It’s May in the Ozarks. The flowers are blooming, the days are getting warmer, and new beginnings are all around us. But for many families in Laclede County, this season is about something more — getting through hard times with hope and help.
May is National Foster Care Month, and right here at home, children are entering the foster system needing more than just a place to sleep. They need comfort. Consistency. Compassion.
That’s where our local nonprofits step in — and they need us too.
Fostering Hope Closet is a one-stop, no-cost resource for foster, kinship, guardianship, and adoptive families across Laclede and surrounding counties. From clothing and hygiene items to baby gear and essentials, they make sure families have what they need. Their Paving the Way program also teaches life skills like driver’s ed, financial basics, and cooking.
Visit: live2givehope.org/fostering-hope
Facebook: Fostering Hope Closet – Lebanon MO
Laclede County Diaper Bank, a program of First United Methodist Church, provides diapers, pull-ups, and underwear to children and adults in need — helping families with dignity and care.
Address: 300 N Madison Ave, Lebanon, MO
Phone: (417) 532-7408
Website: lbfumc.org
Facebook: First United Methodist Church Lebanon MO
Laclede Literacy Council helps adults grow even after the system — with free one-on-one tutoring for those preparing for the GED, learning to read, or working toward U.S. citizenship.
Address: 539 E. Elm St., Suite A in Lebanon
Phone: (417) 532-6697
Facebook: Laclede Literacy Council
All of these efforts are supported in part by Community Cares grants from the Lebanon Area Foundation, allowing these groups to focus on what matters: helping people.
Address: 500 E. Elm St. inside the Cowan Civic Center’s upstairs administrative offices.
Phone: (417) 532-8868
Facebook: Lebanon Area Foundation
So this month, we invite you to grow a little differently. Volunteer your time. Make a donation. Offer encouragement to someone doing hard things.
Let them know they’re not alone. Let them know they’re loved.
Because when we show up for each other — we grow stronger together.