Heartland’s Back to School Fair Helps Maries County Students

Smiling faces and general tones of happiness filled the room as Heartland Independent Living Center (HILC) hosted two Back to School Fairs supporting the students and families of the Maries County R-1 and R-2 school districts. Children and parents went from booth to booth gathering essential supplies for the upcoming school year.

Over the past two weeks HILC has worked diligently to support families struggling to buy school supplies. The first fair was held at Vienna’s Knights of Columbus Hall on July 18 and the second was held at the Bland Christian Church on July 25.  A total of 272 children received new backpacks, Crayola products and much more. In addition, approximately 20 vendors provided resource information and additional supplies.

“Buying all this stuff would put us deep into debt,” Ginger Moreland, mother of two, said at the Vienna Fair. “Saving us a lot of money is a blessing in itself.”

Constance Smith, the counselor at Belle Elementary, came to the event in Bland and expressed how much Heartland’s efforts were helping her and the school district this year.

“What’s so great about this is the kids so enjoy coming in the first day with their own supplies,” Smith said. “If they get them from me it could take up to a week. It’s just really nice if they can fit in with everyone. I think the highlight was the kids got to pick the backpack color. It was like shopping.”

By the end, most children were complaining of the weight of the bag, as their parents smiled and expressed their gratitude to staff and volunteers.

“We are extremely pleased with the results of our first-ever Back to School Fairs!” Executive Director Pat Chambers said. “Almost 300 Maries County students took advantage of the fairs in Vienna and Bland. Our successful events would not have been possible without the tremendous work of the Heartland staff and the cooperation and support of a number of outstanding community partners!”

Heartland will continue working with Maries County R-1 and R-2 districts to provide supplies to children who are in need but were unable to attend. 

Heartland Elects New Board Officers

The Board of Directors poses outside of Heartland on July 21, 2014. Pictured: Mark Hulsey, right, Jim Brinkmann, Denny Huff, Deborah Moore and Dee Ann Fuller, left. Not Pictured: Vera Williams

Heartland Independent Living Center elected new officers for their Board of Directors.

The board consists of six members. Mark Hulsey was re-elected to fill the position of President, Dee Ann Fuller re-elected to Vice President, Deborah Moore elected to Secretary and the three remaining board members are Vera Williams, Denny Huff and James Brinkmann.

Federal rules require that at least 51 percent of the employees of a Center for Independent Living consist of individuals with disabilities.  That same requirement applies to the Center’s Board of Director’s. Five of the six current Heartland board members are individuals with significant disabilities.

“Heartland is extremely fortunate to have the commitment and stability our board has given to our organization. The organization’s accomplishments over the past five years have been achieved thanks to their support and encouragement,” said Executive Director Pat Chambers.

The Board of Directors meets once a month.

Heartland Independent Living Center is a nonprofit, community based organization that serves individuals with disabilities in their quest to remain independent in their own homes.  Services include in-home assistance, home modifications and ramps, adaptive equipment, transition assistance from institution to home, and dental services.  Heartland meets accountability standards and holds the Better Business Bureau Charity Seal of Approval. For additional information on their services contact Heartland at 573-437-5100, or visit their website at www.heartlandilc.org. Follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/heartlandilcenter.