Governor and First Lady Join in Groundbreaking for New Crisis Nursery

SPRINGFIELD–Gov. Matt Blunt and First Lady Melanie Blunt participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Crisis Nursery of the Ozarks.

"The Crisis Nursery of the Ozarks is an excellent example of the state and the private sector partnering together to help children during their time of need," Blunt said. "Crisis nurseries have proven to be effective tools in preventing child abuse and neglect."

The Crisis Nursery of the Ozarks will provide a safe environment for children when there are problems at home. The center will offer residential care for children ages birth to 12 when there is trouble at their home, and provide families in crisis with education, support and training services.

The Crisis Nursery of the Ozarks is a project sponsored by the Junior League of Springfield, along with the state and community partners Burrell Behavioral Health, Community Partnership of the Ozarks, CoxHealth, Missouri State University, St. John's Health System, and United Way.

In June the governor signed Senate Bill 1229 creating the Children in Crisis tax credit for up to 50 percent of donations to any organization that receives funding from the Court Appointed Special Advocate Fund, child advocacy center or crisis care center.

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[State Press Release]  [PDF]