Reenie Davis Hale, owner of Guaranteed Christmas, gifts us each year with a beautiful Christmas tree. She provides this service professionally but found the time yesterday to set up a beautiful Christmas tree and decorations for free here at our Hauck Drive office. However, Reenie really got us in the Christmas spirit when she shopped for 40+ coats for children currently living in foster care. Each year we receive an anonymous donation and Reenie shops. She seems to have this purchase down to a science because in the time it would have taken me to pick out a couple of coats Reenie was back in the office with all 40 coats. Thanks so much for your Christmas gifts Reenie!

Legislative Tour

	Senator Dan Brown visits with TCP staff our our Hauck Drive Office; Representatives Keith Frederick and Jason Smith get ready to travel; and Board Member Tom Thomas shares a story.

Each non-election year we try to take our State Legislators on a tour of our region. This year on Tuesday, November 18th we happily introduced them to some of our program participants. Legislators listened to young parents and their mentors; had the opportunity to visit childcare providers; discussed some of the concerns shared by foster youth; and heard about some of the obstacles encountered by families and their children who have special needs. 

Senator Dan Brown traveled with Bill Morgan (Board Member) and staff members Jean Darnell and Martha Edwards; Representative Keith Frederick traveled with Tom Thomas (board member) and Robyn Wolfe a member of our staff; Representative Jason Smith, traveled with Board Member Marilyn Frederick and staff member Kathy Edwards.

We concluded the day at Miller's Grill in Benton Square where legislators shared their observations and their appreciation for the opportunity to see how State funds are put to use in our region. We were also joined at lunch by some of our Community Builders, those terrific supporters of The Partnership who contribute at least $1,000 a year for five years!

This was a wonderful day which gives some of our participants the opportunity to share their joys and concerns with their elected officials and allows our State Legislators the chance to get a closer look at the lives of community residents. We are so grateful to all who participated!

Computer is a Stepping Stone!

	Mike Goff Presents Amy DeLuca with a Donated Computer!

Mike Goff, owner of Micom Computer Sales and Repair on North Bishop in Rolla recently donated a computer to a young woman who participates in our Chafee Independent Living Program (ILP). This young woman is aging out of the foster care system, will begin nursing school next semester, and really needed a computer. 

Amy DeLuca our ILP Coordinator picked up the computer and delivered it to the young woman. "She was so excited," said DeLuca. "Every day we see young people with needs and when we can connect them with other people who can help them with that need it is so encouraging."

Goff was more than happy to help out. "We are part of the community, and what helps the community helps all of us," he said.

"What Mike has done by offering this donation is going to directly impact the life of this girl in a positive way. Some people would say it's only a computer, but really it's a stepping stone to a better life for someone," DeLuca explained.

If you would like to share a gift this Holiday Season we have several suggestions for you. You can visit our gift tree at the Resale Shop or the Public House where we have ornaments (or will have soon) that you can choose. Each ornament lets you know about a gift or cash for a gift for a child in our Young Parent or Capable Kids and Families program. If you are internet shopping please don't forget to use Good Search. Simply designate The Community Partnership-Rolla or your favorite charity and Good Search will donate a percentage of your purchases to us! We just received a check today and it really is easy - simply click here: Good Search!