Springfield Business Journal_2020-09-28

19-118.335661.V2.09.2020 www.AmericanNational.com Why American National Cares Filling the Gaps for Foster Kids and Families Foster Adopt Connect has been helping steer foster children and foster and adoptive families through the complicated child welfare system for over 20 years in Missouri and Kansas. The organization provides advocacy, support, behavioral services, food, clothing, school supplies and hygiene items to families, and also has a program to help those from 18-26 years of age who are aging out of the foster system. “We really run the entire gamut of services just trying to help out with things where families might not be able to get support otherwise,” says Allison Gregory, executive director of Foster Adopt Connect SWMO. Foster Adopt Connect SWMO became connected with American National in 2019. “They really just stepped up and got involved in our events and volunteer opportunities,” says Gregory. She says this support is crucial since the local office of Foster Adopt Connect has only been around for five years and is still a bit of an unknown entity in the community. “We have a niche, so if people aren’t directly involved in child welfare, they may not know about us. American National has been a very active partner over the last couple years and has helped elevate our presence in the community.” American National has invited Foster Adopt Connect to participate in several campaigns, one of which was a presentation at a Missouri State University Bears basketball game and using its social media presence to boost awareness of Foster Adopt Connect. “That was really big for us. That’s exposure that we can’t get otherwise,” says Gregory. American National has also organized several drives in times when Foster Adopt Connect has needed supplies. When COVID-19 struck and changed in-person events to virtual events almost overnight Gregory and the staff of Foster Adopt Connect weren’t sure if they’d be able to pull off their annual event, Farm to Table(aux), the biggest fundraiser of the year. The funds from this event support the myriad innovative programs and services that fill in the gaps for children and families navigating the child welfare system. As sponsors started to drop off, the worry of being unable to raise these funds grew even larger. American National stayed with Foster Adopt Connect every step of the way and helped transition the event to the virtual realm. “In moving to a new platform, it was critical that we expanded our audience and online presence,” says Gregory. “American National was a big part of this endeavor.” American National hosted a Facebook live stream for Foster Adopt Connect and shared and pushed out event information to their large social media following, which more than doubled social media reach for Foster Adopt Connect. Even though the event didn’t meet the goal, it still generated $27,000. “Our families’ needs have only increased since COVID hit,” says Gregory. “And even though it was disappointing to fall short, we’re so glad we were able to pull off the event at all with so much uncertainty. American National played a crucial part in that.” “They’ve just been a really great partner,” says Gregory. “They really plugged in and wanted to understand what we do in the community and wanted to know when and where they could help. And then they do everything they can.” Springfield nonprofits enrich our quality of life and assist our most vulnerable citizens for the betterment of our overall community. American National proudly supports dozens of charities with financial and volunteer support annually. Each of their 928 local employees receive a paid day to volunteer with a local charity of their choice. Sponsored by PAID ADVERTISEMENT