"My momma said you're our blessing." - Laykin, 6 years old.

These words mean the world to Nolanda, CMCA program manager for Show Me Healthy Relationships who heard them while helping a single mom and her child in early December.

"I was helping with the Boone Cares program," Noldanda said, "when I learned that this single mom I was working with had just undergone surgery. She told me she was grateful to have the help with past due utility bills through the Boones Care program, but that the thing she wanted most for her child was a Christmas tree.

Boone Cares, a one-time program hosted by Central Missouri Community Action from mid-October-early December 2020, helped thousands of families pay off overdue utility bills. During the six-week-long program, more than 700 applications for assistance were received and processed, helping families impacted by COVID-19 begin the new year with their utilities intact and a clean slate.

"When I first met Sheila, she was on the verge of tears," said Nolanda. "Having just had surgery, medical bills and the cost of medication were making it impossible for her to pay her utility bills and were making her dream of a happy Christmas for her daughter seem out of reach."

Sheila had just moved to Columbia with her daughter Laykin a few months before meeting Nolanda. After arriving, she was placed in the hospital and had surgery for a serious medical condition. Her daughter stayed at a local children's shelter during her mother's hospitalization.

"This mom and her child had already endured a lot in just a few months," said Nolanda, so when I heard that all they wanted was a Christmas tree and some gifts, I knew I had to help."

After helping Sheila complete the online application for Boone Cares to ensure her utilities would not be disconnected, Nolanda decided to surprise the family in another way.

"I had a tree at home that we weren't using and went to the store to get some ornaments, stockings, and other decorations," said Nolanda. "Then, I went to Sheila's house."

When Laykin, Sheila's 6-year-old daughter opened the door and saw Nolanda standing there with a tree and other items in hand she squealed with joy and invited her into the house. She eagerly looked through all of the goodies that Nolanda had brought and then asked Nolanda to help her put up and decorate the tree.

"My momma said you are our blessing," said Laykin to Nolanda as they worked together to trim the tree.

"This meant so much," said Nolanda of the experience. "I've been where Sheila and Laykin are myself," she added, and I cherished those who helped me during those difficult times."

Acts of kindness that go above and beyond their day-to-day work are not uncommon among CMCA employees. That is why our programs are so successful - because they are delivered by people who care deeply about those with whom they work. It's that extra loving care that makes CMCA such a special place to work and the place for families to turn to in times of need. Our motto - helping people help themselves and each other - drives us to go above and beyond to ensure that those who are served through CMCA see that they are not alone and that they have a partner who will help them through whatever difficulties they may be facing.

Thank you for being a part of our team as a donor, volunteer, and supporter. You are part of the solution and for this, we are deeply grateful.