About RW
| Why is it important? | How does it work? | Who can help? |
What is it?
Red Wagon Kids began as an action step from the 2007 Mayor’s Summit on Children. It utilizes six work groups representing business, faith, health, education, policy and service agencies that each address ways to ensure our community provides our youngest children (approx 0-8 years) with the best opportunity to succeed in school and life. The plan’s foundation is grounded in the “5 Promises” (caring adults, safe places, healthy start, effective education, opportunities to help others). Best practice research shows the more times children experience the “5 Promises,” they more likely they will be healthy and happy, successful, graduate from school and become productive citizens.
Why is it important?
This plan is important to our community because it allows us the knowledge of where, what and how to maximize use of resources for young children within our local area. It continues to build upon the huge success of the Grant Makers Challenge and look specifically for ways to bolster proven prevention initiatives already underway. This project marks a time when interests from all sectors of the community came together to create targeted action steps aimed at helping young children and their families.
How does it work?
Initial work groups looked at a 3-year time frame and identified 2-3 initiatives or goals per year that could be accomplished through their respective sectors. Some initiatives start small and build from year to year and some place a new emphasis on identified gaps in needed programs/services. New implementation teams were formed and each will determine the optimum use of resources and highlight additional needs moving forward. When possible, meeting schedules will be posted on the website. Progress can be followed on this website on the work group link.
An executive summary of plan recommendations can be viewed here. (4 pgs)
The full plan can be viewed here. (55 pgs) (back to top)
Who can help?
The entire community is encouraged to get involved with the process. To join a group of your interest, call 864-1656 or contact the Mayor’s Commission for Children
(dbredfeldt@springfieldmo.gov) (back to top)