FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, June 25, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290

Governor, First Lady Celebrate New Center to Protect Children from Abuse and Neglect

SPRINGFIELD – Gov. Matt Blunt and First Lady Mrs. Melanie Blunt today celebrated the grand opening of Isabel's House, the Crisis Nursery of the Ozarks. The nursery is the Junior League of Springfield's signature project and will provide a safe environment to protect children from abuse and neglect when their families face a crisis.

"I share the League's and our community partners' commitment to protecting the welfare of Missouri's children and applaud such dedication and efforts to make the Crisis Nursery of the Ozarks a reality," said Mrs. Blunt who is a Junior League of Springfield member and has been involved with the project since its inception. "We all share the same, most important, goals - protect our children from child abuse and keep families together."

A ribbon cutting ceremony celebrated the research, analysis, hard work, volunteer time, commitment, support and dedication that have made it possible to open Isabel's House. To complement other generous financial contributions, Gov. Blunt worked to secure $500,000 in state funds to help build and support the crisis nursery. In addition, the nursery qualified for another $250,000 in state tax credits and received a $168,000 grant from the Children's Trust Fund.

"As a father and as governor it is my hope that our state can provide a solid foundation for our children to build a successful future," Gov. Blunt said. "I am committed to ensuring children receive a first class education and that our state provides for their safety and well being. The Crisis Nursery of the Ozarks is an excellent example of the state and the private sector working together to help protect children from abuse."

The Crisis Nursery of the Ozarks will provide a safe environment for children when there are problems at home. The center will offer residential care for children ages birth to 12 and provide families in crisis with education, support and training services.

"Isabel's House is a much needed resource in Southwest Missouri," said Gretchen Gambon, Isabel's House, the Crisis Nursery of the Ozarks Executive Director. "As a community, we are working to prevent child abuse and neglect as well as keeping families together. We are looking forward to welcoming children to a safe and nurturing environment at Isabel's House."

Gov. Blunt has been a champion for Missouri's children. He has advocated on behalf of students and secured more than a half a billion dollars in new funding for Missouri classrooms. He has signed budgets increasing funding to support Autism research, expand early learning programs and support Missouri families. The governor has also enacted new laws to better protect our children from sex offenders. In addition, Blunt signed legislation creating the Children in Crisis tax credit for up to 50 percent of donations to any organization that receives funding from the Court Appointed Special Advocate Fund, child advocacy center or crisis care center.

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