Event Planning + Services

Little Animals Creating Big Memories

How Little Dreamers Barnyard Brings Magic Of Animal Connection To Celebrations And Beyond Article by Mel Boban | Photography by Leave It To Beaver Photography Animals are more than just companions; they have the power to spread happiness, spark joy and bring calm to chaos. Sarah Case Murphy, founder and owner of Little Dreamers Barnyard based in Washington, Missouri, is passionate about the importance of animal interactions. She says she sees firsthand the magic that happens when kids, and all...

Local Services

Every Person Belongs

Gateway Down Syndrome Association: 50 Years Of Serving, Supporting And Celebrating People With Down Syndrome Article by Abigail Bosslet Fifty years ago, seven mothers of children with Down syndrome gathered around a table with a simple but powerful goal: to create a better future for their children. It was 1976, and support for families was scarce. Parents often received devastating and inaccurate messages from medical professionals, with some being told their child would never walk, read or...

Arts + Culture

Painting To Heal And Hope

Football Injury Forces Teen To Reframe Life Article by Julie Brown Patton After 17-year-old Jatayvion “JT” Thomas suffered a football-related spinal cord injury that resulted in quadriplegia, the senior found an inspiring-to-all, different form of expression.  With the assistance of therapeutic art via Ranken Jordan's Care Beyond the Bedside program, JT is painting by using tools in his mouth to produce incredible works of art. Kristin LaRose, MSN, RN, CRRN, NE-BC, ACHE, Ranken Jordan's...

Arts + Culture

More Than A Doll

How Olympia Dolls Inspire The Next Generation Article by Kristi Sellers Oftentimes, children's entertainment is increasingly driven by screens and fleeting trends. Luckily, some toys are designed to leave something more lasting behind. Olympia Dolls is one of them, blending imaginative play with timeless stories that have inspired generations for centuries. Founded by entrepreneur Jennifer Oz, Olympia Dolls introduces children to legendary female figures from Greek mythology through...