Partnering for a healthier tomorrow — CCCNMO & MU Extension

At Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri (CCCNMO), we are privileged to work alongside numerous dedicated community partners who help us fulfill our mission of serving and empowering our neighbors.

Our vision is to provide compassionate care through the healing ministry of Jesus and create hope for a better life for those challenged by the poverty of mind, body, emotions and spirit.

This mission is not achieved alone; it thrives in collaboration with other agencies and the local community.

One of these invaluable partners is Dawn Sebion, a Nutrition Program Specialist with MU Extension.

Through her expertise, passion, and generosity, Dawn has become an integral part of CCCNMO’s Health and Nutrition programs, particularly within the Community Garden and Pantry.

Dawn’s involvement with CCCNMO spans several key initiatives designed to promote nutrition education and healthy living, especially for individuals with limited access to resources.

One of the primary programs she facilitates is the “Eating Smart, Moving More” series — an engaging and educational set of classes aimed at providing participants with practical, actionable knowledge about nutrition, exercise and overall wellbeing.

These classes empower individuals to make healthier choices in their daily lives.

Many of our neighbors who have attended Dawn’s classes have been able to integrate their newfound knowledge into their meal planning — transforming the ingredients they receive through the pantry into healthy, nutritious meals.

In addition to leading structured classes, Dawn plays an active and supportive role in our pantry.

She regularly provides educational materials featuring nutritious, limited-ingredient recipes tailored to the ingredients available in our pantry.

This allows participants to immediately apply what they’ve learned, creating balanced, healthy meals with accessible foods.

Beyond providing these materials, Dawn takes time to engage directly with our neighbors, answering questions, fostering conversations about nutrition, and offering support and encouragement.

Her hands-on approach creates a welcoming atmosphere, making the learning process about healthy living feel attainable and personal.

Dawn’s contributions also extend into our Community Garden, where she works closely with local gardeners to promote sustainable food practices.

Her dedication has helped neighbors develop their gardening skills and reinforced the importance of growing fresh, nutritious foods.

Dawn often humbly acknowledges that she learns just as much from the gardeners as they do from her.

This mutual exchange of knowledge fosters a collaborative learning environment, where she not only enhances her own understanding but also values the knowledge and experience of the community.

By listening to the wisdom of local gardeners, Dawn strengthens relationships, creating an environment of shared learning.

The garden becomes more than just a space to grow food — it becomes a place where people grow together, united by a common goal of health, sustainability and community resilience.

The impact of Dawn’s work is evident in the positive changes within our programs and among our neighbors.

By integrating nutrition education into daily interactions, she helps break down barriers to healthy eating and encourages lasting lifestyle changes.

Her presence reassures neighbors that they are not alone on their journey to better health — there is a supportive network dedicated to their wellbeing.

Since the opening of the Community Garden in 2023, gardeners have produced approximately 500 lbs. of produce.

This bounty has been shared with the pantry and neighbors, with common items like tomatoes, radishes and various peppers contributing to the collective effort.

At CCCNMO, we deeply value partnerships like those with Dawn and MU Extension.

Her commitment to education, engagement and empowerment perfectly aligns with our mission, and we are deeply grateful for the time, effort and heart she invests in serving our community.

As we continue to collaborate, we look forward to expanding our efforts, reaching more neighbors and making an even greater impact together.

Community partnerships are the driving force behind the success and vision of CCCNMO.

As the Bible reminds us, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10).

This guiding principle reflects our ongoing work, which is continually enriched by the expertise and dedication of professionals like Dawn.

Looking ahead, we are excited to build upon these relationships, forge new connections and create even more opportunities for growth and support.

Together with partners like Dawn and MU Extension, we are committed to ensuring that our agency, community and neighbors not only thrive today but are equipped for a brighter, more prosperous future.

If you or your organization is interested in learning more about partnering with Catholic Charites of Central and Norther Missouri or volunteering visit cccnmo.diojeffcity.org or scan the QR code.