Shelby County Cares Receives $10,000 Donation

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By Marlana Smith

 

Shelby County Cares (SCC) recently received a donation from GreenPoint Ag following an invitation for Shelby County Cares Executive Director Jolie Foreman to speak at the company’s Southern Agronomy Summit on suicide rates within the farming and rural agricultural community.

Foreman had the opportunity to present alongside her father-in-law, Brent Foreman, a lifelong farmer, where they shared research, real-world insight, and lived experience on a topic that is often difficult to discuss.

“Research shows that farmers are approximately 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population, and the conversation created space for honest dialogue about the realities many farm families face,” said Jolie Foreman.

The presentation connected with broader conversations happening across the country, including recent national attention on the mental health challenges facing rural communities. Following the discussion, GreenPoint Ag chose to support Shelby County Cares work through a $10,000 donation to help expand access to resources and support for farmers and their families.

The funds will support counseling assistance, educational outreach, and Shelby County Cares’ Grit Kits, which provide practical tools and mental health resources for individuals and families in the agricultural community.

“We also continue to support local youth through school-based scholarships and teen mental health advocacy efforts,” said Jolie Foreman.

While Shelby County Cares is rooted locally, their goal is to help other rural communities, both across Missouri and nationwide, build programs that reflect their own culture, needs, and strengths.

“Farmers everywhere face similar pressures, and we believe solutions are strongest when they are community-led and grounded in trust,” said Jolie Foreman. “Several new initiatives are currently in development for the spring, and I look forward to sharing those as well as this presentation locally in the future.”

For more information about Shelby County Cares, visit shelbycountycares.org.