We do what our community needs.

Every kid in our community deserves to be safe. So we won’t stop fighting until they are. We build coalitions to fight big problems, hard problems, and the existential threats to our next generation that too often go unaddressed.

Our Purpose

To advance the well-being of kids and the grown-ups in their lives throughout Southwest Missouri. We champion critical issues and align leaders to deliver solutions where they’re needed most. By providing the tools and information to make an impact, we create a dynamic, safe community where everyone thrives.

Our Story

Click through the timeline below to see how we have met the needs of the southwest Missouri community over the years.

1980’s – 1998

Grassroots Beginnings

In an effort to share ideas and coordinate resources, local agencies began meeting periodically. After the Missouri State Legislature dedicated funding for health and social services through the Caring Communities Collaborative, the Southwest Missouri Community Alliance was officially incorporated in 1998.

1999 – 2005

Serving More in Need

Over the next few years, support expanded to serve Seneca, Webb City, Carl Junction, Carthage, Neosho, and Joplin. Throughout our community, we fought substance misuse, educated the community over preventing unintentional childhood injury, and trained professional caregivers to impact as many lives as possible.

2006 – 2018

New Name, Same Promise

After changing our name to The Alliance of Southwest Missouri, we continued to find ways to help everyone in our community. From preventing child abuse to promoting healthy living and helping the homeless to supporting pregnant teens, we continued to do what needed to be done in the community.

2019 – Present

Making Space for All

The donation of a historic church building in Joplin became the foundation of a new home for The Alliance. During the Covid-19 pandemic, we adapted and evolved to ensure our community still received the support they needed. We have quickly outgrown this space as a result of a growth in programming and staff. Stay tuned for more exciting developments in our timeline!

Bringing the Best Together

United in doing what needs to be done, our team draws from a variety of backgrounds to serve kids, the grown-ups in their lives, and the communities they live in.

Jen Black

Executive Director

Tammy Blaylock

Director of Kids Programming

Mark Box

Driver’s Ed Instructor

Marlissa Diggs

Director of Grown-Ups Programming

Marilynn Hurst

Office Manager

Peggy Lentz

Parenting Education Coordinator

Jean Letner

Building Bridges Coordinator

Bailey Stehm

Director of Development

Kathy Lewis

Director Of Finance

Charlene Pryor

Safe Kids Coordinator

Lydia Velazquez

DYS/Coaliations Coordinator

Thea Brown

Administrative Assistant

Meet Our Board

Leadership from these local community volunteers is crucial to our success.

Scott Vorhees

Board President

Johnson, Vorhees & Martucci Injury Attorneys; Founding Partner

Kathy Vanwey

Board Vice President

OWN Inc.; Executive Vice President

Elise Estep

Board Treasurer

Freeman Health System; Provider Services Analyst

Traci Pattison

Board Secretary

Joplin Schools; Director of Student Services