Twelve local nonprofit organizations shared their messages and sought support at the annual nonprofit showcase hosted by the Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce on June 8.
From poverty, to …
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Twelve local nonprofit organizations shared their messages and sought support at the annual nonprofit showcase hosted by the Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce on June 8.
From poverty, to special needs, to community activities, Warren County has a range of nonprofit agencies that care for and enrich the lives of area residents. Once a year, they get a chance to gather together with Warrenton’s business leaders to provide a reminder of how each group benefits the community and is deserving of support.
Here’s a little about each agency that participated in the showcase:
The Warren County Farmers and Artisans Market has been around for years, but organizers are making a push to grow the market into a major presence in the community. Representatives Sarah Lewis and Melissa Knoll received a Chamber membership on behalf of the market for the first time on June 8.
The Child Center is an agency based in Wentzville that serves 14 counties in northeast Missouri. When a child is the victim of abuse, The Child Center provides a central location where all of the investigative and caretaking agencies can coordinate their efforts in a way that is as gentle for the child as possible, explained representative Heather Kemper. Most importantly, a child only has to tell their story once, rather than having to repeat it to numerous agencies.
Warren County Sheltered Workshop provides employment for people with developmental disabilities. The nonprofit works with local businesses to fulfill labor contracts for various tasks, explained Jami Washburn. She said the agency is eager to continue finding local partners who can provide fulfilling work for the workshop.
United Way is a fundraising and coordinating agency that helps support other nonprofit services throughout the greater St. Louis region, including the Agape food pantry and Turning Point shelter in Warren County. Representative Mike Macauley said United Way also works with community-minded private businesses to help build a culture of charity and volunteerism.
The Warren County Senior Center, based in Warrenton, provides a location for daily activities and meals for area seniors. The Senior Center is open on weekdays and also provides Meals on Wheels deliveries on weekdays, said Director Sheryl Stefanski. The center was closed to in-person services throughout much of the pandemic, but has reopened this month.
Warren County Handicapped Services provides daily enrichment activities and transportation support for area residents with developmental disabilities. The agency also coordinates local Special Olympics programs.
Representative Jessica Davis said one of Handicapped Services’ greatest needs is fundraising for a new facility under construction in Warrenton. The agency has tax credits for sale to help reduce the cost of a loan to pay for the building.
Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) is on of the lesser-known nonprofits based in Warren County.
“Contrary to popular belief, we’re not an orphanage,” joked representative Elin Hoke.
The compound east of Warrenton is a hub to teach volunteers and coordinate missionary work around the world, Hoke said.
The Warren County Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history of Warren County’s local communities. The society manages the Warren County History Museum and Schowengerdt House, both in Warrenton. Board member David Avis presented about a bridal gown showcase that opens in July.
This nonprofit gives support, education, and resources to women and couples facing unexpected pregnancy. The center offers confidential support, testing, ultrasound, informational visits and classes, said representative Robin Olsen.
The foundation is a nonprofit fundraising group tied to the Warren County School District and dedicated to providing educational scholarships for students, explained board member Carmen Schulze. Each year, the foundation provides thousands of dollars in scholarship funding thanks to donations and community fundraising events.
Similarly, the Warren County Health Partnership, also represented by Shulze, is a nonprofit that works with the county health department to raise funds and acquire grants for community health needs. Schulze said different community health grants are available to nonprofit groups that aren’t always available to government agencies.
The Turning Point domestic violence shelter provides victims of abuse a safe place to live. Director Linda Buschman said the agency also provides court advocacy and recovery services to assist clients in building a safe and secure future.
The shelter is currently undergoing a significant renovation and expansion, Buschman said.
