Nonprofits highlight need to Warrenton business leaders

Adam Rollins, Staff Writer
Posted 6/17/22

The growing activity of nonprofit community organizations, and the growing need for their services, were on display at the annual Nonprofit Showcase hosted by the Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce …

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Nonprofits highlight need to Warrenton business leaders

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The growing activity of nonprofit community organizations, and the growing need for their services, were on display at the annual Nonprofit Showcase hosted by the Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce on June 13.

Ten nonprofit organization representatives explained their services and their current needs for the gathering of Chamber members on Monday. The yearly event gives business owners a chance to examine how they can help contribute to people in the communities that have supported them.

One of the main threads connecting many of the nonprofits is services for people who have difficulty caring for themselves, either because of age, or disability, or lack of financial resources. Those services are often volunteer- or funding-intensive, making it important for the nonprofits to have a strong presence and support from the community.

Agape

Located off of Highway W, Agape manages Warren County’s largest food pantry and helps provide emergency housing placement for local families experiencing financial crisis. Executive Director Michelle Bernth said pantries are currently experiencing a “food crisis” with increased demand for services that isn’t being met by the food being donated.
The organization accepts direct donations and various kinds of financial support, and can be contacted to learn more.

Child Advocacy Center

Located in Wentzville, this service works as a regional partner with law enforcement and child protective services. The advocacy center provides a single point of coordinated forensic interviews, conducted by trained staff, to investigate incidents of abuse against children.

Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF)

CEF is a global Christian evangelical mission headquartered on Highway M at the east end of Warrenton. The organization maintains ministries throughout the U.S. and across the world, partnering with churches and community groups to evangelize children. The organization also creates print and multimedia productions to help advance its mission.
A representative said the mission’s most basic needs are volunteers, partners and donors to assist in its global ministry.

Compass Health

Compass is a network of health clinics providing low-cost medical, dental, and behavioral health services, including at their clinic in Warrenton. One of the lesser-known services of the health network is care for new or expecting parents, including education on how to look after a parent’s mental health.

Handicapped Services

Warren County Handicapped Services provides recreational, educational, and caretaking services to developmentally disabled people of all ages. Through its services, clients learn the skills of independent living while receiving assistance from trained staff members.

Development Director Jessica Davis said the nonprofit’s greatest need right now is for supporters to purchase tax credits that are being sold to help repay the cost of a modernized facility that was recently built in Warrenton. The credits need to be sold by the end of this year.

Pregnancy Options Center

This service, located in downtown Warrenton, provides basic examinations and ministry-based guidance for people experiencing unexpected pregnancy. Director Robin Olsen said the center also provides education and guidance for struggling new parents. Donations to help provide services and supplies for new parents are appreciated.

Senior Center

The Warren County Senior Center provides free activities and low-cost meals for area seniors. The senior center is located in Warrenton, but offers Meals on Wheels deliveries throughout Warren County. Donations to help provide supplies for the senior center and volunteer assistance to help deliver meals or take care of the facility are always welcome.

Sheltered Workshop

Warren County Sheltered Workshop provides employment opportunities for developmentally or physically disabled people. The nonprofit’s clients provide labor for area businesses at a discounted rate thanks to subsidies that help pay client paychecks, said Director Jami Washburn. They just need community businesses to partner with.

Turning Point

Turning Point Advocacy Services provides shelter and guidance to victims of sexual and domestic abuse. The nonprofit’s shelter recently expanded from 13 beds to 36. More information about how to support this service can be found on Turning Point’s website.

The Wall That Heals

This nonprofit initiative is bringing a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall to Warrenton Sept. 8-11, along with a traveling educational exhibit. Local volunteers are helping coordinate the display, and are expecting 4,000-5,000 visitors for the exhibit, said volunteer Stacey Blondin.
More volunteers are needed to help set up and look after the exhibit while it’s here, and more information can be found online or on Facebook, Blondin said.

Nonprofit, Charity, Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce

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