by Jim Wallis, 16 years supporting youth and families through Not for Profit agencies After more than 30 years helping at-risk youth and their families, I’ve seen how Medicaid can help Missourians access the mental health and addiction services and care they need. Fortunately, on August 4th, we all have the opportunity to save…
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by Cortaiga Collins, Executive Director, Foundation for Strengthening Families and Owner, Good Shepherd Preschool and Infant Toddler Center in St. Louis My name is Cortaiga Collins and I am a Missouri childcare provider. When I first entered the profession, I simply wanted to provide a safe place for mothers to leave their children. I…
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At Kids Win Missouri, our vision is a Missouri where all children have the opportunity to be happy, healthy, and successful. With this in mind, we are proud to give our endorsement to the Yes on 2 campaign and urge Missouri voters to approve Medicaid Expansion on the ballot on August 4. Since Missouri will…
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by Sarah Ritter, Manager of Public Policy, Operation Food Search When schools in Missouri closed due to COVID-19, homes across the state quickly transformed into classrooms, kitchens turned into cafeterias, and backyards became playgrounds. Unfortunately, it also meant many children lost crucial access to school meals, and families were left to cover the costs…
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Our team has been heartbroken and distressed with the people of Missouri and across America watching the events of the last few weeks unfold. Witnessing the murder of George Floyd ignited a pain in all of us, but especially our communities of color, as it was another atrocity in a long history of violence,…
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by Kids Win staff The 2020 legislative session was certainly unique, but with the help of our allies, we secured some legislative victories for kids and families amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Our work to build and expand relationships in the Capitol with partners and allies continued, building champions in the legislature for the child…
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by Missouri Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics With the presence of COVID-19 cases in the state, pediatric and family medical offices have implemented protocols to ensure children and families stay safe, while receiving routine well care.We encourage all patients to call their local clinic to discuss if an in-person visit is needed,…
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by Jessica Seitz, Director of Public Policy, Missouri KidsFirst In times of instability and stress, the risk of child abuse and neglect increases. Yet as the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the state, reports to the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS)’s Child Abuse and Neglect hotline declined dramatically. In the first two weeks of…
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by Brad Lademann, Associate Director of Quality Initiatives, Missouri AfterSchool Network THANK YOU, AFTERSCHOOL PROFESSIONALS Afterschool professionals, you are loved and appreciated. Not everyone can do what you do. You know that, don’t you? Your job requires multiple layers of talents, skills, and abilities, many of which are not recognized until someone else steps…
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by Abby Buckhouse, Manager, Policy and Advocacy, Generate Health The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted our world in ways we never expected, faster than we ever thought possible. Communities most impacted by high infant and maternal mortality and morbidity rates are the same communities most impacted by the consequences of this crisis. These are the…
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