Council of Churches of the Ozarks recently marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its one-year anniversary at its new headquarters. This momentous occasion not only commemorated a year of service but also underscored the organization’s commitment to providing essential support to the community.
Over the past year, CCO has undergone a transformative journey, consolidating all its programs under one roof. This strategic move has streamlined access to vital assistance and support services, creating a comprehensive one-stop-shop for individuals and families in need.
The anniversary celebration, held on Tuesday, March 26th, welcomed guests to enjoy building tours, refreshments, and more. Reflecting on the past year, Jaimie Trussell, CEO at Council of Churches of the Ozarks, expressed gratitude for the community’s support and shared excitement for the organization’s future endeavors.
“We were thrilled to celebrate this significant milestone – the first anniversary of the Council of Churches of the Ozarks in our poverty response hub,” said Trussell. “This past year has been both challenging and remarkable as we completely redesigned our structure and service model. Bringing all our programs under one roof has made us more efficient and capable of meeting the needs of our community.”
Trussell emphasized the organization’s dedication to assisting families in their time of need and guiding them toward a brighter future. The celebration aimed to showcase the extensive range of services offered by CCO, which has been serving the community for over five decades through many programs addressing basic needs from infancy to elder care.
Among the highlights of CCO’s achievements over the past year are the following key statistics:
- 618 students are currently being tutored through the Math & Reading Buddy Programs.
- Safe to Sleep shelter helped 25 women receive permanent housing
- Wish I May distributed 736 birthday bags and over 1,400 books to children.
- Ambassadors for Children facilitated 613 clothing boutique visits and provided formalwear to 50 teens through the Prom Closet.
These statistics underscore the tangible impact that CCO has had on the lives of individuals and families in the community. As the organization looks ahead to the future, it remains committed to its mission of providing help and hope to those in need.
The anniversary celebration served as a moment of reflection and gratitude for the strides made over the past year, while also inspiring renewed dedication to serving the community with compassion and efficiency.
For contributions to Council of Churches of the Ozarks, please visit CCOzarks.org/Donate.
