When we opened our doors in Maryville, Mo., our focus was finding foster care homes for children in the area. After recruiting, training and licensing foster parents, we prepared them for accepting youth into their homes. During this time, our relationship with Northwest Missouri State University (NWMSU) blossomed.
“It all started when a foster parent who worked in the university’s music department coordinated a collection drive for us,”explains Valyn McClellan, resource development manager. “The university’s choir collected toys and donations for children in foster care while caroling during the holidays.”
Since then, NWMSU has been a steady partner. Students from the Department of Humanities and Social Services have volunteered as interns at our local office. Students from the Department of Education collected toys for youth in our care in honor of NWMSU staff member Joyce Luke, who lost her battle against cancer in 2018. And these are just a few examples of the university’s support.
“Over the past several years, Northwest Missouri State University has not only welcomed us into the community but wholeheartedly supported our mission,” shares Valyn. “It’s inspiring to see these young adults with limited time and resources take on projects with such drive and passion to help out others in their community.”
Since beginning services in the area in 2017, we’ve added to our focus by providing outpatient counseling to help individuals and families address the effects of trauma, improve stress management skills and reduce the need for psychiatric hospitalization.
If you would like to partner with us in northwest Missouri, please contact Valyn McClellan at valyn.mcclellan@cornerstonesofcare.org.