COMTREA on the air
January 23, 2020
Topic: Mardi Gras 2020 event and an update on the construction of Mary's House of Hope at A Safe Place.
Click the icon below to begin listening. Interview by KJFF Radio and produced by Korey Johnson.
MARY’S HOUSE OF HOPE TO BE COMPLETED in Spring 2020
January 20, 2020
COMTREA is taking the next step to end domestic violence in the area by building affordable, safe housing for survivors.
“We’ve been providing safe shelter in the community for over 32 years at A Safe Place domestic violence shelter,” said Kim Elbl, Vice President of Fundraising and Development at COMTREA.
Last year, A Safe Place received 866 hotline calls, offered 4,127 nights of safety to survivors, and educated 1,079 individuals on awareness and prevention.
“We have launched a capital campaign to raise funds to build Mary’s House of Hope at A Safe Place transitional housing,” explained Elbl. “We have raised $1.5 million, and construction has begun on the first house. We are still looking for community partners and donations, and will be launching a program to provide the opportunity for the community to adopt a family for a year.
Each complex will offer four separate apartments for survivors and their families. The entire project will include three complexes with twelve apartments.
The estimated timeline to complete the first house is the end of March, but furnishings are still needed for the interior. Several hundred thousand dollars will need to be raised to complete the second house.
“Support the cause by attending events,” said Kellie Bell, Marketing and Fundraising Assistant at COMTREA. “There is something for everyone: trivia, bingo, galas, a fashion show, and our new pickle ball tournament. It’s a great way to socialize, get out with friends, and take home prizes while supporting a worthwhile cause.” Check out our website for what is coming up.
Mardi Gras, an annual gala event, is the earliest upcoming fundraiser to support ending domestic violence.
“Mardi Gras supports the day-to-day services at A Safe Place since all services are free of charge to residents at the shelter,” said Elbl. “We always have wonderful auction items, food, and music at the event. By changing the Mardi Gras theme every year, it keeps it fresh and interesting while giving us room for creativity with décor and games. This year is Carnival De Paris themed, with a new venue, a professional photo booth, carnival games, and an Eiffel Tower cake. We are very excited about the very popular mystery auction. The vendors and entertainment are always great, which causes guests to come back,” explained Elbl.
Bell explained that the event has been successful over the years because of many caring supporters who diligently sponsor the event. Elbl and Bell invite those who have never attended Mardi Gras to join them at this year’s event at the Corpus Christi Center in Imperial. The public may support the cause by bidding or purchasing auction items during the event with their mobile device. A link to bid on items will be posted on Facebook.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call A Safe Place at 636-232-2301 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
Dental Education: National Dental Hygiene Month
October 15, 2019
October brings pumpkin spice, cooler weather, changing leaves, candy, and dental awareness!
October is National Dental Hygiene Month, a time to raise awareness for oral health and to acknowledge the dental professionals who tend to your teeth: dental hygienists.
Dental hygienists are clinical providers who help you put together a plan of action to keep your smile healthy! They work closely alongside dentists to evaluate, treat, and educate you on your oral health.
Most dental hygienists receive four years of education, must pass national and regional board exams, and are required to maintain a state license.
Dental hygienists work directly with patients, cleaning teeth, taking x-rays and intraoral photos, and providing other diagnostic information, which helps a dentist diagnose oral health conditions.
Dental professionals have the caring, attentive nature that helps them recognize and address issues that their patients are facing. Personal skills in compassion, sympathy, and respect for patients is necessary to be a successful hygienist.
Next time you are in the dental office, say, “Hello”, to your dental hygienist and wish them a Happy National Dental Hygiene Month!
COMTREA Dental Temporarily Closing Two Locations
August 14, 2019
COMTREA will close two dental service locations as the organization reallocates resources. Twin City Dental Center in Festus, which provides emergency dental care, will be temporarily closed as of August 19, 2019. COMTREA’s MAP mobile dental clinic, which relocates in Jefferson County every few months, will temporarily close in September.
“Due to the shortage of dental staffing in Jefferson County, we chose to temporarily close the locations to ensure patients receive the best care when they visit our offices,” said Sue Curfman, CEO of COMTREA.
COMTREA will reopen these locations at a later date.
All dental services may be obtained at COMTREA locations in Arnold, Hillsboro, and House Springs.
Hickory Plaza Health Center located at 4 Hickory Ridge Road, Suite 600 in Hillsboro is open to the general public Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM until 6:00 PM.
COMTREA Health Center at the Valley located at 4300 Gravois Road in House Springs is open to the general public Monday through Friday from 2:30 PM until 6:00 PM.
Fox Dental Center located at 849 Jeffco Blvd, Suite 200 in Arnold is open to the general public Monday through Friday from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM.
