Always a Future for Kids

06/09/2026

https://forms.gle/J4ESXziz4UQyXAtP6

Always a Future for Kids is pleased to announce that grant funding is now available for nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth.

Organizations whose programs directly support children are encouraged to apply. While all eligible child-focused nonprofits will be considered, priority consideration will be given to programs and initiatives that:

- Support foster youth and foster care initiatives
- Assist children and families affected by domestic violence
- Address child neglect, abuse prevention, and family stability
- Provide resources and opportunities that help children overcome significant life challenges

Through these grants, Always a Future for Kids seeks to strengthen the network of organizations working every day to ensure that children have access to safety, support, opportunity, and hope.

If your nonprofit serves children and would like to be considered for funding, we encourage you to apply.

Together, we can create brighter futures for children in our communities.

https://forms.gle/J4ESXziz4UQyXAtP6

05/30/2026

AFK is in Springfield this weekend at a Tremendicon. If you are nearby, come see us!!!

Come join us at Tremendicon !

04/17/2026

Ramona Heiney thanks for sharing this!!!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Ci3EAtHJV/

Some great organizations in the West Plains area!!! Consider voting for AFK!!!

🌷 It’s time to VOTE for April’s Community Champion! 🌼
We’ve got an incredible lineup of local nonprofits, and one will receive a $1,000 donation — with your help! 💙

🌟 This month’s nominees:
• Chaos Closet
• Richard’s Tinker Lab
• 37th CASA
• West Plains Downtown
• Well House of Hope
• Always a Future for Kids

➡️ How to Vote:
💬 Tag the nonprofit you'd like to see win in the comments on this original post.

📅 Voting is open now through April 24th, and we’ll announce the winner soon after!

Let’s come together this spring and support the organizations making a difference in our community!

04/08/2026

We want to extend a HUGE and heartfelt thank you to the Ozark Spring Chapter, NSDAR chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for their generous donation in support of Always a Future for Kids and the work we do in our community.

Because of partners like you, we are able to continue creating opportunities and making a lasting difference in the lives of youth who need it most. Your support helps us move our mission forward and reminds us that we are not doing this work alone.

We are incredibly grateful for your commitment to service, community, and the future of our kids.

Thank you for believing in what we do!

02/27/2026

Apparently it’s National Retro Day…and honestly, we feel very prepared for this.

Founded in 2018 and celebrated annually on February 27, it's a day dedicated to "stepping back in time, unplugging from modern technology, and celebrating the 'good old days' before smartphones and social media. It encourages enjoying nostalgic activities, dressing in vintage styles, and engaging in face-to-face connection."

We’re using it as the perfect excuse to remind you about the costume contest at Party with a Purpose on April 11! Always a Future for Kids will host the contest, which is open to all ages, with youth (15 and under) and adult (16+) divisions. All genres are welcome, as long as costumes are family friendly.

For inspiration, we’re sharing this photo of a West Plains costume party from the early 1940s. Back then, their idea of “retro” was dressing up in turn-of-the-century fashion. It’s a reminder that every generation has its own version of the past worth celebrating.

For our contest, historical accuracy is not required. In fact, creativity and even inspiration from other realms is encouraged. Sci-fi, anime, video games, movies, whatever your theme, we invite it. Cosplayers welcome! Retro and randomness fit right in. What will you show up as?

Party with a Purpose kicks off April 10. Six weeks away—and yes, you have time to find something random.

(Photo from the West Plains Gazette, No. 14, 1981. Pictured: Beverly Ballinger and unidentified es**rt; couples stair-stepped in corner, Dorothy Allen, Lile Amyx, Velma Reavis, Jimmy Eiseman; seated on floor in corner, Dail Allen and Edith Amyx; in front of mirror, Tom Fred Hard, Van Cochran; seated in front of couch, Beanie Hard, Good Hard, Mildred Catlett, Paul Catlett; seated on couch Dulcie Cochran, Joe Hastings, Geneva Hastings, Claire Esther Hard; on chair Charles Wood and partially shown Rena Wood.)

02/02/2026

Always a Future for Kids was featured in the West Plains Daily Quill's Best of West Plains and received Runner Up for Best Nonprofit Community Outreach and we also recieved Runner Up for Best Local Festival with OzFaire. With so many amazing non-profit organizations out there, this is a huge honor for our team.

Thank you so much to all those who voted for us!!

https://www.westplainsdailyquill.net/stories/best-of-west-plains-2025,213551?fbclid=IwY2xjawPtk6hleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeDmJPmySLl6kkCLHSl9wWsLi0h6GJHv2nxgMwTFijGC24rX35tVjiDOhxP8s_aem_REJ7eKAeAxNVSlOFhI18Fw

01/09/2026

🎭 CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT 🎭

We are thrilled to announce the cast of
Thomas & The Timekeeper
an original play written and directed by Annabelle Buhler

Assistant Directors: Joy Pace & Christi Clarke

✨ Meet the Cast: ✨

Thomas – Aaron Barton
Max – Emily Yarnell
Avery & 4 Other Characters – Andrew Colbert
The Universe – Stevie Miller
Jessica – Maggie Cundall
Jerry – Christi Nichols-Clarke
Gus – Mayali Barton
Seamstress – Abigail “Sunshine” Ellseworth
Soldier 1 & Dinosaur – Jackson Hays
Soldier 2 – Asher
Lead Guard – Buddy Butts
Leo – Joy Pace
Lisa – Mary Colbert

This incredible group of performers is bringing time, adventure, and imagination to life. We can’t wait to share this journey with you!

12/25/2025

Happy Holidays from the AFK family to yours!

12/19/2025

Opening night TONIGHT at 7:00pm! Doors open at 6:30!

4945 US-160, West Plains, MO, Genesis Church Warehouse

Free to the community, come see it! ❤👼🎄🌟❤

12/18/2025

Come see the Fine Arts Academy's performance this weekend!!!!