Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service

Our staff member Jakob recently had the joy of giving some young visitors a tour of The Care Service. He just received these sweetest thank-you cards from his thoughtful audience! ❤

State tax credit alert! The Care Service has a limited amount of Missouri Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) Tax Credits remaining available to eligible donors for donations made to our NAP project during 2024. These tax credits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that donations must be dated before 12/31/2024. Give us a call to confirm availability. If you’d like to learn more about NAP Tax Credits or wish to pledge a donation, please contact Donna at 636-441-1302 ext. 6681 or email dtobin@jacares.org. Click here to make an online donation: https://lnkd.in/gTdd26_x #taxcredits #tax #nonprofit #socialwork

#FoodDesert Warrenton is a food desert identified by the USDA with many residents facing low income and limited access to grocery stores. Every other Thursday, The Care Service’s volunteer John travels to Warrenton and Wright City with a van full of grocery items as part of our Mobile Pantry program. John usually arrives at one of the mobile pantry locations at a senior apartment around noon, but sometimes he gets there early if he finishes his lunch fast. No matter the time, when he steps out of the van, John is always greeted by clients who are waiting for him – the sound of the van’s backup alarm is like a windchime announcing his arrival! #socialwork #foodinsecurity #foodpantry

#WorldMentalHealthDay “We cannot afford to simply wait for those who are already in crisis to find their way to us”, said Miriam Mahan, the late co-founder of The Care Service. “We must find them.” Since 2016, The Care Service’s Street Outreach team has been reaching out to individuals experiencing homelessness with essential life-sustaining supplies and assisting them in transitioning into stable housing. On World Mental Health Day, we are reminded of the deep connection between stable housing and mental well-being. Stable housing is not just about shelter, it’s about dignity, security, and the resilience that comes with it. Rehousing is not easy – barriers like lack of identification, eviction records, or mental health challenges often make the process complex and lengthy. These struggles can take a heavy toll on one’s mental health, eroding confidence and hope. Despite these obstacles, we remain committed to ensuring everyone has a place to call home as well as a new beginning. Pictured: Street Outreach worker Amy talking to a client experiencing homelessness in Warren County. #socialwork #mentalhealth #homelessness #community

We recently sat down with a family we’ve worked with. After Melia showed us her brand-new diplomas, her daughter Chloe also showed off her favorite dolls, Chloe #2 and Goldie. The diplomas were proudly displayed next to the TV when we visited the family. Melia took a job at an auto repair shop after graduation and is now the assistant manager! With the help of their dedicated case manager, the once-homeless family is now living in a safe and stable apartment. The kids love their new schools and are taking martial arts lessons.

At The Care Service, we believe that having a safe and secure place to live is a fundamental human right. In 2022, 74% of homeless families were housed within 40 days of entering our Housing Assistance Program. In 2023, we raised that number to 81%. Thanks to your support, each life behind this statistic has been profoundly changed. Let’s continue working together to ensure everyone has a safe and secure home.

In July and August, we distributed backpacks filled with essential school supplies to a total of 208 children in our programs, thanks to our staff members, volunteers, and donors. These children walked into the classroom prepared and confident – just like their peers. We are grateful for the community’s support in making this possible! #backtoschool #community

Meet little Greyson on his first day of school! Greyson and his mom have just moved into one of the homes purchased as part of The Care Service’s Making Room Housing Campaign. Thanks to your support, these homes are offering much-needed stability and a fresh start to individuals and families facing a housing crisis.

This is not your typical save-the-date, but we’re just as excited! The Care Service’s Pickleball Tournament is a month away! Whether you’re in it for fun or serious competition, there’s a spot for you in either the social or competitive bracket. Secure your ticket now: https://lnkd.in/gF7DpyW7

Finding a new path for your life can be challenging. Tom learned this during the three years he experienced homelessness. Click to read Tom's story.