Madison McCord recently graduated from Missouri State University where she majored in child and family development with a focus on youth development. Madison recently finished her internship with MU Extension in Greene County, guided by Amber Allen, the field specialist in human development at the University of Missouri Extension, who was her mentor. While at MU Extension, Madison developed the "Thank A Farmer Campaign," which was sponsored by the MU Extension - Health and Human Sciences Show-Me Strong Farm Families and Missouri AgrAbility programs.
Madison grew up in California and Missouri and was actively involved in her local FFA chapter and 4-H club. Her deep connections to agriculture, conservation, and natural resources fueled her passion for agriculture education and community service.
Her capstone project centered on mental well-being in rural areas, aiming to honor and acknowledge the important contributions of farmers in our lives. It involved engaging community members, particularly 4-H students, in making artwork that expresses gratitude, respect, and awareness of agriculture's influence on daily life. Photos and can be viewed at @MOAgrAbility on Facebook.
Submitted by Karen Funkenbusch, Willard Downs, Emily Doosing, and Brenda Schreck
Farm Outreach Worker Susan Jaster met with an AgrAbility client. This AgrAbility client case is distinct because of the size and nature of the farm operation in relation to the type of disability. During the first farm visit, representatives from MO VR and professionals from MO AgrAbility collaborated with MU and Lincoln University Extension. The team explored various programs and technologies that could be beneficial for the client.
Submitted by Mark Lucas, LUCE ISFOP
Maureen Cunningham with the Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO) and Missouri AgrAbility Co-PI, presented at the Ozark Area Crisis Intervention Team Council Meeting (OACIT) on July 9. She discussed Missouri AgrAbility as a resource for crisis intervention team (CIT) clients.
This connection will continue with Maureen providing a "Brain Injury Effects, Impact, and Resources Training" to new CIT trainees on August 4. In addition, she will attend the OACIT meetings on a regular basis to share information about resources, including Missouri AgrAbility and BIA-MO.
Submitted by Maureen Cunningham, BIA-MO
Madison McCord shares her personal thoughts about her internship with MU Extension - Health and Human Sciences: "Spending time with the MU Extension in Greene County team exceeded every expectation I ever had. The support I have received from each staff member has been heartfelt and genuine. Their wisdom, patience, and encouragement made me feel valued every single day. I have learned so much from their real-world experience and welcoming nature. It's rare to find a group of professionals so dedicated to helping the community and eager to share their knowledge. One of the best parts of this internship has been the opportunity to see the wide variety of programs in action. Being able to engage in such valuable programs that impact community members across southwest Missouri has been extremely eye-opening. Upon graduation it would be extremely fulfilling to become employed by MU Extension." Photos and can be viewed at, @MOAgrAbility, on Facebook.