The wheels of progress turned everywhere at Love Columbia this month. Literal vehicle wheels turned:

• When 12 families learned car maintenance tips and skills at our Healthy Homes event.
• When a Good Dads program graduate received a donated e-scooter so he could get to his job.
• When First Last Mile Valet service extended free transportation to our clients seeking to attend local hiring fairs.
• When construction trucks arrived to pour concrete and start framing on the site of our Love Forward Homes transitional housing apartment community.

Car maintenance class taught by volunteer Tim Meyers (left) was supported with car maintenance kits provided by Missouri Employers Mutual and kids activity packs provided by Veterans United Home Loans. Evangelina (right), class participant said she learned many new tips and skills, “I know how to check my tire pressure, change a tire and won’t let my car stay on 'empty' anymore. I’ve gained so much confidence!”

Kiddtric, Good Dads graduate, enjoying his new e-scooter (left). In 2025, we have gifted seven donated cars and one e-scooter to low-income workers. Miles Gibson (right), First Last Mile Valet Service Director with Jane Williams discuss their important work to bridge critical transportation gaps in our community.

Love Forward Homes on track for completion by end of year (left). Love Columbia Transitional Housing Program Manager, Sara Stone with Ashley Schultz from Campus Lutheran (right). Campus Lutheran is one of several churches that will “adopt” one of the ten-plex units to provide support to the transitioning families.

Wheels of Change Turned

We celebrated 15 years of Sherri Hockett’s leadership at The Love Seat and welcomed Bill Peroni as our new General Manager.

Bill Peroni, who has extensive experience in retail sales and pastoral ministry, celebrates with Sherri Hockett who was honored by Salvation Army as a Woman Doing the Most Good.

Wheels of New Ideas Turn

• Love Columbia Program Director, Conrad Hake, shared with the Upward Mobility Affordable Housing Coalition how cities have resourced their housing trust funds and led discussion of strategies to use locally. To read more, visit: www.lovecolumbia.org/ahc-articles.

• Love Columbia’s Client Advisory Board members shared how they have felt empowered by learning new skills through Love Columbia and suggested new classes we could offer. Home maintenance and health care system navigation topped the list, with two members who had expertise in these areas offering to teach. The beautiful wheels of “giving back” were turning!

Salvation Army Major Kevin Cedervall honors Conrad for making a difference in Columbia (left). Client Advisory Board members at their March meeting (right).

Coming Soon



Good Dads classes are starting April 7 at 5:00 PM at Love Columbia. Good Dads provides education and support for fathers seeking to deepen their connection with their children.

To register call Ava Summers at 417-501-8867 ext. 300 or email ava@gooddads.com.

Good Dads Graduates

Join Us

Support: Love Columbia has been selected by the That's What She Said Columbia chapter as their 2025 nonprofit partner. The event will be held on Saturday, April 12, 7:00-9:00PM at the Missouri Theatre. To learn more or purchase tickets, click the button below (25% ticket sales donated to Love Columbia).

Get Involved: Giving and volunteer opportunities at Love Columbia.

Volunteers gather at March Lunch & Learn highlighting the work of The Love Seat and The Furniture Bank.