417-865-CARE (2273)
gretchen@isabelshouse.org

Isabel's House Celebrates On Year

Isabel's House, the Crisis Nursery of the Ozarks, is celebrating its first birthday. The community is invited to attend a celebration at Ewing Park, Sunday, July 13, from 3-5 p.m. A birthday cake will feature candles representing the 83-plus families served during this first year. In addition to refreshments, party guests will enjoy free inflatables and face-painting by the Springfield Little Theatre. Donations are welcome.

Isabel's House, the signature project of the Junior League of Springfield, provides temporary residential care for children ages birth through 12-years-old during a crisis situation. Located at 2750 W. Bennett in Springfield, Isabel's House is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is no charge to stay at Isabel's House.

The goal of Isabel's House is to strengthen families. There are many reasons caregivers may use the crisis nursery, such as loss of a home, drug or alcohol rehabilitation, loss of utilities, or emergency hospital stays. At all times, children are cared for by trained and dedicated staff members. At Isabel's House, children attend school; play games; create art projects; have computer and library time; and much more. They are fed nutritious, family-style meals and enjoy a good night's sleep.

Another important mission of Isabel's House is to provide respite, empowerment, support and training (REST) to the caregivers themselves. Isabel's House gives caregivers the time and resources needed to stabilize their home environment. Numerous referrals have been made to help families solve whatever problems they are facing. Caregivers are encouraged to visit and call during their children's stay. Keeping families strong and connected is central to the crisis nursery.

"Without the support of our community, Isabel's House would not be able to meet the needs of our most valuable citizens – the children. We are able to fulfill our mission of preventing child abuse and neglect while keeping families together," said Gretchen Gambon, executive director of Isabel's House. "This past year, almost 200 children were cared for at Isabel's House and we look forward to serving our community's families for years to come."

Founded by the Junior League of Springfield, Isabel's House is privately owned and operated through private donations and federal, state and local grants. Community partners include Burrell Behavioral Health, City of Springfield, Community Partnership of the Ozarks, CoxHealth, Missouri State University, St. John's Health System, Springfield-Greene County Park Board and United Way of the Ozarks.

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Isabel's House is the signature project of the Junior League of the Ozarks

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