Building Hope in the Midwest: On the Ground Partner Visits

By Lauren Jones, HSS Program Coordinator

In the first quarter of 2026, I had the opportunity to travel across the Midwest to connect with a couple of NBA’s Health & Social Services (HSS) partners and see their work in action. These visits are an important part of how we build relationships, listen closely to what organizations need, and better understand what’s working (and what’s challenging) as they serve their communities every day. Getting on site—meeting leaders, walking spaces, and hearing real-time updates—brings the impact of this work to life in a way that calls and emails simply can’t.

My first visit was to Columbia, MO, where I stopped for a lovely visit at Woodhaven and spent time with the organization’s Executive Director, Joy Sweeney, and Grants Manager, Danielle Winton. Our conversation focused on the team’s momentum heading into Q2, including continued investment in staff learning and development to strengthen disability inclusion practices and improve outcomes for the individuals and families they support. It was energizing to hear how Woodhaven is translating new learning into practical program and partnership updates—reinforcing their mission and positioning the organization for another strong quarter of community impact.

From there, I attended the groundbreaking for Isaiah 58 Ministries in St. Louis, MO—an exciting milestone led by their Executive Director, Brenda Booth, as they begin major construction on their new building. Once opened, this expanded space will increase Isaiah 58’s ability to welcome and serve guests with dignity, including access to showers, an essential resource that can make a meaningful difference for individuals navigating housing instability. Seeing the plans transition into construction was a powerful reminder that growth like this is built one step at a time, through committed leadership and sustained community support.

NBA is here to support HSS organizations, and it’s always a good day when we can be on the ground—seeing firsthand the live, local ways these organizations show up for their neighbors. Woodhaven and Isaiah 58 Ministries are instrumental partners in this work, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from them, celebrate key milestones, and continue building toward the shared goal of stronger, healthier communities.