Laura Malzner built a 25-year career managing state and federal grant funding, including sixteen years with the Children’s Trust Fund of Missouri (CTF).  Hired as Program Specialist in 2005, Laura retired as the CTF Program Director in 2021. In this role, Laura oversaw all of CTF’s statewide child abuse and neglect prevention grant programs.

 

“My favorite part of managing CTF’s grant programs was meeting and building partnerships with so many courageous people who work every day to not only protect children, but to create a world in which they can thrive,” Laura said. “I consider myself very honored for having had the opportunity.”

 

In honor of her many years of service before her retirement in 2021, the General Assembly authorized funding for the new Laura’s Fund Grant: A grant for Laura to award to related programs of her choosing.

 

Thank you, Laura, for your dedication to keeping Missouri children safe throughout your career and for your contribution to helping children and families find the support, resources, and funds they need to grow and thrive, the value of which could never truly be measured.

 

The following agencies and programs were awarded Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) Laura’s Fund for Fiscal Years 2023-2027 (July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2027):

 

Little Explorers Discovery Center | Extended Experiences and Programs for Children and Parents
This program incorporates a variety of activities to enhance the parent/child bonds, provide car seats for parents who may not be able to afford them, and provide education and role modeling for parents and children. This includes a trip to the St. Louis Zoo, a trip to a local farm, a barbeque at a local park and school-day activities.
littleexplorersdiscoverycenter.org | Jefferson City, MO

 

Special Learning Center | Capable Kids and Families
This program will continue to provide support to families and their children with disabilities (0-6) in Cole, Callaway, Maries, Miller, Moniteau and Montgomery Counties. This program provides 1) Monthly/Quarterly home visits to families to provide support and connection to resources; 2) educational/adaptive toys and equipment loan program; and 3) opportunities to facilitate network building and supportive friendships among parents through family activities. 
speciallearningcenter.com | Jefferson City, MO