United Way 2019

Thank You

2019 United Way Of St. Francois County

Content proudly provided by United Way of St. Francois County

What Happens When You Give?

Your donation stays in St. Francois County – 100 percent of every individual’s financial gift to United Way of St. Francois County goes to the local agencies funded by United Way. Every time you hear about the good work being done by these agencies in St. Francois County, you know you helped make that happen because you gave to United Way. You improve the quality of life for all of us in St. Francois County. When we reach out to one another, we’re building community. We’re helping to make St. Francois County a better place to live. The roots of the United Way reach back to 1988 when the Salvation Army approached the Farmington community looking for a group to run their annual holiday kettle campaign. These visionary community leaders agreed to run the campaign, as long as the majority of the funds would stay in St. Francois County. In the beginning, the money was divided between the Salvation Army, the Farmington Ministerial Alliance and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. In 1994, FUFI (Farmington United Fund, Inc.) was formed, with a board established to manage and grow the fund raising efforts in our community. FUFI’s board of directors made the decision that to improve the ability of the organization to raise funds and help those in need in our community, the best long term decision would be to become a member of the United Way organization.

See GIVE Page 3

Please join us in supporting the United Way of St. Francois County

Physician Finder line: 573-431-3338 or call toll-free 800-392-0936 ParklandHealthCenter.org

GIVE Continued from page 2

In 1996, the United Way of Farmington was founded. In 1999, the organization expanded to encompass all of our county, changing its name to the United Way of St. Francois County.

Our local United Way is a local independent non-profit 501c organization.

We are one of the over 1500 United Way organizations across the country.

Each United Way is an autonomous organization governed by its own board of directors. Our United Way pays a small yearly fee to United Way Worldwide for use of its logo and to receive some organizational guidance.

Every donation matters. Whether it’s a legacy or corporate gift of thousands of dollars, or the change that’s dropped in a holiday wishing well, the United Way of St. Francois County counts on the generosity of all people in St. Francois County to bring help and hope to our neighbors in need.

Leave a Legacy of Hope and Caring for Your Neighbors The United Way of St. Francois County understands charitable giving choices

are your personal decisions. If you wish to make a difference for generations to come, estate planning is one method to support the United Way’s work.

Good estate plans offer the ability to direct your gift and to ensure your legacy is delivered in the manner you wish. You don’t have to choose between leaving money to your family or a charity. You can leave gifts to both.

Some charitable giving may actually benefit your family. Legacy gifts can be designed as recognition or memorial tributes. Financial advisors and tax professionals can assist individuals and families personalize and control their charitable giving wishes and discuss the potential tax advantages. The United Way of St. Francois County is recognized by the IRS as a 501c organization. Individuals or families can choose to support the United Way’s general or administrative funds.

Consider making the United Way of St. Francois County a beneficiary of your IRA or name the United Ways as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy, stocks and personal property. For

756-5776 • 1-800-467-1227 auffenbergfarmington.com

more information about how to make a planned gift to United Way of St. Francois County, call 573-760-8929 or email at director@unitedwayofsfc.org.

Donate through Payroll Deduction Hundreds of people give to the United Way of St. Francois County through payroll deduction. It’s the number one way the United Way raises funds.

Thanks to the employees of these companies who designate a portion of their paychecks to go to the United Way of St. Francois County. Ask your employer about creating a payroll deduction plan available at your workplace.

AAA Insurance AIG Ameren UE AT&T Bismarck R-5 School District BJC Buckman Labs Centene Corporation Centerpoint Energy Central R-3 School District City of Farmington

Convergys Crouch, Farley & Heuring Enterprise Leasing Farmington R-7 School District First State Community Bank Federal Employees - through Gateway Combined Fed Campaign General Motors Corp.

Glik’s JC Penney’s Laclede Gas Manpower Mineral Area College Missouri Natural Gas Missouri State Employees No. St. Francois Cty. R-1 School Dist.

Office Max O’Reilly Auto Parts Pfizer Schnuck’s St. Francois County Health Center St. Francois County Employees Thurman, Shinn and Company UPS US Tool Group Walmart Wellpoint Wells Fargo West County R-4 School District

Who is eligible for funding?

To be eligible for funding from United Way of St. Francois County, applicants must: • Be a non-profit corporation • Have IRS and State of Missouri income tax exempt status • Offer human service programs • Provide community services based on documented need • Be non-discriminatory as to age, race, sex, religion and national origin • Have sound financial and program management • Provide timely financial and program information • Be listed on 2-1-1 @ 211helps. org • Submit an application to the United Way of St. Francois County by the application deadline Applications are typically accepted in late January to mid-February for grant funding to be awarded the following year. Check the website at www. unitedwayofsfc.org or call the office at 573-760-8929 for specific details.

Who we fund The United Way of St. Francois County annually funds roughly 22-30 agencies in St. Francois County that meet basic human needs. A total of $181,200 in grant funds was awarded to 34 agencies to assist St. Francois County residents during the 2018 grant cycle.

Bismarck Church of God Food Pantry Bismarck Senior Center BJC Behavioral Health Club House Bonne Terre Food Pantry Bonne Terre Senior Center Carter’s Clubhouse Children’s Advocacy Center East Missouri Action Agency Elvins Food Pantry Farmington Meals on Wheels for Special Diets Farmington Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry Farmington R-7 Caring Communities Farmington Senior Center Habitat for Humanity of St. Francois County House of Praise Food Pantry Desloge Immaculate Conception Food Pantry L.I.F.E. Center for Independent Living, Inc. L.I.F.E. Center Food Pantry Park Hills Senior Center Parkland Foster Adopt Families Parkland Pregnancy Resource Center Salvation Army, serving St. Francois County

SEMO Family Violence Council Southeast Missouri Mental Health Center Helping Hands St. Francois County Community Partnership & Season of Hope St. Francois County Health Center St. Francois County Mental Health Board St. Vincent de Paul of Farmington Visions of Hope West County R-4 Caring Communities EMAA - Summer Food Program Mentoring Project Rocky Creek Youth Ranch United Methodist Church - Cornerstone Cafe Mineral Area College Food Pantry Central R3 Community Partnership North County Community Partnership

Thanks to All who support our local United Way of St. Francois County.

788 Maple Valley Drive Farmington, MO 573-756-1000

United Way Dine Out Your donation stays in St. Francois County – 100 percent of every individual’s financial gift to United Way of St. Francois County goes to the local agencies funded by United Way. Every time you hear about the good work being done by these agencies in St. Francois County, you know you helped make that happen because you gave to United Way. You improve the quality of life for all of us in St. Francois County. When we reach out to one another, we’re building community. We’re helping to make St. Francois County a better place to live. The roots of the United Way reach back to 1988 when the Salvation Army approached the Farmington community looking for a group to run their annual holiday kettle campaign. These visionary community leaders agreed to run the campaign, as long as the majority of the funds would stay in St. Francois County.

In the beginning, the money was divided between the Salvation Army, the Farmington Ministerial Alliance and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. In 1994, FUFI (Farmington United Fund, Inc.) was formed, with a board established to manage and grow the fund raising efforts in our community. FUFI’s board of directors made the decision that to improve the ability of the organization to raise funds and help those in need in our community, the best long term decision would be to become a member of the United Way organization.

Visions of Hope Training Program 2019 The autism rate in Missouri is 1 in every 59 children. To put that into perspective, that is one child for every 2 school classrooms. Boys are 4 times more likely to be affected. The most staggering statistic is that adults with autism currently have an 80% + unemployment rate.

Imagine that your son or daughter is nearing the end of their high school career and the options for them post high school are bleak to nonexistent. What do you do? You certainly don’t want to leave them at home to watch TV or play computer all day. What other alternatives are there?

This was the stark reality that we faced

with our 2 godsons who are both on the autism spectrum. The oldest, Garrett is now 14. Garrett is functionally non-verbal and struggles with communication and building relationships. Garrett is passionate about music, loves videos and he excels with routine.

Garrett has been an intern at Visions of Hope since the beginning in 2016 and has shown marked progress in his ability to manage time, interact appropriately with customers and work through assigned tasks.

Our youngest godson, Morgan is 13 with the creative mind of an adult entrepreneur. Mor-

See VISION OF HOPE Page 7

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VISIONS OF HOPE Continued from page 6 gan has also been an intern since day one. Morgan’s challenges are more focused on social skills that for us are innate but for someone on the autism spectrum can at times be vague and confusing. This year Morgan is trying his hand at entrepreneurship, he has single-handedly envisioned, created, organized, and opened his own toy store inside of Dress 2 Impress to raise money for Visions of Hope and to earn volunteer hours as a Beta Club member. Since its inception in July, Morgan has raised over $2,000 for Visions of Hope. Morgan is learning the importance of being a team member, problem solving and organizational skills that will be crucial for him into adulthood.

Garrett and Morgan are the reason

behind Visions of Hope. We created a retail store where our interns have opportunity to learn invaluable soft skills and social skills that are transferable to any workplace. This gives each intern the chance to learn, grow and fulfill their full potential. Visions of Hope has already provided vocational and social skills training to 37 interns and is currently working with another 9 young adults on the spectrum.

One of our first interns, Jacob has made significant progress in many areas. One of our first conversations focused on the return to high school and asking if he was excited to go back to see his friends. Jacob’s bowed his head as he said, “I don’t have any friends.” I replied, “Oh I’m sure you have at least a couple of

friends you want to see.” “No, I don’t have one single friend.” We didn’t discuss school or friends for the remainder of the day. My heart was aching for Jacob, it was impossible for me to even imagine what life would be like without friends. Toward the end of the summer we started our second intern, Skyler. Jacob and Skyler were similar in age and hit it off immediately. They had so much in common and enjoyed getting to work together as well as visiting outside of Visions of Hope. Jacob is currently employed and attends high school and Career Tech.

Another success story would be Dylan. He came to us from a local private high school where he was struggling with transition, confidence

See VISION OF HOPE Page 15

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Hours: 7am-6pm Mon-Sat. Closed Sunday and Holidays Menus Available By Request

Proud to Support United Way

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Girls Night Out: Camaraderie & Charity Each fall, approximately 50-75 women enjoy an evening of camaraderie and friendship while supporting area agencies at the annual “Girls Night Out.� The fundraising event is held from 5-7 p.m. at Twin Oaks Vineyard & Winery, located 6470 Highway F outside Farmington. In exchange for a $20 donation and an unwrapped toy or gift card, guests receive a free wine-tasting, soda, water and finger foods. The toys and gift cards support the Season of Hope, a program partially funded by United Way to provide gifts for St. Francois County children during the Christmas season. Additional funds are raised via a silent auction. Funds raised through Girls Night Out support the 30-plus agencies funded by the United Way each year.

Open a Christmas Club Account Today!

For a stress free holiday next year!

Farmington Farmington Park Hills Bonne Terre

Desloge

573.756.6728 573.431.2801 573.431.3243 573.358.3333 573.431.2704

Fredericktown 573.783.3336

Live United & Ring United Kettle Locations: Walmart in Farmington Walmart in Desloge

Please join hundreds of community members as part of the “ring crowd” who staff the kettles during the bell ringing season. Lots and lots of volunteers are needed to fill the approximately 1,400 hours during November and December. Instructions on how to sign up can be found on page 9. If you’re a seasoned bell ringer, please invite others to sign-up for a couple hours.

First-time ringers are very welcome. If you’re a business or community group, chal-

lenge one of your community peers to ring. Parents and grandparents, teach your children and grandchildren about giving back to the community.

School groups strut your stuff in your school colors, playing your musical instruments, sing carols for all the community to see.

Post It! The United Way would be thrilled to have your bell ringing endeavors posted on Facebook to share with your

family and friends.

Donate & Volunteer . . .

Every donation & volunteer hour matters The United Way counts on the generosity of people in our area to not only give a donation, but to give their time to ring the bells. Please consider a donation of time or money.

Since 1988, thousands of St. Francois County residents have staffed the United Way bell ringing kettles to benefit

EVERYONE’S HELP...

Saves Lives

Strengthens Families

Feeds the hungry

Cares for the Elderly

Empowers the poor

Educates the Children

... MAKES A DIFFERENCE!

St. Francois County agencies that serve our neighbors in need.

Donate to the Kettles The bells start ringing each November! This year’s Bell Ringing Kettle Campaign begins on Black Friday and continues through Dec. 23.

Drop your donations of cash or check (made payable the UW of SFC) at kettle locations or mail a gift to United Way, 739 East Karsch Blvd.,

WEINGARTEN

Farmington, MO 63640.

Volunteer to Ring the Bells Businesses, civic groups, churches, families, and individuals can volunteer.

To sign up, contact Clay Whitener, executive director of the United Way of St. Francois County, by emailing director@unitedwayofsfc. org or calling 573-760-8929.

All money raised from the

See RING Page 15

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Get Involved & Make the Difference

Often challenges can be robust opportunities. Like the traditional African saying, “It takes a village to raise a child,” it takes all of us to make St. Francois County a place where its residents live and thrive. For those living without the basic human needs like food, safety, shelter, and education, it’s a daily challenge.

For others, those challenges are prime opportunities to make a difference. Consider giving a “hand up” rather than a “hand out” to benefit our county. Many ways exist for individuals, businesses and groups to “give back” in St. Francois County. Giving: How do you give?

• Write a check. Donations are welcome any time. Make checks payable: United Way of St. Francois County and mail to 739 E. Karsch Blvd., Farmington, MO 63640. • Donate by Credit Card or at our web site at: www.unitedwayofsfc.org • Add a donation to your utility bill in Bonne Terre, Desloge, Farmington or Park Hills. • Ask your employer about giving through payroll deduction. • Volunteer to ring bells for an hour or more during the holidays. • Dine Out for the United Way . . . Thursdays and special events in September, October and November. • Invite a guest speaker to talk about United Way at your club or work place. • Leave The United Way of St. Francois County hosted Couples Night Out Aug. 2 to raise money for the organization. The a legacy through your estate planning. event took place at Weingarten Vineyard in Ste. Genevieve raising more than $8,000 and guaranteeing a return in the future.

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UNICO BANK “Banking with People Like U” 755 Weber Rd., Farmington • 573-701-0651 1000 E. Main St., Park Hills • 573-431-2121 400 N State St., Desloge • 573-518-3500 1001 Cedar St. Bismarck • 573-734-2511 625 Veterans Dr., Potosi • 573-438-5421 114 S. Oak, Irondale • 573-749-3315

Lobby Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-5 pm Drive-up Hours: Mon-Thurs 8am-5pm Fri 8am-6pm Sat 8am-Noon

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How Your Donation Benefits the County Who in St. Francois County was helped by an agency funded by United Way of St. Francois County in 2019?

Food Pantries 42,522 - People fed (some only once, others every month) Senior Centers 192,790 - Senior citizens meals served and delivered Season of Hope 1,683 - Children received gifts at Christmas Parkland Pregnancy Resource Center 2,094 – Individuals received care, support and education regarding sexual health, pregnancy and relationships Salvation Army 285 - Individuals received assistance L.I.F.E. Center 1,388 – Individuals with disabilities received help

Children’s Advocacy Center 58 - Children involved in abuse cases were helped

Proud to serve the community!

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Get Involved:

VOLUNTEER

The intangible rewards of volunteering are amazing! If you have an hour a month or a couple hours each week, consider helping at one of the St. Francois County agencies. Most non-profit agencies need volunteers to be successful. Time

commitments are varied. It could be a one-time event such as unloading a food pantry food truck or helping organize a fundraiser. Other commitments could include helping with Meals on Wheels delivery, office work, building projects, mentoring or

serving meals. Almost anyone can volunteer---individuals, school groups, civic organizations, businesses, retirees. Contact the agency of interest to you to learn about available volunteer opportunities.

You will be glad you did.

Agencies Receiving Support from the United Way of St. Francois County in 2019

FOOD PANTRIES: The food pantries provide food and services to qualifying low-income individuals and families who reside in St. Francois County. Contact East Missouri Action Agency (EMAA) at 573-431-5191 or 573-431-0103 to learn how to be certified for a variety of services. A household can be served once per month. Food pantry volunteers provide a friendly face, encouragement and helpful information about services in the area.

*Bismarck Church of God Food Pantry 1101 Gifford Street, Bismarck, MO 63624 Phone: 573-734-6468 Open: 2nd & 4th Saturday each month, 9-11 a.m..

*Bonne Terre Food Pantry/St. Vincent DePaul 15 St. Joseph Street, Bonne Terre, MO 63628 Phone: 573-358-2112 Open: Monday & Friday, 9-11 a.m.

*Elvins Food Pantry 17 West Main Street, Park Hills, MO 63601 Phone: 573-518-1266 Open: Monday & Friday, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

*House of Praise 6500 Dunn Road, Desloge, MO 63601 Phone: 573-631-7064 Open: Thursday only 7-11 a.m.

*Farmington Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry 4327 Show Place Drive, Farmington, MO 63640 Phone: 573-756-1917 Open: Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 9 a.m.-Noon

*Farmington St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry 404 E. Liberty Street, Farmington, MO 63640 Phone: 573-756-0997 Open: Tuesday & Friday mornings, 9 a.m.-Noon

*Immaculate Conception Food Pantry 1020 West Main Street, Park Hills, MO 63601 Phone: 573-431-2427 Open: Friday mornings, 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

SENIOR CENTERS : Senior centers work to improve the quality of life of seniors by improving their emotional, nutritional and social well-being. Senior Centers serve clients 60 years of age or older by providing a noon meal at the center as well as meals delivered to home bound individuals. A variety of activities–such as exercise classes, educational classes, health screenings and social activities–are offered at each center.

Inquire about specific activities at your local senior center. Volunteers are needed each week to pack meals, serve food and drinks, work the reception desk, do data entry, and provide meal delivery. *Bismarck Senior Center 922 Center Street, Bismarck, MO 63624 Phone: 573-734-2429 Open: Monday – Friday, 6 a.m.-2 p.m. *Bonne Terre Senior Nutritional Center 114 North Allen Street, Bonne Terre, MO 63628 Phone: 573-358-3726 Open: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. *Farmington Senior Center 607 Wallace Road, Farmington, MO 63640 Phone: 573-756-1376 Open: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. *Park Hills Senior Center 224 West Main Street, Park Hills, MO 63601 Phone: 573-431-4974 Open: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

CARING COMMUNITIES: Caring Communities, located in the schools, serve students who experience obstacles which interfere with their chances to be successful in school—the need for glasses, dental and medical care, funding for supplies and educational needs, homelessness, etc. Contact the Caring Communities counselor for assistance during the school year. *Farmington R-7 Contact Marsha Petty, 573-701-1300 *West County R-4 Contact Becky Yount, 573-562-7558 *Farmington Meals on Wheels for Special Diets c/o Parkland Health Center, 203 W. Liberty Street, Farmington, MO 63640 Phone: 573-760-8188 Open: Deliveries Monday – Friday, Noon-1 p.m.

Serves Farmington residents recently discharged from the hospital or a care facility who require special diets for a short time or long term. Meals are delivered Monday through Friday within the Farmington city limits. Volunteers are needed. Because of the association with the hospital, volunteers must take a TB test and other vaccinations if they are not up to date or if immunity testing indicates it is needed for MMR or chicken pox. *BJC Behavioral Health 1085 Maple Street, Farmington, MO 63640 Phone: 573-756-5353 Open: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.- 7 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Provides a variety of community-based services and resources addressing the mental health and overall well-being of individuals and communities who are impacted by mental illness.

See AGENCIES Page 13

AGENCIES Continued from page 12

*Children’s Advocacy Center of East Central Missouri 601 Maple Street, Farmington, MO 63640 Phone: 573-756-4148 Open: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

The Children’s Advocacy Center of East Central Missouri works to improve the process of responding to allegations of child neglect and abuse. The center provides a family-friendly environment where children can be interviewed by trained staff to gather information to be used by law enforcement, judges, and other personnel to investigate the allegations. For more information about the Children’s Advocacy Center, visit cacecm.org or to report abuse call the hot line at 1-800-392-3738.

*East Missouri Action Agency (EMAA) P.O. Box 308 403 Parkway Drive, Park Hills, MO 63601 Phone: 573-431-5191/431-0103 Open: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

EMAA functions as a catalyst within the community to empower economically disadvantaged individuals and families reach the highest possible level of success. EMAA provides various case management and social services, head-start education, housing assistance, and women’s wellness services. United Way funding supports essential services, such as food cards, basic household items for daily use, and air conditioners and fans.

*L.I.F.E. Center for Independent Living P.O. Box 967 725 E. Karsch Blvd., Farmington, MO 63640 Phone: 573-756-4314; 800-596-7273; 573-561-1285 Open: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Assists eligible seniors and people with disabilities to live with confidence, independence and dignity. A variety of services are available, including critical independent living skills, career counseling, peer support, employment support, job coaching services, limited transportation services, and numerous resource people to serve individual needs.

The agency is an advocate for disability rights and accessibility on the local, state and national level.

For those who qualify, the Center can also assist with transitioning out of a skilled nursing facility and back into an independent setting, hiring personal attendants, accessing free or reduced-cost medication programs, acquiring ramps and home modifications, and the short-term loan of medical equipment.

*Habitat for Humanity of St. Francois County, Inc. P.O. Box 743 403 W. Columbia Street, Farmington, MO 63640 Phone: 573-760-1702 Open: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Aims to provide a house to St. Francois County families that qualify, offering low monthly payments.

Habitat also operates the ReStore at 712-C East Main Street in Park Hills, MO, where people can donate and purchase building supplies. ReStore hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. *Parkland Foster Adopt Families Support Group 408 North Allen Street, Bonne Terre, MO 63628 Phone: 573-358-3512 or 573-631-0520 Open: Meetings are the last Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. and usually last about 90 minutes.

This group of foster, adoptive and concerned parents meets monthly to discuss concerns, share experiences, plan activities and discuss the business of the group. The group offers support, hope, and helps families trying to keep their children from going into foster care. United Way funding provides backpacks for children newly placed in foster care, offering essentials for the first night such as a toothbrush, comb, pajamas, underwear, bottles or diapers. The child entering foster care also receives a gift card for $50 to help purchase supplies. To find out more about becoming a foster parent, call the Children’s Division at 573-431-6592 and ask for: Melissa Rouse, Stacy Holcomb or Christie Kemp. *Visions of Hope & Dress 2 Impress 117 E. Columbia Street, Farmington, MO Phone: 573-664-1711 Open: Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Web sites: www.vhd2i.org and http://www.visionsofhoperesale.com/home.html According to CDC statistics, there are approximately 1.5 million Americans living with autism who are under the age of twenty-two and their transition into adulthood has been termed an “Autism Tsunami.” Visions of Hope’s desire is to provide local individuals the opportunity to fulfill their dreams of having a place to belong, learn new skills, make new friends and be able to give back to their community through volunteering and/or employment.

Dress 2 Impress is an upscale resale venue offering workplace, dressy and boutique-style clothing for men and women. Dress 2 Impress is open to the public, and sales are channeled to Visions of Hope activities.

*Parkland Pregnancy Resource Center 815 East Main Street, Park Hills, MO 63601 Phone: 573-431-6001 Email: parklandprc@gmail.com Open: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and by appt.

Web site: www.parklandprc.com Provides services and programs including: free pregnancy tests and first-trimester ultrasounds, parenting classes, dad classes, HOPE (Healing Our Past Experiences) Support Group, resources for class participants, and CARE (Center for Adolescent Relationship Education) program for schools.

Volunteers are needed to teach classes, mentor clients, work in the office, provide childcare at the center during classes and help clean the center. *Salvation Army Phone: 573-701-1300 ext. 2021 The Salvation Army requires referrals from other agencies in order to help individuals and families in need. Although the Farmington Salvation Army Unit is an extension of the Salvation Army Unit from St. Louis, the local unit has its own board and receives money from the United Way and from private donations or fundraisers. With referrals from other agencies, the Salvation Army helps St. Francois County residents with electric bills, food, rent, shelter, healthcare needs, and gas for emergency travel. The Farmington unit assists St. Francois County residents.

A household can only receive assistance once a year. *SEMO Family Violence Center PO Box 465, Bonne Terre, MO 63628 Crisis Line: 800-663-9929; Office Phone: 573-358-3913 Open: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Shelter operates 24/7 Provides shelter and comprehensive support services to victims of domestic and/or sexual violence. Community and prevention education is also provided. St. Francois County Community Partnership & Season of Hope 1101 Weber Road, Suite 202, Farmington, MO 63640 Phone: 573760-0212 Open: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-noon, and 1-5 p.m.

Provides information and awareness related to children and families ranging from pre-natal through middle teens. The Season of Hope component is a countywide effort to provide approximately 1,400 less fortunate children with clothing and a toy during the holiday season.

These children are referred from the county’s five school districts, Head Start Centers and Parents as Teachers. *St. Francois County Health Center 1025 West Main Street, Park Hills, MO 63601 Phone: 573-431-1947 Open: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Protects and promotes the health and welfare of St. Francois County residents by assessing community health needs to develop and implement programs which address health needs, disease prevention and education.

United Way of St. Francois County The Mission: The basic mission of the United Way of St. Francois County, as stated in its by-laws, is to provide funding and support to non-profit agencies to help meet the most basic human needs of food, shelter, health, educational and social welfare services in St. Francois County.

How It Works: The United Way is a non-profit organization that serves as an umbrella organization to raise funds throughout the county. It then distributes the funds to St. Francois County agencies that serve the needs of St. Francois County residents. The most recognizable United Way fundraiser is the “Ring the Bell Kettle Campaign” during the holiday season. A variety of other methods raise funds, including payroll deduction plans, utility bill donations, patron mailings and special events as Sing United, Girls Night Out and Dine Out Thursdays.

Who is the United Way? The United Way is an incredible group of people who make a difference in St. Francois County! It’s you and it’s me . . . People who understand that donating resources—gifts of their

money and time—is a kind-hearted, altruistic effort to improve the quality of life for our neighbors in need and, ultimately, St. Francois County. We give what we can, when we can, to make a

difference in the lives of our neighbors.

We understand no gift is too small, and, volunteering is a significant way to give back to the community.

Join in! Consider being a part of the

The United Way of St. Francois County is . . . *Your church, civic or school group that “rings the bell” or organizes a United Way fundraiser *Grandparents who “ring the bell” with your grandchildren to cultivate the spirit of giving *Local businesses who make corporate gifts to support the United Way’s administrative fund *Groups of friends who enjoy dinner and camaraderie on Dine Out Thursdays *Participating in payroll deduction plans and utility bill donations *Making donations via stock, life insurance policies or a bequest *Remembering or honoring a friend or loved one with a memorial or tribute gift *Volunteering your time and talents at a local non-profit agency *Being one of 1,200 individuals who “ring the bell” during the 13001400 hours of bell ringing . . . and, so much more.

United Way of St. Francois County this year. The Board: The United Way is governed by a board of directors.

Current board members are: Executive Director Clay Whitener Mark Toti Harry Peterson Kathy Dziewa Sue Evans Jackie Berry Theresa Bauman Luann Honerkamp Shawnna Robinson Jessica Horton Laura McLean Tim Morgan Ginger Pizarro Alison Sheets Brice Sechrest Shelly Tate Laddie Cross, Heather Garner Want to keep up on what’s happening with the United Way of St. Francois County? Be sure to “like” our page at Facebook.com/unitedwayofsfc. Follow us for upcoming events, updates on the agencies served through the United Way and how you can be a part of making a difference in St. Francois County.

VISIONS OF HOPE

Continued from page 7

and lack of goals for his future. His parents were concerned about his options post-high school. Once we started working with Dylan it quickly became apparent that his potential for competitive employment was enormous. Dylan began moving out of his comfort zone when it came to communication with people outside of his immediate circle of family and friends. He blossomed when provided the opportunity to visit local businesses and begin to develop relationships with many here in town.

When Dylan returned for his senior year he was given the task of teaching the new interns their different duties and making sure that they were done correctly. He has since completed his internship at Visions of Hope, but he continues to volunteer while working part time at a local business.

Living in a rural community with limited resources can create hardships. We have many friends who must travel over an hour to get the needed services for their adolescent children with autism. The services available for teens and adults is over

an hour and a half away. Most families do not have the time or financial resources to go this distance for services. Visions of Hope is easily accessible and free of charge to our interns and their families. We also work with local school districts who are in desperate need of transition services for their students with autism. We currently have 2 local high schools who provide transportation for their students to attend during the school day to meet their transition needs. The United Way of St. Francois County has generously given to Visions of Hope over the last 3 years to provide scholarships for local interns to attend the program.

Several of our graduated interns found it difficult to gain or maintain competitive employment and so we created The Cleaning Crew where they would be paid minimum wage and continue to give back to their community. The Cleaning Crew provides low cost, basic commercial cleaning services for local businesses. The crew members have been very successful, and the business continues to grow.

DRESS 2 IMPRESS RESALE STORE Dress 2 Impress Resale is the initial training platform for the interns at Visions of Hope. Dress 2 Impress is open to the public, providing high quality, low cost men and women’s clothing. All our inventory is donated and then processed through our intern program. The United Way of St. Francois County also gives Visions of Hope a grant for our Interview Attire Program through a voucher program with local agencies. The grant provides 1 FREE, appropriate interview outfit to anyone in our community who has an interview but does not have suitable attire. If the person gets the job, they are eligible for 3-5 work appropriate outfits free of charge so they can have suitable attire until they earn a paycheck.

RING Continued from page 9 Bell Ringing Kettle Campaign goes toward the annual grants to St. Francois County non-profit agencies.

Bell Ringing is a significant portion of the $180,000 to $200,000 funding awarded each year in grants.

When & How to Sign Up Groups: August and September are sign-up times for community members, businesses, civic organizations or clubs who schedule large blocks of time to ring as group.

Individuals: Individuals who wish to ring the bell

can begin signing up in October and November. Sign-ups continue throughout the bell ringing season. Online sign-ups are easy. See “Click” below.

Sign-up is Simple Call: Clay Whitener at 573-315-6883.

Click: www.unitedwayofsfc.org. Then, click on Sign-Up Genius & follow the on-screen instructions. To sign up for a block of time, contact Clay at 573315-6883. For more information on all United Way activities, contact Clay Whitener at 573-315-6883 or visit the UW website at www.unitedwayofsfc.org

From Bismarck to Bonne Terre; from Farmington to Frankclay; and from Leadington to Leadwood...

The United Way of St. Francois County is at work helping those in need through the agencies it supports.

ST. FRANCOIS COUNTY OFFICEHOLDERS SALUTE OUR LOCAL UNITED WAY! Judge Jerel Poor II, 24th Judicial Circuit, Div. I Judge Wendy Wexler Horn, 24th Judicial Circuit, Div. II Judge Joseph Goff Jr., 24th Judicial Circuit, Div. III Judge Patrick King, 24th Judicial Circuit, Div. IV Melissa Gilliam, Prosecuting Attorney Vicki Weible, Circuit Clerk Gary Matheny, Public Administrator

Dine Out

Dan Bullock, Sheriff James Coplin, Coroner

ut O t h g i N Girls

Kevin Engler, County Clerk Auditor Louie Seiberlich, S amela Williams, Collector Pamela y Graf, Recorder Jay Kerrry Glore, Treasurer

g Bellringin Our Local United Way... Making a difference in the quality of life in St. Francois County.