About Us
History of Missouri KIDS
Founded in 1975, Missouri KIDS has provided direct aid and referral services to dozens of permanently injured student athletes and their families. Our mission has always been to improve these students’ quality of life by creating a framework for independence and growth.
Missouri KIDS is a resource for families whose school-aged children suffer from permanently disabling injuries, but some have lost the use of their bodies below the waist or neck. We provide assistance to students who are in the K-12 school districts or currently in college participating in a sport activity. Many such injuries occur during sporting activities. Those hurt under other circumstances also are eligible for assistance if they participate in athletics.
A severely disabling injury can have a devastating impact on an individual and his or her family, like not only physically, but psychologically. They have just entered into a world where even the simplest task is a monumental feat and where feelings of isolation and loneliness are very common.
Assistance we Provide
- Grants for Customized Vans and Accessories
- Electric Wheelchairs and Beds
- ERGYS Stationary Bikes
- SAEBO Rehabilitation Devices
- Shower Chairs
- Chair Lifts and Ceiling Lifts
- Home Modifications including installing ramps, bedroom and bathroom remodels, widening doorways
- Installation Environmental Systems
- College Tuition Assistance, Books and Computers
- Athletic Equipment including racing wheelchairs, rugby chairs and adaptive hunting equipment
- Custom beds
Missouri KIDS recipients may continue to receive resources from us long after their injuries. In addition, Missouri KIDS recipients Doug, Greg, John and others are now becoming mentors to younger recipients, eagerly sharing their experience and knowledge. Today, we currently have 24 active recipients in our organization.
You are our best partner in this mission to improve our KIDS’ lives. Your financial support means the difference between a van for a new recipient and an injured student athletes without accessible transportation, or between a new wheelchair ramp and a family who has to lift a growing child up the stairs. It means independence instead of isolation, growth instead of insecurity, joy instead of limitations.