Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri Receives Bobby Allison Stronger Pathways Award
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by
bboyd
Award will allow LifeHouse to continue supporting mothers as they reunify with children in foster care system.
(Springfield, MO) – Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri recently received an award from the Bobby Allison Fund Stronger Pathways Award for the reunification program at LifeHouse Crisis Maternity Home in Springfield.
Many of the women that come to LifeHouse have older children who have been removed from their care and placed in state custody. Along with helping the mother prepare for the arrival of her new baby and set goals for a self-sufficient future, care managers at LifeHouse in Springfield work to reunify mothers with their children in the foster care system.
The reunification process is an ongoing effort to improve the lives of the families at LifeHouse and reduce the negative impacts of children being placed in state care. The program involves group and individual parenting classes as well as supervised visits and court appointments attended by both residents and LifeHouse staff.
The Bobby Allison Fund’s award will provide necessary supplies, training modules, and wages for staff assisting with these reunification efforts.
“Supporting mothers reunifying with their children in foster care strengthens families and breaks cycles of trauma,” explained Karly Seifried, LifeHouse Educational Care Coordinator. “Through this funding, we can offer mothers and children a chance at healing and stability. Children thrive when they can maintain bonds with their biological parents in a healthy environment.”
Not only does reunification offer improved outcomes for children and families by strengthening relationships and supporting mental and emotional wellbeing, but it also contributes to significant cost savings for the state.
“The Stronger Pathways Award enables our team to expand their efforts in rebuilding vital parental relationships, continuing Catholic Charities’ rich history of providing life-changing services for women in need,” said Ken Palermo, Catholic Charities CEO. “We’re grateful for the award and the opportunities it will bring.”