ABOUT US
Children’s Grove was born out of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. Concerned citizens envisioned a public place of peace to symbolize our community's commitment to the well-being of children everywhere. A grove of beautiful trees was planted in the northeast corner of Stephens Lake Park in Columbia, Mo.
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Since the initial response, the passion for promoting acts of kindness took flight and, like a butterfly, moved quickly in different directions through the organization. Read the full history of Children's Grove.
MISSION
The mission of Children's Grove is to inspire a culture of kindness and to support the mental and emotional
well​-being of our youth.
We want to foster a culture of mutual respect, meaningful inclusivity, and sincere compassion.
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Motto: A single act of kindness can change a life forever.
Approach: Citizen-conceived and volunteer-driven.
Scope: Columbia and Boone County, Mo.
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We acknowledge and affirm that systemic racism, health inequities and economic disparities are detrimental to the mental and emotional well-being of our youth. There is no hate or violence in kindness.
With your help, we can continue to grow K.I.N.D.N.E.S.S. in Boone County through our education and arts programs by:
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Kindling positive behaviors
Inspiring kindness
Networking with other organizations
Dedicating kindness trees and butterfly benches
Nurturing opportunities for self-realization through arts programs
Educating youth and adults about positive mental health
Sparking a culture of kindness
Safeguarding our children
Visit our permanent symbols of kindness:
Butterfly bench at Stephens Lake Park in Columbia, Mo.
A kindness tree dedication at the Islamic School of Columbia.