First Chance for Children

We're thrilled to announce that First Chance for Children has been nominated for The Columbia Chamber of Commerce’s Nonprofit of the Year!   As a local organization, with just eight dedicated team members and the incredible support of our community partners, we’re proud of the work we do to make a difference in our community. Thank you to the Columbia Chamber of Commerce for recognizing and honoring the important work that nonprofits do. A big shoutout to the other amazing nominees—@Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Missouri, In2Action, Heart of Missouri CASA and The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri. Congratulations to all of you!

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Kirsten Musetti Tivaringe to our Board of Directors! Dr. Tivaringe is an Assistant Teaching Professor of Literacy at the University of Missouri-Columbia, where she leads the Literacy Emphasis Area and teaches both master’s and undergraduate students. With over a decade of experience in education, she has excelled as a public school teacher, literacy curriculum developer, and consultant in both national and international settings. Dr. Tivaringe is dedicated to supporting teachers with scientific approaches to reading instruction and enhancing classroom libraries with multicultural literature. Her efforts aim to foster equity-oriented, culturally relevant instruction. Recognized with numerous awards, including the International Literacy Association’s Top 30 Under 30, Dr. Tivaringe brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our organization. We are excited about the expertise and energy she will bring to our First Chance for Children Board of Directors. Welcome!

Big News Coming Soon! We’ve been working hard behind the scenes at First Chance for Children, and we’re excited to share something special with you soon! Our vision, mission, values, and strategic plan have been updated to better serve our children and families. Stay tuned for the full reveal and see how we’re evolving to make an even greater impact in our community.

First Chance for Children provides early childhood programs and family resources to foster healthy outcomes for children and families in mid-Missouri. Those programs include our home visitation program, Baby U; our Safe CRIBS program that provides cribs and safe sleep education to families; our Lend and Learn Program that provides so many enriching activities to children and families in our community and our Baby Bags Diaper Bank providing diapers and wipes to families in need throughout central Missouri. Check out our website for more information! https://lnkd.in/gUucPseP

Thank you to Tim Litteken and Kristina Bowlin for sharing their time and talents in partnership with the Heart of Missouri United Way. They worked so hard today and First Chance for Children is grateful for them and for First State Community Bank for allowing them to giveback to our community!

ICYMI: Check out this article by Gay Litteken, executive director of First Chance for Children and member of the Missouri Coalition of Diaper Banks, about the importance of renewing the diaper tax credit in Missouri for diaper banks and families. https://lnkd.in/g2v82Bpb

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month! First Chance for Children stands together with our families to create a brighter future for our children. This year, the theme is "Building A Hopeful Future, Together," highlighting the importance of nurturing and supporting environments for families nationwide. Here is how we make a difference through our Baby U Home Visitation program! Increase parenting knowledge and foster positive parent-child interactions. Early detection of health concerns and developmental delays. Prevent child abuse and neglect. Promote school readiness and success. Encourage early literacy. Support family well-being while celebrating diverse cultures and languages. Let's work hand in hand to build a world where every child feels safe, loved, and empowered. Together, we can make a difference! #ChildAbusePrevention #BuildingHopefulFutures https://lnkd.in/g7AMg9ey

Today's the day! It's #GoBlueFriday, and we're proudly wearing blue to stand in solidarity with National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Join us in supporting mid-Missouri families and @FirstChanceforChildren! We're striving to raise $8,000 to keep meeting families' needs and fostering their growth. Your contribution can make a huge difference in building a brighter future for children and families in our community. Will you join us? #FC4C #SupportMidMOFamilies https://lnkd.in/dnN4xfZt

There’s a lot to learn as a new parent. What size diapers are right? How will they learn to sleep through the night? When will they learn to share? And the most important thing of all—how do you raise a child who understands right and wrong, justice and injustice? Well you start early! https://lnkd.in/gqxmXTdv

Many parents with young children are winging it when it comes to child care these days for a multitude of reasons. We see it all the time. Most of the time it comes from necessity. The expense of child care is unaffordable for many. https://lnkd.in/e2wQcYty