Lives Changed
Our mission is to build relationships to empower people, strengthen resilience, and improve quality of life for all members of the community. With the proper support and resources, our members are able to truly change the trajectory of their lives.
Killion Hardesty
In 2024, we launched our Capital Access Program. Designed to support small businesses, particularly those owned by women, minorities, and rural populations, this program provides access to capital that traditional lending institutions might not offer in order for them to start or grow their business. In addition to loans, recipients
Quanniece
In late January, our dedicated member, Quanniece, a single parent of 4 kids, encountered an unexpected hiccup in her housing situation, creating a temporary challenge. However, she swiftly overcame this obstacle with resilience and determination and secured a new place to stay. Since then, this individual has regained stability in
WERDCC Nursery
For expecting moms in correctional facilities, pregnancy can be an acutely scary time. We are proud to have opened a nursery at the Women’s Easter Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Vandalia, Missouri, so that incarcerated mothers and their babies can keep their transformational, necessary bond. CMCA provided the staff
Mandy
Mandy was distraught and behind on her bills after being laid off from her job. She was without a vehicle and had taken out two payday loans to keep herself afloat. Our SkillUp program was able to assist Mandy in her job search, providing help with updating and revising her
Madi
Madi was a high school student when she learned she was pregnant with her first child. She connected with a CMCA home-based Head Start prenatal parent educator, who brought Madi helpful baby items and coached her on parenting skills, personal goals, and strengthening her finances. With support, Madi graduated on
Kimberly
Kimberly Price is a grandmother who is raising her grandson. Her grandson is her world, and this shows in the pride she takes in telling me all about his accomplishments. Kimberly has been a part of CMCA in various ways throughout the years. I met her a few years ago
Indiana and Luis
Indiana and her son, Luis, enrolled in the Financial Opportunity Center program this year, wanting to find ways to cut expenses and save money. Indiana worked part-time while finishing her degree at the university. Her husband worked full-time at Olive Garden, while Luis was a high school senior who worked
Khyeese
After navigating through a divorce, Khyeese found herself as a single mother of three and forced to manage a household on a limited income, often depending on assistance programs like SNAP to make ends meet. Fumbling through on her own, she felt overwhelmed and ill-prepared for her reality, but all
Fred Leuper
Mr. Fred Leuper was an easy choice for this year’s Volunteer of the Year Award. Mr. Fred volunteers at David Barton Elementary in Boonville, helping students in third through fifth grade strengthen their reading skills. Since 2012, he has volunteered more than 15,000 hours and is a well-loved figure at
Elizabeth
Elizabeth has always wanted to work in healthcare and came to the SkillUP program at CMCA to figure out how to get started. Balancing family responsibilities and life, she pursued medical billing and coding online. She enrolled in a program at a local college and dedicated herself to her studies.
Daniel
Daniel’s journey is truly inspiring—a powerful reminder of resilience and the impact of second chances. After nearly three decades without employment and as a member of the homeless community, Daniel took a bold step forward by enrolling in the SkillUP Program. When he enrolled, he hadn’t worked since 1998. Yet
Chris
Chris, a Navy veteran, was a frequent guest at the Jefferson City Room at the Inn (JCRATI) this past winter. While in the shelter, he disclosed to a volunteer that he was struggling with suicidal ideation. Due to his life circumstances and inconsistent housing, he struggled to sustain employment and
Cassidy
I first met Cassidy through another member who referred her to our Getting Ahead class. She attended Getting Ahead and completed and graduated from this class all while pregnant and delivering her first child. She also helped me co-facilitate another Getting Ahead class. While doing this, she was able to gain