Ambassadors for Children

Our Vision
A safe and healthy community where children are valued

Our Mission
To enhance the quality of services and supports provided to abused and neglected children from our community

Who we Are
We are an Operating Agency of the Council of Churches of the Ozarks and are on mission to provide resources for children who have been abused and neglected in the jurisdiction of Greene County, MO in order to enhance their self-esteem and well-being.

Who we Serve
Foster children from Greene County, Missouri. We also serve children & families who are working with Child Protective Services to prevent foster care placement and children who have recently returned home from foster care. In addition to ensuring local abused & neglected children have opportunities for success, our programs also relieve the financial burden placed upon foster parents and kinship homes. There are currently over 1,060 children in foster care from Greene County--the highest number ever recorded at one time for our county. We are generally ranked 3rd-4th highest in the state of Missouri for child abuse & neglect . We are located in the Southwest Missouri region, ranked 1st in the state of Missouri in virtually all areas of child abuse & neglect, and we overwhelmingly lead our region in all areas. On Average, Greene County places 45 children into foster care each month (sources: Greene County Juvenile Office 2010 & 2011 Child Abuse/Neglect data, www.dss.mo.gov, MIssouri Children's Division Annual Report FY 2010).

Ambassadors for Children has served over 6,000 children since 1999 through an array of programs. The need for our services is growing!

Links
Our Brochure, Join our E-Newsletter, Our Blog, Become a fan on Facebook, Join us on Twitter
Springfield CARES Monthly Magazine--Check out our articles and ads throughout 2012!
Generously Sponsored by Bill and Virginia Darr

Fun Ways to Support our Programs

Help a foster child have new clothing--the first new clothing of their lives, for many. The Kid's Clothes Closet is a partnership with the Ronald McDonald House. Learn More!

Help fulfill needs of children & families who have been affected by abuse or neglect. We match you with a Caseworker and the Caseworker shares the needs. You decide what you can help with & get to build a supporting relationship with the Caseworker. You also get to hear stories about the children & families you served! Learn More!

Help us provide memorable experiences and necessary items for foster children such as sports registrations, eye glasses, contact lenses, school trips, summer camp fees, prom dresses, graduation expenses, class rings and much more! Learn More!

Tutor and mentor a child who has been affected by abuse or neglect. Teaching experience is not required. Learn more!

Comfort children being placed into foster care & prevent them from carrying their belongings to a new foster home in a trash bag. You fill the duffel bags with hygiene and overnight items and we distribute them. Learn more!

Got something you are willing to give away? List anything from furniture to dishes on our online Web Exchange along with pictures! Learn More!

Sondra Uzzell, 8/5/2009 1