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30 Years Building Strong Families, Safe Kids

Over the past three decades, the Children’s Trust Fund has made great strides in efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect in the state of Missouri. This page features interviews from some of the individuals who had an impact on the development and implementation of the organization as well as showcases various elements of the program throughout the years.  We’ll talk about where we started and where we are now.  Check back in frequently for updates.

REFLECTIONS FROM CTF’S FIRST BOARD, DR. SUE STEPLETON

Dr. Sue Stepleton, Director, The Policy Forum at Brown School – Washington University in St. Louis was one the Children’s Trust Fund’s first board members. Dr. Stepleton looks back fondly on that time and how much has been accomplished since.  We talked with her about her experience in helping start what has become a funding source for many programs that work to prevent child abuse and neglect across the state of Missouri for the past 30 years.

Sue Stepleton

Dr. Sue Stepleton

AUDIO: Stepleton talks about starting the program with an idea from child advocates.

AUDIO: Stepleton explains the original goal of the program.

AUDIO: Stepleton talks about how CTF provided a new resource for many programs.

AUDIO: Stepleton talks about child advocates as entrepreneurs.


CTF’S LOGO

We take a look at the very first Children’s Trust Fund logo.  The look has changed several times through the years.  We recently launched a new logo to commemorate our 30 year milestone.

CTFfirstlogoCTF logo Print


REFLECTIONS FROM CTF’S FIRST BOARD, FIRST BOARD CHAIR, DR. JIM SPAINHOWER

Dr. James 'Jim' Spainhower

Dr. James ‘Jim’ Spainhower

We talked to CTF’s first board chair, Dr. James ‘Jim’ Spainhower. Prior to becoming CTF Board Chair,  Dr. Spainhower served four terms in the Missouri House of Representatives and two terms as Missouri State Treasurer. He convened the first board on November 2, 1983. Dr. Spainhower was gracious gracious enough to offer some reflection.

AUDIO: Dr. Spainhower talks about CTF