United Way announces new partnership

The United Way of Central Missouri announced a new partnership with two organizations Thursday.

This marks the first time since 2008 that the organization has taken on a partner.

It was a six month process of interviews and applications. The organization announced new partnerships with Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Agency, and the city’s Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA.

Central Missouri Foster Care offers services to children without families or homes and handles the adoption process.

Volunteers at CASA are charged with looking out for the best interest of abused or neglected children.

The partnership with the United Way means these two organizations will receive funding on a permanent basis rather than a one-time gift.

“You know, it’s never simple and again all of you here understand that, but with the right approach and with our community, and with all of you working together, we are creating lasting change,” said Ann Bax, President of Central Missouri United Way.

The new partnerships will not affect the funding of their existing ones.

They have already accounted for them in this coming year’s $1.8 million financial plan.

The Central Missouri United Way has 26 other partner agencies, programs, and initiatives.