A charity that supports the physical and emotional needs of foster kids by providing them with resources like bedding, clothing and school supplies, is expanding to Warren County and two other …
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A charity that supports the physical and emotional needs of foster kids by providing them with resources like bedding, clothing and school supplies, is expanding to Warren County and two other counties in the region.
Birthday Blessings, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has announced that it will begin services next month in Warren, Montgomery and Audrain counties through a partnership with 12th Circuit Children’s Division. The 12th Circuit Children’s Division manages care for about 200 babies, children and teens in state custody.
“As someone who grew up in Warren County, it is exciting to be working in this area!” said Shannon VonAllmen, founder of Birthday Blessings. “Serving this community has been on our wish list for years. We finally have the opportunity.”
Birthday Blessings was started in West Plains, a small town in south-central Missouri, and currently assists kids in more than two dozen counties throughout the state.
State-custody foster children have many challenges to overcome. They have a history of abuse and/or neglect to cope with. They often move between foster homes or residential facilities, each time learning to live with people they have not met before. These moves often require enrollment in new schools, disrupting a child’s education and social connections.
“We strive to fill the gaps between the end of government funding and where the needs of the kids begin,” VonAllmen said. “Our goal is to empower them to become functional adults. Showing them someone cares gives them hope. Everyone needs hope.”
“We give the kids items that meet physical and emotional needs. Kids can request new duffle bags which give them something more dignified than trash bags for moving between placements. We can provide clothing or bedding when the kids need them. After that, we focus on fun items that encourage learning and creativity such as board games or art supplies,” VonAllmen added.
Rachelle Frey, a resident of Warrenton, has been involved with the organization since 2013 and serves on its board of directors. She also participates in a monthly volunteer event at Harvester Christian Church in Troy, where resources are prepped for delivery to local foster children.
“Birthday Blessings is about so much more than birthdays. It is a dynamic organization that meets physical, emotional and psychological needs of Missouri foster kids in multiple ways,” Frey said. “Helping kids mark the moment with celebration — whether it be a birthday, a graduation, a birth or moving out on their own — adds a layer of support that helps them feel validated and loved.”
“It is amazing to see all the people with their time and talents, the organizations, and businesses that support the common cause of fulfilling needs for this underserved part of the community,” Frey stated.
The organization is looking for individuals or groups interested in partnering with them to serve local children. Those interested can call 417-372-5306, message them through their Facebook page, or visit www.birthday-blessings.org for more information. Donations can be made through the organization’s website or mailed to Birthday Blessings, 429 Aid Ave., West Plains MO 65775.
