DENIS MOOREBOARD CHAIRMAN
Greetings from the EMAA Board of Directors!
Welcome to the Annual Report of the East Missouri Action Agency. On behalf of the dedicated men and women of the EMAA Board of Directors, the Head Start Policy Council, and the EMAA Staff, you are invited to review how your agency operates, the programs that are available and the services that are available. We are excited to share this information about all of the excellent opportunities that EMAA provides in our region. Our goal is to have a positive impact upon the communities in which we live.
The East Missouri Action Agency is one of nineteen Community Action Agencies serving the State of Missouri Our primary focus is to address the poverty that is so prevalent among those who reside in Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Iron, Madison, Perry, St Francois, Ste Genevieve, and Washington counties in Southeast Missouri. Assistance is provided for those most in need, with the principle focus of providing the necessary support and skills that allow individuals and families to become self-sufficient.
The shadow of poverty is one of the most difficult challenges facing individuals and families throughout Southeast Missouri. These challenges have been, and continue to be exacerbated by worldwide inflationary pressures. EMAA provides the assistance and the resources necessary to help those citizens in need to find employment with a living wage. EMAA helps to provide housing for those who have none. EMAA helps families learn how to save money so they can make the down payment for a home of their own EMAA helps the sick, the elderly, and families with very young children stay comfortable and healthy during the extreme weather that occurs in the winter and the summer.
Affordable housing is a top need as well as quality jobs. Through strategic planning, EMAA New Foundations was Established in 2022. The purpose of the program is to provide jobs and teach skills to those who are low-income so they can the marketable skills learnt and move on to jobs that provide a living wage. The staff consists of a crew of 10 who go in and restore homes or build new homes.
Through Head Start, EMAA provides a strong educational foundation for young children to be successful when they enter primary school EMAA provides resources for economic development in its service area in the form of small business loans to those who otherwise could not qualify due to their distressed situation. And, in response to the ongoing healthcare crisis in our country, EMAA provides women's wellness programs to assist in maintaining good health as well as, providing preventive services, and assistance if there is a health issue that requires immediate attention.
EMAA cannot provide all of these services and supports singlehandedly. EMAA is a proud partner with SEED$, Missouri CAN, United Way 2-1-1, and BJC to name a few.
Please take a few moments to review this booklet to learn more about the East Missouri Action Agency and how it actively participate in your community. Chances are, you know someone we have helped, or can recommend us to someone that we can help. If you would like to know more about the East Missouri Action Agency and its programs and services, please call EMAA at 573-431-5191. We are always happy to hear from you!
Sincerely,
Denis Moore, Board Chair
East Missouri Action Agency
Message from the Executive Director
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As we reflect on the past year, I am filled with profound gratitude and pride for the remarkable progress we have achieved. Despite facing challenges, our dedicated team, volunteers and partners have worked tirelessly to support and uplift the communities we serve. It is with great pleasure that I share with you some of the highlights and the impact we have made in Bollinger, Cape, Iron, Madison, Perry, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve and Washington County communities. This annual report is just a glimpse of the great work that is done here at East Missouri Action Agency.
Our mission to cultivate communities of opportunity and support people in reaching their highest potential remains at the forefront of everything we do. This year, we expanded many of our programs to address the needs of our community. Through these efforts, we have directly impacted families and helped them achieve a brighter future. Partnerships with local businesses, government agencies and other non-profits have enabled us to leverage resources. These partnerships have been instrumental in the work we do. We could not do this work without our partners.
EMAA has maintained a strong fiscal position, ensuring that the majority of our funds are directed toward program services.
Our strong fiscal position, transparency and accountability lead us to become a well-respected non-profit in Southeast Missouri.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to our vision of creating communities where everyone’s potential to thrive is unlimited by community conditions. We will continue to innovate, adapt and expand our services to meet the changing needs of our communities. In closing, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our board members, staff, volunteers, donors, partners and community members. Your dedication and generosity have been a driving force behind our success. Together, we are helping people and changing lives, one life at a time.
Thank you for being a part of this great organization.
Sincerely,
Keri McCrorey, CCAP Executive Director
OUR MISSION, VISION, VALUESEXT
Helping
People, Changing Lives in the Southeast Missouri Counties of:
Bollinger, Cape, Iron, Madison, Perry, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Washington
Mission: East Missouri Action Agency cultivates communities of opportunity and supports people in reaching their highest potential.
Vision: Communities where everyone’s potential to thrive is unlimited by community conditions.
Values - How We Show Up
Compassionate: We care and go above & beyond for our customers and each other.
Nonjudgemental: We treat all people with dignity and respect.
Resourceful: We work together and with our communities to create solutions.
Dedicated: We don‘t give up on people, communities, or each other.
Our Team
“There are no problems that we cannot solve together and very few that we can solve by ourselves”
-Lyndon B. Johnson
Keri McCrorey Executive Director
Nicolle Hahn
Bill Tucker
Housing Director
Community Services Program Director
Renee Killian
Head Start Director
Tammy Belfield-Nash
Women’s Wellness Director
Ashley Bischoff
Human Resources Coordinator
“We must open the doors of opportunity. But we must also equip our people to walk through those doors.”
-Lyndon B. Johnson
P r i v a t e S e c t o r
D e b b i e L i n c o l n
L e e A s h e r
P u b l i c O f f i c i a l
I n c o m e R e p
L o w
L e o A r n z e n
L i s a R e i t z e l
C o u n t y
H e n d r i x
T h e l m a
E l v a S e s s i o n
B o l l i n g e r
C a p e
I r o n M e l i n d a R a c c a
J i m T h o m p s o n D e n i s M o o r e
B e n Y o u n g T a m i W h i t e M a d i s o n A m b e r M c C u t c h e o n
P e r r y C h a r l e s D u v a l l M i k e S a u e r D a n i e l W i c h m e r
S t . F r a n c o i s S a r a h T h u r m a n H a r o l d G a l l a h e r T h o m a s T R D u d l e y
J u l i e B o v a J o a n H u c k W a s h i n g t o n M i c h e l l e R o l a n d J a n e y R a d f o r d
S t e . G e n e v i e v e B a r b S h e r r y
V a c a n t
Program Committee
Personnel Committee
Finance Committee
E M A A B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s F Y 2 0 2 3
AGENCY BUDGET 2023
EMAA had an FY2023 agency budget of $30,218,883. The agency budget is compiled by the agency CPA and reviewed by the agency board for approval each year.
Housing
$15,851,232
$5,952,918
Agency budgets are comprised of several local, state, and federal grants.
CELEBRATING OUR SUCCESS
506 Children Enrolled
43 Homes Weatherized
3,619 Intake & Referrals
4693 Individuals Served 1,877 Families Housed
27,297 Volunteer Hours
8810 Families 637 Families
108 Hours of Training to Small Businesses
196 Individuals Housed
789 Missouri Property Tax Credit Returns
6,109 Summer Food Meals Served
22 Jobs Obtained/13 in Vocational Training w/Skill-Up & Family Self Sufficiency
Community Services
The Community Services program department is at the heart of what we do at East Missouri Action Agency and the funding for the programs is what makes EMAA a Community Action Agency. A team of 43 staff in 2023 provided services through many different programs to help those in our community move to upward economic mobility Staff in our 8 county service area, served clients at 9 outreach offices, 1 mobile unit, and at the Uplift Homeless Shelter
Staff work one on one with clients to assess their needs and provide services through the various programs the Community Services Department offers. The Community Service Representatives participate in community activities, get to know their clients, provide referrals, and help build partnerships to serve both our clients and the community In 2023, outreach staff completed 3,619 Intake and Referrals which resulted in various assistance to clients throughout our service area
In addition to serving clients, our team also serves our communities by participating in community events, serving on community boards, working to continue and form new partnerships, educating our communities on poverty, responding to emergencies in our communities, and more.
Community Services Programs
Head Start is a child development program designed for three to five-year-old children from lowincome families with the hope of breaking the cycle of poverty The Head Start approach involves including the parent as the child’s primary educator and getting the entire family and community involved Although, 2023 had many challenges, such as staff shortage, we continue to provide quality service to our children and families.
We are proud of our Head Start program with the services we provide to families and children. It is because of our extremely dedicated staff that we are able to continue to provide exceptional services to the families, children, and our community
Forty-six percent of our teachers have a four-year degree in Early Childhood or a related field. We have 53 Assistant Teachers, of which nineteen have at least a Child Development Associate, or an Associates Degree or greater
We have twelve (12) Family Advocates, of which ten (10) have a Family Service Credential and/or higher education Head Start Funding: 1/1/23 to 12/31/23
$5,428,066
$454,252 Total: $5,882,318
By receiving federal funds we are required to contribute a non-Federal match of 20% of our total Continuation grant amount in non-Federal share dollars For the 2023 grant year we were required to obtain $1,134,417. Our total for the 2023 grant year, which we acquired through volunteer hours, donated items, and rental fair market value was $1,356,812.42.
EMAA Head Start is funded to service 506 children In 2023 we served 591 children Following are some examples of how we serviced these children This is a summary and does not reflect all services provided to our children and families:
Health: 565 children received medical exams and 454 children received dental exams.
Nutrition: 149,920 nutritious meals were served to our children through breakfast, lunch, and snack
Parent Involvement/Social Services: 3,782 referrals were given to our families throughout 2023.
Education: Data from the spring 2023 aggregation indicates that children improved in all outcomes The highest gain (52%) was in Comprehending Language All Pre-K children reached their goals to transition to Kindergarten
Disabilities: Of the 506 funded children, 75 had a diagnosed disability with an IEP.
Mental Health: We contracted with a mental health consultant who provided services to our children and families as needed The mental health consultants also check in monthly (on-site) with each of our Head Start locations Fifty (50) individual observations were completed for children
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federal program that provides reimbursements for nutritious meals and snacks to eligible children and adults who are enrolled for care at participating childcare centers, daycare homes, and adult daycare centers. In 2023, we received $382,603.57 from the CACFP program
Policy Council:
The Head Start Policy Council is the governing board for the Head Start program, along with the EMAA Board of Directors The Council is made up of one parent representative from each center and one community representative from each county Parent Representatives are elected each year by the parents at each Head Start Site The Community Representatives are nominated by the local Head Start Sites in their county.
E M A A H e a d S t a r t P o l i c y C o u n c i l F Y 2 0 2 3
R e p r e s e n t a t i v e
C o m m u n i t y
M i r a n d a W i l c u t
P a r e n t R e p r e s e n t a t i v e
R a c h e l F a l c o
V a c a n t
V a c a n t
V i o l e t B u s w e l l
C o u n t y
B o l l i n g e r
C a p e A m a n d a R a w l s
I r o n K a t h y L e s s l e y
P h i l l i p s
A n i t a
V a c a n t
B r a n d o n T u c k e r
B r a n d o n T u c k e r
B r a n d o n T u c k e r
B r a n d o n T u c k e r
V a c a n t
D u d l e y
T . R .
M a d i s o n
V a c a n t
V a c a n t
V a c a n t
V a c a n t
K e r n L o v e l e s s
H e n d e r s o n
L i l l i e
W i l k i n s
C h r i s t i n a
P e r r y
B o n n e T e r r e
F a r m i n g t o n 1
F a r m i n g t o n 2
M i d S t . F r a n c o i s
S t e . G e n e v i e v e
W a s h i n g t o n
My name is Joanna Whited and I am a single mother of two children. Both of my daughters have attended Iron County HeadStart. Over the years I never planned on being a single mother I have faced hard times, and good times. I am 28 years old and I didn't know where my life was going after I left a 7 year abusive relationship 3 years ago. I was working 3 jobs I decided it wAs time for us to have a better future and wanted to further my education. So I decided to go to college and enrolled my daughters when they were old enough to attend headstart. The teachers have always been amazing with them. I decided to go to nursing school at Ultimate Medical Academy and I graduate in July of 2024. But, I am not done I plan to go to school to become a Police Officer. It's not easy and even through hard times I know God has a plan. I have given so much to others I decided that it was time for me to give myself and my children the future we deserve. The teachers at the headstart understood that I'm an only parent and have had no one to call on for help. But, I always made a way to get my children if they were sick. And my mother for her help of watching my daughters while I work nights shift. I am now able to work one job and take care of my children while I'm about to graduate and move on to my next journey. Education is very important too me and if it wasn't for my mother and EMAA Ironton Headstart I wouldn't have the chance of doing what I have. Never give up on your journey or chasing your own dreams as well. Show your children you can go as far as you want for your future. Don't let anything or anyone stop you. Shoot for the stars.
-Joanna Whited
4,693 Individuals Served
1,892 Families
Housing continues to serve as a significant struggle for many individuals and families in the EMAA service area. The Housing Department continues to implement new programs and projects to help address these growing challenges. EMAA served as the administering agent for Section 8 Rental Assistance in the counties of: Cape Girardeau, St. Francois, Bollinger, Madison, Iron, Perry, Ste. Genevieve, Stoddard, Pemiscot, Dunklin, and Mississippi. Over the past year, the Housing Department served 1877 families (4693 individuals) across this geographic area. In an effort to broaden service provision, EMAA has since implemented a new Project Based Voucher Assistance Program. With the conceptualization and implementation of the program complete, EMAA estimates that we will be able to serve an additional 200 families over the next year.
Presently, the tenant-based rental assistance programs allocated through the Housing Department are:
Housing Choice Vouchers
Mainstream Vouchers
Shelter Plus Care Vouchers
Family Self Sufficiency
Fostering Youth to Independence Portability
Tenant Protection Vouchers
Emergency Housing Vouchers
Stability Vouchers
Veteran’s Affairs Supportive Housing Homeownership
The project-based assistance programs currently operated are
Section 202
Section 811
USDA- Rural Development Project-Based Housing Choice Vouchers (New Program)
The Housing Department also performs our own in-house property management on 5 apartment complexes:
Friendship House Apartments- Farmington, MO
Oaks Terrace Senior Living Apartments- Fredericktown, MO
Cheryl Estates I & II- Potosi, MO
Brett Wood Senior Apartments- Potosi, MO
Park Hills Apartments- Park Hills, MO
Finally, the Housing Department/EMAA are also heavily involved in the development of affordable housing. Most recently, EMAA has been awarded funding to develop two new construction projects:
Mineral Area Apartments- Farmington, MO Montenot Meadows- Perryville, MO
These two units will create an additional 82 units of affordable housing. EMAA will also partner on the rehabilitation of the following project: Cherry Hill Senior Apartments- Bonne Terre, MO. This project will help to protect/preserve an additional 88 units of affordable housing.
Weatherization
Weatherization (WX) assistance is a free service for home owners and renters who are income-eligible and live in the eight counties served by EMAA The goal of WX is to reduce the energy burden on low-income residents by installing cost-effective energy efficiency measures, while ensuring and enhancing their health and safety For every $1 invested, Weatherization returns $272 in benefits (national average) These include $165 in energy related benefits and $107 in other benefits such as reducing pollution, unemployment and adverse health concerns.
With a waiting list of over 160 homes, In 2023 we completed 43 homes from the waiting list for weatherization services
How Does it Work?: EMAA
Weatherization staff conduct a blower door test on the home, based on the results of the test the staff or contractors may seal cracks in windows, doors and walls; insulate heat ducts, attics, floors and sidewalls; test and repair heating systems and water heaters
Funding Sources: US Department of Energy, Department of Natural Resources/ Division of Energy, LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program(LIHEAP), Ameren Utilities, Liberty Gas, Spire G
October2022
November2022
December2022
January2023
February2023
March2023
April2023
May2023
June2023
July2023
August2023
September2023
Weatherization Benefits:
Reduce energy use.
Alleviate substandard living conditions & reducing homelessness.
Help to provide a safer, healthier living environment
Extend the lifetime of affordable housing. Saves energy year after year. Provide permanent weatherization energy solutions for low-income families.
Average energy savings = $437 per household
Weatherization
Weatherization Makes a Difference
This card goes to the Weatherization crew that did our house I just wanted to say thank you again to the whole crew they did a wonderful job on our windows, doors, vent fan and everything else they worked on. When we bought this house we had no idea how much work it needed It’s hard to find people that will actually work or to not get ripped off. And then to be able to trust whomever comes in our home. But EMAA was able to come to our rescue Ya’ll have provided us with heat and air conditioning as well We can’t thank you all enough. God bless each and every one of you. You guys were amazing and I enjoyed every day that ya’ll were here. Ya’ll always were kind and very respectful I was sad when ya’ll were finished, especially because I didn’t the chance to BBQ for ya’ll it’s ok though. You guys/gal just keep up the great work because ya’ll are definitely making a difference in other peoples lives in a very positive way. I believe in paying it forward and ya’ll are a great example. Never give up, and just know you guys are totally awesome!
-Natalie (grand daughter) and Chris (grandma)
Women’s Wellness
In 2023, the Women's Wellness Clinic (WWC) provided care to 627 unduplicated clients through 1158 clinic visits In 2023 we focused our efforts on growth of the Women’s Wellness program This included hiring a new program manager so the Nurse Practitioner could have more time for appointments Additionally we added two remote clinic sites in Potosi and Fredericktown to expand our services and reduce transportation barriers for potential patients. We also increased our footprint by engaging with schools, shelters, and local employers to promote services Women’s Wellness offers.
Looking ahead we will continue to explore creative avenues for awareness and accessibility of our services As well as continue to connect our patients to other agency programs and services that would support their needs
In 2023 our funding came from two significant grants:
Family Planning or Title X grant: This is the sole federal grant that allows us to provide high quality and client centered reproductive health care The Title X family planning program is a critical part of America’s public health safety net, serving as a point-of-entry into care for nearly 195 million over the program’s more than 50year history.
The Right Time Initiative: Provides free contraception counseling and contraception methods. The grant aims to empower individuals to take control of their own health by improving information about, and removing barriers to, contraceptive services, recognizing that decisions always rest with the client The Right Time is built upon a commitment to addressing persistent health disparities, with a goal of reducing Missouri’s unintended pregnancy rate by 10 percent
Key Points for FY23: 2 clinic sites and 2 remote clinic sites
627 unduplicated clients
1158 office visits
349 below 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
116 101% to 150%
80 151% to 200%
31 201% to 250%
51 over 250%
Services Provided at All Sites:
Well-woman exams
294 uninsured, 202 public insurance,
133 private insurance
167 Cervical Cancer Screenings
242 Clinical Breast Exams
9 Referred for further screening
439 STI screenings
78 HIV testing
Contraception counseling (we offer all FDA approved contraception methods)
Breast and cervical cancer screening
Sexually transmitted infection testing, treatment and counseling
Pregnancy testing and counseling
Basic fertility screening
Vaginal infection testing and treatment
Referral services
“I lost my medical insurance and need a cervical cancer screening due to being at high risk. I called the clinic and explained my situation, The young lady that answered the phone was very caring and helpful and was able to get me in the next day.
The NP, Lucia, was incredibly knowledgeable, compassionate and caring. She took her time and explained everything to me and answered my questions. She turned what is normally a dreaded and scary Doctors visit into a much more relaxed and comfortable experience. I am so thankful for this clinic and the wonderful staff!”
There is a lot happening at the Farmington OAKS Senior Center! With as many as 70 activities in a month, hundreds of seniors enjoyed time spent together improving their physical and emotional health through classes, shared experiences and great conversation.
We served more than 58,000 meals this year including those who eat with us in our dining room, and those who are homebound, to whom we deliver. More than 15,000 meals were served to our congregate clients, who were able to come to the Center and socialize and enjoy the company of their peers.
We took the opportunity to celebrate everything! Our cooks went the extra mile to provide special treats and festive food for every possible occasion, including New Years, Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, Easter, Mardi Gras, Memorial Day, Country Days, Juneteenth, Luau Day, Labor Day, Halloween, National Candy Corn Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and various other fun days!
We found new ways to help Seniors take care of themselves, including a monthly foot care clinic, Alzheimer’s support group and quarterly nutrition education. We offered activities to keep our Seniors engaged and sharp, including 6 exercise classes a week.
Senior Center Activities
6 Senior Exercise Classes a week
Weekly Monday Night
Dances with live music
Mandala Painting Classes
Book Signings by local authors
Dominoes Club
Paper Crafting Classes
Wood Carving Club
Quilt Guild
Wacky Bingo
Red Hats
Bunco
Quilling Class
Monthly Pastry Days
Veteran's Day Ceremony
Thanksgiving Feast
Christmas Dinner & Dessert Bar
Final Wishes Estate Planning Classes
Advanced Painting Classes
Paper Quilling Classes
Flu Shot Clinic
Alzheimer’s Support Group
Monthly Foot Care Clinic
Weekly Blood Pressure Clinic
Weekly Blood Sugar Clinic
Valentine's Day Celebration
Chronic Disease Self Management Classes
Halloween Party
Mardi Gras Party
Easter Party
National Candy Corn Day Buffet
The EMAA created New Foundations Construction using $325,000 in Community Economic Development (CED) grant funds and a $25,000 equity investment EMAA's new construction entity operates in St Francois, Washington, and Madison counties, with the goal of giving new life to neglected and derelict houses and helping to beautify the neighborhoods in which the properties are located.
The goal of New Foundations is to increase the quantity and quality of employment opportunities, increase the development of affordable housing, improve the quality of housing stock, and link the production of affordable housing with economic development activities that create new jobs.
EMAA NEW FOUNDATIONS CONSTRUCTION, LLC
Currently has completed 1 new build, and 2 renovations
Employed 10 people, full time with benefits
Has a program manager/contractor that is fully licensed, bonded, and insured with over 20 + years of experience.
s now a contractor for Weatherization and their Housing Preservation Grant. Has expanded to bidding on private residential jobs
Helping People, Changing Lives Since 1965