JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — HALO’s Jefferson City programs received a major boost this week as volunteers from Veterans United Foundation completed a large-scale outdoor revitalization project designed to create healing, welcoming spaces for homeless and at-risk youth.
Supported through a recently awarded $25,000 Veterans United Foundation grant, the “Play, Connect, Thrive” initiative brought employees and volunteers together to improve outdoor areas at HALO residential and youth program locations. The project included landscaping enhancements, assembly of outdoor furniture, installation of recreational equipment, and the creation of family-friendly gathering spaces for youth and young mothers served by HALO.
Dozens of Veterans United volunteers worked side-by-side with HALO staff to create spaces that promote connection, mentorship, relaxation, and healing.
“The work HALO does to provide hope, healing, and stability for homeless and at-risk youth is truly inspiring,” said Piper Brintnall, Veterans United Foundation Coordinator. “Partnerships like this are possible because Veterans United employees believe deeply in enhancing lives and strengthening communities. Through both their financial contributions and hands-on volunteer efforts, our employees are helping create welcoming spaces where youth can relax, connect, and thrive.”
The revitalized spaces include Adirondack chairs, swings, outdoor tables, landscaping improvements, and recreational areas that will serve youth for years to come. The initiative reflects HALO’s belief that healing environments play a critical role in helping young people feel safe, valued, and supported.
“This project is about far more than outdoor upgrades,” said HALO Jefferson City Director Kayla Keller. “These spaces create opportunities for our youth to build healthy relationships, spend time outdoors, and experience peace and connection during some of the most challenging moments in their lives. We are incredibly grateful to Veterans United Foundation and every volunteer who made this possible.”
Local media outlets highlighted the impact of the project and the importance of creating restorative spaces for vulnerable youth in the community. Coverage included stories from KRCG-TV and News Tribune.
Founded in 2005, HALO provides housing, healing, and education services for homeless and at-risk youth across Missouri. The organization remains committed to ensuring every child has the foundation of a family and the support needed to thrive.
ABOUT VETERANS UNITED FOUNDATION
Veterans United Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Veterans United Home Loans, and is funded by employees of Veterans United Home Loans and its affiliated companies. Driven by a shared mission of enhancing lives, the foundation has raised over $157 million since its inception in 2011, with nearly 90% of company employees donating a portion of their paycheck to support its mission. Employees also take an active role in referring needs to the foundation and showing the community support through volunteer work. For more information about Veterans United Foundation and its charitable initiatives, please visit www.enhancelives.com.
ABOUT HALO:
HALO believes every child should have the foundation of a family. Since 2005, HALO has provided love in the form of housing, healing, and education to heal homeless and at-risk children. Featured in the Moroccanoil INSPIRED film series, “American Spirit” of CBS Evening News, “Heroes Among Us” and “25 Women Changing the World” of PEOPLE magazine, “The Today Show,” Variety Magazine, and Oprah Daily, HALO serves over 3,000 children and supports 15 programs around the globe each year. It has Learning Centers and Housing programs in Kansas City and Jefferson City, Missouri, and art programming in New York and Portland. HALO also supports orphanages and programs in Uganda, Kenya, and Mexico. Learn how Love Heals at HALO and help one more child spend one less day alone at www.haloworldwide.org.
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If interested in interviewing HALO Founder & CEO Rebecca Welsh, please contact [email protected].