Connecting Community Relationships and Resources to Love People Forward
Ringing the Joy Bell
Michael, a financial coaching client, received an Extra Mile no interest loan to pay off his payday loan. Through participation in the Extra Mile program over the last year, his credit score has increased from 548 to 698!
Celebration is imperative during these times of crushing inflation, housing shortages and post-pandemic blues. To ensure that no one misses any significant good news of a triumph or success, staff ring our new “joy bell”.

Here are a few recent reasons for ringing:

  • A family transitioned from homelessness to permanent housing this week after receiving seven months of financial coaching and relational support in our Extra Mile Homes program.

  • A woman receiving cancer treatment was able to avoid eviction after we helped her pay back rent through SAFHR and negotiated with her landlord.

  • A local dealership worked alongside one of our volunteer coaches to reduce a car repair fee for one of our clients who is enrolled in the Excel Learning Center. Love Columbia split the discounted amount with the Excel Center to ensure this dedicated student could meet her goals.

  • A client received financial and housing coaching and their credit score went up from 480 to 580. This enabled them to secure housing where they are now living in security and peace and have the finances to be able to fully provide for their family's basic needs.

  • A Path Forward client and her children have been homeless, staying at the Harbor House. Despite the challenging circumstances and setbacks, she recently found a landlord who is willing to rent to her! Last week, she found out she can move in even sooner than expected. She is elated! 
A Month of Celebrations
Earning a High School Diploma

Tia obtained her high school diploma from the Excel Learning Center after two years of dedicated studying alongside Rich Wolpert, Love Columbia tutoring volunteer. She is now engaged in our Career Coaching program to determine her next steps.
Tia shared her story at the Open House event.
Rich Wolpert (left) congratulates Tia at a party hosted by Love Columbia staff.
Love Columbia Open House and Ribbon Cutting
Love Seat Ribbon Cutting and First Year Anniversary Sale
Love Columbia celebrated one year in our new downtown and Rangeline facilities with The Chamber Ambassadors and many of the donors and friends who made our expanded capacity possible. If you haven’t had an opportunity to visit, please stop by!
Love Columbia Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
The Love Seat Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Executive Director Jane Williams thanks the community for supporting The Love Seat at the Ribbon Cutting.
A Veterans United Realty team celebrates Love Columbia's Ribbon Cutting.
Bedford Walk Retirement Community served ice cream and cookies at the open house.
Love Seat volunteers Edwina Prinster (left) and Maya Khan (right).
Mark Your Calendars
Car Coaching Training (for coaches): June 27th

Meeting to be at 6pm at the Love Columbia Center. For more information, email Kelli Van Doren at kelliv@lovecolumbiamo.org.

Love Columbia Community Group: Every Wednesday

The Community Group is a weekly Wednesday meeting for Love Columbia clients seeking relationships, support, and personal growth. Dale Willis (Path Forward Service Coordinator) and Diane Seifert-Wade (volunteer) lead the group.


Over The Edge: October 29th

Over The Edge is back! Raise funds for Love Columbia's programs and rappel the historic Tiger Hotel. Registration is half off until August 1st. We'll see you there!
The Love Seat resale store provides a place for shoppers to find quality, ow-cost furniture, housewares and clothing and for Love Columbia program participants to obtain essential items. The associated furniture bank provides free furniture and housewares to families in crisis or transition. 
Mon - Fri 10:00 - 5:00
Sat 9:00 - 4:00

Donation Times:
Mon - Sat 10:00 - 3:00
For Donation Inquiries/Scheduled
Pick-Ups Contact: 573-303-6198

2600 Rangeline St. Columbia, MO 65202
Love your neighbor as yourself
 
This is the ideal that drives Love Columbia. We coordinate relationships and resources to “love people forward” to a higher capacity. We provide coaching to help people improve their finances, employment, and housing, and offer strategic financial assistance and material goods to support their path forward.
 
• Information and referral
• Assessment and action planning
• Coaching (financial, employment, housing, life purpose)
• Transitional housing
• Payday loan relief 
• Strategic financial assistance
• Transportation assistance
• Basic needs (furniture, clothing & housewares)