The Junior League of Springfield will open Isabel’s House Crisis Nursery of the Ozarks at the end of May, with help from St. John’s, Burrell Behavioral Health, City of Springfield, CoxHealth, Community Partnership of the Ozarks, Missouri State University, Springfield-Greene County Park Board and United Way.

A crisis nursery is a respite crisis care emergency shelter which protects children by providing a safe environment at a time when the chances of abuse/neglect in the home are increased.
Parents voluntarily request and arrange this service directly with the crisis nursery.

“A crisis nursery is a proven child abuse prevention tool, and a recognized community need,” says Ann Meuser, St. John’s vice president of Mission Services.

“Preventing child abuse and neglect is part of St. John’s mission of improving community health. We’re proud to be part of Isabel’s House and the community services and outreach it will provide.”
Isabel’s House is named for the matriarch of the O’Reilly-Wooten family, whose donation helped fund the nursery.

The center will provide 24/7 residential care for infants to 12-year-olds. Families in crisis will receive respite, education, support, counseling and training services. Each child will receive a physical exam within 24 hours of arrival at Isabel’s House. It’s estimated that 2,000 Ozarks children will be cared for at the center each year.

“The Junior League of Springfield believes the welfare of the children in the nation and in our backyards is of utmost importance. Child abuse and neglect has been identified as a red flag in our community by many assessments, summits and reports,” says Stephanie Montgomery, Junior League president.

Potential guests of Isabel’s House

• Children living in a potentially abusive or neglectful home environment.
• Children whose parent has lost their home and must find a new place to live.
• Children whose home has lost utilities and has no hot water or heat.
• Children whose parent is undergoing drug or alcohol rehabilitation.
• Children whose parent requires emergency surgery or hospitalization and has no one to care for child.