<![CDATA[JEFFERSON FRANKLIN COMMUNITY ACTION CORPORATION - JFCAC-Blog]]>

<![CDATA[JEFFERSON FRANKLIN COMMUNITY ACTION CORPORATION - JFCAC-Blog]]>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 14:07:23 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[SAVE THE DATE - Community Partner Review 2026 CNA]]>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 19:44:05 GMThttps://www.jfcac.org/jfcac-blog/save-the-date-community-partner-review-2026-cnaJFCAC Invites Community Partners to Participate in Community Needs Assessment Review
Jefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation (JFCAC) is currently completing its Community Needs Assessment (CNA), a process conducted every three years to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing residents across Jefferson and Franklin Counties.
The Community Needs Assessment helps guide how JFCAC and our partners prioritize resources, develop programs, and strengthen services that support individuals and families in our region. Through this process, we work to ensure that the voices of our communities are reflected in the strategies and partnerships that shape our work moving forward.

Listening to the Community
The Community Needs Assessment is built on multiple forms of community input. Over the past several months, JFCAC has gathered information through:

A community needs survey shared across Jefferson and Franklin Counties
Resident focus groups designed to hear directly from those most impacted by barriers to stability and opportunity
Data analysis exploring economic, health, housing, and workforce trends across our region

Together, these efforts help us better understand both the data behind community challenges and the lived experiences of the residents we serve.

The Next Step: Partner Collaboration
While data and resident voices are essential, strong community solutions require collaboration.
As the next stage of the Community Needs Assessment process, JFCAC will be bringing together community partner organizations to review the findings and provide additional insight. This conversation will help ensure that we are not missing important perspectives and that the information collected reflects the realities partners are seeing across Jefferson and Franklin Counties.

Equally important, this gathering provides an opportunity to strengthen connections across organizations and explore ways to coordinate resources, avoid duplication of services, and identify opportunities for collaboration that can better support our communities.

Community Partner Review Event
JFCAC will host a Community Needs Assessment World Café Review for partner organizations on:
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
The Barn at Crites Memorial Park - Festus, MO

The event will use a World Café discussion format, an interactive approach designed to encourage meaningful conversation and collaboration. Participants will rotate between discussion tables focused on key community themes, where facilitators will guide conversations and volunteer note takers will capture insights shared by participants.
This format allows community partners to:

Review key findings from the Community Needs Assessment
Share perspectives from their work serving local residents
Identify emerging challenges or gaps in services
Explore opportunities for stronger collaboration across organizations

The goal is to ensure that the final Community Needs Assessment reflects not only data and resident feedback, but also the collective insight of the organizations working every day to strengthen our communities.

Strengthening Our Community Together
JFCAC believes that addressing community challenges requires strong partnerships and shared understanding. By bringing together organizations across sectors—including health, housing, workforce development, education, childcare, transportation, and social services—we hope to build stronger collaboration and a more coordinated approach to meeting community needs.

Community partner organizations interested in participating in the World Café review can learn more and register here:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-community-partner-cna-review-world-cafe

Participation is limited in order to support meaningful discussion, and we ask that no more than three representatives register per organization.

We look forward to continuing this important conversation with our partners as we work together to strengthen opportunities for individuals and families throughout Jefferson and Franklin Counties.

]]><![CDATA[JFCAC Receives Franklin County Area United Way Grant]]>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 16:06:06 GMThttps://www.jfcac.org/jfcac-blog/jfcac-receives-franklin-county-area-united-way-grantSupporting Utility Stability for Franklin County Families Through Every Season

For many households, the loss of utility service is more than a temporary hardship—it can quickly become a crisis. Whether during Missouri’s cold winters or periods of extreme summer heat, utility disconnection places families at risk and creates barriers to stability, health, and self-sufficiency.

Jefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation (JFCAC) is grateful to receive $5,270 in grant funding from the Franklin County Area United Way to support Franklin County residents who are facing utility disconnection or need assistance restoring service.

This funding will be available beginning in March 2026 and will serve as a critical bridge when households experience gaps in traditional energy assistance programs such as LIHEAP. While limited in amount, this support allows JFCAC to respond quickly when families are at immediate risk of losing essential services.

Utility Assistance Is Never Just About Paying a Bill

At JFCAC, utility assistance is not simply about resolving a past-due balance.

This United Way funding highlights our wraparound, whole-family support model, designed to help households move toward long-term stability—not just short-term relief.

Families receiving utility assistance may also be connected to:

Empowerment Coaching, helping individuals identify barriers and set small, achievable goals
Budgeting and financial skill-building, focused on sustainable monthly planning
Utility account reviews, including cost-saving plans and billing evaluations
Digital literacy support, helping households access online accounts, manage services, and identify community resources
Education and employment support, based on each household’s needs

By combining immediate assistance with individualized coaching and education, JFCAC works to ensure families are better positioned to maintain utility service moving forward—regardless of the season.

Building Stability Through Community Partnership

Utility crises do not occur in isolation, and neither should the solutions.

Support from the Franklin County United Way strengthens JFCCAC’s ability to meet families where they are while reinforcing a coordinated approach that promotes long-term resilience. Investments like this allow local organizations to respond to urgent needs while also addressing the underlying challenges that contribute to repeated disconnections.

JFCCAC extends sincere appreciation to the Franklin County United Way for their continued commitment to Franklin County families. Together, we are helping households remain safe, stable, and connected—today and in the future.

Learn more about out Utility Assistance and Empowerment Coaching, reach out to Community Services today by calling 636-789-2686 x4 or email cs@jfcac.org

]]><![CDATA[JFCAC Receives Jefferson County Mental Health Fund Grant for Child Services]]>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 16:02:03 GMThttps://www.jfcac.org/jfcac-blog/jfcac-receives-jefferson-county-mental-health-fund-grant-for-child-services
Jefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation (JFCAC) is grateful for the continued support of the Jefferson County Mental Health Fund, whose investment over multiple grant cycles has played a critical role in expanding access to behavioral health services throughout Jefferson County.

Most recently, JFCAC received $70,000 in continued funding over a two-year grant cycle to support youth behavioral health services through our Behavioral Health Program. This funding allows JFCAC to provide therapy services to children and adolescents who are uninsured, underinsured, or receiving services directly within their schools. This model ensures that access to care is not limited by financial or logistical barriers.

Beyond this youth-focused award, ongoing support from the Jefferson County Mental Health Fund has helped strengthen and expand JFCAC’s Behavioral Health Program as a whole. The program serves both youth and adults, accepts Medicaid, and continues working toward access with additional insurance providers. For individuals who do not have insurance, are underinsured, or face other barriers to care, Mental Health Fund support helps close the gap.

Behavioral health services are available in-person, virtually, or through school-based settings, offering flexibility to meet individuals where they are. This range of service delivery options is especially important in a time when mental health needs continue to rise, and when transportation, scheduling, or financial challenges can prevent people from seeking help.

Behavioral health care plays a vital role in overall well-being. Early intervention and consistent support can improve emotional regulation, strengthen coping skills, support academic and workplace success, and promote healthier families and communities. By investing in these services, the Jefferson County Mental Health Fund helps ensure that residents have access to care that supports long-term stability and resilience.

JFCAC extends its sincere appreciation to the Jefferson County Mental Health Fund for its continued partnership and commitment to improving behavioral health access for Jefferson County residents. Together, we are helping individuals and families build healthier futures.]]><![CDATA[Request for Proposal - Fleet Vehicle Purchase]]>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 22:39:59 GMThttps://www.jfcac.org/jfcac-blog/request-for-proposal-fleet-vehicle-purchaseJFCAC is currently accepting Bids for purchase of fleet vehicles. Please see the below Request for Proposal for further information. Deadline for Response is 2/6/2026 5PM.

]]><![CDATA[FY26 Annual WIC News Release]]>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 18:54:25 GMThttps://www.jfcac.org/jfcac-blog/fy-annual-wic-news-releaseFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation (JFCAC) announces continued WIC contract

Hillsboro, MO – Jefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation announces a contract continuance to provide WIC services for federal fiscal year 2026 has been signed with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a special supplemental nutrition program providing services to pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children up to their 5th birthday based on nutritional risk and income eligibility. The primary services provided are healthy, supplemental food, risk assessment, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding promotion and support, health screening and referrals to health care. To be eligible for WIC, applicants must have an income of less than or equal to 185% of the poverty level and be at nutritional risk.
WIC supplemental food packages are specially chosen to provide foods high in protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C. Eligible women and children receive fortified milk and cheese, eggs, whole grain bread products, hot or cold cereals, 100% fruit juices, and fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. The WIC program recommends breastfeeding, provides breastfeeding support, baby foods, and infant cereal. For women who cannot or choose not to breastfeed, infants may receive supplemental, iron fortified formula. WIC participants obtain their foods by using their WIC cards for specific items at participating local grocery stores and pharmacies.
Studies confirm that pregnant women who enroll in WIC during the early months of pregnancy have fewer low birth weight babies, experience fewer infant deaths, see the doctor earlier in pregnancy and eat healthier.
WIC is administered in Jefferson County by Jefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation (JFCAC). Persons interested in applying or who are in need of more information should contact JFCAC at 636-789-2686 Option 5. WIC clinics are offered at 105 Municipal Drive Hillsboro, MO. 63050 on Mondays and Thursdays from 8 am to 5:30 pm and at 1818 Lonedell Road Arnold, MO. 63050 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8 am to 5:30 pm. Both locations close from noon to 12:30 for lunch. JFCAC WIC clinics are closed on Fridays and State holidays.
___________________________________________________
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the state or local agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

]]><![CDATA[Take the 2026 CNA Survey: Help Shape the Future of Your Community]]>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:25:29 GMThttps://www.jfcac.org/jfcac-blog/take-the-2026-cna-survey-help-shape-the-future-of-your-communityJefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation (JFCAC) is conducting our 2026 Community Needs Assessment, and we want to hear from you!

Every three years, JFCAC surveys residents across Jefferson and Franklin Counties to understand what local families need most — from housing and childcare to transportation and employment opportunities. Your feedback directly helps shape the programs and services we provide.

Many of our most impactful programs began with community input collected through surveys like this one. For example, our EZMO Transportation Program — which now provides thousands of miles of rides at no cost to eligible residents — was created in response to identified transportation barriers in our last assessment.

Today, your voice can help guide the next wave of services in key areas including:

Behavioral Health – Access to counseling and mental wellness resources
Community Services – Support for families and individuals in need
Housing – Assistance for safe, affordable, and stable living
WIC (Women, Infants & Children) – Nutrition support for families with young children
Head Start & Early Head Start – Early education programs building school readiness
Weatherization – Energy efficiency improvements that reduce household costs

Our work is data-driven, and every response matters. The survey is open to all residents of Jefferson and Franklin Counties. Results will be published in September 2026 and will inform not only JFCAC’s program development and strategic planning but also assist community leaders across the state in understanding local priorities.

➡️ Take the Survey Now: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/STLT9MP

Once you complete the survey, you’ll have the option to register to be contacted for additional participation — either through a short interview (by phone or email) or an upcoming Focus Group. Focus Groups will be scheduled from January through April, with sessions planned at across both counties. Completing your contact information at the end of the survey ensures you’ll be notified when registration opens for a Focus Group near you.

Thank you for helping us make our communities stronger — together.

]]><![CDATA[Join the Global Movement: Make an Impact with JFCAC This Giving Tuesday!]]>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 14:52:59 GMThttps://www.jfcac.org/jfcac-blog/join-the-global-movement-make-an-impact-with-jfcac-this-giving-tuesdayGiving Tuesday, celebrated on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, is a Global Day of Generosity that flips the focus from consumerism on Black Friday and Cyber Monday to a powerful moment of giving back. On this day, individuals, nonprofits, businesses, and communities come together to make donations, volunteer time, or amplify causes they care about.

Jefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation (JFCAC) is proud to participate in Giving Tuesday’s mission to uplift families and strengthen communities across Jefferson and Franklin Counties. JFCAC is inviting supporters to engage in two key ways: donate at https://www.jfcac.org/donate , or volunteer at https://www.jfcac.org/volunteer.

Your contributions or volunteerism directly support vital programs including:

Behavioral Health services for youth, adults, and seniors
Child nutrition and early childhood education
Free EZMO transportation to medical appointments, work, and essential needs
Emergency housing assistance and other programs not funded by federal or state funding.

By taking part this Giving Tuesday, donors and volunteers can help ensure access to mental health services, nutritious food for struggling families, provide safe housing in family emergencies, and offer dependable transportation to those in need, and more. JFCAC’s broad network of programs is aimed at creating long-term impact, your support isn’t just a donation, it’s an investment in stronger, healthier families and a more resilient community.

Mark your calendar for December 2 and join JFCAC in turning generosity into action. Every gift of time or resources matters in changing lives.
]]><![CDATA[Press Release Regarding Government Shutdown]]>Thu, 30 Oct 2025 23:09:23 GMThttps://www.jfcac.org/jfcac-blog/press-release-regarding-government-shutdown ]]><![CDATA[JFCAC Featured on PrevenTable Podcast]]>Thu, 30 Oct 2025 15:09:50 GMThttps://www.jfcac.org/jfcac-blog/jfcac-featured-on-preventable-podcastJFCAC's Tasha Skouby had the opportunity to appear on an episode of PrevenTable, a podcast by PreventEd. In her conversation with Executive Director Jenny Armbruster, they discussed the partnership between The Collective and JFCAC's EZMO program, which provides transportation for those in Jefferson/Franklin counties seeking recovery. They addressed the three biggest community needs: transportation, housing, and childcare, and what providing such resources means for recovery support. (Video Below)

]]><![CDATA[Keep on shopping, Missouri WIC!]]>Wed, 29 Oct 2025 18:20:40 GMThttps://www.jfcac.org/jfcac-blog/keep-on-shopping-missouri-wicMissouri WIC participants can continue to redeem WIC benefits in November!
Missouri WIC families should continue to attend appointments and shop with their WIC cards.

]]><![CDATA[New Office Hours Effective 11-3-2025]]>Thu, 23 Oct 2025 18:26:52 GMThttps://www.jfcac.org/jfcac-blog/new-office-hours-effective-11-3-2025Effective 11/3/2025 Our Hillsboro and Union Offices will have NEW Hours.
Monday - Thursday 7:30 AM - 5PM (Closed for Lunch from 12PM - 12:30PM)]]><![CDATA[Exciting News for Utility Assistance Applicants!]]>Mon, 20 Oct 2025 14:49:01 GMThttps://www.jfcac.org/jfcac-blog/exciting-news-for-utility-assistance-applicants

]]><![CDATA[A Special Celebration of 60 Years of Head Start]]>Thu, 11 Sep 2025 22:08:13 GMThttps://www.jfcac.org/jfcac-blog/a-special-celebration-of-60-years-of-head-startThe St. Louis region’s four largest Head Start providers celebrated the 60th anniversary of this federal program that provides crucial educational and other services to pre-kindergarten children.

YWCA Metro St. Louis, Youth In Need, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, and Jefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation lead a special celebration featuring leaders from the four organizations, graduates of Head Start programs who are now adults, current students and their families, and elected officials.

At the event held at YWCA’s South County Head Start Center, the four organizations celebrated the collective impact they have made in the lives of children and their families in the St. Louis region. In 2024 alone, these four Head Start programs have had a significant local impact:

Nearly 5,000 children educated.
3,000 working parents supported.
Nearly 860 jobs delivered.
More than $74 million invested in local communities.

Thank you to the leaders and staff of JFCAC Head Start for making such a positive impact in the lives of the children and families we serve.

The media coverage for this event was impressive. Below are links to a Channel 5 news story, NPR article and a partner social media post and photos that include our own Chief Executive Officer, Diana Hayes who was one of the featured speakers.

Channel 5 News Story- Head Start celebrates 60 years | ksdk.com

NPR Article - https://www.stlpr.org/education/2025-08-20/st-louis-head-start-60-years-funding-uncertainty

Link to event photos (Be sure to scroll all the way through. 😊) - https://photos.app.goo.gl/edVCDc8tXyAePAuCA

YWCA Metro St. Louis - Press Release - https://www.ywcastl.org/head-start-60th-anniversary-st.../
]]><![CDATA[JFCAC's Taylor Miller Recognized as 2025 Midwest Transit Operator Champion]]>Thu, 11 Sep 2025 21:14:02 GMThttps://www.jfcac.org/jfcac-blog/jfcacs-taylor-miller-recognized-as-2025-midwest-transit-operator-champion

The Jefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation (JFCAC) is proud to share that Taylor Miller, EZMO Transportation Coordinator, was honored as a 2025 Midwest Transit Operator Champion at the Midwest Transit Conference, held September 3–5, 2025.

The Midwest Transit Conference brings together public transportation professionals, state leaders, and community organizations from across the region to recognize outstanding contributions in advancing accessible and reliable transportation. The Transit Operator Champion award highlights individuals who demonstrate consistent dedication, customer care, and operational excellence in serving their communities.

Taylor’s recognition reflects her role in ensuring that EZMO Transportation operates smoothly each day. From coordinating schedules to supporting drivers and helping residents access safe, dependable rides, Taylor plays a vital part in connecting individuals and families to essential needs such as healthcare, employment, education, and food resources.

Since its launch, EZMO has continued to grow as a trusted resource for residents across Jefferson and Franklin Counties. In just the past year, the program has provided thousands of rides covering tens of thousands of miles, removing barriers for people who would otherwise struggle to reach critical services. This success is the result of a team effort, with volunteer drivers, dispatch, coordinators, and community partners all working together to expand opportunity through transportation.

At JFCAC, we know that accessible transportation is more than a ride, it’s a pathway to independence and stability. This recognition for Taylor and EZMO underscores the importance of investing in community-based solutions that remove barriers and strengthen resilience.

Congratulations to Taylor for this honor and thank you to the entire EZMO team for the dedication and collaboration that keep our communities moving forward.

]]><![CDATA[DDA Supports EZMO Transportation for a Second Year, Driving Independence in Jefferson County]]>Wed, 20 Aug 2025 15:32:52 GMThttps://www.jfcac.org/jfcac-blog/dda-supports-ezmo-transportation-for-a-second-year-driving-independence-in-jefferson-countyJefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation (JFCAC) is thrilled to announce that Developmental Disability Advocates (DDA) is continuing its support of the EZMO Transportation Program for a second consecutive year. This $50,000 grant helps provide Jefferson County residents with transportation to employment, giving individuals greater independence and access to opportunities.

DDA’s decision to renew funding reflects their confidence in EZMO’s proven ability to connect residents with the resources they need to succeed. Since July 2024, DDA-supported rides have allowed eligible residents to travel safely and reliably to work, education, and other essential services.

Over the past year, EZMO has continued to grow and improve its services, including the launch of the EZMO Rider App, which uses GPS technology to make rides more efficient and accessible for all passengers. This innovation allows resources to stretch further, supporting even more riders in their journey toward independence.

Volunteers and drivers play a critical role in this success, becoming part of each rider’s personal story. By providing reliable transportation, they help disabled young adults navigate independence and remove the stress of transportation from families, fostering stronger relationships beyond the ride itself. One young rider shared that having EZMO Transportation means they no longer have to rely on family for rides, a change that has brought them greater independence and reduced stress for their loved ones.

The ripple effect is powerful: every ride supported by DDA contributes to a stronger, more inclusive Jefferson County, where everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in community life.

Access to work is access to independence, and DDA’s funding helps make that possible. JFCAC is deeply grateful for DDA’s ongoing support, and for the dedicated EZMO volunteers and drivers whose daily efforts transform this funding into life-changing action.

To learn more about EZMO Transportation or find ways to support this work, visit www.jfcac.org/ezmo

]]>