Children's Center of Southwest Missouri

Children’s Center of Southwest Missouri announces Betsy Mense as Executive Director. The Board of Directors for Children’s Center of Southwest Missouri are happy to announce the hiring of Betsy Mense as Executive Director. Betsy will begin her duties as director on November 12th, 2024 and will replace current Executive Director, Matt Stewart. Betsy most recently served as the Organizational Development Manager at Downstream Casino Resort, and prior to that, was the National Accounts Business Development Manager for The Onin Group. Betsy has volunteered her time as a board member for Jasper County CASA where she was the Board President, Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce as previous Board President, Faith at Work Board of Directors, and volunteered as a Child Advocate for the NewMac CASA. Betsy is a resident of Joplin, MO. She has a bachelor's degree from Missouri Southern State University and a master’s degree in human resource development, leadership and organization development from Pittsburg State University. Current Children’s Center Board President, Joe Schoeberl, stated, “Betsy has strong ties to the communities that we serve and brings several years of leadership experience to our team. She has the ability to lead diverse teams, allocate resources effectively, and move intentionally toward long-term goals. We are excited to have Betsy as a part of our team.” Betsy stated, “I am honored and grateful to be chosen as the Executive Director of the Children’s Center of Southwest Missouri. Their mission is a deeply rooted passion of mine, and I am committed to upholding what Matt Stewart and the incredible staff, board of directors, and multidisciplinary teams have accomplished while also working to further strengthen relationships in the community. I look forward to connecting with those who share the same passion in our twelve-county area to keep children safe from abuse and lead them to hope and healing.”

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 💜 At the Children's Center, we see firsthand how domestic violence impacts children—often the silent victims of violence at home. When kids witness or experience violence, it can leave deep scars. We're here to provide support, healing, and a safe space for those affected. Together, let's raise awareness and work towards a future where all children feel safe. 💜🧡💙

🧸 Your donations can make a world of difference for a child going through the Children's Center. These gifts bring comfort, smiles, and a sense of normalcy during a difficult time. Help us brighten a child’s day by donating today! 💙🧡 417-623-2292

Each morning brings a new chance for healing, growth, and hope. It reminds us that no matter what challenges we face, there is hope on the horizon. At Children's Center, we are here to help families and children face a brighter tomorrow. Together, we can build a future where every child feels safe, supported, and empowered. #NewDayNewHope #ChildAdvocacy #HealingJourney

🎉Welcome to the Team! 🎉 Although this is a bit overdue, we are excited to (officially) welcome Nancy Sutton to the Children's Center team as our new Forensic Interviewer/Advocate and Site Coordinator for our Nevada location! After a long search, we found the perfect fit; Nancy has been an invaluable part of our Team on a PRN basis for many years, and we're excited to have her join us full-time! 🧡💙 #ChildAdvocacy #WelcomeToTheTeam #CAC

It's International Self-Care Day! 🧠🌎🧡💙 Self-care is essential for PTSD management in children. It rebuilds a sense of safety, self-worth, and autonomy, often compromised by prolonged exposure to traumatic events. Grounding strategies, like the 5-4-3-2-1 exercise, help children who are overwhelmed by memories, strong emotions, or dissociating to become aware of the here and now. By shifting attention from unsettling thoughts to the here and now, these exercises provide quick relief from anxiety, creating a nurturing and supportive environment for themselves, facilitating healing. #InternationalSelfCareDay #ChildPTSDSurvivors #HealingJourney #YouAreStrong

🎉 Congratulations to our incredible forensic interviewers for being nominated for Forensic Interviewer of the Year through Guardify! 🏆 Your unwavering dedication and commitment continue to make a profound impact in the lives of the children we serve. Thank you for your outstanding work! 🧡💙

Happy Leap Day! Help us LEAP into April by planting a Pinwheel Garden! The pinwheel is meant to represent healthy, happy childhoods and is the official symbol of child abuse prevention. 🌈🌻 Now through April, the Children's Center offers pinwheel packages that includes a bouquet of (10) pinwheels + (1) yard sign. Pinwheel bouquets are now at the center, but we also deliver! 🚗💨 To order a bouquet of 10 pinwheels with a yard sign, please visit our website: https://ow.ly/uF6350QFFVi Or scan the QR code to be directed to our online order form. For more information call: 417-623-2292

Building Safer Futures: Our Mission at the Children's Center of SWMO ☀️ Our mission is clear - we are committed to providing safety, healing, and justice for children who have experienced abuse or neglect in our communities. At the Children's Center, we’re dedicated to making this mission a reality with a focus on: - Physical and Sexual Abuse Prevention: Creating safe environments for all children to have the courage to disclose abuse and trauma. Including a multidisciplinary team (MDT) made up of law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, juvenile officers, Children's Division, and medical and mental health workers to improve case outcomes. - Neglect Prevention: Ensuring every child receives the care they need through Family Advocacy and Support. -Therapeutic Intervention: Through trauma-informed therapeutic approaches, we can reduce adverse childhood experiences and end future violence victimization and perpetration for lifelong well-being. Every child deserves a safe environment. Join us in this vital mission. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gmAzkGi #ChildAbusePrevention #EndChildAbuse #ChildrensCenterofSWMO

🚨 In observance of Presidents Day, Children's Center will be closed today, February 19, 2024. While our doors may be closed, our hearts and commitment to children in crisis always remain open. We have staff on call, ready to respond to any emergency requiring our assistance. 💙🧡