Taney County, Mo. – Court‑appointed Special Advocates for children (CASA) of the Southwest is expanding its services after receiving a $250,000 donation from the Skaggs Foundation of Branson. The grant will fund a new CASA clubhouse in Taney County, modeled after the organization’s existing facility in Springfield.

Why the clubhouse matters for foster children

There are roughly 350 children in foster care in Taney County. CASA leaders say a dedicated clubhouse will give those children a safe, one‑stop location where they can learn essential life skills, receive basic necessities, and spend supervised time with their parents.

Services offered at the Springfield model

Laura Farmer, executive director of CASA of Southwest Missouri, described the Springfield clubhouse’s impact: “We’re serving over 2,000 children each year, providing supervised parent visits, cooking classes, laundry and basic‑life‑skill workshops, and a kids’ closet stocked with hygiene products and school supplies. It truly is a one‑stop shop for our kids in foster care.”

Looking for a home for the Taney County site

The organization is actively seeking a suitable building or parcel of land to house the new clubhouse. Community members who have space to offer or who know of available properties are encouraged to contact CASA directly.

Community support and future outlook

Local leaders and volunteers have praised the donation, noting that the clubhouse aligns with the region’s commitment to family stability and child welfare. By providing practical training and a supportive environment, the facility is expected to help foster children transition more smoothly into independent adulthood.

For more information on how to assist or to learn about the progress of the clubhouse project, interested parties can reach out to CASA of the Southwest through the contact link provided in the original announcement.

Original reporting: KY3 Springfield (local) — read the source article.