Family Well-Being
Communities need sufficient infrastructure to equitably provide health and mental health services and supports.
Families need access to health care and health-related education.
Meet a Member
Madi was in high school when she learned she was pregnant. She connected with a CMCA home-based Head Start prenatal parent educator, who made sure she had important baby items and coached her in parenting skills and finances.
With support, Madi graduated on time and began working as a cosmetologist. When she had her second and third child, she continued working with Amber on parenting and other skills. Amber encouraged her through her breastfeeding journeys and assisted her as she continued to strengthen her finances, allowing her to buy her own house and car.
With secure childcare through Head Start, Madi is continuing to work full time and attend barber school to meet a need in her community.
Our Impact on Families
Our Impact on Communities
Medical Student Education
CMCA and the University of Missouri have partnered to provide poverty education to nursing students and medical students. MU nursing students participate in Poverty Simulations to help them better understand the complex barriers to good health faced by those living in poverty. Through Eat Healthy, Stay Active! internships, medical students gain experience providing health and nutrition education to families living in poverty through interactive parent trainings.
Health Fairs & Expos
Several CMCA programs participate in local health fairs & expos, providing information about our services and helping connect people to other community resources. We intend to expand our involvement by partnering with health organizations to explore the feasibility of providing free or reduced-cost health screenings at existing health fairs and expos, as well as by hosting health-focused events in communities where no such opportunities exist.
Show Me Strong Communities
Through Show Me Strong Communities, CMCA partners with other community organizations to pursue community-led health initiatives in Audrain, Cooper, and Osage Counties. In Cooper County, CMCA was instrumental in working with the local farmers market to allow the market to accept SNAP benefits or food stamps.