Missouri Valley Community Action Agency - Ray County

09/29/2026

Making sure a child’s car seat is the right fit and installed correctly can make a big difference in keeping little ones safe on the road.
This local resource has certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians available to check car seats, provide safety education, and connect families with additional resources. Free car seats are also available.

It's Child Passenger Safety Week and we have ✨4✨ certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians available to check your car seats! 🥳

What we’re checking: your child is in the right seat for their age and size — and that the seat is installed correctly. ✅

We have FREE car seats + education available and other resources for families! Come see us to make sure your child is riding safely! 🚙

09/22/2026

Reliable transportation can make a big difference when it comes to getting to appointments, work, errands, and other important places. Direct Transit provides transportation services designed to help community members get where they need to go.

If you or someone you know could benefit from local transportation services, this is a resource worth knowing about.

Need reliable transportation services in the Richmond area? Be sure to connect with Direct Transit.

Direct Transit is committed to quality, dependable service supported by the experience and dedication of its Board of Directors, management, and staff.

Reach out to Janine Clampitt and the Direct Transit team to learn more about their transportation services and how they can help meet your needs.

We are proud to feature Direct Transit and the important service they provide to our community.

09/22/2026

Community food pantries can be an important resource for families facing a tough month or simply needing a little extra help keeping food on the table. The Little Porch Pantry is seeing an increased need and could use the community’s support to keep its shelves stocked.

If you’re able to help, consider picking up a few extra nonperishable items during your next grocery trip. And if you’re the one who needs help, this resource is available without judgment.

Take what you need. Give what you can.

Check out the original post for more information.

09/22/2026

Looking for a fun way to welcome the fall season with your little ones? These storytime sessions offer children a chance to enjoy a seasonal story, get creative with a craft, and spend time learning and playing with others.

With all supplies provided, it’s an easy and fun activity to add to your week!

Join us Wednesday, September 23 at 9:30 am for Toddler Storytime & Crafts: Hello, Autumn! And at 10:15 am for Preschool Storytime & Crafts: Autumn Adventures! All supplies provided.

09/22/2026

Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean spending more. Cooking Matters Online offers practical tools to help families make nutritious, affordable meals while building skills that can make grocery shopping and meal planning a little easier.

Participants also receive recipes and a meal kit before each session, giving you a chance to put what you learn into practice at home.

If you’re SNAP-eligible, this could be a great opportunity to build healthy cooking skills while stretching your grocery budget.

Eating healthy on a tight budget is possible with the right tools and know-how.

Join Cooking Matters Online to learn smart shopping strategies, healthy cooking techniques, and practical tips for preparing nutritious, low-cost meals and snacks at home. Participants receive recipes and a meal kit before each session to practice what they learn in their own kitchens.

The course includes three virtual sessions: Sept. 23, Oct. 21 and Nov. 18 from 4–5 p.m.

Note: Cooking Matters is available for SNAP-eligible audiences only.

Learn more and register: https://brnw.ch/21x5JxC

09/10/2026

Debit and credit cards may look alike, but they work very differently. Understanding the difference can help you avoid unexpected debt, overdraft fees, and costly interest charges.
💳 Debit Card: Spending Money You Already Have
A debit card is linked directly to your checking account. When you make a purchase, the money comes out of your available balance.
Benefits:
✔ Uses money you already have.
✔ Helps you stick to a budget.
✔ No interest charges.
Keep in mind:
• Spending more than your account balance could result in overdraft fees, depending on your bank.
• It's important to keep track of your balance before making purchases.

💳 Credit Card: Borrowing Money
A credit card lets you borrow money from the credit card company and pay it back later.
If you pay your balance in full by the due date, you can usually avoid interest. If you only make the minimum payment or carry a balance, interest can quickly increase the total cost of your purchases.
Benefits:
✔ Can help build your credit history.
✔ Often includes fraud protection and rewards.
Keep in mind:
• Interest and late fees can add up.
• Because the money doesn't leave your bank account right away, it's easier to overspend.
💡 Life Tip: Before every purchase, ask yourself one simple question:
"Am I spending my own money, or am I borrowing it?"
That quick pause can help you make informed financial decisions and avoid unnecessary debt.
Understanding the difference between debit and credit is one of the simplest ways to build healthy financial habits and feel more confident managing your money.

09/08/2026

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.