D S S P R E S S R E L E A S E

For Immediate Release:
July 13, 2006

Contact: Deborah Scott
(573) 751-4815

The Alliance of Southwest Missouri
To Receive Governor Blunt's Show-Me Solutions Award

When:	July 17, 2006, 1:00 p.m.
Where:	The Alliance of Southwest Missouri 2914 E. 32nd St., Suite 102 Joplin, MO 64804 Southside Center, 1st floor
What:	As a part of Governor Blunt’s Show-Me Solutions initiative which highlights charitable work being done across the state, Department of Social Services Director Gary Sherman will meet with representatives of the Alliance of Southwest Missouri. Administrative staff will discuss with Director Sherman the services provided to Jasper and Newton Counties including helping parents find employment, keeping children safe in their families and families safe in their communities, preparing children for school, and helping youth prepare to enter the workforce to become productive citizens.
Why:	To highlight The Alliance of Southwest Missouri and acknowledge the services provided to communities in Jasper and Newton counties
Who:	Gary Sherman, Director, Missouri Department of Social Services Kari Clements, Executive Director, The Alliance of Southwest Missouri Lisa Weems, Fiscal Officer Christine Stokes, Administrative Assistant Jo Sitton, Program Coordinator, Safe Kids Nolan Head, Program Coordinator, Safe Teens Corinne Waggoner, Program Coordinator, Drug Free Communities Hazel Long, Program Coordinator, Family Preservation Cindy Klein, Program Coordinator, Family Preservation Assistant