Thursday, Jan.19, 2006
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Visits the Boys and Girls Town as
Part of 'Show-Me Solutions' Initiative
Columbia–Gov. Matt Blunt visited the Boys and Girls Town of Missouri today as part of his Show-Me Solutions initiative to highlight the charitable work of organizations throughout Missouri.
The Boys and Girls Town of Missouri is an organization that provides treatment for children ages newborn to 21 with a history of emotional abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, severe behavior disorders and psychological problems. The organization provides foster care case management, residential and family treatment and outreach programs. Boys and Girls Town of Missouri is one of ten children’s organizations in Missouri that have earned accreditation by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.
"I am honored to highlight the work of the Boys and Girls Town of Missouri and the services they provide children and families," Blunt said. "This organization understands the importance of creating a warm and loving environment for Missouri children who have suffered abuse or neglect."
The Columbia campus served 187 children and families through outreach services, 55 children through residential programs and one youth in the independent living program in 2005. The mission of Boys and Girls Town is to improve the lives of children through a support network. Blunt has proposed a $2.9 million funding increase for residential treatment programs like those given at Boys and Girls Town in his Fiscal Year 2007 budget.
Boys and Girls Town of Missouri relies on community support and donations in order to continue their work of providing care and programs to children during their times of need. They receive less than 70 percent of their funding from the state. To learn more about the Boys and Girls Town of Missouri and ways to help, visit www.bgtm.org.
Blunt created Show-Me Solutions to help increase awareness about the numerous charitable organizations throughout the state that provide assistance to our fellow Missourians. For information about the governor’s initiative, visit www.showmesolutions.mo.gov.
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