MCCA Board Chair Elected to National Network for Youth…

We would like to congratulate Pat Holterman-Hommes, MCCA’s Board Chair, on her election to the board of National Network for Youth.  Her commitment to vulnerable and disenfranchised youth, coupled with her leadership and vision, will serve NN4Y well.  The National Network for Youth (NN4Y) has been a public education and policy advocacy organization dedicated to the prevention and eradication of youth homelessness in America for over 40 years.  NN4Y mobilizes over 300 members and affiliates–organizations that work on the front lines every day to provide prevention services and respond to runaways and youth experiencing homelessness and human trafficking.

In 2013, Ms. Holterman-Hommes became the fourth President and CEO in Youth In Need’s history; she has been a key staff member of Youth In Need since 1990, serving most recently as Chief Program Officer prior to being appointed CEO.   Ms. Holterman-Hommes also serves on the boards of National Safe Place Network and the Community Council of St. Charles County.

Congratulations!

Opinion: What Will Change in Governor Mean for Missouri…

Less than twenty-four hours after Governor Eric Greitens announced his resignation, effective June 1, many Missourians are asking, “What now and what does this mean?”  As child and family advocates coming off of what has clearly been one of the better legislative years for our most vulnerable children, we have reflected on this as well.   Our conclusion:  the work will move forward and we are in good shape.

During the Governor’s tenure, the First Lady, Dr. Sheena Greitens, worked tirelessly on behalf of Missouri’s children in foster care, and put a spotlight on both their pain and our opportunity and obligation to do better by them.  We are grateful to her.  We take heart, however, in how our legislators and community-based partners also led in this effort and gave voice to the work of improving the lives of our most vulnerable children.   Capitalizing on this singleness of purpose and resulting momentum, Missouri made important strides to advance child safety, health and education, and support opportunity for normalcy and permanent families.   Helping our most at-risk children brings Missourians together like few other issues can, and a change in administrations will not change this fact.

Missouri is also fortunate that Lt. Governor Mike Parson, who will be sworn in as Governor June 1, shares this strong commitment to Missouri children and families.  We are confident that the partnerships and cooperation that made 2018 successful will continue, and look forward to supporting the incoming administration in any way we can to protect and serve our most vulnerable.

Tim Decker, Missouri Children’s Division Director, to retire

Tim Decker, director of the Missouri Children’s Division, will be retiring at the beginning of July, after serving as director for over four years.  Prior to leading the Children’s Division, he was director of Missouri’s Division of Youth Services for seven years.  He plans to “continue the movement” after he leaves, but adds he will first “spend some much needed time with my beautiful wife Laurie and Christopher, Jessica, Riley, and Cody (son, daughter-in-law, and our grandsons).”

Those of us at the Missouri Coalition of Children’s Agencies extend our deep appreciation for his commitment to children, families and communities, and for his relentless and courageous advocacy for Missouri’s most vulnerable.  We wish him well and look forward to working with him as he “continues the movement.”