Audio
The Care For Kids Journal is a project of the Silver Dollar City Foundation and Branson's Hometown Radio. Through interviews with school administrators, Care For Kids coordinators and volunteers, the Care For Kids Journal tells the stories of how Care For Kids meets the needs of area kids. Click on the "Download MP3" links below to listen.
Care For Kids Journal
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Linda Jensen, Crane Elementary Counselor“It was such a joy to see them put those glasses on for the first time and to be able to read…" |
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Leanne West, Kirbyville School Counselor“Care For Kids funds have allowed me to say, ‘I’m sorry…let me help.” |
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Judy Horner, Liz Turner, Bethany Stumbaugh, Forsyth CounselorsWe had two families who lost their homes to a fire...so we went and bought them all kinds of things... |
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Kathy Osenga, Volunteer Mentor, Branson ElementaryMentoring a child shows children they have value so they know someone is in their corner... |
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Joanna Coffey"It has given me purpose. We're talking eternal purpose here, we’re talking changing a child’s life." |
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Tricia Pearson, Crane Elementary Principal"We had a first grade boy who had four abscessed teeth... Because of Care For Kids funds, we were able to get him the help he needed." |
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Jared Kolter, Director, Stone County K-Life"One of the things that I think is a key to an effective relationship with a teen is earning the right to be heard..." |
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Ken Ortman, LUC Boys Ranch Director"We try to develop a sense of humility, of accountability and responsibility, and so when they leave, they’re ready to help others..." |
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Tim Crawley, Taneyville Superintendent"Anytime kids get those emotional needs and physical needs met, they’re better students, they behave better, they’re better for their parents..." |
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Chris Hunter, Family Mentor, Branson Elementary"I pray 'God, don't let me waste my life.' And this is a door of opportunity that He’s given me to make my life count for something..." |
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Mike Fransen, Blue Eye Elementary Principal"The impact on that child’s life is unbelievable, and that happens every day with Care For Kids..." |
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Katie Howard, Hurley School Counselor"The backpack program allows us to send 24 backpacks home each Friday to students who may go hungry that weekend..." |
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Danny Hartwell, Pastor, Hollister First Baptist Church"Our people are like surrogate grandparents...they really feel they’re being a help..." |
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Pam Hazell, Branson Elementary Counselor"The lunch buddy saw a great transition from her being sad to being full of self-esteem, so that’s a total transformation..." |
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Brent Depeé, Spokane School Superintendent"Our school has become a lot more in tune and sensitive to the needs of our students and our families..." |
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John Baltes, Silver Dollar City Foundation President"Care For Kids is about demonstrating the love of Christ, showing we care in practical ways..." |
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Dawn Funderburk, Branson Volunteer Mentor"I can listen and I can make them feel special and I can love them for 20 minutes a week..." |
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Deann Short, Spokane High School Counselor"We’ve helped kids with things as simple as being able to pay for a workshop they couldn’t attend .. ." |
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Craig Carson, Hollister Assistant Superintendent"In our area of Taney County, the need is definitely there ..." |
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Laurie Strickland, Shell Knob School Volunteer Coordinator"The role modeling that comes from these mentors is crucial." |
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Marcia Dial, Reeds Spring Care For Kids Coordinator"One of our bus drivers picked up three little girls standing in extreme cold.. who had no coats..we sent them home that evening with new coats..." |
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Leanne West, Kirbyville School Counselor"That $150 literally saved this little boy's life..." |
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Michelle Collins, Forsyth Elementary Principal"The goal is one-on-one quality time..." |
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The Care For Kids Journal also airs on KRZK, 106.3 FM and KOMC, 100.1 FM.
