Phelps County Community Foundation

05/23/2026

On Thursday, the Phelps County Community Foundation Board proudly presented a $1.95 million check to Rolla Public Schools for the purchase of the new Early Childhood Center building.

In less than one year, our community came together to fund this transformational project through the incredible generosity of local businesses, organizations, families, and individuals who believe in investing in the future of our children.

The Early Childhood Center is currently under renovation and is scheduled to open for preschool this fall. This facility will serve local families for generations to come by expanding access to high-quality early childhood education right here in Rolla.

To every donor, supporter, advocate, and partner who helped make this possible — thank you. This project is proof of what can happen when a community rallies around a shared vision. 💙

05/04/2026

We are deeply grateful for the families whose generosity is helping make the purchase of our new early childhood center possible. 🏫✨

Joseph & Cathy Bond, Richard & Jeanne Cavender, Mike & Brenda Dempsey, Walt & Elizabeth Eversman, Bruce & Deb Hedgepeth, and Dale & Candice Metcalf have each made meaningful investments in creating a space where our youngest learners can grow, thrive, and succeed. 🌱📚 Their support is laying the foundation for expanded access to high-quality early childhood education in our community.

Because of their leadership and commitment, this vision is becoming a reality. The impact of their giving will be felt by children and families in our community for generations to come. 💛

We are honored to partner with families who believe in building a stronger future from the very beginning.

05/01/2026

🏗️✨ Building something bigger—together. ✨🏗️

Yesterday, we had the incredible opportunity to gather at the future home of our Early Childhood Center alongside some of our key community partners to celebrate the progress being made and the impact still to come.

This project would not be possible without the strength of partnership—and we are proud to recognize the businesses who are helping bring this vision to life:

🤝 Brewer Science Brewer Science
🤝 Cohen Architectural Woodworking Cohen Woodworking
🤝 Four Rivers Community Health Center Four Rivers Community Health Center
🤝 Grace Church of Rolla
🤝 Legends Bank
🤝 Phelps County Bank

Each of these partners represents more than a donation—they represent a shared commitment to investing in our children, supporting working families, and strengthening the future of our entire community. 💙

When businesses step up in this way, real change happens. 🚀 This center will serve as a lasting example of what can be accomplished when organizations come together around a common purpose.

We are grateful for your leadership, your generosity, and your belief in what this project will mean for generations to come. 🌱

04/30/2026

Big conversations can lead to even bigger impact 💬➡️📚

At the 2026 Rural Philanthropy Summit, the Phelps County Community Foundation joined TNTP to share how one conversation turned into a county-wide literacy movement reaching every elementary school in Phelps County.

During the breakout session, “From Conversation to County-Wide Impact: How Partnership Sparked a Literacy Revolution in Phelps County,” funders and community leaders from across Missouri learned about this powerful, replicable model—sparking ideas for how similar partnerships and literacy initiatives can be implemented in communities statewide.

Presenters included Ben Tipton, Kim Day, and John Money with the Phelps County Community Foundation, along with Kim Davidson of TNTP.

This momentum is growing—and we’re excited to see how this work can expand to benefit students across Missouri.

04/28/2026

Last week, members of the Phelps County Community Foundation had the privilege of participating in a site visit for the Philanthropy Missouri Rural Summit right here in Rolla, Missouri—showcasing the incredible collaboration happening in our own backyard 🤝💛

The visit was hosted by the amazing Phelps County Dream Center, where funders from across the state were able to tour the facility and see firsthand the impact being made locally❤️

Throughout the day, attendees also heard powerful updates and insights from key community leaders, including:

🏫 Rolla Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kyle Dare, who shared exciting updates on the upcoming Early Childhood Center opening this fall—an investment in our youngest learners and future success.

🏥 Stuart Gipson, CEO of Four Rivers Community Health Center, highlighted the integrated medical and dental clinic that will be housed within the ECC, expanding access to critical care for families in our region.

🏠 Devon Pollreisz, representing Four Rivers, introduced The Landing—a new resource center designed to support foster families and families in crisis with dignity, stability, and care.

⚖️ Amber Steinbarger, CEO of C.A.S.A. of South Central Missouri, shared the vital work being done to advocate for children in foster care through Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), ensuring every child has a consistent, caring voice in the court system.

Together, these voices painted a powerful picture of what’s possible when sectors unite—education, healthcare, social services, and nonprofit partners working hand-in-hand to meet real needs 💪✨

We are proud to be part of a community where collaboration isn’t just a concept—it’s happening every day, and it’s moving forward quickly with real impact.

Grateful for everyone who continues to invest in Phelps County and the people who call it home ❤️
The Landing at Four Rivers Four Rivers Community Health Center Community Foundation of the Ozarks TKD Foundation Rolla Public Schools Phelps County Dream Center Philanthropy Missouri

02/24/2026

We are so proud to see the continued impact of the Rural Schools Early Literacy Collaborative right here in Phelps County ❤️

What started as a bold vision led by the Phelps County Community Foundation — in partnership with The New Teacher Projcect— is now producing transformational results for teachers and students alike.

When this initiative began, the goal was simple but powerful: give teachers the kind of coaching and support that truly sets them up for success. Today, we’re seeing the fruit of that investment. Just in Ashley’s school alone:

📚 100% of participating K–1 students showed growth in reading
📈 Students more than doubled typical annual growth on average
🎯 First-grade proficiency jumped from 30% in the fall to 78% by spring

Behind these numbers are real teachers, real classrooms, and real children whose futures are being strengthened through expert coaching and consistent support.

What began in just five schools in Phelps County has now expanded to 60 schools across Missouri. We’re incredibly proud that our community helped spark a model that is now impacting students statewide.

This is what happens when local leadership, strategic philanthropy, and dedicated educators come together with a shared commitment to literacy.

The work continues — and we are grateful to everyone who made it possible.

https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/readers-opinion/guest-commentary/article314773714.htmle

A program is already helping young educators in Kansas City and Phelps County. It should expand to everywhere in the state. | Opinion

02/19/2026

After so much hard work and incredible support from our community, this project is moving forward - a big win for Rolla and our kids! Take a minute to read the article and celebrate with us!

The local contractor will renovate the former Columbia College campus into classrooms and health services space by year's end.

02/10/2026

We are truly blessed to have Richard on our Board of Directors. He brings a wealth of unique and invaluable experience and knowledge to our group!

01/31/2026

Our Winter Newsletter is out! ❄️
Inside, you’ll find updates on the Early Childhood Center, the incredible progress made possible by our donors, and a look at what’s ahead for Phelps County in 2026.

Take a few minutes to see the impact your support is making—and what’s coming next. 💙
👉

“As we begin 2026, I’m filled with gratitude and pride for what our community has accomplished together. Because of your generosity, the Phelps County Community Foundation Early Childhood Center is now fully funded—and construction is well underway. What began as a bold vision has become a tan...

12/26/2025

🎉🏗️✨ WE DID IT. TOGETHER. ✨🏗️🎉

The Phelps County Community Foundation is incredibly proud to announce that our community has fully funded the purchase of the future Early Childhood Center 💙

This milestone didn’t happen by chance. It happened because individuals, businesses, organizations, and partners across our community came together with a shared belief in our children and our future 🤝🌱

What began as our primary project for 2025 now stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when a community unites — and it positions us to move confidently into 2026 with momentum, purpose, and impact 🚀

This is more than a goal met.
This is a vision realized.
This is a legacy in the making.

From all of us at PCCF — thank you for believing, investing, and showing up 💫

📍 Phelps County Community Foundation
700 North Park St • Rolla, MO 65401