Authentic Voices working to better south Cape

Good parents want the best for their children, and that includes having a safe, fun place to play. While we often hear stories of families dreaming of the day they can move from where they live to a better place, some parents in South Cape are not dreaming of a time or place way off in the distance. They have a vision for a park in their own neighborhood.

Authentic Voices is the name of the group, and it is comprised of eight women, most of them mothers, who desire to "craft a better future" for Cape's south side, as the Southeast Missourian reported last Wednesday. They believe that having a place for their children to hang out is important to this end, and they are working toward making this happen.

How often do we see a need for change, but remain silent? Not these women. "We wanted to be an authentic voice for the community about what life is really like when you are struggling," said member Melissa Stickel, adding, "We wanted to be a voice for the people."

Currently, they are speaking up for a park, and they're not just talking. The group already has the wheels in motion, having secured the generosity of an anonymous donor, who has agreed to provide land for a "five-acre site south of Highway 74." Just where, the ladies will not yet reveal, but they have their sights set on making it all work out.

The group knows the challenges facing them; this fight for children and for improvement is not new to them. They have been vocal about the need for a neighborhood school, infrastructure enhancements and even a grocery store. They have installed several "Little Free Library" stations in the area because their children deserve quality books, as well. Yes, they call themselves Authentic Voices, but they are not all talk-no action.

Although they do not need the city to build the park, some help from the city is needed. "The land would be donated to the city, and the city has agreed to maintain it," Stickel said. They also have to secure grants for the land and property.

"We have a certain loyalty and love for the south side," said member Koreena Woodson. Group member Valaree Rutherford added, "We have a vision."

We are rooting for everything to fall into place to make this vision a reality because healthy, wholesome children are not produced by accident. They are the result of families and communities committed to their well-being and success.