News

“Seeing the passion and generosity of people willing to serve and help others for no other reason than love.” —Diana Flannigan, Director of Volunteer Engagement At the heart of Crosslines Community Outreach (CCO) is a powerful, often unseen force: volunteers. Nearly 1,000 individuals generously give their time, energy, and compassion each year to help carry … Read more

Jewel is an 86-year-old woman with a gentle spirit and a story that reminds us exactly why we’re here. It was her first time visiting the food pantry. She moved slowly, cautiously, relying on a walker. The toll of her recent stroke was visible not just in her steps, but in her eyes. She looked … Read more

At Ambassadors for Children (AFC), our mission is simple, but powerful: to restore dignity to every local youth in foster care. Too often, children enter foster care with nothing more than a grocery sack of belongings, leaving behind not only their homes and families, but also a sense of identity and self-worth. AFC, a compassionate … Read more

For families living on the edge of poverty, it’s not a question of if a crisis will happen—it’s when. A dead car battery. A broken furnace. A windstorm that rips off part of the roof. These are the kinds of setbacks that many families can navigate with a credit card or emergency savings. But for … Read more

On a bright spring afternoon, a room full of blueprints, notepads, and hopeful anticipation buzzed with energy as Crosslines Community Outreach welcomed local contractors to a pre-bid open house —an exciting step forward in the journey to build a permanent home for Safe to Sleep, Springfield’s only emergency shelter for women. Held as part of … Read more

When it comes to making a difference, Bill and Virginia Darr have always believed in investing in people—especially those whose voices are too often overlooked. With a legacy of philanthropy grounded in faith, family, and a commitment to building stronger communities, the Darrs have quietly helped shape countless lives across southwest Missouri. Each spring, they … Read more

Jeff had been looking forward to his senior year for as long as he could remember. But when he entered foster care during his junior year of high school, even graduating on time seemed unlikely. Prom. Senior photos. Yearbooks. A cap and gown. For most students, they’re just part of the experience. For Jeff, they … Read more