I know I just sent you a Notes but I had to share this before it becomes old news! Our expansion of Capable Kids and Families (CKF) in St. Louis made the Post Dispatch! I have included the link here. We were so happy to see the coverage of the program - even if it is not quite accurate since CKF is not a toy program but the front page of the Health section - in color - is so amazing! 

Baby Bucks Party

	Baby hangs on while his mom shops at Baby Bucks!

We had our Baby Bucks Party this past Tuesday with 45 participants, mentors, volunteers, and staff. Program participants earn "baby bucks" by following through on  important parenting and life skills tasks such as; keeping appointments, taking parenting classes, meeting with their mentors, etc. These "bucks" can then be used throughout the year to purchase diapers, wipes, and other items. Twice a year we host a party where participants can purchase good used clothing, books, baby equipment, and toys.  We also include a meal which Theresa McCarthy-Brow and friends fixed for us this week.

The Young Parents program has been eliminated from the State budget but we are determined to keep this important program going. We will continue to ask legislators to try and restore funding, we are writing grants, and in the next few weeks we will be asking for your financial support. This is going to be a very hard year for young parents in our community and it will be important for all of us to work together to support those in our community who need our help.

It looks like today is going to be a great weather day but the weekend will be a good one to stay indoors. Don't forget there are some great happenings in town this weekend: Fine Linen Drama and Rolla High School are both performing this weekend and on Sunday you can hear the Rolla Choral Arts Society perform. I think I also heard something about March Madness? 

Sincerely yours,