This has been a very difficult week for many of us here at The Partnership. We have had some very tragic situations with some of our clients and were so saddened to see the devastation that happened in Joplin. Even in the midst of the sorrow and heartbreak we have been heartened by the care and support of so many. I thought you might like to see a couple examples of everyone helping out and what a difference this makes.

One of our wonderful Capable Kids Families decided they would like to help The Partnership because of all of the support they have received. They partnered with a local fraternity (Kappa Alpha) to make cupcakes which they sold at Krogers and Arnold Realty - and raised raised over $1,500 with this generous effort.

The pictures at right are of Kim and her daughter Abbi and Kim's Abbicakes display last Saturday! We are so very grateful to the Hoak family - and they had such a good time they plan to make this an annual event!

Caryn just told me another wonderful story of another CKF family who donated baby food to the Young Parents program. They just wanted to make sure they could help give back to the community too! Isn't amazing what we can do when we work together?

Fit Helps has been very busy. They have been trying to dodge the rain at the "Senior Wellness Walks" and participating at a tasting fair in Dent County. Fit Helps is also, like so many of us, trying to get gardens planted amongst the plentiful rain!

Last week Fit Helps also participated in a healthy cooking program for local childcare providers in partnership with the University Extension. Funding from the Missouri Foundation for Health also allowed us to purchase a piece of kitchen equipment for childcare providers in Phelps and Dent County. 

Bruce also worked with the Young Parents to plant container gardens of fresh herbs - which will nicely complement the lovely recipes Nancy and Marilyn have been sharing with the Young Parents and their mentors!

Well, no matter what life brings, it only makes sense to me when I I can share my sorrows and joys with family and friends. I am working diligently to spend a few minutes each day enjoying the amazing green of spring and remembering the many people I am so very grateful for. I hope this week finds you well and able to spend a little time doing something you love! Thanks for being a part of making our community such a great place to live!