Central Missouri Community Action will have a new spokeswoman, beginning Feb. 1.
Cheryl Unterschutz is joining the nonprofit as its public relations manager. CMCA, based in Columbia, serves eight counties in Central Missouri - Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Cole, Cooper, Howard, Moniteau and Osage.
The organization offers a number of programs in the region. Its largest program is Head Start - providing comprehensive child development services by seeing to youth medical, nutritional, emotional and social needs.
The Foster Grandparents Program allows seniors to volunteer with children who have special needs to promote education and literacy. Its weatherization and assistance program reduces burdens on families by providing energy-efficient weatherization for their homes.
The organization uses federal Community Service Block Grants and community support to help clients with employment, education, housing, nutrition, emergency services, health and to better use available income.
Its mobility management project coordinates transportation across the region and helps people connect with transportation services. The micro-enterprise initiative develops - and if necessary, finances - small start-up businesses.
It offers utility assistance programs.
In a news release announcing her job change - she currently serves as the executive director of Heart of Missouri Girls on the Run - Unterschutz said she is proud of the "legacy" she created during her three years with that organization.
Her work affected the lives of hundreds of young girls, she said. Girls on the Run offers a 10-week, research-based program that helps girls in third through eighth grade develop essential skills and learn to appreciate health and fitness for a lifetime.
Her work at CMCA will allow her to reach a wider range of Mid-Missouri people.
"I will have the opportunity to empower individuals and families through my work by telling their stories and promoting programs designed to help them reach their full potential," Unterschutz wrote in her release. "While I am sad to be leaving Girls on the Run, I am excited to begin this new chapter in my life."