News + Resources

Over the last weeks, our team has made multiple trips to Jefferson City with a clear purpose: to meet with our legislators, share the work we do every day, and speak candidly about how funding decisions at the local, state, and federal levels directly impact the people and communities we serve.

Each day was full of conversation, questions, and connection. It reminded all of us why advocacy matters just as much as service.

Six staff members, almost one-third of our entire team, made the journey. Along with us was a dedicated board member who has championed our mission for years.

For a small team, this was a big step. Taking time away from daily responsibilities is never easy, but our staff chose to show up because they believe deeply in what we do and for whom we do it. Having such a strong representation sends a powerful message… the work matters.

Throughout the days, we met with more than a dozen legislators. We spoke with both branches, both sides of the aisle, and with good people holding a wide range of perspectives. With the assistance of Tyler McClay, Chief Government Relations Officer for Catholic Charities of St. Louis, we also engaged in discussions concerning common‑sense firearm legislation as it pertains to domestic violence. 

 In each meeting, we shared:

• The essential services we provide.
• The communities and individuals who rely on those services.
• The real and measurable impact of consistent, reliable funding
• The very real risks posed by cuts at the local, state, or federal level.

Our message remained the same: funding decisions ripple outward. When resources shrink, needs do not. Instead, the need grows and the people impacted are often those already facing the greatest barriers. 

Advocacy is not about unanimous agreement. It is about honest dialogue.

Not every legislator supported our request, and we did not expect them to. What mattered most were the conversations where something clicked…where a legislator paused, listened, and made space for a fuller understanding.

My favorite moment of the day was not one of agreement. It was not a promise or a checkmark on our list of requests. It was a moment of understanding. A moment where someone who did not share our perspective still recognized the importance of doing better for the people we serve. A genuine commitment to learn more, consider more, and act with compassion.

Not “agreeing to disagree.”
Not “maybe next session.”
Not “that is a heavy lift.”

Those moments are why we go. Those moments are why we will keep going.

The work we do on the ground is critical, but it is only half of the equation. The other half happens through conversations like the ones we had in Jefferson City:

• Telling the stories of those impacted by our services
• Explaining the realities of our funding structure
• Making sure legislators understand what these decisions mean in practical, human terms.

Every year, every budget cycle, and every legislative session brings new challenges. Advocacy ensures that the people we serve are not forgotten among competing priorities.

To my coworkers who gave their time, energy, and passion to this trip, thank you. Your commitment inspires everything we do. To our board member who stood with us, thank you for your unwavering support. To the legislators who met with us, thank you for opening your doors, listening, and striving to make informed decisions for your constituents.

Our day in Jefferson City strengthened our belief that progress is possible, even when the path is complicated. We will continue to show up, to speak up, and to advocate because the people we serve deserve nothing less. They deserve our absolute best.

We will keep building relationships rooted in understanding, respect, and shared responsibility. After all, advocacy is not just about securing funding. It is about building a future where everyone can thrive.

A stop at Central Dairy for ice cream provided a welcome moment of relaxation, because even after a long and productive day, some decisions are simply non‑negotiable.