2014 Giving Guide: Lost & Found Grief Center

Director & Co-Founder:  Dr. Karen Scott

Board Chair: 
Tom Singleton, Chair, Retired Executive   
Justin French, Vice-Chair, Vice President, Barker Phillips Jackson Insurance  
Gloria Roling, Secretary, Mortgage Loan Consultant, Southern Missouri Bank of Marshfield  
Dean Young, Treasurer, Principal/CFP, Heim-Young & Associates  
Greg Aleshire, Partner/Attorney, Aleshire Robb P.C.  
Shawn Askinosie, CEO/Chocolate Maker, Askinosie Chocolate  
Cameron Collins, Past Chair, Engineer, Malone Finkle Eckhardt & Collins  
John Cook, Partner, BKD, LLP  
John Doran, President, Doran Homes  
Walt Gaska, MD, Retired Physician  
John Gentry, President, Positronic Industries  
Shannon Nagy, Community Volunteer 
Darren Pearce, President/CEO, Pinnacle Sign Group  
Kathy Pozniak, Community Volunteer 
David Ross, Director of Operations, Morelock-Ross Group 
John Schaefer, President/CEO, Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr. Pepper Bottling Company 
Bonnie Shackter, Community Volunteer 
Brian Straughan, President, Springfield First Community Bank  
Jon Swope, President/CEO, Mercy Central Region  
Cindy Wyrsch, Community Volunteer

Mission Statement:

Lost & Found provides grief support services, at no charge, in a safe and supportive environment for children, young adults, and families grieving the death of a loved one.

Service Area: 

Lost & Found provides services to children and families in southwest Missouri. The region is defined by the families who choose to attend group, which is currently an 18-county region. Families come from all walks of life, with varying backgrounds and financial stability.

Funding: 

Lost & Found relies on the monetary and in-kind support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and local business to provide grief support services to children and familes.

12-month Goal: 

Expand programs and volunteer base to support continued growth and demand for services

Provide special trauma groups for those impacted by trauma as well as grief

Continue community education regarding the impact of grief and need for support

Expand donor base and develop plans for a capital campaign for a much needed larger facility

Annual Events: 

Lost & Found holds various events throughout the year. Evening of Hope, an elegant dinner auction experience, is held in late January. A community wide memorial event and 5K Run/Walk to honor loved ones occurs every Thursday night before Memorial Day weekend. A Charity Golf Tournament takes place at Hickory Hills Country Club late June. In the fall, Lost & Found’s Young Ambassadors host Game Day, a fun watch party for the Mizzou Tigers.

How People & Businesses Can Help:

Gifts of cash and in-kind services for operational and group support are always needed and appreciated. Our Circle of Friends Monthly Giving Program allows donors to support at all levels. Child Sponsorships and Business Angels support a child in a group for a year. Event sponsorships and attending events help us provide services to our children and families. Educating others about our mission and services help bring awareness to our work.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Lost & Found relies on volunteers to assist in group sessions and to welcome families. Administrative and office volunteers support daily operations. Fundraising and special event volunteers are needed throughout the year.

Testimonials:

“It felt like it was locked up inside of me and I couldn’t say anything about it. When I talked about it, it felt better. I think I am more brave and can talk to people about it.”

–Camryn, child participant