In 2018, the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence or MCADSV, reported that
33,758 requests for services for domestic or sexual violence went unmet due to lack of resources
available in the state. Of these services, 3,529 went unmet in the Southwest Region, our region.
Despite there being 11 established service providers in the region, 3,529 individuals went without
help. Our region is the 3rd highest in the state for unmet needs, next to Kansas City and St. Louis
respectively. Clearly, we have an abuse problem that needs addressed.
In early 2019, a group of concerned citizens came together to address the growing problem of
violence and abuse in our community. We believed that together, we could make a change and
prevent violence through advocacy and education. Our motto is, “Many hands make light work.”
serving victims of abuse in Hickory County. Following the meeting, we began promoting our idea
and legally forming our group, Helping Hands - Abuse & Crisis Center of Hickory County.
We have held numerous fundraisers and presentations, seeking the support of the public and
the hope of reaching victims within the community. We currently have 9 active board members
and one full time paid Executive Director. We hope to expand our volunteer base to increase
the services we are able to provide.
We started with a dream... now that dream has turned into reality, thanks to a generous
donation from Larry and Susanne Pickering. We cannot thank them enough for their
dedication to our mission. We thank each of you for accompanying us on this journey and
look forward to what the future holds.
We are dedicated to serving SURVIVORS of domestic and sexual violence.
We meet them where they are at and love them through the process of healing.
If you are in a domestic or sexual violence situation and need to leave, please
contact the Crisis Hotline at 417-850-2278.
How Can You Help?
To help with any of the following items,
or to make a contribution, please
contact us at 417-850-2278.
Cleaning Supplies
Full Size Hygiene Items
Pillows
Paper Goods
(toilet paper, paper towels, etc.)
Forever Stamps
Non-Perishable Food Items
Who We Are
The Hickory County Community Wellness Foundation (HCCWF) is a vehicle for charitable
of community volunteers from both community organizations and community members.
Through the mechanism of endowment funds, charitable minded individuals can
establish funds to build a permanent source of charitable assets to meet emerging,
as well as existing, needs of the community.
What is a community foundation?
A community foundation accepts donations for the establishment of endowment
funds, manages those funds and distributes earning from those funds to meet
community needs.
Members
Gary Edwards, Nancy Sisson, Abby Gordon, Brian Wright, Bill Arnold, Jody Vecchio,
Mark Houser, Cindy Mudd, Gary Lile, and Stacy Coulsell.
The HCCWF Board of Governors is responsible for the distribution of funds. We do
this by administering grant opportunities at the end of each year. We have also held
fundraisers with community partners.
Fundraising Efforts within the Community
Annual Running River 5K Run
2013 Hickory County Fair
2016 Harlem Ambassadors Basketball Game
Launch Little Kickers Soccer League
Here are a few groups in the community that we have
assisted in both community fundraiser partnerships
and equipment:
Four Legs & Fur
Friends of the Weaubleau Park
Hermitage Head Start
Hickory County C.A.R.E.S.
Hickory County Farmer’s Market
Hickory County Fire and Rescue
Hickory County Health Dept - provided car seats
Hickory County Historical Society
Hickory County Library
Hickory County Teen Outreach Programs
Hickory County Volunteer Fire Departments
McCarty Senior Center
Prairie Chapel United Methodist Church
West Central Community Action Agency - Wheatland
Whispering Willows Senior Dog Sanctuary
Harlem Wizards Basketball Game
Charity Golf Tournaments
Lunch Around Town