Supporters work to save program for at-risk teens

NEVADA, Mo. -- Things are looking good for Show-Me ChalleNGe as parents groups have been seeking funding from foundations with several of the foundations expressing interest in helping out.

Such help will take time in coming, so supporters are urged not to let up on their efforts. The state program was recently slated for closure due to budget cuts.

Show-Me ChalleNGe is a three phase, 17 1/2 month program designed for at-risk teenagers. Part of the program takes place at the Missouri National Guard's Camp Clark near Nevada.

Students learn self-discipline, leadership and responsibility while working to complete their general equivalency diploma requirements.

The students live and work in a controlled, military environment that encourages teamwork and personal growth.

Asked about information circulating that the program may now be saved, state Rep. Jerry King, R-Butler, said only that he had been talking with supporters and state Sen. Harold Caskey, D- Butler, about the program. King said he is optimistic that the program could be saved but wanted to wait for more information.

"Nothing's definite so I can't say it's a certainty, but I feel that we're within reach of securing the funding the program needs. I don't want to do say anything that might interfere with the process," King said.

Kim Green, spokeswoman for Caskey, said the senator was working on the situation and the last information he had was that supporters had raised $300,000 toward the goal of $500,000.

"We're working to see if we can secure funding to keep the program going forward. If we can keep it open this cycle we can work on securing long term funding," Green said.

Carol Branham of Friends of Show-Me ChalleNGe Inc. said the effort to get the news out about the closing is still important.

The fund-raising effort has brought in more than $200,000 in actual funds and the pledges received would bring the total up much higher. Branham said she wasn't including the pledges because the program needed to have the funds immediately available.

"I'm just counting what I have in hand because the deadline is Monday and we need to be able to turn over the money then," she said.

To donate funds or volunteer contact The Friends of Show-Me ChalleNGe Inc., P.O. Box 66, Nevada, MO 64772.