Boone County Commission News Release

Boone County Releases 2024 Annual Report on Services for Children, Youth, and Families

COLUMBIA, Mo. (June 25, 2025) - The Boone County Community Services Department (BCCSD) has released its 2024 Annual Report, detailing a year of strategic investments, measurable outcomes, and innovative programs that reached nearly 100,000 Boone County residents.

With over $11.3 million allocated to direct services in 2024, the department supported a broad network of programs focused on strengthening families, improving mental health access, expanding early childhood services, and reducing barriers to basic needs. More than three-quarters of funding went directly to contracted services, with the majority supporting school-based programs across every Boone County public school district.

This year's report also includes findings from a comprehensive five-year Review and Assessment of the Boone County Children's Services Fund. Conducted by external evaluators, the review revealed a return on investment of more than $390 million, underscoring the value of community-based prevention, treatment, and support programs.

"Our department remains committed to making data-informed decisions that prioritize meaningful outcomes and inclusive collaboration," said Joanne Nelson, Director of the Community Services Department. "The successes of 2024 are a direct result of working together-public agencies, nonprofits, schools, and residents-to build solutions that reflect our community's shared values and goals."

Among the year's accomplishments:

• A new Grassroots Funding Opportunity opened access to smaller and emerging organizations through simplified application and contracting processes.
• The 2024 Open RFP cycle made $10 million available to community organizations, drawing over $18.5 million in proposals.
• BCCSD led a county-wide housing study and summit, engaging stakeholders to address long-term housing needs.
• The department hired a Health and Justice Coordinator who is leading efforts to establish a cross-sector group-called the Health and Justice Coordinating Council-that will advance collaboration around public health and safety.

The report also outlines progress in key investment areas such as early childhood education, youth mental health, school engagement, family support, and community safety. Across all programs, the department emphasized partnerships, continuous improvement, and a commitment to addressing disparities.

To read the full 2024 Annual Report or learn more about BCCSD programs, visit www.showmeboone.com/community-services/.

About the Boone County Community Services Department

The mission of Boone County Community Services Department (BCCSD) is to support the greatest possible level of independence and self-sufficiency of Boone County residents by promoting their physical, mental and social well-being to cultivate a safe and healthy community. The BCCSD oversees funding distributed from the Boone County Children's Services Fund and Domestic Violence Services funding.

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