United Way of Central Missouri Announces New Leadership

The Board of Directors of the United Way of Central Missouri announced the hiring of Ann Bax as President/CPO effective April 26, 2010.
“It is important that the United Way leadership has a tie to the Jefferson City community, “stated Dave Turner, 2010 Board Chairman. “Ann fits that role extremely well.”

A Helias High School graduate, Bax has twenty-five years of experience in various levels of management, marketing, and human resources. She and her husband, Bruce, co-own and operate Don Schnieders Excavating Company. Prior to her work with the family business, Ann spent twelve years as Director of Marketing and Advertising for Modern Business Systems. Most recently, she was employed with the Missouri Department of Transportation. “I am humbled and honored to accept this opportunity to serve the United Way of Central Missouri,” stated Bax, “and will do my very best to continue its great work!” Bax replaces current President Linda McAnany who announced her retirement after nine years with the organization.

The United Way of Central helps fund the work of 25 partner agencies and programs serving Cole, Miller, Moniteau, Osage, and southern Callaway Counties. Over 90,000 individuals were served by these agencies last year.


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United Way of Central Missouri Launches Born Learning Trail to promote early childhood learning and family fun

United Way of Central Missouri will hold a ribbon cutting on April 15 at 10 am at Memorial Park for the newly installed Born Learning Trail. Learning happens everywhere a child goes, but parents, grandparents and caregivers may not always know how to support that learning.

When parents, grandparents and caregivers take their children to the Born Learning Trail at Memorial Park, they’ll be able to play fun games together that will help the child come to school ready to succeed. That’s because United Way of Central Missouri and Jefferson City Parks and Recreation Foundation created an outdoor interactive early learning Trail at Memorial Park to help families turn excursions into fun learning moments.

The Born Learning Trail is a series of learning activities that any adult can play with young children. Based on the latest early childhood research and approved by national early learning experts through United Way Worldwide, the Born Learning Trail is designed to help adults interact with children to boost language and literacy development and to help caregivers understand how to best support early learning in outdoor everyday moments. There are 10 signs on the Born Learning Trail, each including activities such as Hopscotch and identifying shapes and letters. Watch! Stop! Learn! Play! Encourages the caregiver to follow the child’s lead, building the child’s curiosity and confidence.

“The Born Learning Trail promotes fun and games – important components of early childhood learning,” said Theresa Verslues, Vice-President of United Way of Central Missouri. “Research tells us children are literally ‘born learning.’ That means five years of education take place before they ever enter kindergarten. We know that what happens in a child’s early years matters – for success in life and for school readiness. And we want to help parents, grandparents, and caregivers use everyday outings…including trips to Memorial Park – to support that learning.”

United Way of Central Missouri established an Early Childhood Advisory Committee and identified three focus areas. To support and promote early childhood programs and initiatives in the Central Missouri area, provide Born Learning materials to low-income families as an introduction to early learning, and identify gaps in services/needs in early childhood in our community.

For more information on Born Learning resources go to www.bornlearning.org or contact the United Way office at (573) 636-4100.
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United Way of Central Missouri Early Childhood Advisory Committee Joins National Celebration of Week of the Young Child

The United Way of Central Missouri Early Childhood Advisory Committee and the Lincoln University- Assn. for the Education of Young Children, along with hundreds of local organizations around the country, will celebrate Week of the Young Child, April 11-17, 2010. Week of the Young Child honors more than 35 million children from birth through age eight in America, and the families, teachers, child care providers, and other adults who help children make the most of the opportunities during their early years.

Locally, Early Childhood Educators, Students and Child Care Providers will celebrate Week of the Young Child beginning April 10, 2010 with a Children’s Stroll downtown. Our theme for the week of the Young Child is “Early Years are Learning Years”. The stroll will begin at 10 am, with formation at 9:45 am at St. Peter Church. The stroll will end at Missouri River Regional Library with indoor and outdoor family activities. The downtown stroll is free and open to the public! Downtown businesses with exhibit children’s artwork from area child care providers from April 6 – 17.

In addition, there will be a Chamber Ribbon Cutting on April 15 at 10am at Memorial Park for the newly installed Born Learning Trail. The United Way Born Learning Trail is a series of learning activities that any adult can play with young children at Memorial Park along the walking trail near the toddler playground. It is sponsored by the Jefferson City Parks and Recreation Foundation.

The first local Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Banquet will be held on April 15 at 6:30pm at the YMCA, 424 Stadium Blvd, Jefferson City, MO. Doors open at 6:00pm. The banquet includes a Buffet Dinner from Madison’s Café, a speaker, Dr. L. Carol Scott on “The 7 Childhood Treasures”, recognition of Early Childhood Educators and door prizes. Tickets are $5.00. After April 9 tickets will be $10.00. For more information on the banquet contact Joanne Nelson (Missouri Child Care Resource and Referral Network) at 800-243-9685 or email: joanne@moccrrn.org. The banquet is sponsored by Scholastic and Central Missouri Association for the Education of Young Children. In addition, the event is made possible in partnership with United Way of Central Missouri Early Childhood Advisory Committee.

Week of the Young Child Events includes:
April 6 – 17 Downtown Businesses display children’s artwork from area childcare providers.

Wednesday, April 7 Child Advocacy Day – State Capitol – 9am – 3pm

Saturday, April 10 Children’s Downtown Stroll – 10am with formation at 9:45am at St. Peter Church. Stroll ends at Missouri River Regional Library with indoor and outdoor family activities.

Tuesday, April 13 9 am to 11 am- Kite Day at Helias High School Snacks provided/bring kites
Thursday, April 15 Rain Date for Kite Day

Thursday, April 15 Chamber Ribbon Cutting, Born Learning Trail, Memorial Park – 10am
Thursday, April 15 Early Childhood Appreciation Dinner – YMCA – Doors open at 6pm

Friday, April 16 Bring your child’s picture to work day.

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