In a city busiest from January to May, we often overlook some of the other important efforts happening quietly behind the scenes. This year, the Senate has formed a team of highly qualified volunteers who are offering their time to make the Jefferson City community a little bit better.
Once a month, a bipartisan group of Senate spouses gather in the Capitol city to volunteer for different organizations. While the senators are working on legislation, their spouses are taking steps to help those down on their luck become more self-sufficient and independent.
The idea began last fall when a few of the Senate spouses got together and decided there were numerous ways they could give back to the community. Initially they sought out resources to help the St. Raymond’s Society, and from there, the efforts grew.
This month, the group gathered at Dreams to Reality on Jefferson Street to coordinate outfits, clothing and jewelry. The organization supports women in transition by providing donated professional work attire so clients can be confident and better prepared for career and job opportunities.
Next stop on the list included packing meals for families at The Pantry. The Pantry is an organization that not only provides the food, but volunteers teach families how to prepare healthy and delicious meals. Lastly, the team of volunteers made a stop at the St. Raymond’s Society. St. Raymond’s supports mothers who have chosen life for their child. They provide resources to help support the family after the baby is born by helping the mother become self-reliant and having the security of a stable home.
My wife, Kathy, said giving her time to help others not only helped the community, but also created bonds with the other senators’ spouses. Volunteering not only benefits the group, person or organization; it benefits the volunteer as well.
As always, I encourage my constituents to contact me throughout the year with comments, questions or suggestions by calling my office at (573) 751-5713. To find more information about the bills I sponsor, visit www.senate.mo.gov/brown. Thank you for reading this and for your participation in state government.