Our goal is to have strong families: parents working; children are succeeding in school; and be healthy, safe, and prepared for a productive adulthood. 

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 Caring Communities is Missouri's ambitious cross-system reforms initiative. This work grew from several community and state initiatives since November 1993.  By developing community-based supports and services, the aim is to enhance the well-being of children, which is inseparable from the well-being of their families and the stability and economic viability of the communities where they live.

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The Ripley County Caring Community Partnership is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 corporation that has been designated by the state of Missouri to serve as a local governance partnership, the decision-making entity that partners with the state of Missouri and local communities to plan, develop, finance and monitor strategies designed to achieve our six core results. 

     1)  Children Ready to Enter School

     2)  Children Succeeding In School

     3)  Children and Families Safe

     4)  Children and Families Healthy

     5)  Youth Ready to Enter a Productive Adulthood

     6)  Parents Working

 

POLICY DIRECTIONS TO ACHIEVE THE CORE RESULTS

• Improving results for children and families requires a dramatic change in the way services are organized and delivered. Four policy directions shape and guide Missouri's system reform initiative to improving results.

• Being accountable for achieving results

• Bringing services closer to where families live and children attend school

• Active community involvement in decisions that affect their well-being

• Using dollars more flexibly and effectively to meet community needs

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Staff

Executive Director: Susan Skaggs

Susan has worked with Caring Communities since 1998. She is the proud mother of three children and is a life long resident of Doniphan. She currently has an MBA from William Woods University and has occupied the position of Director since 2004.  Previously she worked as a Site Coordinator within the Caring Communities model for Ripley County R-IV and Doniphan R-I School Districts.

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Susan has been involved with a variety of local organizations: Treasurer/Past President – Doniphan Kiwanis (2008 – 2018), Executive Committee Treasurer (2006-Present) - Ripley County Chamber of Commerce, Ozark Foothills Community Foundation Board member, Former Girl Scout Leader and Service Unit Manager for Doniphan Girl Scouts.  She has volunteered with numerous community initiatives and activities throughout her life as a resident of Ripley County. She also enjoys living on Current River and appreciates its magnificence of natural beauty and wildlife.

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Program Director: Lisa Aden

Lisa has worked with Ripley County Caring Community Partnership since 1994.  She is the proud mother of one son Mason. Lisa brings a host of talent and human resource skills to the job.  She currently oversees all programs including the Christmas Kettle Campaign for the Partnership, assesses service resources to seek funding to fill gaps in existing services, and has been the Chairman of the SCWIB Youth Council since 2007.

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During her off time, she enjoys her endeavor as the owner and operator of a local photography business and spending time with her son. 

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Skill Up Case Manager: Hollena Tutor

Hollena has been a Skill Up Case Manager since 2018. She is the proud mother of two girls Reagan and Riley.  She comes to the partnership with a vast knowledge of the case manager role.  

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Board of Directors

Executive Committee
President: Russell French - SEMO Risk Management
Vice-President: Michael Williams - Ripley County Clerk
Treasurer: April Black - Community Member
Secretary: Penny Fowler – Community Member 
 
Board of Directors
John Grim - Community Member 

Jared Baker - SC Missouri Community Action Agency

Chris Kirby - MO Probation and Parole
Donna Barnett - Ripley County Public Administrator