October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. On October 11, 2016 Junior Auxiliary of Taney County (JATC) was proud to receive the “Grace” Award from the Women’s Crisis Center along with two other organizations – Branson United Methodist Women and the Hollister Church of Christ.

JATC adopted Cottage # 9 four years ago and paid utilities every year since then, provided new furniture and carpet for the cottage, and cleaned up the cottage when residents move out. In addition, JATC members help with the donation room and provide birthday parties for children living there when their special day rolls around. At this time Cottage #9 needs major repairs in the bathroom and cannot be occupied until these are completed. JATC has written a grant and hopes to receive funds necessary to make these repairs. In the meantime, JATC members will continue to do what they can to help these women and children in need.

JATC’s support of the Women’s Crisis Center is one of the ways that members fulfill the organization's mission to provide services to children and families throughout Taney County and embody their slogan “Care Today-Character Tomorrow.” This is one of fourteen JATC projects, designed, funded and operated by the 50+ women who comprise the Active, Associate and Life membership in the organization. JATC members contribute more than 4,000 volunteer hours and raise thousands of dollars annually as they strive to improve the mental, physical, social and emotional well-being of children throughout Taney County. Other projects include School Supplies in January; Tender Critters; Santa’s Gift House; Prom Dress; College Scholarships to a senior at each of the four Taney County High Schools; Heart of Arts, where members donate art & craft materials for adults with disabilities at Developmental Connections; and Book Swap Stop/Homework Helpers, in which members provide snacks, enrichment programs, reading and homework help for children who live in extended-stay motels. Find out more about JATC and current projects and donation opportunities at the group’s website jatcmo.org.

Tax-deductible contributions come from the annual Trivia Night (scheduled for March 25, 2017!), corporate charitable giving (e.g., Belk’s Charity Days, Schwan’s Care and Amazon Smile, Usborne Books), generous local businesses (e.g., Doug Baker State Farm Insurance, Ozark Mountain Ear Nose & Throat, Mr. G’s Pizza, 417 Fundraising), grants and individual donations. JATC has also been designated as the recipient organization for funds raised at the second Branson Women’s Expo that was held on October 22nd and 23rd.

JATC is part of the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries (NAJA), a non-profit organization founded in 1941 with headquarters in Greenville, Mississippi. NAJA has more than 15,500 active, associate and life members in 98 chapters located in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee.P

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