Well, I have been struggling for weeks to figure out a little glitch in this Note and finally asked for help. Bruce showed me a simple solution so now I can let you know a little of what has been going on here. Since I have been gone so long you might have another Note before the end of the month - just let me know if I'm bugging you!

Fostering Education Futures

We were recently awarded funding from the Missouri Department of Higher Education to create a program to help youth, who are aging-out-of foster care and teen parents, enroll and successfully complete post-secondary education. We believe this educational focus will help participating youth be better prepared for a more economically secure adulthood. We hired Mary Fraley to coordinate this program and she is doing an amazing job already. Please be ready for us to ask for your help, we will soon need education mentors, tutors, etc. for this exciting program!

Growing Up Wild!

	GrowingUpWild early learners explore the world of ants!

We recently hosted a Growing Up WILD workshop for more than twenty early childhood teachers. This program, sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation, is an early childhood education program that builds on children’s sense of wonder about nature and invites them to explore wildlife and the world around them.  Teachers were making webs and having a great time. We plan to offer this workshop again because we had a waiting list and couldn’t get everyone in – if you’d like to learn more please visit the website http://www.projectwild.org/growingupwild.htm or contact Sharon to register for the next class.

Our new Volunteer Coordinator, Susie Baldwin has had some amazing volunteers out at the Resale Shop. Speaking of the Resale Shop, if you are doing your spring cleaning don't forget to bring all your goodies to the Shop - and if they are too big for you to bring in - give us a call and we may be able to pick up your order! 573.426.5923

On a sad note, Lori Moss will be leaving us! She has taken a position with the PCRMC Foundation. We will miss her and are looking for a new Development and Community Relations Director - so if you know of anyone who might be interested in this position please check out our website for the announcement and an application!

Thanks for all you do for us and our wonderful community! I also hope you get the chance to enjoy what looks to be some wonderful spring weather!