Preventing homelessness today. Building housing stability for tomorrow.

When a family faces the threat of losing their home, every moment matters. A missed payment, an unexpected expense, or a sudden life change can quickly escalate into a housing crisis. Thanks to renewed second-year funding from the Jefferson Foundation, the Housing Access Initiative (HAI) with Community Services continues to stand in that critical gap—helping families remain safely housed while building the foundation for a more stable future.

A Continued Investment in Stability
In May 2026, the Jefferson Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to local families by awarding $40,000 to support the Housing Access Initiative for another year.

This renewed funding reflects more than financial support—it represents trust in a proven model that combines immediate crisis relief with long-term solutions. The initiative is designed to meet families where they are, offering help at the exact moment it’s needed most.

Responding When It Matters Most
At its core, the Housing Access Initiative provides immediate financial assistance to households facing urgent housing challenges—whether it’s preventing eviction, addressing foreclosure risk, or securing a new lease.
In the previous funding cycle, assistance averaged about $1,665 per household, helping families overcome barriers that might otherwise lead to homelessness. While each situation is unique, the goal remains the same: stabilize housing quickly and effectively to prevent displacement.

​This proactive approach ensures that families don’t fall deeper into crisis before support arrives. Instead, they receive timely help that keeps them rooted in their homes, schools, and communities.

Prevention as a Priority
The Housing Access Initiative is grounded in a simple but powerful idea: it is far more effective—and more humane—to prevent homelessness than to respond after it occurs.

By focusing on early intervention, the initiative identifies households at risk and provides targeted assistance before they reach a breaking point. This prevention-first strategy not only protects families but also preserves community stability and reduces the long-term impacts of housing insecurity.

More Than Financial Assistance: A Whole-Family Approach
What sets the Housing Access Initiative apart is its commitment to addressing not just the immediate crisis, but the underlying challenges that contribute to housing instability.

​Every household that receives assistance is also connected to Empowerment Coaching, creating a dual-support system that promotes lasting change. Through coaching, families gain access to mentorship, goal-setting support, and skill-building opportunities that strengthen their ability to maintain stable housing moving forward.
This whole-family approach recognizes that lasting stability requires more than a one-time payment—it requires support, guidance, and opportunity.

Building Lasting Impact
While financial assistance can resolve an immediate crisis, the work doesn’t stop there. The Housing Access Initiative continues to walk alongside families as they rebuild, ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to sustain their housing long-term.

​This ongoing support transforms a moment of crisis into a turning point—helping families not just recover, but move forward with greater resilience and confidence.

A Partnership That Makes It Possible
The impact of the Housing Access Initiative would not be possible without the continued partnership of the Jefferson Foundation. Their investment allows Community Services to respond quickly, act strategically, and reach families when it matters most.

​Together, this collaboration demonstrates what is possible when community partners align around a shared goal: ensuring that every family has a safe, stable place to call home.

Looking Ahead
As the Housing Access Initiative enters its second year of funding, the mission remains clear—meet urgent needs today while building pathways to long-term stability tomorrow.

With continued support from the Jefferson Foundation, more families will have the opportunity to remain housed, regain stability, and move forward with hope.

To learn more about the JFCAC Housing Access Initiative, contact Community Services at 636-789-2686 x4 or email [email protected].

🌟 JFCAC Head Start Featured in Spring 2026 Head Start Sand Box Magazine
We are proud to celebrate the recognition of our JFCAC Head Start program and team members in the Region VII Head Start Sand Box™ Spring 2026 magazine!
👉 your_sand_box_magazine_spring_2026.pdf

This regional publication highlights outstanding programs, staff achievements, and innovations across Head Start—and we are honored to be included among so many impactful organizations.

👏 Celebrating Our Staff Accomplishments
Our success is driven by the dedication and growth of our team. This issue recognizes one of our own:

• Misty Rhives, ERSEA Coordinator, graduated from the Region VII Management Acceleration Program (MAP) — a professional development program designed to strengthen leadership and program expertise in Head Start. Misty’s achievement reflects her commitment to excellence and continuous learning in serving children and families.
  
  

🤝 Spotlight on Our Growing Partnerships
JFCAC Head Start was also featured for our work, expanding access to high-quality early childhood education:

• Our newest childcare partnership with River’s Edge Learning Center was highlighted as a featured article.

This partnership demonstrates how we:

• Expand access to comprehensive early education services
• Support providers in meeting Head Start performance standards
• Ensure children and families receive high-quality, wraparound support

Our partnerships are key to strengthening communities and meeting the evolving needs of families across our service area.

🏛️ Advocacy in Action
Our team continues to be a strong voice for children and families beyond the classroom:

• Trisha Knaff (Policy Council Chair)
• Robert Knaff (Policy Council Board Liaison)
• Cara Greenwald (Family Engagement Coordinator)
• Katrina Bass (Family Coach)

These representatives proudly attended Missouri Child Advocacy Day, joining advocates from across the state to engage with legislators and promote policies supporting children and families.
Their participation reflects our commitment to ensuring the voices of Head Start families are heard at every level.

💬 Why This Matters
Recognition in this publication highlights the meaningful impact of our work:

• Supporting school readiness and lifelong success
• Strengthening families through comprehensive services
• Building partnerships that expand opportunity
• Advocating for policies that benefit our communities

Every accomplishment reflects the passion and dedication of our staff, families, and partners.

🙌 Thank You to Our Team
We are incredibly proud of our staff and partners whose hard work makes this recognition possible. Your commitment continues to strengthen children, families, and communities every day.

📖 Read the Full Feature
Explore the full Spring 2026 issue here:
👉 your_sand_box_magazine_spring_2026.pdf

​Jefferson Franklin Community Action Corp has made the difficult decision to close our Behavioral Health program effective May 29, 2026, following an evaluation of sustainability, funding, and organizational priorities.
 
Our focus through this transition is supporting current clients by assisting with referrals to other behavioral health resources within our community.
 
Thank you to our clients, partners, and supporters for your collaboration and trust as we continue our mission of empowering individuals and families.

The Franklin County Public Housing Agency will hold a Public Hearing on June 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the office of the Jefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation (JFCAC), 2 Merchants Dr., Hillsboro, MO. The purpose of the Public Hearing is to invite public comments from interested persons on the proposed Annual Plan for fiscal year October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027, to be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program which is administered by JFCAC in Franklin and Jefferson Counties. 

The Annual Plan is a requirement of the federal Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act. A copy of the plan will be available on the JFCAC website at www.jfcac.org/housing. The plan will be available for review from 7:30a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday at either of the two JFCAC offices which are located at #2 Merchant Dr., Hillsboro, MO. or 500 Clark Ave., Suite C7, Union, MO. JFCAC is an Equal Opportunity Housing provider. 

JFCAC 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. 

Supporting 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 [email protected]

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.

JFCAC 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. 

FOR 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: [email protected].
 
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Jefferson 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.

Giving 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. 

JFCAC'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) 

​Missouri WIC participants can continue to redeem WIC benefits in November! 
Missouri WIC families should continue to attend appointments and shop with their WIC cards.

Effective 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)