Thinking Big for Lincoln County Kids

The YouthBridge Think Big for Kids Grant (TBFK) supports innovative projects that create lasting change for children and youth across the St. Louis region. Funded entirely through Fund Fees generated from Donor Advised Funds, Endowments, and other charitable vehicles, YouthBridge reinvests 100% of those Fund Fees back into the community.

The Lincoln County Resource Board (LCRB) is a recent TBFK Grant recipient. As administrator of the Community Children’s Service Fund, LCRB supports children’s mental health services through a network of partner agencies. Because the Think Big for Kids Grant process is by invitation only, Executive Director Cheri Winchester viewed the opportunity as both an honor and strong validation of the work already happening in Lincoln County.

Closing the Cracks

Needs assessment data revealed a troubling reality: too many children at risk of child abuse and neglect in Lincoln County were falling through the system’s cracks. In response, Cheri and her partners developed the Child Abuse and Neglect (CA/N) Plan, a collaborative model centered on the needs of the child.

The plan includes a Trauma Intervention Specialist/Case Navigator position, integrated data sharing among agencies, and ongoing multidisciplinary training to strengthen coordination and communication. A one-year state grant launched the pilot program, while the YouthBridge three-year grant now provides the stability needed to sustain and expand the work.

“This grant from YouthBridge takes us from a pilot program to a sustainable program — not only to prove outcomes, but to serve generations,” Cheri shared. She believes the model could be replicated in other communities to strengthen child welfare systems beyond Lincoln County.

Collaboration That Works

The program is already changing how professionals work together on behalf of children and families. During a recent case review meeting, 14 multidisciplinary team members gathered around one table to identify gaps, align services, and coordinate care. The conversation reflected what is possible when agencies move beyond procedural responses and work together with compassion and purpose.

Cheri also emphasized the credibility and visibility the YouthBridge partnership brings to the effort. Beyond funding, the YouthBridge name helps elevate public awareness around child abuse prevention and reinforces the importance of community-wide responsibility in protecting children.

Because child abuse is largely preventable, education and early intervention remain critical to breaking cycles of abuse and creating safer futures for generations to come.

YouthBridge is proud to support such transformative work — and we invite you to partner with us through your giving, advocacy, and community leadership to help more children thrive. To learn how we can bridge your resources to community impact, please contact Andranique Joe, YouthBridge Director of Philanthropy.