Junior League of Springfield MO - OUR FOCUS: The prevention of child abuse and neglect in Southwest Missouri.

Isabel's House, Crisis Nursery of the Ozarks

Visit http://www.isabelshouse.org/

Phone Number: 417-865-CARE (2273)

The Junior League of Springfield believes the welfare of the children in the nation and in our backyards is of utmost importance. Child abuse and neglect has been identified as a red flag in our community by many assessments, summits, and reports.

Based on this data, the Junior League of Springfield is partnering with Burrell Behavioral Health, City of Springfield, CoxHealth, Community Partnership of the Ozarks, Missouri State University, St. John's Health System, Springfield-Greene County Park Board, and United Way of the Ozarks to develop Isabel's House, the Crisis Nursery of the Ozarks. A crisis nursery is a proven child abuse prevention tool and a recognized community need.

Isabel's House will provide 24/7 residential care for kids when there is trouble at home. Families in crisis will receive respite, education, support and training services. The crisis nursery opened in June of 2007 at 2750 West Bennett, near the intersection of Scenic and Bennett in Springfield. The architect on the project was Slone Architects and the general contractor was the Howard Bailey Company.

Community patronage of JLS fundraisers is integral to Isabel's House's success. These fundraisers include Sassafras! and Women Who Can Dish It Out cookbooks, the Plaid Door Resale Boutique, Celebrate the Season holiday event, Charity Ball, and Charity Horse Show. The support of our city, state, and federal governments, coupled with private donations and awarded grants, helped to open the doors of Isabel's House.

Don't miss this opportunity to help our area's children:

  • Child abuse and neglect was identified as a red flag in our community report card for two consecutive years.
  • Greene County had 63.4 substantiated Child Abuse and Neglect cases per 1000 children, compared to 41 for state average in 2004 (2005 Kids Count Report)
  • Child Abuse rates in Greene County far exceed the state average, and are more than five times the national average.
  • In Greene County in 2004, there were 901 children removed from the home with the prevalent reasons being neglect, parental involvement with drugs and alcohol, inadequate housing, and physical abuse. Abuse and neglect are 100% preventable, and no child should have to suffer.


Board of Directors and Staff

Executive Committee Slate for July 2009 to June 2010

  • President - Stephanie Montgomery
  • President Elect - Morey Mechlin
  • Treasurer - Sean Balisle
  • Secretary - Alison Miller
  • Immediate Past President - Cindy Waites

Members:

  • Rita Baron
  • Kim Day
  • Melissa Haddow
  • Evelyn Honea
  • Jennifer Kennally
  • Mark McFatridge
  • Andrea McKinney
  • Brooke O'Reilly
  • Lisa Officer
  • Steve Pope
  • Lynn Tynes

Ex-Officio Members:

  • Jodie Adams
  • Bob Bezanson
  • Dr. Mike Nietzel

Staff

FRANCINE MICHELINE PRATT is the new Executive Director for Isabel’s House, a signature project for the Junior League of Springfield, MO. She is also the president of the NAACP Springfield Chapter and Advisor for the Youth Council, “Young People on the Move.” Ms. Pratt was the former Principal Assistant for the Family Support Division, Department of Social Services. She has a background in providing leadership through project management, team building, conflict resolution and organizational behavior. Ms. Pratt has an extensive public service career that includes leadership and administrative positions. She served as a Regional Administrator and Branch Chief of Customer and Community Services Division for the State of California’s Department of Child Support Services.  She also served as Chief Assistant to the Director’s Office for the State of California’s Department of Managed Health Care and as the statewide patient advocate. Ms. Pratt has many years of community experience in working with young people and their caregiverss to help them achieve their fullest potential. Ms. Pratt moved to Springfield in November 2007 and works in Jefferson City. She is married to Wes Pratt.

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Updated 03/30/10