Central Missouri Community Action (CMCA) has named the Jefferson City Rotaract Club as its Community Partner of the Year.
CMCA issues this award annually to a partner agency in its eight-county service area. Kishia Brown and Lisa Cumins of Cole-East Head Start nominated Rotaract for the award.
"Jefferson City Rotaract models the attitude that we are all responsible for the success of our children," said Darin Preis, CMCA executive director. "They have supported our Head Start center in so many ways to make sure that at-risk children in Jefferson City are ready for school. I always say that no organization can be fully successful without robust partners and buy-in from the community. Jefferson City Rotaract makes that happen for CMCA and the families we serve. I can't thank them enough."
Rotaract members have volunteered at CMCA's Cole-East Head Start program since January 2014. This program provides education, health, nutrition and social services to preschool children from low-income families.
Rotaract members have read to students, cleaned the school grounds and helped at monthly parent meetings. The organization presented a check for $2,750 to Cole-East Head Start in November 2014, from Rotaract's third annual Kicks in the Sticks Trail Run proceeds.
"Rotaract chose CMCA as our local service partner because we believe that investing time in children is always a great way to serve the community," said Kelsey Sandbothe, Rotaract service co-chair. "Working with Cole-East Head Start has been a winning situation for all involved. The kids get a positive experience and role models, while we get to make a difference. We are extremely grateful that Central Missouri Community Action chose Jefferson City Rotaract as their Community Service Partner of the Year."
The Rotaract is a club for young adults age 18-30. Club activities include hands-on service projects, social activities and two meetings per month. For more information go to jeffcityrotaract.com.