The Central Missouri Foster Care & Adoption Association

Join us from 11 a.m. -3 p.m. on Saturday, March 29 for the Drop-Off Odyssey respite event in Benton County. This event is for children ages 4-18. We will provide lunch for all kids and volunteers. Sign up at mofosteradopt.com/odyssey #CMFCAACares #Respite #ForTheKids

Lynn Burnside, CMFCAA’s adoption program supervisor, reflects on her personal journey of adopting her grandson, Max, and how it has shaped her professional perspective. After caring for Max for over two years, she and her husband are excited to adopt him, though the process has brought emotional challenges, especially in their relationship with their daughter. Burnside acknowledges the complexity of kinship adoption, particularly in helping Max understand why he cannot live with his biological parents. As she prepares for the adoption, she emphasizes the importance of emotional support for families, saying, “This adoption has significantly impacted my views on how I do my work.” Burnside's experiences have also influenced how she supports other families navigating adoption, particularly kinship adoption. She encourages families to build strong emotional support systems, recognizing the complexities and emotions involved. Her hope for Max is that he grows to feel secure in who he is, surrounded by love and understanding from both his immediate and extended family. Despite the challenges, Burnside cherishes the moments spent with Max, believing that these moments of joy are crucial for his emotional well-being. #CMFCAACares #AdoptionDay #Adoption

Last year, an aunt who took in her two nieces faced the challenge of supporting them. Despite working with caseworkers, she struggled to access the resources she desperately needed. Then, she connected with us. We provided clothing, education, and, most importantly, respite care. With family issues adding to the pressure, finding respite care became a priority. The respite team quickly connected her with a provider who could support her and her nieces. Grateful beyond words, she shared that CMFCAA has offered her more help than any other organization, and although the support she received is irreplaceable, she hopes to give back in any way she can. #CMFCAACares #ForTheKids #KinshipCare

🌟 Today is International Day of Happiness! 🌟 At CMFCAA, we believe happiness thrives in love, support, and community. Whether it’s a child finding a safe and nurturing home, a family receiving the resources they need, or a youth gaining confidence for their future, small acts of kindness create big moments of joy. 💛 Take a moment today to spread happiness—lend a helping hand, share a smile, or check in on a friend. Together, we can brighten lives and build a world where every child and family feels valued and supported. What’s something that made you happy today? Let us know in the comments! 😊 #InternationalDayOfHappiness #FosterJoy #CMFCAACares

At CMFCAA, we do things a little differently. While many dread long meetings, we bring a sense of fun and creativity to ours. Recently, during our all-staff meeting, we sparked a healthy competition with a Ruth Goldberg machine challenge! If you’re looking for a fun, meaningful job where you can make a difference in the lives of children and families, join our team at mofosteradopt.com/careers. #CMFCAACares #ForTheKids #Career

Looking for the perfect prom attire? Our Trunks have you covered this prom season. We have loads of FREE prom dresses, suits, and accessories for foster, adoptive, and kinship families. Make your prom night unforgettable—no cost, just support and love from our community. #CMFCAACares #ForTheKids #prom

New leadership for Missouri Children’s Division The Missouri Children’s Division has a new leader. Sara Smith, a longtime advocate for child welfare, officially stepped into the role of director last Thursday. With over 25 years of experience, including time as a front-line investigator, deputy director, and child advocacy worker, Smith is well-equipped to lead the division in its mission to protect and support Missouri’s children. Gov. Mike Kehoe praised Smith’s leadership, stating her dedication and experience make her the ideal choice for the position. Smith emphasized her focus on safety and streamlining processes to better serve children and families. The Children’s Division, part of the Missouri Department of Social Services, works with families, courts, and community partners to ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of children across the state. Smith and her husband, Derrick, live in Jefferson City with their two children. She holds a master’s degree in criminal justice and has spent much of her career advocating for vulnerable children. 💙 Welcome, Director Smith! We are excited to see the positive impact of your leadership. #WelcomeDirectorSmith #ChildWelfare #CMFCAACares

"You have been so wonderful to foster families like us. Thank you!" This is what was said by one family who stood up at our Camden County Lunch & Learn last Friday. We had a meaningful discussion with the community about foster, adoptive, and kinship care, and many were surprised to learn that we offer services to informal kinship cases. Our conversation about the support group sparked interest, and several attendees requested more information to share with clients. A huge thank you to RJ's for catering and hosting the event, and to everyone who attended! #CMFCAACares #Lunch&Learn #Resources

🍀 Happy St. Patrick’s Day from CMFCAA! 🍀 Today, we’re feeling lucky to be surrounded by an incredible community of foster, adoptive, and kinship families who bring love and support to children in need. Just like a four-leaf clover, every child deserves hope, happiness, and a bright future—and with your support, we’re making that possible every day! 🌈 May your day be filled with luck, love, and family. ☘️ #HappyStPatricksDay #LuckyToSupportFamilies #ForTheKids

📢 Rolla office closed today due to power outage 📢 Our Rolla office will be closed today as we continue to deal with a power outage caused by last Friday’s tornado. While we are grateful that there was no loss of life, our hearts go out to everyone in the community who was affected. 💙 We are still available to assist you! You can reach us by phone at 📞 573-298-0258 or email us at ✉️ info@cmfcaa.com. For more on how the Rolla community is coming together in recovery efforts, check out this update: https://lnkd.in/gZ7tmey4. Stay safe, and we’ll provide updates as soon as possible! #RollaStrong #CMFCAACares