As we look back on 2025, one word rises above the rest: gratitude.
This past year brought growing need, big change, and holy moments we could not have planned—but through it all, Crosslines Community Outreach continued to show up for neighbors with compassion, dignity, and care. None of this happened alone. Every milestone reflects a community that believes loving your neighbor still matters.
Here are ten highlights that defined 2025 at Crosslines:
1. Serving More Neighbors Than Ever Before
Across our programs, Crosslines served significantly more individuals and families in 2025—many of them for the very first time (20%). From food insecurity to homelessness to children’s needs, the number of neighbors seeking help grew, and so did the community’s response. For the first time in our history, we served a record 237 families in the food pantry in a single day (and we are still tired!)
2. A Record-Breaking Christmas Distribution
Our annual Christmas distribution served 51% more families than last year, yet unfolded smoothly, calmly, and without chaos. Sunshine, volunteers, and generosity combined to ensure thousands of children woke up to hope on Christmas morning. Programs within Ambassadors for Children, Case Management, Ombudsman and the NewsLeader’s Share Your Christmas project extended the mission reach of Crosslines’ holiday programming well beyond the annual Toy store event at the fairgrounds – bringing Christmas joy to thousands of neighbors!
3. Shelter Construction Begins
After years of visioning and planning, 2025 marked a major milestone: breaking ground on the permanent home for Safe to Sleep Women’s Shelter—a space designed to offer not just safety, but stability and dignity. We’ve already raised 3.2 million towards the 4-million-dollar goal and moving in debt-free in Spring 2026.
4. A New Name, Same Mission
This year, we officially became Crosslines Community Outreach—a name that reflects both our history and our future. While the name changed, our mission did not: doing together, what can best be done together, in the name of Jesus Christ!
5. Growing Support for Children and Families
From foster care support and birthday celebrations to clothing, school supplies, and Christmas gifts, 2025 was a year of expanded care for children—reminding families they are seen, valued, and not alone. The Math Buddy program received funding from Missouri and expanded and added staff and locations. We are currently working across six school districts to ensure children have every opportunity to reach their full potential!
6. Responding to Rising Uncertainty
An unplanned government shutdown triggered a crisis for some of the area’s most vulnerable residents. With ongoing economic uncertainty, requests for services skyrocketed. Volunteers, donors, and partners helped keep shelves stocked, and families fed—even as costs and need increased.
7. Volunteers Showed Up—Again and Again
Thousands of volunteer hours fueled Crosslines in 2025. Hours of service donated between Oct 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, equated to more than two million dollars in wages! From long-time leaders to first-time helpers, volunteers were the heartbeat of every program, offering consistency, kindness, and hope.
8. Stronger Community Partnerships
Businesses, churches, civic groups, and individuals stepped up in powerful ways—providing funding, food, toys, equipment, and expertise. These partnerships allowed Crosslines to respond quickly when neighbors faced a crisis. The message was loud and clear “Just let us know how we can help.” More than 140 businesses stepped up in 2025 to provide products, service, or cash donations to help us serve. Many gave all three!
9. Moving from Scarcity to Security Through Case Management
This year, Crosslines strengthened its commitment to long-term stability by introducing a new requirement for pantry services. While case management services have been offered to everyone, they are now required for adult households without dependent children or disability. While senior citizens are exempt, working-age guests of the pantry who report no income must now meet with a case manager to qualify for pantry assistance.
This shift reflects our belief that food alone is not enough. Case management helps neighbors identify barriers, set goals, and access resources that move them from short-term relief toward lasting security—because our goal is not just to meet today’s needs, but to help build a better tomorrow.
10. A Community That Keeps Choosing Compassion
Above all, 2025 showed us this: even in hard times, our community continues to choose generosity, empathy, and action. Every gift made, every hour served, every prayer lifted, made a difference that continues to bless our community.
As we step into 2026, we are encouraged – not because the needs will be less, but because compassion continues to grow. Thank you for being part of our story. We can’t wait for what the next chapter brings!