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The Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association (CMFCAA) is rolling out a new initiative aimed at expanding access to essential items for foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
The organization is introducing a “traveling trunk”, a mobile resource center designed to reach underserved communities across 24 counties in Mid-Missouri.
What Is the Traveling Trunk?
The traveling trunk is a 38-foot trailer stocked with critical physical resources for families supported by CMFCAA. These include:
- Clothing
- Hygiene products
- Car seats
- Toys
- Other household essentials
While CMFCAA currently offers access to similar trunks in Osage Beach, Jefferson City, and Rolla, not all families in rural or distant areas have been able to benefit from them.
Why the Initiative Was Created
According to Guy Clow, Director of Development at CMFCAA, the idea stemmed from a community needs assessment conducted a year ago. Many families expressed a clear need for greater access to the organization’s trunk services.
“The biggest request was making the trunk more accessible,” Clow said. “So, we decided to take it on the road.”
Where the Traveling Trunk Will Go
The mobile unit is being scheduled to visit multiple locations, especially those farther from existing trunk centers. Confirmed stops include:
- Sedalia
- Benton County
- Columbia
The rollout is expected to begin this fall, perfectly timed with back-to-school season, a particularly high-demand period for foster and adoptive families managing the costs of clothing and supplies.
“For families with multiple foster or adopted children, back-to-school shopping can be overwhelming,” Clow noted. “This mobile trunk helps ease that burden.”
How Families Can Access It
Families affiliated with CMFCAA can receive up to 20 free items per visit, with no cost involved. The upcoming schedule for the traveling trunk will be shared via:
- CMFCAA’s social media platforms
- Direct notifications through family contact information in CMFCAA’s system
Public Launch Event in Columbia
To celebrate the launch, CMFCAA will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday at 10 a.m., located at Veterans United on Forum Boulevard in Columbia. Attendees will be able to:
- Tour the traveling trunk
- Meet and speak with CMFCAA staff
- Learn more about how the initiative will support the community
By introducing the traveling trunk, CMFCAA is taking a major step toward increasing equity in access to basic necessities for foster, adoptive, and kinship families across rural Missouri.
This mobile solution not only meets families where they are but also brings timely support during critical times like back-to-school. It’s a powerful example of how community input can drive innovation in social services.