Some of you may have seen this Notes before because just before I was leaving for vacation - and ready to send this - I lost many emails - so if you have seen seen this Note I apologize! For those of you who are reading this for the first time - I hope your summer is off to a good start!

I do have some great news that I didn't include in the first Notes - we got word of the Governor's budget cuts - we are still alive - with only a 15% cut in our Mentoring Program. This is going to be a very hard year so we are so grateful for this bit of good news. Thanks to all of you who contacted your legislators and the Governor's office - you made a real difference!

The month is almost over but we still have a lot going on including our Mentor Mixer which is tomorrow June 22. This year we will be having it at Benton Square with special musical guest Augie Rolufs. Let us know if you would like to attend or send Marilyn an email. But wait there's more.....

Pizza at the Park!

Capable Kids and Families celebrated their annual Pizza in the Park a few weeks ago. We had to cancel our first party because of rain and wondered if we should have canceled this one due to heat! Even with a very hot day several families joined us for games, crafts, water fun, and of course pizza. As you can see by the pictures - the kids didn't seem to mind the weather and had a great time.

Pizza at the Park also gave families an opportunity to spend some time with one another - networking and sharing are important elements of CKF. Two moms were looking for friends for their sons (and for themselves). They had a great time at the event and have scheduled a future get together time. Two mom's reconnected at the park-they had been in school together and had lost touch and now were happy to introduce their families!

We also had some amazing volunteers including the Baldwin's - Susie even brought her sister-in-law. They worked hard - they held babies, blew bubbles, rolled kids in the play-ball, and sweated cheerfully with everyone else! If you would like more information about CKF please call our office or contact Jean by email!

Linking Hearts is Coming Soon!

Well, it's not to soon to let you know that Linking Hearts is coming on September 17th. We had our first meeting with Children's Division staff and they anticipate that almost 70 children, from around the State, who are eligible for permanent placement adoption, will join us this year.

This day is a wonderful event for the children and youth and it takes our whole community to make it so very special. The MS&T Greeks go all out (as you can see by some of the students in the picture) to make sure this day is memorable and fun! Just imagine food, games, a backpack filled with gifts selected just for you, and an MS&T student to act as your personal servant for the day!

We do need help that the day and even more help planning and getting ready. If you would like to lend a hand please give us a call (573.368.8906)or send Robyn an email. 

We received the sad news that our Community Work Support Program will no longer be funded in October. This program helps families who are financially challenged by removing some of the barriers that keep them from being employed. The good news is that we have had some wonderful success including the low-interest car loan program that will keep going even after our funding ceases. I will be sharing some of the great outcomes of this program in the coming months. Thanks again for all you do to help make this such a great community!

Warm Regards,