and Eric Morrison. Photo by Keith Borgmeyer

In 2003, Job Point added YouthBuild to its lineup of services. YouthBuild is a federal job training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that’s described as “a communitybased pre-apprenticeship program that provides job training and educational opportunities for at-risk youth ages 16 to 24 who have previously dropped out of high school.” “While in the YouthBuild program, [youth] spend about half the time working on HiSET [high school equivalency test], along with ‘soft skills’ like mock interviews, resumés, and other life skills,” Job Point Executive Director Steve Smith explains. “The rest of the time, they’re working on houses that we build.” In addition to offering certificate programs in office technology and health care occupations, Job Point teaches construction and other trades, including highway heavy construction, HVAC, and carpentry. To qualify to participate in the YouthBuild program, Job Point must build at least one house per year for community development, which it achieves by training low-income, at-risk youth in a high-demand, employable home-building trade like construction. “Students in our carpentry, construction, and HVAC [programs] assist with the housing construction,” Steve says. “The highway heavy construction students pour the foundations, footings, driveways, etc.” Carpentry students get to try their hand at various projects within the homes. It’s a shockingly sensible strategy, and it’s one that is supported by the city and the private banking industry.

A Public-Private Partnership Job Point has partnered with the Columbia Community Land Trust, a separate 501(c)(3) organization that is currently staffed by City of Columbia Housing Programs Division staff through an administrative services agreement to make affordable housing a reality for more Columbians. A land trust accesses grant funding and charitable dollars to purchase lots on which to build affordable housing. The CCLT deeds the lots to Job Point, which builds the houses with

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“It means a lot to have security, not having to sign a lease every year or look for another place to rent. My daughter stays in the same school district. It’s nice to have a place to come home to at the end of the day that is yours.” - Jaclyn Shipma 30

NOVEMBER 2020

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federal HUD funding and community development block grants from the city. Once built, the buyer buys the house, but not the land it’s on. The homebuyer pays a small monthly fee to lease the land. When the homeowner decides to sell the house, they retain some, but not all of their equity in the property, with the trust retaining the rest of the equity, which makes it possible for the homes to continue to be sold at an affordable price in perpetuity. But, the equity the homeowner builds can help propel them to greater wealth on their next home purchase. “Community land trusts are unique in that they maintain ownership of the land and sell only the home structure,” says Randy. “Th is ownership structure allows community land trusts to manage the resale price of the homes and ensure the public and private subsidies used to create affordable prices are protected for future buyers.” “[The homeowner] is going to come out with more than they went in with due to the down payment gift and closing costs paid for them,” Steve says. Families or individuals at or below 80% of the Boone County median income level are eligible to purchase these homes. First-time homebuyers are given preference, and up to 20% of the purchase price may be provided in down payment assistance. “For those who qualify for fi rst-time homebuyer loans, Providence Bank facilitates federal grant monies for down payment assistance,” says Eric Morrison, Mid-Missouri president at Providence Bank and board member of Job Point. “Providence Bank has provided well over $100,000 in down payment assistance to fi rst-time homebuyers. We’ve been very intentional in engaging organizations like Job Point to support their initiatives and create affordable housing. We see it as a great way to bring affordable housing to Columbia.” Right now, Job Point’s ComoCHDO and the CCLT are building two houses on Th ird Avenue, and the next big project will be The Cullimore Cottages on N. Eighth Street. Currently, there are 10 homes in the CCLT. These include properties on Oak, Forest, King, Lynn,

HOMES

and Eighth streets. Initial plans were to have 12 homes by 2022; however, the CCLT will likely have 22 homes in the trust by the end of 2022. The houses are 1,200 to 1,300 square feet with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and they’re energy efficient. The sale price for new homes is generally around $118,000 if the buyer does not qualify for homeownership assistance. With homeownership assistance, the sale price is approximately $90,000. Eric says this type of public-private partnership is unusual and that “our goal is to model a partnership on how to engage nonprofits in nontraditional ways toward a greater outcome,” adding that their role in this partnership has gotten other local banks excited about contributing similarly.

Affordable Housing for the Homebuyer One such homebuyer who has benefited from Job Point’s affordable housing initiative is Jaclyn Shipma, who bought a home on Oak Street in July 2019 as a first-time homebuyer. Jaclyn, 27, a direct support professional at Boone County Family Resources, resides in the home with her boyfriend and young daughter. She found the listing for the house on Zillow, and her real estate agent connected her with Job Point and Providence Bank, which provided her with the mortgage and down payment assistance. “It was pretty simple,” Jaclyn says about the home-buying experience. “I just had to fi ll out some paperwork. My loan officer at Providence Bank walked me through it.” Jaclyn previously rented, so homeownership means a lot to her. “It means a lot to have security, not having to sign a lease every year or look for another place to rent. My daughter stays in the same school district. It’s nice to have a place to come home to at the end of the day that is yours.” Jaclyn loves her home and encourages others in her position to look into Job Point’s affordable housing. Jaclyn says, “Anyone who is looking to buy a home — it’s possible to make that dream a reality.”

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he holiday season is quickly approaching, which can only mean one thing: hosting season is among us. While you’re prepping your home with various colored pumpkins and gourds, or hanging your holiday stockings from the mantle with care, it might be time to take a good look at your furniture and decide whether or not it’s time to refresh your space. Regardless of what space you’re redesigning, furniture is one of the most important elements to consider when you’re

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updating your spaces. Furniture can act as a great focal point, which can help you curate the perfect cohesive space for your family and guests to gather and enjoy. The holiday season is the perfect time for gathering, and what better place to do that than in your living room. The simplest way to make your guests feel welcomed into your home is by offering them a seat. At Baumgartner’s, we have a wide selection of living room seating to choose from. Eat too much at your family’s Thanksgiving dinner? Add a reclining sofa from La-Z-Boy, so you and your guests can enjoy a modern retreat right from the living room. The holiday season is a time for family, and after months apart, a sweet reunion is just what we need to celebrate the end of the

year. With all of your family and friends in one space, a simple love seat might not cut it, but we have a solution for you. Customize your space with a La-Z-Boy sectional sofa that’s fit to your space and needs. Sometimes, sitting side-by-side next to relatives might not be at the top of some relative’s wish lists, which is where individual seating comes into play. Bring in a La-ZBoy rocking reclining chair into your space, and rock the night away. Take it from us — a rocking reclining chair is the perfect place to nap alone, or with a little one in the family. Are you ready to refresh your seating for the holiday season? Whatever your project, we’re here to help. Visit our showrooms in Columbia and Auxvasse and let our staff help you find everything you need to host this season.

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Giving Rural Missouri a Voice The Missouri Rural Crisis Center provides support for rural Missouri and communities in need. BY A MANDA LONG PH OTOS BY KEITH B O R G MEYER

n September 22, 1985, the first Farm Aid concert — the brainchild of musical icons Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, and John Mellencamp — was held before a crowd of 80,000 people, raising more than $7 million for America’s family farmers. Subsequently, a $10,000 grant from Farm Aid was used to establish Missouri’s nonprofit state-wide farm and rural membership organization, the Missouri Rural Crisis Center. Director Rhonda Perry, a family farmer herself, has been with the organization for 30 years. Her parents were founding members. “The founders came together doing demonstrations and helped to pass policies to keep farmers on their farms. They realized the need to create a long-term organization to advocate for farming families in Missouri,” says Rhonda. Since then, MRCC membership has grown from 100 to 5,700 families and has worked to develop programming to help Missouri’s farmers stay on their land, create a sustainable food supply, and challenge corporate control of the agriculture economy. One of their first goals was to help pass the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987, giving due process to farmers. “Even then, we were addressing the legislative policies while starting up on-the-ground programming to meet the immediate needs of families with limited resources,” says Rhonda.

NOVEMBER 2020

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The Hog Crisis Over the years, the number of hogs produced in Missouri has risen dramatically with the influx of large corporate hog farming operations (more than 70% of the hog market is controlled by four global meatpackers, two of which are foreign-owned companies). But, the number of Missouri families that are hog farmers has dropped to less than a third of previous levels. According to Rhonda, this type of corporate concentration in agriculture lowers the profit for family farmers while raising the cost for consumers. MRCC focuses on preserving family farms and developing environmentally and economically sound local food systems in Missouri. As such, the organization recognized the impending hog crisis of the early 1990s when Premium Standard Farms, the nation’s third-largest pork producer, moved to Missouri and took action. In 1993, MRCC organized Patchwork Family Farms as a response to this crisis. A cooperative marketing effort of independent family hog farmers, today Patchwork Family Farms is a nationally recognized organization purchasing high-quality pork raised by local farmers using sustainable growing standards and independently owned meat processors and using this supply to stock Mid-Missouri restaurants and grocery stores. Coming Together During a Crisis Patchwork Family Farms has been responsive to the times by seeing a need in the community and fi nding a way to address it. “The shortcomings of the food supply have really come to light during the pandemic,” shares communications director Tim Gibbons. “COVID-19 is an unfortunate opportunity for people to see that things need to change.” During the last seven months, MRCC and Patchwork Family Farms distributed more than 3,380 boxes and 16,900 pounds of farm-raised pork to workers affected by the pandemic. Once the infrastructure was created, other organizations in Columbia, including the Heart of Missouri United Way and the Veterans United Foundation, added to the cause with employees opting to donate a part of their paycheck to help those in need.

NOVEMBER 2020

“We saw a heartwarming gratefulness,” Tim says. “People so powerfully depend on each other in this community and really step up. That’s sort of how rural Missouri is in general. We are so glad to be part of such a great community where that is possible.” Additionally, MRCC teamed up with locally owned Columbia restaurants to meet food shortages and provide hot food to those in need; partners included Broadway Brewery and Terra Bella Farms, owned by Walker Claridge. Broadway Diner, owned by David Johnson, distributed meals for kids who had no access to food during the quarantine. Rhonda says, “The people of our community are always looking for what they can do — it is their honor, privilege, and duty. Th is is the opposite of corporate. Th is is relational.”

COVID-19 is not the fi rst crisis aided by MRCC and Patchwork Family Farms. After 9/11, members of the organization drove a box truck to New York City to distribute pork to those without food. During Hurricane Katrina, they drove the same truck to Mississippi to feed the people living in shelters. MRCC administers a variety of programs to address the issues facing rural Missouri: factory farming, food scarcity, affordable health care, food and trade policies, etc. One such program is the eight food cooperatives that serve 18 Missouri counties, providing rural families with high-quality, affordable food where access is limited and resources are scarce. Members receive vegetables, fruit, bread, dry goods, and family-farm meat. Last year, MRCC cooperatives distributed more than 206,500 pounds of food.

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“We are rural Missouri — it is what we are. We may not always agree politically, but we know we can depend on each other. My neighbor might be the person who will put my cows back in next week, regardless of what sign is in their yard.” COMOMAG.COM

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An Ally for Agriculture Growing the Local Food Chain in Missouri is an MRCC project that initiates opportunities to educate urban and rural families about the health, economic, environmental, and social benefits of growing and eating locally produced food. Through youth farm camps, cooking demonstrations, and local food workshops, the program works to engage youth in learning where their food comes from while creating connections to the land and each other. Farming is a high-risk trade, and rural Missourians face unique health care challenges with older populations, lower incomes, and less access to health services — sometimes traveling more than an hour to reach doctors for routine care and emergency services. Additionally, rural and farm families have less access to employer-sponsored health insurance and often face higher insurance costs. MRCC advocates for increased availability of affordable and accessible health care in rural communities using survey results from farmer and rural families to drive policies. The importance of developing and supporting fair and competitive agricultural markets is just as relevant today as it was in 1985 — perhaps even more so. MRCC continues to find ways to support its mission to give local farmers a voice, raise awareness for locally sourced food, and secure nutritious, sustainable, and affordable food for the community regardless of income. “Farming is different [from] a corporate economy,” Rhonda explains. “There is an attachment to the land beyond what it provides for their bank account. We try to use the human voice as opposed to the paid corporate lobbyists to walk the halls of Jefferson City. Rural people need the opportunity to tell their story and speak for themselves.” 2020 marks the 35th anniversary of MRCC, but celebratory plans were altered due to the pandemic. Settling in at their new location on Monroe Street, Rhonda Perry and Tim Gibbons are proud of the organization’s accomplishments and optimistic about the future of its goals. “We are rural Missouri — it is what we are. We may not always agree politically, but we know we can depend on each other. My neighbor might be the person who will put my cows back in next week, regardless of what sign is in their yard.”

NOVEMBER 2020

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EMPOWERING YOU TO MAKE INFORMED CHOICES — SIL knows it’s not easy asking for help, especially when personal care services are needed to maintain your day to day life. Promoting dignity and individual preference, we offer different models for personal care service delivery to provide you and your family with choices to meet basic needs. EMPOWERING YOU TO REACH YOUR GOALS — SIL provides peer support, independent living skills, and education and training workshops to empower you on your journey to independence… whether from high school to work, higher education, or to living on your own.

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FOSTERING the FUTURE Impact US helps foster teens learn life skills. BY KATIE PERRY HAR R I S

earning how to balance a checkbook. Washing and folding laundry. Applying for a driver’s license. These may seem like everyday tasks to some, but for teens in foster care, many of whom have moved from home to home throughout their childhood, learning these life skills can be critical step on the road to independence. That’s where the Impact US program from Great Circle comes in to help foster teens prepare for success in adulthood. The Impact US program supports teens in foster care by providing educational services, life skills training, and general health education in a support group setting. “Impact US helps teens prepare to be contributing members of society,” says Beatrice Stewart, director of community-based services for the central region of Great Circle. “We prepare teens for adulthood and teach them all kinds of skills.”

SUPPORTING FOSTER TEENS Back in 2009, the Edgewood Children’s Center and Boys and Girls Town of Missouri merged to create Great Circle, now one of the largest behavioral health providers in the state. Great Circle aims to destigmatize behavioral health, and in 2019 the organization reached more than 43,000 children and families. Impact US, funded by the Heart of Missouri United Way, began in 2014 as a way to reach out to a population in need and help the foster community. Being a teenager can be difficult enough, but coming of age in the foster system brings its own unique set of challenges. “The future for

FRIENDS & FAMILY

children in foster care who are aging out can be challenging,” Beatrice says. “A high percentage don’t graduate. Some end up incarcerated or being a teenage parent, or have an increased risk of substance abuse. What we seek to do is try to talk to teens so they know how to access mental health care and preventative care.” The program works in a support group setting, typically with 20 foster teens in the fall and another 20 in the spring. During twice-weekly sessions over 16 weeks, the program brings together teens for programs and guest speaker presentations. Groups are divided by age, with younger teens from ages 12 to 15 participating in one session and older teens in the other. The group covers mental health topics like grief and loss, as well as how to get help and find a safe person to talk to if they’re feeling depressed or overwhelmed. Other units include life skills like money management and budgeting. The job readiness unit focuses on filling out job applications, practicing mock interviews, and discussing what is appropriate to wear to an interview. Community safety, health education, and public safety are also covered in the program. “A lot of times, these kids have a negative view of community safety if they’ve been in a situation where they’ve been removed from the home,” Beatrice says. The teens also eat dinner together every week as part of the program’s emphasis on peer-to-peer experiences. The dinner experience is a highlight for many of the teens, particularly when they get to select the food choice.

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“It’s a great bonding experience,” says Beatrice. “It keeps them engaged and wanting to come back. There’s nothing more important for a bonding experience than breaking bread together.”

“I hope to be a good

LEARNING LIFE SKILLS (AND LAUNDRY)

person in society.

McKenna started attending Impact US when she was 14, encouraged by her then-foster parents. Now 18, she credits the program for teaching her many new life skills. “I learned a lot about coping skills,” she says. “One of the most helpful units for me was coping skills and how we sometimes make unhealthy coping skills choices.” Money management is also a new skill for many teens. “When I fi rst went into the program, I had no idea how to balance a checkbook,” McKenna says. “I feel pretty good that I know how to do that now.” Landon, now 18, started attending Impact US last year after hearing about it from other foster care teens who talked about how the program teaches skills like how to get a permit and driver’s license. “It was a really good experience. I learned a lot about how to do laundry and how to fold clothes,” he says. “I learned how to pay bills, which was kind of complicated, and how to manage money. We had a speaker talk about wants versus needs, and that needs come before wants in your budget.” In addition to mental health and life skills, Impact US focuses on the importance of being a well-rounded citizen, with lessons on everything from voting to vol-

I want to help out others when they need it and help this country. I’m still growing like a leaf on a tree with new limbs, learning new life skills.” - Landon, Impact US Participant

FRIENDS & FAMILY

unteering. Among the group activities the teens participate in is a spring community clean-up where they pick up trash. “We get their minds thinking about what they want to do as an adult down the road and teach them better ways to shape themselves to be a successful adult,” Beatrice says. “They learn the importance of investing back in our community and being a well-rounded citizen.” The teens who have participated in Impact US are looking toward their futures in a positive, meaningful way. “The Impact US program is amazing,” says Landon. McKenna agrees. “You learn about long-term and shortterm goals in the program,” she says. “A lot of kids who go through foster care don’t even think about college. Now, we know how we could be successful in the future.” For McKenna, that future means graduating from high school and considering a criminal justice degree, with the ultimate goal of working in a state correctional facility. What’s next for Landon? He plans on graduating from high school next year and is considering serving in the armed forces — and he knows the lessons and skills he learned through Impact US will continue to serve him into adulthood. “I hope to be a good person in society,” he says. “I want to help out others when they need it and help this country. I’m still growing like a leaf on a tree with new limbs, learning new life skills.” Editor’s note: Names throughout this story have been changed to protect the identities of the foster teens.

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Autumn is in the air.

As the weather turns so shall we, looking ahead to crisp fall days and the joys of the Holidays!

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NOVEMBER 2020

Celebrating the passion and generosity of the individuals, organizations, and companies that work to make Columbia a better place for all.

BY HA NNA H KU EC K PHOTO S BY A NT HO NY J I NS O N

2020

threw a lot of curveballs at us. But that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop our great volunteers, organizations, and companies from continuing to give back and support our community in their own way. From caring for hundreds of kids to helping refugees adjust to their new home, Columbiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s volunteers are working hard and inspiring us with their passion and generosity every single day. So grab a glass of wine, take a seat, and relax as we celebrate our individuals, organizations, and companies that work tirelessly to make Columbia a better place for everyone. Cheers to our 2020 Impact COMO winners and honorable mentions.

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La r r y l McDanile il Coyote H

NOVEMBER 2020

Most Impactful Executive Director I

n 1991, Larry McDaniel and his wife founded Coyote Hill Children’s Home. In those 29 years of operation, Coyote Hill has cared for over 600 children, worked with veterans through the organization’s equine program, started Coyote Hill’s Foster Care Services, established an office in Columbia, and is working to establish an office in Jefferson City, to name a few milestones. Larry’s not slowing down, either. His upcoming goals for Coyote Hill are focused on expansion — expansion into the Jefferson City area, expansion of foster care services to other parts of rural Missouri counties, and expansion of the organization’s equine program for veterans. With so much success and potential for the future, Larry credits where the organization is today to the enormous generosity of the Columbia community, and of course, to the dedicated and loyal staff of Coyote Hill. “It takes the best people to do what we have accomplished, and the people that serve at Coyote Hill give 100%,” Larry says. “They bring their A-Game every day.” Being a nonprofit with a heavy focus on children, it’s no surprise that children and making positive changes in the lives of generations to come is what keeps Larry motivated to continue giving back to the community. “I am a firm believer that everything one can invest into the life of a child today will be re-invested by the child into the lives of their own marriage, their own children, their own community,” he says. As the years go on, Larry would like to see Coyote Hill Foster Care Services expand statewide, and he’s eager to watch how Coyote Hill will grow on past his legacy and to see what new leaders have in store for the organization. In the coming years, keep an eye on the bookshelves — you just might see Larry McDaniel as an author.

Honorable Mentions

Kelsey Hammond

Columbia Art League Kelsey Hammond has been the executive director for the Columbia Art League, or CAL, since July 2019. As the executive director, Kelsey has the opportunity to be a part of several different focuses throughout the nonprofit. “You’ve got your hand in everything. You’re trying to make funding appear out of nowhere, you’ve got to remain incredibly flexible, and you happily share your enthusiasm for your mission and what your organization does,” Kelsey says.

Gay Litteken

Mary Lee Johnston Community Learning Center As the executive director for the Mary Lee Johnston Community Learning Center, Gay Litteken wears a lot of hats. While she has the title of executive director, she also acts as her own executive assistant, human resources manager, and maintenance department. One minute she can be in a meeting with potential donors, and the next she could be plunging a toilet. Regardless of what she’s doing, Gay finds her role rewarding. “I get to play the role of mom to many and grandma to many others,” Gay says. “It is all about loving what you do and loving who you serve every single day.” Gay credits her team for being where she is today. But to Gay, they’re more than a team — they’re a family, they’re and her biggest cheerleaders.

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Barbra Horrell Blind Boone Foundation, Sharp End African American Heritage Trail, COMO 200

NOVEMBER 2020

Most Impactful Board Member W

hat do Blind Boone Foundation, the Sharp End African American Heritage Trail, and COMO 200 all have in common? Barbra Horrell serves on the board for all of these organizations. She acts as the cochair for Sharp End Heritage Committee, the treasurer for the Blind Boone Foundation, and a coordinator for Columbia Public Schools. She’s been a part of the Sharp End Heritage Community and the Blind Boone Foundation for 10 years as she works to help Columbia promote diversity and inclusivity throughout the city and state. Through Barbra’s time in the organizations she serves, she’s most proud of “the friendships and the information sharing about our new programs,” she says. Barbra’s pride in the Black community of Columbia guides how she serves — a value that remains evident in her goals and achievements for the organizations she’s a part of. Being a part of these organizations even make up her favorite community activities. Barbra is a Columbia native — a fact that many people might not know about her. She, and the organizations she’s a part of, are also dedicated to working towards making Columbia life inclusive of the Black community.

Honorable Mentions

Clyde Ruffin

Austin Stidham

As the president of the John William Boone Foundation, Clyde Ruffin works with a small group of volunteers to develop and implement special events that help the community learn about the legacy of John William “Blind” Boone and enjoy and admire the home he and his wife lived in until 1931. Despite being in an administrative role, Clyde works hands-on as well. In the home, Clyde helped to restore furniture and oversaw most of the interior design.

Austin Stidham has been a part of The Rainbow House of Mid-Missouri for two and a half years between volunteering and serving on the board of directors. For Austin, it’s the children that motivate him to give back. “Some of these kids have gone through horrific abuse and neglect,” Austin says. “To see them continue to keep their head high and play with the other children is quite remarkable and inspiring. The resilience of these children is unmatched.”

John William Boone Foundation

The Rainbow House of Mid-Missouri

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Boone Electric it y n u m m o C Trust 58

NOVEMBER 2020

Most Impactful Philanthropic Company T

he Boone Electric Community Trust was established in 1997, and since then, the trust has provided over $3.5 million in funding to nonprofits and public entities. The trust funds eligible 501(c)3 organizations and public entities, such as schools, as long as there is a physical location within Boone Electric Cooperative’s service territory. It has helped to fund vans to transport clients to medical appointments, a community playground in a small Boone County village, diapers for low-income families, nine $2,000 scholarships to area high school seniors, and four $2,000 scholarships for eligible at-large students. Today, nine trustees manage the Boone Electric Community Trust and are appointed by the cooperative’s board of directors. Every other month, the board meets to review and research funding applications and to determine how funds should be allocated. These trustees spend hours contacting the applicants and work with their reviewers to make sure that they fully understand the request. As a group, they discuss each applicant and make funding decisions as a whole. Currently, the nine trustees are Dorothy Grant (chair), Khesha Duncan (vice chair), Cathryn Taggart (secretary), Sarah Cummings (treasurer), Sharon McClure, Maxine Glenn, Craig Stevenson, Kim Stichnote, and John Truesdell. By the end of 2020, the trust would like to reach out to new nonprofit organizations or nonprofits that have never applied to the trust before, and encourage the organizations to apply as it looks to increase its number of new applicants by 30%. “Columbia has such a wide variety of nonprofits that serve the community, and residents are lucky to have such a supportive community,” communications specialist Rhonda Stone Proctor explains. “We continue to look for new applicants and encourage new organizations to reach out to the trust for connections, advice, and support.” The Boone County Electric Community Trust credits Boone Electric Cooperative for where it is today. Through its support and donations, the trust has been able to continue to flourish and provide assistance to the community.

Honorable Mention

Veterans United Home Loans Social Impact Team The Veterans United Home Loans Social Impact Team works closely with The Flourish Initiative, which coordinates wrap-around services with Douglass High School students including mentoring, professional development, internships, and more. The Veterans United Social Impact Team works to coordinate efforts in response to community needs and collaborates with The Flourish Initiative and its volunteer engagement. The social impact team also collaborates with other community nonprofits as well as its Veterans United philanthropic partners and the Veterans United Foundation team.

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Lucy Bromer Safe Families for Children

Most Impactful Staff Member “There is no greater accomplishment than seeing lives changed or inspired to create change,” Lucy Bromer, program coordinator for Safe Families for Children says. Two years ago, Lucy began her journey with Safe Families for Children as a volunteer. Just eight months ago, she joined the staff in her role as Safe Families for Children coordinator. In her position, Lucy works alongside both volunteers and families in crisis. She helps volunteers find their place within the organization and assists them as they get connected with services. She also acts as a liaison and support for the volunteer host families within the organization as they welcome kids into their homes and offer them a safe space while their parents work towards stability. “My family was a host family, so I am very passionate about helping volunteers use their gifts and making sure they feel cared for and supported while volunteering,” Lucy says. She also gets to work alongside the parents that call in and need help — a responsibility she is honored to have, as she gets to encourage and empower them as they work towards stability for their families. Lucy’s Christian values guide her life and how she serves. They guide her to love others and work hard for the families she serves. Safe Families for Children’s main goal for the future, Lucy explains, is to help as many families as possible in Columbia and Mid-Missouri. She explains: “To do that, we also must continue to equip and train volunteers and connect with local agencies, so more people know we are here and ready to serve.” The volunteers for Safe Families for Children and the generous support of Boone County Children’s Services Fund and other donors are vital to the success of the nonprofit. Lucy says: “We are so grateful that so many in our community see the value of Safe Families for Children.”

Honorable Mentions

Thom Lutz

Lori Stoll

For two years, Thom Lutz has been working as an education instructor at Job Point, teaching HiSET equivalency standards to students who were unable to graduate high school. “I get the best seat in the house,” Thom says. “As a fan [and] cheerleader, I get to watch young adults overcome a major roadblock in their lives as they pass each subject area on their way to attaining their HiSET.” Thom feels blessed to be given even a small amount of time to develop relationships with each student, explaining that, “once this happens, teaching them and meeting them halfway becomes effortless.”

Through her role as refugee care coordinator for City of Refuge, Lori Stoll works one-on-one with refugees, advocating, educating, and following up with their needs. She works diligently to educate and implement needed resources to help refugees become stable. She assists and advocates in many areas of life, including healthcare, employment, and education, to name a few. Lori credits her position at City of Refuge to the refugees themselves: “They have overcome the most difficult trials and are still thankful and optimistic about the future,” she says, “I am in awe of their fortitude, their faith, and their friendship.”

Job Point

City of Refuge

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Heather Lobough efuge City of R

NOVEMBER 2020

Most Impactful Volunteer Honorable Mentions

eather Lobough’s journey began after she moved to Columbia four years ago and saw a social media post from Sherryl Laws, asking for blankets, gloves, coats, etc. Shortly after she dropped off her extra blankets and coats, she was introduced to City of Refuge, where she started volunteering with African refugees, specifically Eritrean refugees. “I started building a relationship, being their friend, which hardly seems like a job or work,” Heather explains. Her role developed into being more of a coach as she helped refugees adjust to life in America. From being a listening ear for them to helping them complete a job application, Heather is there for these refugees for any support they might need. She teaches them English, drives them to appointments, and even teaches them how to work a thermostat. But to her, the most cherished duty is taking the opportunity to sit with them, drink their coffee (often in ceremonial style), try their favorite dishes, and build a community. The staff at City of Refuge, particularly Sherryl Laws and Linda Stempel, are all people that motivate Heather to serve selflessly. And City of Refuge’s supply materials, resources, supplies, and necessities allow her to serve effortlessly. “We all have gifts to give,” Heather says. “Acts of service are my gift to give.” Lending a hand provides Heather with the opportunity to alleviate stress for those in need. And serving the Eritrean community, specifically, motivates her even more to give back. “Their love for life is genuine and sincere. Them striving for a better life keeps me moving forward,” she says. “They exemplify what true faith, real community, and real friendship looks like.”

Laura Nauser

Greg Wack

As a court-appointed special advocate for Heart of Missouri CASA, Laura advocates for children in the foster care system. During her tenure as a CASA, Laura has had the opportunity to develop relationships with members of the 13th circuit court and others in the foster care system. She’s worked at the Boone County juvenile office and detention center, and she’s also been the fifth ward city council representative — all experiences that helped her become a better CASA and share concerns and solutions for problems the organization’s foster children and their families encounter.

Greg Wack has been volunteering with Theater Reaching Young People and Schools, or TRYPS, since Christmas of 2009. Throughout his time volunteering for TRYPS, Greg has built scenery for 55 productions. He volunteers hundreds of hours every year working through ideas, drawing up plans, and creating full-scale magic. From 8-feettall rolling elephants for “Aladdin” to an LED-lit carriage for “Cinderella,” Greg has built it all. His workmanship and care have created theatre magic for thousands and thousands of children. Greg has helped the organization with two relocations, and he’s volunteered as project manager as the new space was being remodeled, and he sees the need for more funding streams, especially during the COVID crisis. Founder and Executive Director Jill Womack says: “He doesn’t just give time, talent, and treasure. He gives his heart.”

Heart of Missouri CASA

TRYPS

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dge Rock Bri b Lions Clu Charit y Picnic

NOVEMBER 2020

Most Impactful Fundraiser/Event T

he Rock Bridge Lions Club started in 1982 with a main focus of supporting the needs of Columbia. After news broke that the organizers of the Rock Bridge Picnic had decided to stop having the annual event, The Rock Bridge Lions Club reached out to the organizers and asked for a meeting to learn more about the reasons and concerns regarding the cancellation of the event — it had been part of Columbia’s history since 1969. In the following months, the Rock Bridge Lions Club and its members discussed how to overcome the obstacles and make the picnic a great event once again. After reaching out to Logboat Brewing Co. for help to find the best location for the picnic, the group then met and decided that Welcome Home would be the charity to partner with and raise awareness for. With a great cause of supporting veterans, an amazing venue and beer (courtesy of Logboat), and CoMo Smoke and Fire as the delicious food sponsor, the revival of the picnic has been a success. And this year, the Annual Rock Bridge Lions Club Charity Picnic celebrated its third annual event. President of the Rock Bridge Lions Club Sandy McCann says, “It has been a great partnership with Welcome Home, making this fun event one of Columbia’s greatest events.” Michelle Vogt, Welcome Home’s fundraising and events manager, adds: “It continues to amaze me how great our community is and how we all rally around a cause. These folks have partnered with us to make a difference, and they truly have.” Michelle credits the community and the constant support for being able to serve the veterans in the community.

Honorable Mentions

CoMo Famous

Company Feud

In 2019, Ragtag Film Society started CoMo Famous, a new fundraiser to celebrate the entire community. And it was a success. During the CoMo Famous fundraiser, six prominent Columbians selected a favorite film to screen for one night at Ragtag Cinema. These contestants then competed for the largest amount of money raised from ticket sales and donations for their screening. All of the funds raised for CoMo Famous ensured that Ragtag Film Society can continue to screen the best of independent film at Ragtag Cinema every day and help transform Columbia during the four days of the True/False Film Festival. The contestants raised over $30,000 for the Ragtag Film Society, and it’s not stopping there.

Riffing off Family Feud, Job Point’s Company Feud fundraising event pits companies against each other in a competition hosted by radio personality Tom Bradley. The event consists of yelling, food, drinks, and, of course, so much fun that people keep coming back to watch every year. This year, the company is working hard to reschedule Company Feud to a time that will have the same level of engagement to net the same amount of donations as years prior.

Ragtag Film Society

Job Point

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Feeding

100,000 monthly To donate or learn more, visit sharefoodbringhope.org AD MADE POSSIBLE BY

NOVEMBER 2020

Living

COUPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW

Liz and Lee Sensintaffar Liz and Lee Sensintaffar describe their f irst date, their kids, and how they stay involved in the community. HOW DID YOU MEET? Liz: We met at a Super Bowl party at the

Blue Note in 2006. It was my first shift as a cocktail waitress, and he was working as a bouncer. He thought my name was Jennifer. After every shift, he would walk me to my car, and we would talk. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST DATE? Lee: Our first date was supposed to be on

working together to make our special events go great. Lee has always been a superstar at helping our Zombie Pub Crawl go smoothly. I love working with him at that event.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE PROJECT TO WORK ON TOGETHER?

Valentine’s day, but she ghosted me the day of. I ended up spending the day alone in my room eating the chocolates that I had bought for her. I may have called her out about standing me up and said that the offer still stood. She asked what the plan was, and I told her that we were going “where kids go to have fun, duh” — A.K.A. Chuck E. Cheese.

generally volunteer our resources and energy with them, both monetarily and with help in events and planning. She lets me know the need, and then we find a way to make it happen.

WHAT IS THE KEY TO A LASTING

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT

AND HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP?

YOUR RELATIONSHIP?

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY.

Liz: Communication. We work so much better

Liz: We have completely opposite schedules,

so we often high-five on our way in or out the door, but we somehow find a way to make that work. It’s not always easy, but it allows us to work towards our goals and homeschool our kids.

Liz: We have two amazing children:

as a team when we’re communicating with one another and not just talking to each other, but sharing and expressing the entire range of our emotions — be they joy or frustration. Lee: Realizing that the other person in the

relationship is an independent individual with aspirations, hobbies, and goals that may need nurturing and encouragement is pretty important.

Lee: Since Liz works at Woodhaven, we

Lee: I would probably say that the most fun

project to work on was the fundraiser for Woodhaven’s annual gift card drive — we let the community vote on what Christmas themed tattoo I should get. A vote costs $5, and boy did folks get real generous when they found out that I was going to bleed for it.

Madeline, 4, and Levi, 2. Madeline is so sweet, sassy, and smart. Levi is loud, rambunctious, and hilarious. They always try to make sure everyone they meet feels welcome and seen. We are lucky to be their parents.

Lee: The circus act that we do with juggling

the kids is pretty impressive sometimes. Since we work opposite schedules and don’t utilize childcare, raising the kids has almost become a relay race.

WHAT IS THE BEST QUALITY OF YOUR PARTNER? Liz: His sense of humor keeps me laughing,

GET INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY

HOW DOES OUR THEME OF NONPROFITS

TOGETHER?

PLAY INTO YOUR RELATIONSHIP?

and his generosity constantly reminds me that we can always do more to help others. He gives so freely and without expectation of anything in return.

Liz: I work for Woodhaven, and I love it when

Liz: We believe strongly that it’s our

Lee: Liz is passionate about helping people

Lee gets involved with helping make the lives of those we support better. Whether that’s teaming up to help someone we serve get the tattoo of their dreams [Lee is the co-owner of Iron Tiger Tattoo], donating supplies, or

responsibility to help those in need. I work in a great nonprofit, and Lee might as well be on the payroll there, too. He’s always willing to help in whatever capacity to make sure the men and women we support have what they need.

in everything that she does. She’s incapable of not giving her all. She’s constantly striving to better herself with the end goal being that she can better help those around her.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO

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A GEM OF HISTORY

PERSON YOU SHOULD KNOW

The Columbia Cemetery celebrates its 200th anniversary.

Meet Chris Horn, reinsurance manager and CPS Board of Education Director.

85 REDI, SET, GO! For more than three decades, Regional Economic Development Inc. has been working quietly to grow economic opportunities that propel residents upward.

What is REDI?

Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI) is a nonprofit, public/private par tnership created to enhance the vitality of business and increase the number of quality, sustainable jobs in Columbia and Boone County.

Attract

Expand

Grow

New Businesses

Legacy Businesses

Entrepreneurship

For more information, visit our website or give us a call!

(573) 442-8303 â&#x20AC;˘ REDI@CoMo.gov â&#x20AC;˘ columbiaredi.com 70

NOVEMBER 2020

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CLOSER LOOK

NOVEMBER 2020

made a successful batch. And in September of 2019, MacKenzie took her joy of baking macarons and turned it into MacKenzie’s Blakery, a side-job specializing in fun-shaped (think unicorns and pumpkins) and flavorful macarons that can be found at Something Plume. “I watched a lot of YouTube videos,” MacKenzie says. “My 10-year-old and I would sit after school and watch an hour's worth of YouTube videos.” After trying 15 different recipes and three different macaron methods, she found the perfect combination that worked for her and her kitchen. Once MacKenzie’s kids are in school, she hopes to have a store of her own. “I want to make happy gifts,” MacKenzie says, “For you, your kids, and your family.” 5751 S. ROUTE K 217-521-6098 INSTAGRAM: @MACKENZIESBLAKERY

Photo by Carly Buntin

The Broadway Group The founders of The Broadway Group started their company after seeing an under-served need for a unique lender with experience in loans with a high-volume background. The Broadway Group is run by three “battle-buds”: Eric Johnston, director of operations; Joseph Newberry, chief production officer; and Marcus Jones, branch manager. The group opened their doors (and their kitchen table) to the Columbia community in August of 2020. The Broadway Group prides itself on being a close-knit mortgage lender for purchases and refi nances on residential properties. “The mortgage industry has been shifting from this face-to-face style industry to these computer-based transactions,” Joseph says. And for most people, this is the most money they will ever spend in their whole lives, so having someone to talk to or vent to is an important part of the process.

That’s where The Broadway Group comes in. The group enhances computer-based services by offering one-to-one services with clients at the kitchen table right in their office. The Broadway Group is more than just a lending company, Marcus explains — they’re a family that’s here to help the community in ways that big lenders can’t. 910 E. BROADWAY STE. 200 573-303-3844 TLCBROADWAYGROUP.COM

MacKenzie’s Blakery

When MacKenzie Blakeman moved to Columbia two years ago, she became a full-time stay-at-home mother to two children. For her step-daughter’s 10th birthday, she wanted to have a big macaron tower. Despite never having tried to make this French pastry before, she decided to give it a try. After a few tries, she finally

Winn Law Firm

“I felt that, in Columbia, Missouri, there aren’t a lot of minority — in particular, Black — attorneys in this area,” Robin Winn, president and founder of Winn Law Firm says. “And I know that a lot of times, minorities don’t have access to high-quality legal representation.” Th is lack of representation inspired Robin to come to Columbia to start Winn Law Firm in September of 2017. Winn Law Firm is a boutique firm that specializes in six different practice areas: criminal defense, family law, personal injury, business formation, traffic law, and trademark law. Currently working as a one-woman-show, Robin hopes to eventually expand and add more lawyers to the fi rm. Her goal is to become one of the best trial lawyers in Missouri, something she’s already working diligently toward as she continues to do new trial trainings to ensure her skills are always sharp. 303 N. STADIUM, STE. 200 573-234-5442 THEWINNLAWFIRM.COM

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Briefly in the News N OVE MB ER 2020 72

NOVEMBER 2020

ED UCATION

TRYPS Children’s Theatre to Join in New Campaign TRYPS Children’s Theatre joined a coalition of youth arts organizations around the country in launching #ArtsAreMySuperpower, a nationwide letter-writing effort to galvanize the more than 6 million children directly impacted by the coalition’s work. The campaign seeks to educate and inspire young people to use their voices and compel our government to save their future in arts and culture.

Working

BRIEFLY

H EALTH CA R E

Boone Hospital Trustees and BJC HealthCare Announce Transition Date The Boone Hospital Center Board of Trustees and BJC HealthCare have agreed to an April 1, 2021 date for Boone Hospital Center’s full transition from the BJC system. The date was originally set for January 1, 2021. The three-month adjustment in the timeline is largely a result of the COVID19 pandemic, which has required the full attention of Boone Hospital and BJC HealthCare staff .

“The trustees are

committed to a successful transition for Boone Hospital. We had originally planned on January 1. Obviously, some things have happened outside of our control that have caused us to make some adjustments. Instead of rushing to meet a date, we are going to make sure we get it right.” — DR. JERRY KENNETT CHAIRMAN OF THE BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER BOARD OF TRUSTEES

AWA R D S

SMALL BUSINESS

Women’s Network Announces Local ATHENA Recipients

Image360 Receives Business Award

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce Women’s Network announced the recipients of the ATHENA Leadership and ATHENA Young Professional awards at the 26th annual ATHENA International Awards Banquet in September at Stephens College. The ATHENA Leadership Award was presented to Jill Cox, vice president of commercial lending at Central Bank of Boone County. The ATHENA Young Professional Award was presented to Sarah Hill, CEO and chief storyteller at Healium. These awards recognize individuals who have achieved success in their career, been active in their community, and supported women in business. NEW LOCATIONS

ACA Business Club Opens in South Columbia ACA Business Club, Columbia’s newest networking organization, is now open in its new space on Peach Way. The business and social club focuses on three guiding principles: building quality relationships, providing professional and personal development, and offering marketing opportunities for individuals and their businesses. ACA Business Club is a private club dedicated to serving professionals, executives, and business owners. Membership is by invitation only and comes with 24-hour access to the space.

Image360 in Columbia was recently honored with the Silver Star Award for excellence in sales from Alliance Franchise Brands, a leading marketing, print, and graphic communications franchise network. The award comes as Image360, a visual and graphics solutions provider, is also providing resources to help local businesses reopen safely and quickly. As Columbia works to reopen amidst the pandemic, Image360 has created resources including reopening guidelines that offer a comprehensive checklist and methodology. GR OWTH

First Mid Bancshares and LINCO Bancshares to Merge First Mid Bancshares Inc. and LINCO Bancshares Inc. announced the execution of a definitive agreement under which First Mid will acquire all of the outstanding shares of LINCO. LINCO is the holding company for Providence Bank, which is a Missouri state-chartered depository trust company with approximately $1.2 billion in assets. Under the terms of the agreement, LINCO shareholders will receive an aggregate of $116.5 million in cash and 1,262,246 shares of FMBH stock.

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NOVEMBER 2020

Greg & Lon Brockmeier Financial Advisors

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services. Advisors, Inc. Brockmeier Financial Services, LLC is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

NOVEMBER 2020

M AT T WAT T S

Matt Watts joined ThermAvant Technologies as the computer numerical control manager. In this role, Matt will manage ThermAvant’s CNC machining operations, including production, programming, process improvement, and cost reduction. Matt brings 17 years of management experience to ThermAvant’s CNC team. In his most recent role, Matt managed business development at SFI, a fully integrated fabricating company where he was responsible for growing the company’s customer base and identifying new business opportunities that contributed to SFI’s annual revenue of more than $35 million.

LAURA KOGUT

Laura Kogut was recently promoted to vice president, mortgage market manager for the Mid-Missouri region of Providence Bank. In this position, Laura will act as a producing mortgage sales manager for Mid-Missouri markets, including Columbia, Jefferson City, and The Lake of the Ozarks. In this position, she will build and improve the overall performance of the bank and provide leadership for mortgage bankers and the market as a whole. Laura Kogut joined Providence Bank one year ago with more than 12 years of banking and lending experience. Laura has been a mortgage loan originator in Columbia since 2012. She started her career as

the director of marketing and sales at Les Bourgeois Vineyards, and then entered the banking industry, where she oversaw a student-run credit union located on the MU campus.

strategic, and fi nancial leadership roles, including leading GE’s investor relations from 2008 through 2013.

TONY MEYER TENNILLE LESTER

The Trust Company is excited to welcome Tennille Lester as its new associate trust officer. In her position, Tennille is a wealth advisor who assists clients with fi nancial planning, estate and retirement planning, and choosing from many possible investment management strategies to fi nd one that perfectly meshes with their goals, dreams, and peace of mind. Tennille obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in fi nance with a minor in economics from MU, and she has 13 years in the fi nance industry, including serving as a banker and regional retail manager.

TREVOR SCHAUENBERG

EquipmentShare, the nationwide construction technology solutions provider, is pleased to announce the hiring of Trevor Schauenberg, former president and CEO of industrial fi nance at GE Capital, who will immediately serve as the company’s executive operating partner. As executive operating partner, he will support the executive team with fi nancial strategy and leadership. Trevor brings 28 years of progressive leadership experience at General Electric in operational,

Lear Werts LLP is excited to announce that Tony Meyer has joined the fi rm as a litigation attorney. Before joining Lear Werts LLP, Tony served as a law clerk to the Honorable Paul C. Wilson of the Missouri Supreme Court. Tony represents people in consumer protection, mass torts, class actions, complex litigation, and employment law matters.

WAT T S

KOGUT

DR. PETER STIEPLEMAN

The Missouri Association of School Administrators announced the selection of Dr. Peter Stiepleman, superintendent of Columbia Public Schools, as the 2021 Missouri Superintendent of the Year. Peter was honored during the MSBA/MASA Annual Fall Conference held virtually in September. Peter is in his seventh year as superintendent of the Columbia Public Schools. He started as a volunteer in Columbia Public Schools before teaching third grade at Derby Ridge Elementary School and holding many administrative positions in education since. After 16 years as an educator in Columbia, Peter announced that he will be retiring in June 2021, and will be donating his awarded $50,000 to three areas across CPS.

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MEYER

STIEPLEMAN

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Second Monday in October A look behind Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation. BY KRCG 13’S KERMIT MILLER

he Presidential election is just a few days away, and — though it isn’t at the time of this writing — the United States Supreme Court is almost certainly full once again. Historians will assess the impact of one upon the other for decades to come. Some notes on the participation of Missouri’s senators in the confirmation process seem worthwhile, even though, at this writing, that process has not yet begun. The controversy surrounding the move to confirm a SCOTUS nominee in an election year, particularly so close to the election date, was almost predictable four years ago when the Senate, controlled by a Republican majority, refused even to hold a hearing for Obama nominee Merrick Garland, insisting the next president should fill the seat opened by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. And were that alone not enough to tempt the politics gods, there was the bravado of Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham when he challenged the committee and the public to “use my words against me,” asserting in March of 2016 there would be no election-year confirmation hearing in 2020, should a Republican President be faced with a Supreme Court vacancy then. When does that sort of thing go unpunished? So, in moving to fill the vacancy created by the election-year death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the GOP faced arguably avoidable criticism for being hypocrites. Why? Because

history was on their side and, ironically, that was pointed out four years ago by — wait for it — current Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett. At the time, President Donald Trump’s third nominee for the high court was a professor of law at Notre Dame University being interviewed by CBSN about her time as a law clerk for Scalia. The interview took place shortly after Scalia died in February 2016. When the questions came around as to whether Scalia’s seat should be filled during that election year, Barrett noted there were six such confirmations during the 20th century, five of which were in situations when, as now, the White House and the Senate were controlled by the same party. “And it shouldn’t be a surprise that the Senate is willing to push a president’s nominee through in an election year when they share the same political affiliation,” Barrett said in 2016. “Why wouldn’t we move forward to do what the voters elected us to do?” Missouri Senator Josh Hawley offered during an interview with me just three days before the Barrett nomination was announced. By the time of that interview, Hawley was part of the GOP chorus, arguing that the spectacle surrounding the 2018 confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the court had led to the increase in the Re-

publican Senate majority that year. As to the question of GOP hypocrisy, Hawley deflected to the change in political dynamics. “Voters sent a different party to the Senate to act as a check and balance,” Hawley explained. “Voters have elected a Republican Senate. They elected a Republican President. They did that after the Supreme Court fight in 2018. I think Republicans need to keep their promises here, and that’s what I intend to do.” There is little doubt the litmus tests for both the nomination and confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett were abortion and health care. Hawley made no secret of his refusal to support any nominee who did not agree with him that Roe v. Wade, the court ruling that allowed a right to an abortion without excessive government restriction, was wrongly decided. He tweeted that the Barrett nomination was “a big moment for religious conservatives,” adding that Barrett was a nominee who “religious conservatives can call one of their own.” And at a photo op with Barrett during her Judiciary Committee member courtesy calls on Capitol Hill, Hawley told reporters: “The judge’s record, as to her understanding of judicial role and how Roe fits into that, is pretty clear. It certainly meets my threshold.”

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“And it shouldn’t be a surprise that the Senate is willing to push a president’s nominee through in an election year when they share the same political affiliation.” – A M Y CO N EY B A R R E T T IN 201 6

Presidential nominee Joe Biden and many other Democrats put a brighter spotlight on the Affordable Care Act, suggesting a calculation that the public’s perception of a threat to Obamacare protections in the Barrett nomination was politically more helpful than the perception of a threat to abortion rights. NBC’s “Meet the Press” host Chuck Todd put the question directly to Senator Roy Blunt on September 27. “Is it your hope that, if Judge Barrett becomes Justice Barrett, that it leads to the ruling of the Affordable Care Act as unconstitutional?” Todd asked the Missouri Republican. “No, that’s not my hope,” Blunt replied carefully. “My hope is that, on any case she deals with, she looks at the facts of the case, applies it to the constitution and the law, and then makes a decision. And I don’t know how you can predict any of that in advance.” Blunt, who had supported Judge Barrett’s nomination to the U.S. Court of Appeals while noting her “commitment to interpreting and upholding the law and the Constitution as they are written,” went on to note that it would take months from the time the court hears arguments on the ACA until a decision is reached, suggesting that gap could put pressure on the Congress to do something in the meantime about health care — something it has failed to do during President Trump’s first term in office. “I think a lot of the Affordable Care Act is now baked into the system,” Blunt suggested, noting he was an early architect of the provision to allow parents to keep their adult children on their insurance until the age of 26. “[I] sure don’t see that being reversed,” the Senator added. “I don’t see pre-existing conditions being protected, being reversed. No matter what the Court decides, a lot of that discussion has already been had. The American people have accepted that as a basic part of the ongoing system, and we’ll have that happen.” That could get put to the test sooner rather than later. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments in early November in the Texas case challenging the ACA. Many analysts have suggested that, with the addition of Justice Barrett to the court, most, if not all, of Obamacare is on the way out.

Kermit Miller anchors the 6 and 10 p.m. news for KRCG 13. You can reach Kermit at kmiller@krcg.com

NOVEMBER 2020

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A Gem of History The Columbia Cemetery celebrates its 200th anniversary. BY JESSICA JAINCHILL

NOVEMBER 2020

he Columbia Cemetery, at the heart of Columbia, will turn 200 years old this year. However, due to the pandemic, the city is unable to celebrate. But, virus or not, the cemetery remains a fascinating feature of the community for its significance as a marker of Columbia’s history. As Columbian and cemetery historian Cindy Mustard says: “It’s a beautiful place. It’s quiet. It’s thought-provoking. I would call it a historical gem.”

Cemetery Roots The Columbia Cemetery was designated in 1820 by early Columbia founders. Genie Rogers, a cemetery historian and Columbian whose family members have been interred in Columbia Cemetery since the mid-1800s, says, “This was the only city burial ground, and it was started in 1820 because it was on high ground.”

The high ground was essential for its ability to stave off flooding during heavy Missouri rains. This positioning seems to have worked, since over thirteen thousand people are currently interred at Columbia Cemetery, and there have been no complaints about leaks. Among these graves lies the resting site of one of the earliest people to be buried in the cemetery, someone who had a huge impact on early Columbia’s survival during the Civil War. “It started with Mary Todd — she was the niece of Mary Todd Lincoln, which had a huge role in Columbia not getting buried down in the war,” Genie says. “We have every war represented here — even the war of 1812. We have both north and south soldiers from the Civil War. We have people from the Korean War and Vietnam.” The cemetery also has sections of the cemetery dedicated to different ethnic

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1820 The Columbia Cemetery is designated.

1880 The Columbia Hebrew Cemetery Association is formed.

1900 The bandstand, where concerts and poetry readings took place, burns down.

2007 The Columbia Cemetery is registered in the National Register of Historical Places.

2016 A monument is erected in remembrance of the 42 Black Union soldiers buried in the cemetery

2020 The Columbia Cemetery celebrates its 200th anniversary.

CELEBRATIONS

groups, such as Columbia’s Jewish population, and a section to honor a Black Civil War infantry that fought for the Union. It is features like these that make walking through the cemetery a walk through history, giving visitors the chance to posthumously meet people who have influenced academics, art, and culture. For instance, the cemetery is the resting place of Walter Williams, who founded the world’s fi rst school of journalism at MU and also introduced journalism as an educational endeavor globally. The cemetery also claims Henry Kirkland, a Black academic who taught agriculture at MU during the segregationist era despite the fact that he was not allowed into school buildings. From her research, Cindy discovered that he was so popular as a teacher that students were willing to meet him on the school steps for lectures. It's hard to walk a few steps in the cemetery without walking past more special Columbia history like this.

Cemetery Recreation The cemetery has also historically been used for relaxation in the Columbia community. “People would come out on Sunday afternoon, they would have horse races, and it was that way because back then, people didn’t have city parks,” Genie says. “There was a bandstand, and it’s where they would have concerts and poetry readings in the late 1800s. It burned in 1900. The foundation lines are still there, and we are using that as our scattering garden for ashes. It’s kind of a grove of cedars now.” However, the cemetery is not only important for its historical recreational uses, but also for the welcoming hand it extends to modern visitors. For Korean students from MU, the cemetery is a fascinating way for them to experience American culture in an unexpected way. Genie explains that Korean students like to watch the process of grave-digging since, in Korea, where land is scarce and thus used for more profitable ventures like farming, Koreans rarely get a chance to see the American tradition of burying passed loved ones. Tanja Patton, a cemetery superintendent and resident on the cemetery grounds, adds her own personal experience with the cemetery: “When my oldest son’s wife was pregnant, we walked out here to look for names. So that’s where they got their ideas to name their children.” MU students and resident Columbians also like to take walks in the cemetery, watch the local deer population, and occasionally visit during Halloween — if they’re feeling brave. Especially during the pandemic, cemetery caretakers have noticed that the cemetery has become a magnet for Columbia families looking to relax away from their houses amid social distancing.

But despite the cemetery’s beauty, historical significance, and recreational benefits, Tanja says that “there are still a lot of people who don’t know we’re here.” Though the Columbia Cemetery cannot celebrate its bicentennial anniversary due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cindy believes people should still visit and enjoy what the cemetery offers. “I just think this represents kind of a hidden gem in our society here in Columbia,” Cindy says. “It just offers so much about the culture and the community, and it’s old enough that it shows the culture from 1820 to now.”

THE COLUMBIA CEMETERY 30 E. BROADWAY 573-449-6320 COLUMBIACEMETERY.ORG

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Growing, Loving, and Giving Back Columbia’s local chapter of Young Life brings students together f rom three area high schools.

Young Life Mission Statement: Introducing adolescents to Jesus

BY NICOLE FLOOD | PHOTOS COURTESY OF YOUNG LIFE

Christ and helping

them grow in their

ith organizations in every state and more than 100 countries, Young Life, a non-denominational Christian ministry for high school and college students, works to help adolescents grow their faith. They’ve impacted lives all over the world, including the lives of students right here in Columbia. Each YL organization can choose what fits with the community it’s based in. There are middle school, high school, and college programs, in addition to programs for teenage mothers, specialty ministries for children with disabilities, and programming for military students. In Columbia, YL has high school and college programs. Local high schools — Battle High School, Hickman High School, and Rock Bridge High School — each have their own chapter, and the organization has a fullfledged college program with its own participants, who also can volunteer in the high school ministry. Weekly, the three different high schools have large group gatherings called “club,” and once a month, each high school gets together to have a combined club night. YL also offers small groups called “campaigners,” and there are various camps throughout the year as well. The camps typically consist of a week in the summer and a weekend in the fall. YL began its journey in Columbia in 1969, but in 1988, the organization’s Columbia chapter took a break due to financial difficulties. Over 10 years later, a group wanted to bring the local chapter back to life, and after fundraising, the YL in Columbia was revived in January 2000. “It’s all about the kids, training volunteers, and making sure adults in the community know it’s important. It stems from my personal faith. It’s my priority in life. My relationship with my Young Life volunteer made a huge impact in my life, and I want to keep doing that for other kids,” says Luke Neal, area director of Young Life in Columbia.

A PLACE OF FUN AND GIVING BACK “I think the biggest thing at the high school level we provide is access to faith,” says Luke. “Statis-

NOVEMBER 2020

tically, fewer and fewer people are stepping foot into church. Some people don’t have an interest in church, but they do in faith. From a non-religious standpoint, we provide an environment that’s fun, high-energy, safe for them physically and emotionally to be who they are.” YL’s model, Luke explains, is to help students become producers instead of consumers of church. “Part of it is offering the service side of that. How can you serve, how can you give back? For students, it provides a way to help them grow in ways they just might not in the classroom,” Luke adds.

faith.

Founded: Young Life was founded in 1941 in Gainesville, Texas. Columbia

LIFELONG RELATIONSHIPS

chapter founded in 1969

Braden Ambra, a student at Battle High School, got involved with YL towards the end of his eighthgrade year. During the last club of the year, called “senior club,” members invite incoming freshmen to get to know the organization. “After hearing all of the seniors — my older sister included — say how much YL has meant to them and all of the great memories it created, I was hooked, and I’ve come back ever since,” says Braden. For Braden, YL has not only made these great memories, but he’s also made lifelong friends, and it’s helped guide him to have a closer relationship with his faith. “[YL is] trying to change the culture of what you would think of as your typical high school environment. [It’s] reaching out to kids and teaching them the most important thing they will ever learn. From being at all of the sporting events to having kids over for bible studies, [YL] is giving kids a place to turn to and ask questions about their faith,” Braden says. Hickman High School student Addie Becking was quickly hooked to the organization after attending a bonfire her freshman year with some friends involved in the organization. At this bonfire, she realized how many of her friends were a part of YL, and how great the leaders were. She says, “The next week, there was no hesitation for me because everyone was so welcoming already.”

and revived in 2000

The Young Life Committee (AKA The Board): • Josh and Holly Billings (chair) • David and Ellen Clithero • Eric and Kim Schwartz • Conor and Chelsea Smith • Jim and Tina McNeil • Bill and Maria Reazer

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Through her involvement with YL, Addie says she has “really been given an opportunity to explore my faith. It’s really connected me to some awesome people I wouldn’t have met before. I’ve become friends with people from other high schools and even Nebraska, and with the leaders.” Last summer, Addie had the opportunity to work and volunteer at Frontier Ranch, a YL-operated camp in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, for a week with students from the local high schools and from Lincoln, Nebraska. Through all of the grit work, she became friends with many of the students involved. “It was so neat to see how our hard work was affecting the campers’ experience. I just have so many good memories from that trip,” she remembers.

SHARING THE LOVE OF GOD Izzy Dennis is entering her fourth year of being involved with YL. During her freshman year, Izzy’s senior mentor invited her to a YL event, explaining "that it was a big group of people from all the high schools hanging out and having fun.” Izzy thought her mentor was talking about a senior party, and despite a lot of nervousness and hesitation, something inside her was pushing her to go. “When I got there, it was like nothing I imagined. We walked in and I felt so welcomed by all the people there,” Izzy adds. “We played games, sang songs, and had a really good club talk that night. Little did I know that YL was going to be such a big part of my life.”

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

YL has helped Izzy learn that loving God is something that she wants to do. She’s learned more about God, and it’s made getting through high school a little bit easier. Sharing that faith with friends has been especially rewarding; as Izzy reflects on the camp she attended in Michigan, she says: “Feeling that love of God with my best friend is part of what made us so close, and we still are to this day.”

YOUNG LIFE PO BOX 10144 573-424-0457 YOUNGLIFECOLUMBIA@GMAIL.COM COLUMBIAMO.YOUNGLIFE.ORG

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NOVEMBER 2020

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BUSINESS UPDATE

REDI, Set, Go! For more than three decades, Regional Economic Development Inc. has been working quietly to grow economic opportunities that propel residents upward. BY MICHELLE TERHUNE | PHOTOS BY KEITH BORGMEYER

f you have only a passing familiarity with Regional Economic Development Inc., or REDI, in Columbia, you may think the organization is all about big business. But what’s at the heart of REDI’s mission is supporting the upward economic mobility of the people who live in Columbia and Boone County, helping

the whole region maintaining a great quality of life. A nonprofit organization, REDI is funded by a combination of public and private investments, including the City of Columbia, Boone County, MU and other educational institutions, regional and state economic develop-

ment agencies, and nearly 100 local businesses and municipalities. REDI’s mission is to help create opportunities that support their three strategic priorities: attracting new business and industry, retaining existing companies and helping them expand, and supporting entrepreneurship.

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REDI doesn’t provide funding for startups or business expansion. It doesn’t offer tax incentives or loans. REDI is synergistic, facilitating collaborative efforts to attract and expand business and bolster entrepreneurship. If this all sounds a little vague, or even complicated, it’s because REDI does nothing routine. Instead, it pivots as needed — that could mean responding to requests for information from companies looking for new locations, or coaching local businesses seeking ways to grow, or helping entrepreneurs, new and established, find resources to support their startups. Perhaps the best way to explain what REDI does is to talk about what it’s done lately. “Even after 30 years, there’s still an opportunity for us to tell our story, to talk about all of our accomplishments,” says Stacey Button, president of REDI.

PROVIDE A SAFE SPACE FOR ENTREPRENEURS By nature, entrepreneurs are self-confident, tenacious, and adaptable. But as noted in a 2019 survey by Kabbage, 28% to 35% of them admit to having little experience in financing, bookkeeping, compliance, and marketing when they’re starting a business. Enter REDI: offering coaching, counseling, and consulting to help entrepreneurs succeed. “We focus on the entrepreneur themselves — the person,” says Stacey. “We try to provide all the services that an entrepreneur would need to be successful in their endeavor. If we can help grow the individual, we build a strong community and ecosystem of entrepreneurs,” she says. In addition to programming, REDI offers the Innovation Hub, a space in downtown Columbia where entrepreneurs can share ideas, mentor one another, meet with clients, share office technology, and even use the Walnut Street location as their business mailing address. Entrepreneurs have access to REDI staff, including Jean Nicklas, communications manager, whose background is in marketing, and Bernie Andrews, executive vice president, whose manufacturing contacts are invaluable for product entrepreneurs. The building also houses the Small Business Administration office, the Missouri Women’s Business Center, the Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Center, and the City of Columbia Supplier Diversity Program, providing entrepreneurs easy access to those services.

NOVEMBER 2020

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This fall, REDI and The Loop community improvement district opened COMO Cooks in a space at Mizzou North space. COMO Cooks offers a commercial kitchen to local food entrepreneurs and farmers while bolstering business growth on The Loop.

HELP EXISTING LOCAL BUSINESSES GROW REDI is dedicated to helping established businesses grow, and those companies are usually competing with other branch locations throughout the country when they do. “It’s much easier for existing companies to expand and add jobs than it is to attract new ones,” Bernie says. “We want them to grow here. Most of our businesses — especially our manufacturing firms — have been here long term.” REDI helped existing companies, like Kraft Heinz and Dana Light Axle, obtain Chapter 100 tax abatements so they could expand plants and employ more people. Other companies, such as 3M, weren’t looking for tax incentives when they knocked on REDI’s door. They needed a workforce with the skills needed in automated manufacturing. So REDI pulled together 3M, other local plants, and Moberly Area Community College to develop the mechatronics associate degree program. The program trains students to be electrical and mechanical technicians who can keep automated plants up and running.

ATTRACT NEW BUSINESSES THAT FIT THE COMMUNIT Y Most of REDI’s leads for new business and industry come from the Missouri Partnership, a public-private economic development organization that attracts companies to Missouri. REDI also works directly with companies and brokers and via referrals from MU.

“Even after 30 years, there’s still an opportunity for us to tell our story, to talk about all of our accomplishments.” — Stacey Button, president of REDI While REDI targets companies in advanced manufacturing, bioscience, health sciences and services, IT and data, and financial professional services, it’s the company’s willingness to be a good corporate citizen that is the key factor. “We want to target companies that are going to pay above the Boone County average wage,” Bernie says. “We want companies that are going to come in and raise the bar and provide good, living-wage jobs to people.” Competition is fierce. A case in point is Aurora Organic Dairy, which opened a processing and distribution plant in Columbia in 2019. Aurora’s $150 million investment

BUSINESS UPDATE

over two phases is the largest ever for the Missouri Partnership. American Outdoor Brands is another recent success, opening a 630,000 square foot distribution center that provides both warehouse and administrative jobs. That was after the company looked at 85 other sites in 10 different states. “Projects like these bring a lot of good-paying jobs with them,” Bernie says. “Communities are very competitive because they want those types of projects located in their community.”

FACILITATE PANDEMIC PIVOTS REDI isn’t the only Boone County organization prepared to pivot when needed. “There have been a few companies that have been able to make some pivots and provide PPE [personal protective equipment],” Stacey says. “REDI helped connect these companies that have an interest in being a source for PPE during this pandemic with the Missouri Department of Economic Development.” REDI also facilitated collaboration between the Department of Economic Development, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, and area companies to make workplace changes designed to keep employees safe in a COVID-19 world. “REDI is about partnerships and making those connections and providing resources,” Stacey says. That’s what REDI does in its relentless pursuit of opportunities for upward economic mobility for local residents — pandemic or not.

REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INC. 500 E. WALNUT ST. STE. 102 573-442-8303 COLUMBIAREDI.COM

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PERSON YOU SHOULD KNOW

Chris Horn Reinsurance Manager, Shelter Insurance Board of Education Director, Columbia Public Schools PHOTO BY ANTHONY JINSON JOB DESCRIPTION

We partner with insurance companies around the world to meet their financial needs, particularly as it relates to protecting them from natural catastrophe losses. We provide insurance for insurance companies. I manage a team that is responsible for our business in the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin American markets. PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Apart from one year in federal law enforcement, my entire career has been with Shelter Insurance. Most of the service has been in claims and claims management working in our offices in Topeka, Columbia, Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summit, and Highlands Ranch, Colorado. The last three years of service have been in reinsurance, first as an account executive for our U.K. and Western Europe markets before assuming my current position. HOW YOU GOT INTO YOUR PROFESSION

One of the ways Shelter creates a diverse workforce is through our internship program, which has been around for more than 30 years, and this is where my professional journey began. I started as an intern in our training and human resources departments. Before and since that time, many great people have been placed in my life to guide me along the way. YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE COLUMBIA COMMUNITY

I enjoy collaborating with others and with organizations, particularly those with

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experiences and perspectives different from my own, to seek solutions for our community needs. As an example, I serve on the board for the Heart of Missouri CASA. Th is organization’s mission is to recruit and train volunteer court appointed special advocates (hence CASA) to be exceptional voices for every abused and neglected child in the Boone and Calloway County Family Courts. Our board is made up of folks from different walks of life and backgrounds. Viewing complex challenges through the lenses of our collective experiences helps Kelly Hill, our executive director, achieve our organization’s mission. The same is true of serving on the board of education. Diversity of thought, perspective, and experience is a great recipe for addressing community needs. THE NEXT CHALLENGE FACING THE CPS BOARD

Beyond the pandemic, the next challenge will be attendance areas, which is more than just planning out new buildings or renovations. Attendance areas play a big role in our most important challenge, which is eliminating the achievement gap. Columbia has competing priorities of creating neighborhood schools and balancing community socioeconomics. The board, in partnership with administration and community, will get this right. We can then build on this success for subsequent attendance area changes and continuously work towards making these competing priorities become complementary priorities. FAMILY

My loving wife, Amanda, is an elementary teacher. We are blessed with three wonderful kids: Jordan, Maxwell, and Phoenix. Shout out to my parents and my mother-in-law as well. Amanda and I are privileged to have been raised and supported by them. A COLUMBIA NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION YOU ADMIRE AND WHY

I fi rst learned of the Cradle to Career Alliance in the Inclusive Impact Institute’s fi rst annual State of Inclusivity Conference last year. The work of Dr. Crystal Kroner and her board is fantastic. They research complex social issues to understand what is happening in our community, and they develop strategies for tailored solutions. The comprehensive, data-driven approach is fascinating and thought-provoking.

NOVEMBER 2020

“We want our district to be a place where all district employees have equitable career progression opportunities and all students have equitable opportunities to succeed.”

changing landscape of our industry with the wonderful people on our team. We have relationships with people across the globe, which helps shape perspective. Traveling is a nice job requirement. Most of all, we get to be there for companies and the people they serve in their times of need. WHY YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR ORGANIZATION

Shelter cares about its employees, its agents, and its customers. This was obvious from day one and still holds today. It is a blessing to work for a company that values good corporate citizenship and doing the right thing. WHAT YOU DO FOR FUN

Basketball, golf (although I’m not good yet), and working out in general are fun. It is fun to compete, and I have developed great relationships because of participating in these activities. AN ACCOMPLISHMENT YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF

Being elected to the CPS Board of Education. It was a team effort (there are so many people to thank), a challenging process, and I learned and am continuing to learn so much. A QUOTE YOU LIVE BY

“We are made for such a time as this.” MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THAT YOU

I attended a portion of elementary school in Japan. My parents served in the Air Force, and we moved about every four years. YOUR GOALS AS A CPS SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER

For CPS to become the most inclusive district in the state and beyond. We want our district to be a place where all district employees have equitable career progression opportunities and all students have equitable opportunities to succeed. Accomplishing this goal eliminates gaps in achievement. It also leads to staff, teachers, and administrators that reflect the diversity of the students we teach. IF YOU WEREN’T DOING THIS FOR A LIVING, YOU WOULD

That’s a good question. I think I am exactly where I am supposed to be. WHY YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR JOB

Reinsurance is challenging and fun. I’m blessed to be able to navigate the ever-

YOUR FAVORITE CPS PROGRAM AND WHY

The Multicultural Achievement Committee Scholars program is designed to increase the number of historically underrepresented students in Columbia Public Schools’ most rigorous courses. Dr. Annelle Whitt does a fantastic job with this program and has been kind enough to allow me to participate in a few of their initiatives. This program provides opportunities for students to enhance their learning experience, get involved in our community, collaborate, talk about complex issues, network with local business, and more. GREATEST STRENGTH

My patience. GREATEST WEAKNESS

Not saying, “No,” but I am working hard on that.

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NOVEMBER 2020

Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is

In its eighth edition, CoMoGives introduces donors to 140 nonprof its to support during unprecedented times. BY AU R O L A WE D M A N A L FA R O

IF THERE WAS EVER A TIME TO GIVE, IT’S NOW. A collection of 140 nonprofits joined CoMoGives hoping Columbians answer their call for donations this December and help raise more than $1 million to sustain culture, health care, education, and equity initiatives in Mid-Missouri. CoMoGives is an annual fundraiser organized by the Community Foundation of Central Missouri, or CFCM, an organization that connects donors with causes they care about. Their mission is to make philanthropy easy and impactful by offering accounting and investment opportunities to donors. “We specialize in the creation of long-term charitable fund accounts and expose donors to charitable causes,” explains CFCM Executive Director John Baker. “Donors can strategically think about assets they own and a time when it would be good to donate those for maximum tax advantage.”

Inspired by a giving campaign in Kentucky, CFCM decided to organize a month-long fundraiser to benefit a cross-section of Columbia, Boone County, and central Missouri nonprofits. In December of 2013, CoMoGives premiered the campaign and raised a total of $62,400 for 30 nonprofits. “The Community Foundation of Central Missouri does not hold back any percentage of the donations. The only money held is the hard credit card fee, and we have worked with a local credit card processor to find the lowest fee available,” John says. During the following years, the fundraising goal and the number of participating nonprofits grew exponentially. “Philanthropy is important because there are so many needs that aren’t covered in any other way. It’s the nonprofit sector that does the work that nobody else wants to do,” John says.

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Giving Made Easy If you have shopped online, Zoomed, or searched for cute puppy-and-baby videos on YouTube, you can likely donate to CoMoGives. By visiting the CoMoGives website during December, donors can give to one or several organizations by making a single donation with a credit card. But giving doesn’t have to be an individual act done in front of a screen. CoMoGives is about community. Donors are encouraged to include friends and co-workers by running their own peer-to-peer fundraisers for the organization of their choice. The coronavirus pandemic has posed fundraising challenges for many nonprofits. “Money hasn’t come in, they haven’t been able to hold events, and things have not worked how they planned. So, we hope the public will donate extra generously this year,” John says. We talked with three CoMoGives organizations to learn about how the fundraiser is helping them push through the pandemic while keeping their mission front and center.

“Philanthropy is important because there are so many needs that aren’t covered in any other way. It’s the nonproﬁt sector that does the work that nobody else wants to do.” - JOHN BAKER 94

NOVEMBER 2020

A Ride Towards Equity Let’s say your car breaks down. Or, maybe you don’t have a car at all. Can you get where you need to go? Is there a bus stop near your residence, place of employment, grocery store, or doctor’s office? Can you bike or walk there, and would you feel safe doing so? Attracted by our parks and bike lanes, Lawrence Simonson moved to Columbia after college, only to find himself spending time away from the town while commuting to Jefferson City for work. “I was spending a lot of money. Owning and operating a vehicle in the U.S. has an average cost of $9,000 per year. And essentially, two hours of my day were dedicated to getting to and from work. I wasn’t really getting to live in the town I wanted to live in or have the lifestyle I wanted,” Lawrence says. Today, Lawrence is the chief strategy officer of PedNet Coalition (Pedestrian and Pedaling Network), a nonprofit with a mission of providing walking, biking, and transit solutions to meet people’s everyday transportation needs. “Transportation is about quality of life and equity. The way we’ve set our system puts a lot of people at a disadvantage,” Lawrence says. “Transportation gives us access to jobs, health care, and leisure time.”

PedNet has been a CoMoGives member since the beginning in 2013. While PedNet receives private grants, these have restricted uses. The funds raised through CoMoGives are essential to keep programs like Giving Rides running. A simple yet wholesome initiative, Giving Rides consists of taking a bike that has a wheelchair on the front to an extended living facility and offering a bike ride to anyone who wants it. Besides giving bike rides and providing educational opportunities, PedNet conducts significant consulting and advocacy work. The nonprofit works with politicians and local officials, advocating for policies that support safe street design and human-centered types of transportation for everyone. Lawrence explains that a majority of transportation dollars go into roads and prioritize cars. Th is hurts people who can’t afford a vehicle or who choose alternate modes of transportation — and that, in turn, hurts the community as a whole. Lawrence explains that redistributing some funds to improve other modes of transportation would benefit everyone, even people who choose to drive. “Roads will be safer and less congested,” he says. “The one thing cars don’t like are other cars.”

Research for Veterans The Truman VA Medical Research Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of veterans through research and health care, is joining CoMoGives for the fi rst time this year. Historically, veteran-focused medical research brought us discoveries like the pacemaker and the nicotine patch. Today, the Truman VA Medical Research Foundation, or TVAMRF, is making strides in numerous areas, including cancer screening, heart failure, diabetes, and kidney disease research. Mike Quinata, executive director of TVAMRF, heard of CoMoGives through Maye Create Design, one of the campaign sponsors. “The process to join was very straightforward,” Mike says. “CoMoGives exposed us to a variety of experiences and tools, like email templates and online training, to help us get our message out there.” As a newcomer, Mike hopes to expose a wider audience to the work and mission of TVAMRF. Traditionally, the foundation hosts two public fundraising events that ended up being impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. “We host an annual 5K around Veterans Day. Th is year, it will have to be virtual. We also host a Bike for Veterans event, which was supposed to be in May and was canceled,” he says. Without those events, the organization needs another way to raise funds and connect with the community. The work, after all, is important and highstakes. TVAMRF is conducting research on blast trauma to the eye and prostate cancer detection. “Truman VA has a robust imaging center which allows dedicated scientists to work on cancer screening. We have come up with new ways to detect prostate cancer early,” Mike says. As the nonprofit side of a medical center, the foundation is responsible for making sure the administrative back end of research gets taken care of so that scientists can focus on their work. “We are also working on a very exciting state-of-the-art health education program called PHASER. With new information obtained through a simple blood test, we are able to provide specific data to educate veterans and inform their discussions with their VA health care providers about the veteran’s health care options,” Mike says. Funds raised through CoMoGives would help in numerous ways, from funding new re-

search projects that affect veteran health to covering travel for veterans who participate in a clinical trial. When veterans take part in these trials, they can volunteer information that might benefit other veterans with similar health conditions on a national scale. “It’s a chance for veterans to give back again,” Mike says.

Jazz: What Columbia Needs

“In a time when you can’t do events, it’s pretty tough to be an event-based nonprofit,” says Josh Chittum, assistant director of “We Always Swing” Jazz Series. Earlier this year, the pandemic forced the jazz series to cancel concerts and refund tickets. More than 20 events programmed for April, Jazz Appreciation month, did not happen, preventing the nonprofit from raising approximately $5,000. “We can’t stress enough how important CoMoGives is to our survival,” Josh says. Frequently one of the organizations at the top of CoMoGives’s leaderboard, the jazz series raised more than $57,000 in 2019. The funds that come in through CoMoGives represent around 20 percent of the jazz series’ total budget. “We Always Swing” presents and celebrates jazz through performances, educational initiatives, and a recording and book collection library — free and open to the public. “I don’t know of another jazz library in the state,” Josh says. “It’s a treasure. Folks can become members and take titles home to listen, but we also have individuals who spend their lunch break in our office listening to tunes.” The Jazz Series brings notable musicians to Columbia, such as Branford Marsalis and Herbie Hancock, both multiple Grammy Award winners. In 2017, pianist Billy Childs

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Photo by Jeff Bassinson

found out he won a Grammy right before his second set during a performance at Murry’s. “When you can present concerts from Grammy winners, literally, the night they win a Grammy, that speaks to the caliber of artists that the jazz series brings in,” Josh says. At the end of September, the Jazz Series began testing the waters of socially distanced concerts. With tables spaced more than 6-feet-apart, a masked and limited audience, and masked musicians, jazz music brought joy to Murry’s — and the Columbia community — once again.

Here’s a list of steps you can take to support CoMoGives. BEFORE NOVEMBER 20 Sign up to run your own peer-to-peer fundraiser at comogives.com. FROM DECEMBER 1-31 Make your donation at comogives.com.

ANYTIME Go to comogives.com to see a list of the participating nonprofits. You can learn more about each organization’s purpose and its financial, volunteer, and in-kind needs. Spread the word to your family, friends, and co-workers.

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Boone Hospital Center Enters a New Era in Serving Mid-Missouri

NOVEMBER 2020

As it prepares for the 100th anniversary of its founding, Boone also moves toward independence. BY DAVID M ORR IS O N

oone County Hospital was founded in 1921 in the wake of the 1918 flu pandemic. Next year marks its 100th serving Mid-Missouri, and in the year leading up to Boone Hospital Center’s centennial, the hospital has played a crucial role in helping the residents of Columbia, Boone County, and the other 25 counties it serves weather another pandemic: COVID-19. Boone Hospital Center president Jim Sinek can’t help but see the parallels. “We’ve kind of come full circle,” Jim says. “The energy, courage, and leadership Boone had in 1921 remains here today. What the Boone team has done and their approach to it, the courage it took to just step up and get things done, was heroic. The team here steps up in the face of adversity and has the courage to take on significant events going on in Mid-Missouri. That’s what drives Boone Hospital.” You can say it’s been a rather momentous year for Boone Hospital Center. In addition to providing care and leadership through a pandemic and coming up on the 100th anniversary of its founding, Boone is also in the midst of becoming an independent entity again after spending the past three decades as a part of BJC HealthCare. The transition to independence is in full swing and come April 1, 2021, Boone will again be an independent hospital. While that constitutes quite a change, there are some core tenets that Boone leadership expects to remain the same through the transition. Namely, the positive patient outcomes, sterling staff reputation, and strong community partnerships that the hospital has spent the past 100 years cultivating. “This is a really exciting time. We’ve been around for 100 years, and we want and need to be around for another 100 years for the community,” said Monica Smith, Boone’s vice president of patient care services and ancillary operations and chief nursing officer. “Being independent, you can be much more nimble and respond to the needs of the health care environment much more quickly than you can as a system. I think that’s going to benefit not only our hospital, but our community.”

Community First

Each year, Boone Hospital Center makes a very tangible contribution back to Boone County. Beyond its status as an economic driver, community employer, and one of the

region’s leading health care providers, the hospital also provides about $2.5 million a year back to the county. About $2 million goes to the commissioners to use on high-priority items for the county, and the other $500,000 is sequestered for health care services for county residents. “That’s another way that Boone has been able to generate significant fi nancial support for health care and non-health care strategies and initiatives for Boone County,” Jim says. “There are very few hospitals, maybe none, that pay the county an annual stipend. Typically, the county provides a subsidy or stipend to the hospital. Here, it’s the other way around in a significant way.” Boone’s reach extends far outside the county lines, with clinics in around 20 communities to help patients from 26 Mid-Missouri counties that rely on its services. But with the hospital’s geographic home in central Columbia, it maintains a heavy focus on strengthening its community partnerships in Columbia and Boone County. One such example is Boone’s partnership with Stephens College. Boone helped Stephens start its Master of Physician Assistant Studies program in 2016 and entered into a joint venture with Stephens in early 2020 on a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The program, which enrolled its first students for fall 2020, features small classes taught by Stephens College nursing faculty and features opportunities to gain clinical experiences working with Boone nurses. Boone is also building a state-of-the-art lab simulation lab that provides the nursing students a safe environment for developing early clinical and decision-making skills. “Really integrating those students into the Boone culture when they start college is going to be key,” Monica says. “Nurses have been found to leave the profession within the first three years. It’s a challenging position and field. How we transition them from the academic to the professional world is really important. Connecting them with their peers, but also providing them with the additional education and support on what they need to learn and feel safe about within their first year of practice, has been beneficial. We’ve seen really great results from that.” Boone has already made a name for itself in nursing. In 2019, the hospital earned its fourth straight recognition as a “magnet” hospital for

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nurses from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The magnet designation recognizes health care providers that focus on superior clinical care outcomes by advancing three goals: promoting quality of care, identifying excellence in the delivery of nursing services to patients, and disseminating nursing care best practices. Only 69 health care facilities worldwide — less than 1% of health care facilities in the world — have earned the magnet designation four times. “The Columbia health care community all works really closely to make sure that we’re training our future health care leaders,” Monica says. “We take a lot of pride in welcoming and making our students feel at home here at Boone. It’s a great way to recruit our students, too, to come work here. We believe so strongly in Boone and what we can do.” As Boone makes the move to independence, its focus will be on continuing to deepen its partnerships with other hospitals and health care services in Mid-Missouri. “Our critical access hospitals are very critical to providing care to patients in rural areas, and we want to be good partners to them and offer them what they need when there are services we can’t provide,” says Dr. Robin Blount, Boone’s vice president and chief medical officer. “We want to continue to strengthen the primary care community. We need to make sure patients have access to doctors. We want to be part of providing that access.”

JIM SINEK President, Boone Hospital Center

MONICA SMITH Vice President of Patient Care Services and Ancillary Operations and Chief Nursing Officer, Boone Hospital Center

Serving Patients

Boone Hospital Center has received numerous accolades for the quality care it provides to its patients. Over the summer, U.S. News & World Report ranked Boone as the top hospital in Mid-Missouri and No. 4 in the state, earning “high performing” recognition in orthopedics and in seven procedures or conditions: aortic valve surgery, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), colon cancer surgery, heart bypass surgery, heart failure treatment, hip replacement surgery, and knee replacement surgery. Boone was named one of the top 250 hospitals in the country by Healthgrades — a list representing the top 5% of hospitals in the nation — and a five-star hospital by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, a designation earned by only 8% of hospitals in the

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DR. ROBIN BLOUNT Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Boone Hospital Center

BARRY CHAMBERS Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Boone Hospital Center

country. The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association awarded Boone with four of its most prestigious honors and, most recently, Boone was ranked in the top 10 nationally for customer loyalty by NRC Health. To the Boone staff, the awards are not the point. It’s the work that goes into receiving those awards. “We are happy to receive awards and recognitions, but we have received those for just doing our job,” Robin says. “We are keeping the patient first, putting quality and safety as our very high priorities, and we’re glad to see some of the recognition, but we also feel like it’s what we should be doing. It’s the right thing to do. We’re coming in, doing our job every day and making sure we’re taking care of the community.” The organization’s “tiered” decision-making philosophy helps every Boone employee enjoy ownership and feel invested in patient outcomes, Jim says. The people who work most closely with the patients — from their doctors and nurses to the staff members responsible for cleaning their rooms or looking after the information technology on their monitors — often have a better grasp of day-to-day needs. “They know better than anyone else how to make things better and what changes need to be made that will enhance the patient’s health care and experience,” Jim says. “Our management philosophy drives that joint conversation and decision-making so we can take advantage of that expertise and the skill sets our teammates have. That is not easy to do day in and day out, shift by shift, to get the best results. We invest a lot of time and energy into it, and we think it has a significant return. The payoff is the results of our care to our patients. Boone’s staff has shone during the COVID-19 pandemic. Within the first couple weeks of the coronavirus spreading in Boone County in early spring, Boone had set up a mobile testing site that ran seven days a week before paring back to six. Boone also set up reference lab locations that have made COVID-19 tests and other tests more available to Mid-Missouri residents so that they don’t have to come into the hospital for lab tests. The hospital shut down elective procedures for a while in the expectation of needing space and resources for COVID-19 patients, acquired a large amount of personal protective equipment, and shifted its processes to reflect the limited visitors and

“This is a really exciting time. We’ve been around for 100 years, and we want and need to be around for another 100 years for the community.” — MON IC A S M I T H

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enhanced safety precautions needed to keep everyone as safe as possible. One thing has remained constant through all the change and uncertainty. “It’s about the people. It’s about the Boone team,” says Monica, who has served as Boone’s incident commander for COVID-19. “I get goosebumps still thinking about it. We respond together as one unit. We all take care of patients. Everybody jumped in and did what was needed and kept the patient in the center of that.”

The ‘New Boone’

On April 1, 2021, Boone will be an independent hospital. “The goal is to keep providing the same level of patient care services we provide today,” says Barry Chambers, Boone’s vice president and chief financial officer. “It’s also important that, while we’re going independent, we’re able to remain financially solvent and continue to operate the hospital at a profitable level. One of the county commissioners has said that Boone Hospital is the largest asset in

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Boone County. We take that designation seriously and want to continue being the hospital that serves the residents of Boone County in a financially responsible way and still provide the same level of care we have in the past.” Boone has been in the midst of this transition for more than a year. The hospital has set up 22 teams, each responsible for a different area that used to be provided by BJC and now needs to be arranged for on a local level. Each of the teams has a lead from Boone, one from BJC, at least one embedded consultant, and multiple Boone staff members. “They started out doing an inventory of everything that needed to be established at Boone once BJC left,” says Jim, who has announced his retirement as Boone president at the end of the year, after seven years at the helm. “Then, they put together a list of resources we’d need — employees to deliver those services, contracts, information technology systems, or applications to support the infrastructure. We, now, are in the implementation stage. We’re bringing new staff on board that are now on board, and we’re gear-

ing up and doing work and preparing to take over those services BJC used to provide us.” One of the biggest items on the list is a new electronic medical records system that is set to go live early in 2021. Some other services will also be provided through BJC on a contract basis until Boone is ready to stand them all up on its own. What will emerge, after all these months and years of preparation, is the “new Boone.” In reality, the goal is for the new Boone to look a lot like the one that Mid-Missourians have depended upon for the past 100 years. “There is a level of excitement, anticipation, and pride among the people at Boone,” Robin says. “We absolutely want to do this right, we’re excited to continue to provide all the care, and we’ll be able to be very nimble and make changes that we need to make based on the new things we come across every day in health care. “We had a real challenge this year with the pandemic, but the general atmosphere is [excited] to be able to become the new Boone and continue to offer great care.”

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