Boone County Family Resources

09/02/2025

🎨 Calling All Artists! 🎉
In celebration of 50 years of service and support for individuals with developmental disabilities in Boone County, Boone County Family Resources (BCFR) invites artists of all backgrounds and abilities to submit artwork for a collaborative community art project.

We are seeking digital submissions of original artwork that reflect themes of community, inclusion, support, growth and belonging. Selected works will be incorporated into a large-scale, paneled collage to be displayed at Boone County Family Resources as a tribute to our shared commitment to inclusion, opportunity and connection.

KEY DETAILS:
--Submission Deadline: November 30, 2025
--Unveiling Date: April 23, 2026 at the BCFR 50th Anniversary Celebration
--Submission Format: All artwork should be submitted digitally
--If you need assistance with uploading your artwork or require any accommodations, please contact Amy Parris at aparris@bcfr.org.

Find more info and submit your artwork at: https://www.bcfr.org/art/

08/29/2025

Boone County Family Resources main office will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1 in observance of Labor Day.

08/20/2025

Big congratulations to Anna for being named one of COMO Business Times’ 20 Under 40! Keep shining Anna! ❤️💫

Brrrr! That was cold! Anna McDaniel had already established herself as a multi gold medal winning Special Olympics athlete when she became the first of two Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO) athletes to successfully participate in the Super Plunge, an event held in conjunction with SOMO’s signature Polar Plunge.​​ 🥶 Anna took the plunge into icy waters once an hour for 24 hours!​

Anna, a graduate of Rock Bridge High School, is also the manager of Love Coffee’s remote location at Columbia Post Acute, and she is a member of the SOMO board of directors.

Stay up to date on all things 20 Under 40 on our new website! https://ow.ly/9GLA50WC2Q4

08/19/2025

After years of managing a home that had become a source of stress, Robert is celebrating a new beginning filled with comfort, security and a fresh sense of community. Since moving into his new apartment at Oak Towers, he says he is “starting myself all over again."

Learn how BCFR helped make Robert's transition easier and find more success stories on our website, www.bcfr.org/stories

Moving to Oak Towers has been life-changing for Robert. His transition was made easier with support from Boone County Family Resources Support Coordinator Tyus Leslie.

08/12/2025

Help us recognize businesses that promote inclusive hiring, training, and advancement for people with disabilities!

🏆 Nominations open through August 25, 2025
🎉 Honorees celebrated in October for National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Submit a nomination today!
https://www.bcfr.org/events/nominate-a-business-champion/

We are now accepting nominations for our Business Champion Award in recognition of businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusive hiring, training, and advancement opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

08/05/2025

Huge congratulations to Jeff Johnson on receiving the 2025 Senator Chuck Graham Memorial Disability and Advocacy Ambassador Award! 🎉

Jeff has dedicated his life to improving the lives of people with disabilities and their families—advocating for inclusive education, accessibility, dignity, and self-advocacy. His fearless voice and tireless work have made a lasting impact here in Columbia and across the state. So well deserved!

08/05/2025

Stacey Park Milbern, a powerful voice in disability justice, will be featured on a new U.S. quarter! 💛 The coin will be released starting August 11 as part of the American Women Quarters program. Stacey was a visionary leader, advocate, and changemaker who fought for disability rights, healthcare equity, and inclusion—especially for people in marginalized communities.

This is a beautiful tribute to her legacy.
Read more from the U.S. Mint:

WASHINGTON, D.C., Aug. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United States Mint (Mint) will begin shipping the 2025 American Women Quarters (AWQ) Program coin...

07/30/2025

Not sure which assistive device is right for you or your loved one? That's where our Device Demonstration Program comes in! At Missouri Assistive technology, you can see, touch, and try a wide range of assistive devices before deciding what works best for your needs. Whether it's for communication, hearing, vision, mobility, or daily living, we've got you covered. And the best part- it's totally free!

Not near Blue Springs? No problem! We partner with trusted organizations across Missouri so you can access device demonstrations close to home, no matter where you live. Contact your nearest Device Demonstration Site for an appointment today!
https://at.mo.gov/device-demonstrations/
Access II Independent Living Center empower: abilities Life Unlimited, Inc. - MERIL NorthEast Independent Living Services On My Own, Incorporated Paraquad SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence (SADI) KC Digital Drive Services For Independent Living (SIL)

07/25/2025

Celebrate Disability Independence Day tomorrow which marks 35 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law!

Let’s keep building a world that’s accessible, inclusive, and empowering for all!

07/23/2025

Driver's Permit Prep Class begins Sept. 16, sign up now!🚗 Participants in this class will learn:
- Missouri Driver Guide: learn the guide by watching videos of driving maneuvers and scenarios.
- Test Tips: Learn valuable tips for taking the real test and practice with multiple-choice questions.
- Topics Covered: Distracted Driving, Rules of the Road, Highway Driving, Parking, Sharing the Road, and more.

Class will meet on Tuesdays from Sept. 16 through Dec. 2, 5-6pm, at Moberly Area Community College, located at 601 Business Loop, in Room 137.

If you are interested in joining this class, please contact your Support Coordinator, or email Christi Brown with questions, cbrown@bcfr.org.