A special center

In recent years, one shining beacon in south Cape Girardeau has been the Cape Area Family Resource Center on South Sprigg Street. The center has, with limited resources and considerable reliance on volunteers, provided a safe haven for the area's children along with after-school activities that include homework help. Now the center faces an uncertain future because its state funding -- $50,000 in seed money from the Missouri Department of Social Services -- is about to end.

The center is one of the agencies funded by United Way of Southeast Missouri. But to make up for the loss its state grant, the center is expected to obtain community support. That means getting donations from individuals, groups, civic organizations and other local sources.

Because the center is a relatively low-key operation, many Cape Girardeau residents know little about it and aren't aware of the valuable services in provides in one of our city's neediest neighborhoods.

There are so many efforts that benefit from generous donors in this community. If it isn't on your list already, please add the Cape Area Family Resource Center. It needs your help. Donations may be sent to the center at 1202 S. Sprigg St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63703. For more information, call the center at 334-8170.