Missouri Valley Community Action Agency - Ray County

08/25/2026

Access to mental health and substance use support can make a meaningful difference for individuals and families. We're sharing this local resource for those in the Richmond area and surrounding communities who may be looking for accessible services and support.

Check out the flyer below to learn more about Beacon Mental Health and the services available.

Mental health and substance use support should be accessible to everyone.

Beacon Mental Health provides compassionate, accessible mental health and substance use services to individuals throughout Clay, Platte, and Ray counties. Their services are available to people from all walks of life, regardless of income, insurance, or background.

Having these resources available locally can make an important difference for individuals and families who need support.

We are proud to feature Beacon Mental Health and the work they do throughout our region. Reach out to Beacon Mental Health’s Richmond office with questions or to learn more about available services.

08/25/2026

08/25/2026

Parents, our teens need to take risks as part of their normal growth and development, but ni****ne & va**ng shouldn’t be one of them.
Safe risks for teens can look like stretching their comfort zone to do volunteer work, try something new like rock climbing, or auditioning for a part in the play. It all depends on your teen's interests!

Learn how we can encourage safe risk taking AND prevent teen va**ng at https://ParentUpKC.com/Taking-Safe-Risks!

08/19/2026

We want to make sure our community knows about a scam that is making its way around Facebook and other social media platforms.

We have seen posts and advertisements claiming that LIHEAP is offering free window replacements to people who receive SNAP, SSI, WIC, or Medicaid. Some of these posts use program logos, government-related language, and links that make the offer look legitimate.

Please know: These posts are NOT TRUE or from MVCAA.

MVCAA is not offering a program that provides free window replacement simply because someone receives SNAP, SSI, WIC, Medicaid, or another benefit listed in these advertisements.

Scammers often use real program names and familiar logos to make their offers look trustworthy. They may ask you to enter your ZIP code, name, phone number, Social Security number, benefit information, or other personal details before they will "see if you qualify."

Do not click the links. Do not enter your information.

If you see one of these advertisements:

• Do not click the link or "See Details" button.
• Do not provide personal, financial, or benefit information.
• Do not give anyone your Social Security number or banking information.
• Do not assume a post is legitimate just because it has government or program logos.
• Do not share the post with others unless you have verified that it is legitimate.
• Report suspicious advertisements or posts directly through the social media platform.

We understand that "FREE window replacement" sounds like an opportunity worth checking out, especially when household expenses are already a lot to manage. That is exactly why scammers use offers like this.

Missouri Valley Community Action Agency will continue to share information about legitimate programs and services through our official communication channels.

Please help us get the word out. Share this information with your family, friends, and neighbors so they can recognize these scams too.

08/11/2026

Looking for a way to build new skills, explore an interest, or learn something useful from home? MU Extension offers online learning opportunities for a wide range of topics and interests.

Whether you're looking to learn for work, personal growth, or simply because you're curious, flexible online courses make it easier to learn on your own schedule.

Want to learn something new without leaving home?

MU Extension offers online courses in gardening, health, nutrition, construction, manufacturing, leadership, emergency services and more. Courses are designed for homeowners, professionals, first responders and lifelong learners looking to build practical skills and knowledge.

With flexible online learning options, you can learn at your own pace and on your own schedule.

Explore available courses: https://brnw.ch/21x4JM1

Learn more. Do more with MU Extension.

08/08/2026

Family Empowerment Coaching isn't about telling you what to do. It's about helping you create a plan that works for you.
Some goals participants work toward include:
✔ Creating a monthly budget
✔ Improving credit
✔ Finding stable employment
✔ Continuing their education
✔ Purchasing a reliable vehicle
✔ Buying a home
✔ Building confidence and independence
Your goals are unique, and your coaching plan should be too.
Every week, you'll meet with your coach to talk about your progress, celebrate successes, and tackle any challenges along the way.
📞 Interested in getting started? Contact 660-886-7476 ext. 1310 or 1314

08/04/2026

If you receive services through the Ray County Health Department, be aware of an upcoming change to their office hours beginning August 1, 2026.

The new schedule is designed to provide continuous service throughout the day, eliminating the lunch-hour closure while continuing to offer the same programs and services the community relies on.

📣📣📣

Effective August 1, 2026, the Ray County Health Department will transition from a five-day workweek to a four-day workweek.

New Office Hours:
Monday through Thursday: 8:00am – 4:30pm
Friday: Closed

As part of this transition, the Health Department will no longer close during the lunch hour. The office will remain open continuously throughout the business day, providing an additional hour of public access to services each day. This schedule change is intended to improve organizational efficiency while enhancing public access to services and supporting our workforce. All department programs and services—including immunizations, WIC services, STI testing and
treatment, environmental health services, vital records, communicable disease response, and health education—will continue to be available during the revised business hours. We encourage community members to plan visits and appointments accordingly.

For information about services, appointments, or upcoming clinics, please contact us at 816-776-5413 or visit rayhealth.org. The Ray County Health Department remains committed to protecting and improving the health of our community and appreciates the public's cooperation and support as we make this transition.

Please Note: The walk-in immunization clinic already scheduled for Friday, August 14 will be held at the health department as planned.

04/18/2026

Hey Ray County,

We’ve got a quick ask for you. Beacon has a community survey open, and your voice can help shape what support and resources look like for our youth.

The 2026 Northland Prevention Network Survey takes about 15 minutes and helps guide local efforts to prevent youth substance use and su***de in Clay, Platte, and Ray Counties. The feedback collected directly impacts programs, funding, and services for families and schools right here at home.

If you have a few minutes, we would really appreciate you taking it.

Take the survey here: 👉 TinyURL.com/PreventionSurvey26

Your input truly makes a difference for our community.

04/14/2026

Hey Ray County friends,

Beacon has a survey open and we would really love your input. If you have about 15 minutes, you can help make a real difference for youth right here in our community.

The 2026 Northland Prevention Network Survey helps guide the programs and strategies used to prevent youth substance use and su***de across Clay, Platte, and Ray Counties. Your voice helps shape funding, resources, and support for local families and schools.

It is quick, it is meaningful, and it truly matters.

Take the survey here: 👉 TinyURL.com/PreventionSurvey26

Thank you for showing up for our kids and our community.

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.