Leading the region's Healthy Communities movement since 1994

Founded in 1982

Mosaic Life Care Foundation is committed to finding long-term solutions aimed at creating better health for our 30 county region we serve in northwest Missouri and adjacent counties in Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa. With collaborative-based programs in place, the Foundation took a leading role in pioneering community revitalization efforts to improve the health and quality of life for those who live in the region.

 Methodist Medical Center Foundation – 1982 

Heartland Health Foundation – 1985 

Heartland Regional Community Foundation – 1997 

Heartland Foundation – 2004 

Mosaic Life Care Foundation – 2019

Read Our History
  • History 1
  • History 2
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  • History 5
  • History 6

1982-1987

1982-1987

Methodist Medical Center founded a traditional, hospital-based foundation in 1982 for the purpose of raising monies to support hospital projects. In the early nineties, Foundation trustees began to realize that a number of compelling issues were impacting our region’s health including:

  • Economic decline
  • Lower than average educational levels
  • Poor lifestyle choices
  • Population decline
  • Youth outmigration
  • Fewer citizens engaged in community work

With this knowledge, trustees asked the question, “How can we best serve this region?” Mosaic Life Care Foundation then committed to finding longer-term solutions aimed at creating better health for the 30-county region we serve (northwest Missouri and adjacent counties in Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa). With collaborative-based programs in place, Mosaic Life Care Foundation took a leading role in pioneering community revitalization efforts to improve health and quality of life for those who live here. From this work, came the vision for innovative programs like Healthy Communities and the emPower Plant. Both are unprecedented in this country in taking a systematic approach to empower people and communities to effect positive change for their own lives and their communities.

Healthy and prosperous communities do not just happen. It requires citizen participation and empowerment. It’s also important to recognize that people of all ages and diverse backgrounds have the potential to make a difference. Adopting this philosophy, the Foundation’s work demonstrates that personal responsibility and citizen engagement leads to economic vitality, improving quality of life, better health, and growing a community’s capacity to thrive.

For the Foundation, it’s clear. Each of us represents possibility. Each of us has potential. Each of us can influence progress, but only if we THINK AHEAD.

  • Methodist Medical Center Foundation was founded in 1982 to support health care and hospital projects. 
  •  Velma Flies Anderson, a 1941 Methodist Medical Center nursing graduate, established the first endowed scholarship fund for student nurses. Today, 11 educational scholarship programs are supported by the Foundation. 
  • First major fundraiser generated over $750,000 for the cancer endowment fund. 

1988-1993

  • A 19th century home in the Hall Street Historic District was restored as the Heartland House… a place for Heartland patients and families to stay while receiving treatment.
  • Heartland Health contributed funds for an operations endowment, which now holds $5 million in assets. This endowment allows donors’ gifts to support the cause they choose. It does not Foundation operations.
  • HEALTHY PARTNERSHIPS was created to encourage collaborative groups to find new innovative solutions to improve health. In 2002, North Kansas City Hospital and Heartland Health became new investors.
  • An Employee Trust Fund was initially funded from vendor rebates and recycling income to provide support to Heartland employees in times of crisis and to offer scholarship assistance to employees’ children. The fund is now supported by an annual contribution from Heartland Regional Medical Center and is called Touchstone.
  • The Heartland Charitable Trust Fund, a partnership with Heartland Health and funding from the medical center, provides charitable support to worthy endeavors of other 501(c)3 organizations.
  • In 1990, through a partnership with the Voiture 130 of the 40 & 8, The Bill and Mary Russell Nursing Scholarship fund was established. Proceeds from the sale of used and laundered surgical towels by the 40 & 8 and the Foundation continue to support this fund. A number of health care and nursing scholarships continue to be granted annually through this fund.
  • Project YOUTH was founded to mentor high school students and encourage them to explore health care careers. Students earn scholarship assistance for each hour they volunteer.
  • First HOLIDAY RIBBONS FOR HEALTHIER COMMUNTIES was launched to encourage end-of-year giving and honor people during the holiday season.
  • First reunion was held for former graduates of Methodist Medical Center and St. Joseph (Sister’s) Hospital Schools of Nursing.
  • A new partnership formed with Missouri’s Cattlemen Foundation to aid Missouri families with funds to purchase medical adaptive equipment for their children.
  • “A Special Kind of Caring” campaign generated over $1.5 million to start up several new projects: Children’s Treatment Center, Hope House, and a special health needs fund for children.
  • Thirty-five Heartland employees who faced devastating flood damages were granted over $80,000 of cash and in-kind gifts.
  • First Healthy Communities Summit was held in St. Joseph. The event inspired citizen action to make a difference and celebrated the region’s success. Summit speakers over the years have included futurist Leland Kaiser, cultural anthropologist Jennifer James, author Meg Wheatley, Search Institute founder Peter Benson, Senator Elizabeth Dole, Chicken Soup for the Soul author Dan Clark, Mt. Everest Summiteer Alan Hobson, and Harvard Professor Robert Putnam.

1994-1999

  • Trustees voted to accept new role as catalyst and convenor for the Healthy Communities for the Midwestern Four Corners movement. Northwest Missouri State University was a facilitating partner. Today, Healthy Communities is supported by several investors with the Foundation serving as managing partner: Mosaic Life Care, Missouri Western State University, North Central Missouri College, Northwest Missouri State University, Mosaic Life Care – Maryville, Mosaic Life Care – Albany, St. Joseph School District and 139th Airlift Wing.
  • A new toy lending library and outdoor therapeutic playground were dedicated.
  • The first Community Transformation Forum attracted over 100 people from different walks of life to think about their community’s future and how to thoughtfully plan for it. Each year, a number of communities from the region participate in this collaborative planning process.
  • Heartland Centre for Rehabilitation and the Foundation received the 1995 National Safety Council’s third place award for Improvements in the Quality of Life for People with Disabilities for efforts in children’s rehabilitation.
  • St. Joseph Preservation, Inc. recognized the Foundation for quality restoration efforts with the Hope House.
  • Foundation’s mission was broadened to reflect its commitment “to continuously improve the health and quality of life for children and adults within the region.”
  • Name changed to Heartland Regional Community Foundation to acknowledge commitment, interdependence, and connectedness to all community sectors from government, non-government, and citizen groups.
  • Missouri Humanities Council selected the Foundation as its first regional coordinator of READ from the START, an initiative that encourages reading to children from infancy. • Outcomes for Kids was started to offer matching funds and encourage collaborative groups to find new ways to impact the quality of life for our region’s children. • Interfaith Care Teams began as a way to help mobilize volunteers and congregations to offer basic respite care for children and adults with chronic illness or disabilities.
  • Healthy Communities for the Midwestern Four Corners was chosen as one of six sites nationwide to participate in the Health Forum’s Accelerating Community Transformation Project. The aim of the research project was to discover promising collaborative leadership practices designed to improve a community’s health and well-being.
  • The Healthy Communities initiative received two state-wide honors for innovative community-building efforts from the Missouri Association of Community Task Forces (MoACT) and the Governor’s Award for Community Health.
  • Foundation named as the state founding sponsor and a national research coordinator for Project Fit America. Pershing Elementary School in St. Joseph, the first Foundation-funded Project Fit site to be selected, reported absenteeism rates were reduced by nearly half since the program was implemented.
  • Healthy Communities for the Midwestern Four Corners was one of three projects showcased by the City of St. Joseph in the 1997 All-America City Awards competition. St. Joseph won the top honor from the National Civic League.
  • Foundation served as a beta test site for the national Accelerating Community Transformation Project’s OUTCOMES Toolkit.
  • First region-wide, youth survey conducted to see what youth had to say about their interest in community decision-making and other civic-minded issues that affect their lives.
  • The University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Center for Democracy named the Foundation as the managing partner for the first-ever regional rural partnership in Public Achievement. The program encourages elementary students to become good citizens and effective community decision-makers.
  • Healthy Communities for the Midwestern Four Corners was selected as one of ten communitiesacross the country to dialogue “what creates healthier communities?”
  • The first regional planning forum was held at Conception Abbey in collaboration with theSt. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce, Northwest Missouri Resource Team, and Northwest Missouri State University. Two new initiatives were an outgrowth of this retreat: Leadership Northwest Missouri and Great Northwest Missouri Day at the Capitol.

2000-2005

  • A national educational consulting firm was hired by the Foundation to conduct a feasibility study to determine the region’s interest in forming a one-of-a-kind experiential learning center where students ages 12 – 15 learn about their role – now and in the future – in building healthier lives and communities. This led to the creation of the emPowerU challenge-based learning immersions.
  • Accelerating Community Transformation partners from across the country traveled to northwest Missouri to learn more about the Healthy Communities for the Midwestern Four Corners initiative. This learning collaborative received the highest national ranking ever by participants in the ACT Project.
  • Foundation kicked off “A Campaign for Community Change and Innovation,” a $10,000,000 campaign to fund the emPower Plant (now emPowerU), several healthy communities initiatives, and an operating endowment.
  • Foundation received the Governor’s Platinum Cornerstone Award for Fitness and Health Leadership to recognize work with schools in sponsoring Project Fit and promoting healthier lifestyles.
  • Missouri Cardiovascular Health Department selected the Foundation to survey 20 regional businesses about worksite wellness and assess them on environmental, educational, and policy practices to promote employee and family health.
  • Foundation was named lead facilitator for St. Joseph’s Community Plan around asset-driven youth issues.
  • A warehouse in the federally-designated Brownfields district was selected as the future site of emPowerU.
  • Heartland Foundation became the new legal name approved by the Board of Trustees. The vision is healthier, more livable communities, and the mission is to empower children and adults to improve their health and quality of life.
  • Local and national volunteers worked with the Foundation’s design team to create an unprecedented curriculum that youth, schools, and communities together in the quest to build healthier, more livable communities.
  • Heartland Foundation entered into a new partnership with Heartland Regional Medical Center and Hands of Hope Hospice for the Hope House. The House served as an educational and bereavement center for patients and families faced with end-of-life care decisions. Interfaith Care Teams now headquarters at the Hope House.
  • Healthy Communities/Heartland Foundation became managing partners of Leadership Northwest Missouri and Great Northwest Day at the Capitol.
  • America’s Promise named Heartland Foundation and the emPower Plant as the Innovation of Promise Partner, a one-of-a-kind national partnership.
  • The third Regional Planning Forum was held in September 2004 to focus on five key strategies: Education of the Workforce, Engagement of Youth, Entrepreneurial Support System, Rural Healthcare, and Technology Infrastructure.
  • Heartland Foundation and the Healthy Communities Summit were recognized in 2005 as a “promising practice” by the Southern Growth Policies Board in North Carolina.
  • The emPower me program launched as a new prototype in working with juvenile offenders. The Buchanan County Juvenile Office and Northwest Missouri State were partners in this new endeavor.
  • A test lab for the emPower Plant opened to pilot the on-site simulation and classroom curriculum for 7th graders. Over 1,000 students participated in this trial experience.
  • The Foundation’s youth initiatives were highlighted in the City of St. Joseph’s application to be recognized as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People. America’s Promise named St. Joseph as one of the best in thisfirst-ever national competition.
  • The Campaign for Community Change & Innovation reached nearly $9.9 million with more than $9.4 million in charitable gifts and a $450,000 USDA loan. A new fundraising goal was set at $11,000,000.
  • Environmental cleanup activities began at the warehouse space that would house the emPower Plant and Foundation offices with full construction at the site beginning early 2006.

2006-2010

  • Renovation began on the warehouse facility, now known as the emPowerU campus, a unique and “technology-rich” facility that would house Foundation-sponsored programs and community meeting spaces.
  • Heartland Foundation and Project Fit America now sponsor over 6,000 children from 33 model schools in 18 counties for cardiovascular health and fitness program.
  • More than 2,000 middle school students from 30 schools have experienced emPower Plant.
  • Heartland Foundation was selected as one of 12 community-based organizations nationwide to receive a Learn & Serve America grant. This supported a new program, Jump Starters, to encourage emPower Plant and Public Achievement students to adopt community service projects.
  • READ from the START reached out to more than 300 families.
  • Leadership Northwest Missouri graduated its sixth class with a total of 121 alumni from 17 counties since its inception.
  • At the November 2006 National EPA Brownfields Conference, Heartland Foundation was presented with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Region VII Star Performer award for cleanup efforts at the emPowerU campus in the Brownfields district.
  • The new “think ahead” emPowerU logo and newly constructed website were launched with the end-of-year mailing. Real-time updates of programs were available at www.heartlandfoundation.org. • Now in its 25th year, Heartland Foundation, along with hundreds of supporters, celebrated the long-awaited opening of emPowerU on August 29, 2007.
  • More than 5,000 middle school students from 60 schools have now experienced the emPowerU Immersion.
  • Early results provided hopeful signs that the Foundation’s efforts to empower youth show students are more resilient, have greater self-confidence, and see their role as community problem-solvers.
  • Education, business and community leaders formed the Preschool-20 Education Council to rethink strategies and advocate for higher levels of education attainment to promote workforce readiness.
  • The Healthy Communities Summit, with over 2,400 attendees, sponsored Dr. Ruby Payne, author of “A Framework for Understanding Poverty” as the 2007 keynote speaker. A regional planning forum in 2008 brought regional citizens together to further explore this issue.
  • Governor Matt Blunt recognized Heartland Foundation for youth empowerment work as a Show me Solutions initiative.
  • The number of HF-sponsored regional Project Fit sites grew to 38 with over 7,000 school children participating throughout the year.
  • Another successful Leadership Northwest Missouri class of 28 participants brought the total number of graduates to more than 150.
  • The Foundation office portion of the emPowerU campus was completed and occupied in February 2008.
  • With the emPowerU facilities completed and occupied, this research and solutions center is available for rent and is utilized for a variety of purposes.
  • More than 8,000 students from over 100 schools have now experienced emPower Plant.
  • 2008 Awards included the Southern Growth Policies Board’s Innovator Award for Youth Empowerment programs; designation by U.S. EPA Brownfields for Success in cultivating Sustainable Communities Award; and acknowledgment as a Spirit of Service National Award Finalist by Learn & Serve America and the Corporation for National & Community Service.
  • With READ from the START, a total of 1,400 books were donated to more than 200 families in 2008-09.
  • Communication efforts were expanded in 2009 to include a variety of social media. Launch Pad is an interactive site where youth grant recipients can showcase and collaborate with others on their projects, and daily news updates of the Foundation’s work are now available on Twitter and Facebook.
  • Heartland Foundation introduced a new donor investment approach with hfmarket.org.
  • Over 60 individuals volunteer to serve on the regional P-20 Business and Education Council. This group advocates for higher levels of education and 21st Century workforce preparedness. • Interest in the Foundation’s work grown to an international level.
  • HF and Project Fit America now sponsor more than 12,000 children from 51 schools in 20 counties.
  • Over 13,000 students from more than 100 schools have now participated in the emPowerU Immersion.
  • Together with Heartland Health, the Foundation accepted the 2009 Foster G. McGaw Prize for Excellence in Community Service. Of the 5 programs honored by this award, 4 are HF sponsored programs.
  • Success of youth empowerment programs continued with survey results demonstrating that students are more committed to being involved in their communities.
  • In 2010, Heartland Foundation began working with Heartland entities to develop Grateful Patient Programs that will provide opportunities for patients and families to show appreciation to caregivers in a way that will benefit future patients. These funds will support programs at the Arthritis Center, Cancer Center, Heart Center, Hospice, and Stroke Center.

2011-2016

  • During 2011, in an effort to more clearly define and grow P-20 efforts, the new terminology and name, education emPowers (e2) emerged.
  • Healthy Partnerships, a collaboration of Heartland Foundation, Heartland Health and North Kansas City Hospital since 2002, began awarding HEAL (Healthy Eating, Active Living) grants to projects that foster and support these types of changes.
  • As a collaborative member with other local organizations applying for Social Innovation for Missouri (SIM) funding, Heartland Foundation served as fiscal agent of the $400,000 grant received to combat obesity and smoking cessation efforts.
  • Through a call for proposal process, The Geis Group was selected to conduct a development/fund raising audit on behalf of Heartland Foundation and Heartland Health.
  • In the spring of 2012, individuals from throughout the region gathered for the e2 Creativity Forum. This group expanded the emPowerU Immersion to create additional learning opportunities such as STEM, workforce development initiatives, and marketing for youth and adults.Spring and fall “fitness rallies” for PE teachers of HF funded Project Fit sites were coordinated by Heartland Foundation and made possible by a grant from the Social Innovation for Missouri Fund.
  • A $1.2 million gift from the Caton and Irene Lake Estate is now recognized with a glass block on the Think Ahead Society wall representing this couple’s inspiration and support of the Foundation’s emphasis on youth and education.
  • A grant through the generosity of Kemper Foundation/Commerce Bank provided emPowerU with new Apple technology updates. This included mobile and wireless technology, that improved the experience.
  • As a result of the development/fund raising audit conducted by The Geis Group, a new Development Office was formed to concentrate on philanthropic opportunities for Heartland Health.
  • To further promote education emPowers (e2) efforts throughout the region, recruitment began to help identify County Champions in the areas of Healthcare, Business, Government and Education.
  • 2012: e2 scholarships were created.
  • A USDA rural business grant award allowed for the exploration of a new Social Enterprise.
  • In January 2013, 40 individuals, youth and adult, participated in a Social Enterprise Immersion to provide input in the Business Plan and Communications Strategies. This developed a social enterprise business that would provide economic opportunities and support Foundation programs.
  • The 20th Annual Cattle Baron’s Ball took place at St. Joseph Country Club on January 25, 2013.
  • The Heartland Foundation Board honored Smithville PE teacher, Andy Phipps, upon being named a 2012 All-Star Teacher of the Year by Project Fit America. Andy joined 7 other individuals from the region who have earned national All Star Teacher Status.
  • In June 2013, the HF Board of Trustees approved a new vision statement: “People of all ages inspired worldwide to build healthy, thriving communities”; and new mission statement “Champion education and empower people.” Also approved by the Board were the launch of the silent phase of a capital campaign to support education emPowers efforts – IGNITE: A Case for Investment; and the business plan for A New Social Enterprise Launch: THINK AHEAD WORKS.
  • The number of young people who have experienced the emPowerU Immersion has grown to over 20,000.
  • In an effort to provide more STEM-related education opportunities for youth, summer LEGO Robotics workshops were held at emPowerU.
  • In 2013, Heartland Foundation accepted the EPA Region 7 Phoenix Award on behalf of over 1,500 visionary public/private donor investors who made it possible to redevelop and transform an old warehouse facility in the federally designated Brownfields area of downtown St. Joseph into emPowerU.
  • Later that year, Heartland Foundation was selected by ICMA (International City/County Management Association) as a Thought Leader/Best Practice and was recognized at their 99th annual conference in Boston, MA, with a video, “Empowering and Educating Communities,” produced by WebsEdge of London, England, also promoted online by WebsEdge.
  • Following a thorough study of potential sites for THINK AHEAD WORKS in fall 2013, the HF Board voted to proceed with issuing a letter of intent (with stipulations) to purchase two adjoining properties in one of the region’s small rural communities – King City, MO.
  • Through a facilitation process , the board developed an updated statement to describe the work of HF: “Serving as a catalyst and convener since 1982, Heartland Foundation is a public charity dedicated to championing education and empowering people to build healthy and thriving communities.”
  • Enhancements to emPowerU core curriculum were developed by facilitators to ensure alignment with State Common Core Standards. The updates also reflected program evaluations by teachers, students and volunteers.
  • The e2 Fellowship program was launched in fall 2014 with participants from 12 high schools representing 3 states. Following participation in 4 sessions, participants became e2 Champions and honorary chairmen of the ign!te Campaign.
  • Also in fall 2014, the e2 education emPowers Workforce Development Action Team, in conjunction with the Missouri Department of Economic Development, began promoting the Certified Workforce Ready Communities initiative.
  • In early 2015, HF graphics intern, high school student Elsie Barry, received public recognition for her accomplishments with the character education emPowers project. While volunteering at the Foundation, she designed character education emPowers materials available for download from the Foundation website.
  • Project Fit continues to grow: Since first sponsoring Project Fit at Pershing Elementary in 1997, over 14,000 students at 57 sites now benefit daily. Jermaine Monroe, PE teacher/coach with Foundation-sponsored site St. Benedict School, Atchison, KS, was named by Project Fit America one of 6 teachers nationwide for the 2014 All-Star Teacher of the Year Award.
  • The final session of the 2014-15 e2 Fellowship class, was declared “Drs. Bob and Betty Bush e2 Fellowship Community Leadership Day” in honor of their years of involvement and support of Healthy Communities efforts in this region.
  • A number of community projects organized and carried out by students following their emPowerU immersion experience were showcased in the local news media. Featured were a greenhouse project added to a school’s community garden so produce would be available to the neighborhood throughout the year; backpacks for the homeless filled with hygiene items donated to the Salvation Army; and one group was inspired to “Leave a Legacy” at their school by creating an outdoor classroom.
  • An event was held to celebrate the release of “Come Together, Think Ahead,” authored by Heartland Foundation CEO Judith Sabbert. The book tells the stories of over three decades of work in establishing Heartland Foundation’s role in the global Healthy Communities movement. The innovation of emPowerU programming and renovation of an old Brownfields warehouse into the emPowerU campus and the region-wide (e2) education emPowers® initiative promoting the importance of learning from birth through retirement as being the key factor in achieving healthier and more thriving people, homes, workplaces, and communities.
  • Since 1989, Judith K. Sabbert, served as chief operating officer and in October 2015 was named President of Heartland Foundation.
  • In January 2016, the Heartland Foundation Board of Trustees reviewed the“under construction” proposal for creating a social enterprise/satellite facility in rural King City, MO, voted to accept NAP tax credits, and move forward with the project.
  • In March 2016 trustees revisited the Think Ahead Strategic Plan, originally approved in 2013. Results of this discussion drove strategic initiatives toward the overall 2020 Strategic Plan.
  • As a result of their experience in the 2015-16 e2 Fellowship class, participants determined two legacy projects they continued to pursue. Central High School students mentored younger students at Edison Elementary to encourage and guide them toward graduation and higher education. A second group formed the Community Cleanup Corps (CCC) to promote community beautification of this area.
  • Due to the efforts of Heartland Foundation through the education emPowers initiative and collaboration among a number of individuals and groups, Buchanan County achieved its 100% goal for Work Ready Status.
  • A kick-off celebration took place February 29, 2016, at the first-ever indoor-only Project Fit program, sponsored by HF and established at Cathedral School in St. Joseph.
  • Upon receiving donations totaling $423,046 through the NAP tax credit program for the King City project, HF Trustees voted on May 25, 2016, to finalize purchase of two King City properties and to begin the process of issuing a bid package to potential contractors.
  • Trustees shared in a symbolic “burning of the Promissory Note” on June 29, 2016, to celebrate paying off the $450,000 loan through USDA that helped fund the reconstruction of the emPowerU facility.

2017-2020

  • In early 2017, a Leadership Doers Council was formed with the idea of taking a different approach to promoting regional growth opportunities. At its first meeting, the Doers began determining goals for igniting a “do just one thing” movement. This promoted very specific actions around issues that individuals, businesses or groups could adopt and make a positive impact in their community or the region.
  • A Ribbon Cutting ceremony took place, May 3, 2017, to celebrate completion of construction and the opening of the Think Ahead Works satellite facility in King City, MO.
  • emPowerU summer camp offerings included LEGO WeDo Robotics, LEGO Build Problem Solvers and TYNKER Coding & Game Design. A Fiber Arts STEAM Camp was offered at Think Ahead Works.
  • The Board of Trustees recognized emPowerU’s 10-year anniversary. More than 22,000 students have participated in immersion experiences.
  • The Healthy Partnerships granting opportunity transformed from a health focus to CollaborACTION Grants. Focus was on collaborative solutions to champion new innovations that impact education levels, character development and/or workforce skills. Another granting opportunity, Outcomes for Kids, was refocused to provide one-time funding for new, innovative ideas designed to achieve measurable impact on the health and well-being of our region’s children and youth.
  • Judith Sabbert announced plans to retire from her position as President of Heartland Foundation, effective January 31, 2018. A transition team was formed to begin the search for her replacement with members representing the Foundation and Mosaic Boards.
  • A $44,000 grant was received from the USDA to underwrite first-year operations of Think Ahead Works.
  • A key element of the 2017 Regional Think Ahead Forum was a test drive of the new Career Readiness Immersion. The intent was to improve the overall experience for future participants, including students, new hires, transitioning workers, HR professionals, etc. Participants ranked their experience 4.85 on a 5-point scale. The Think Ahead Award was presented to “Cup of Joe,” and recipients of CollaborACTION and Outcomes for Kids grants were announced.
  • Events were held at emPowerU and Think Ahead Works in early December to announce the launch of ign!te JUST ONE THING™.
  • The 25th Annual Cattle Baron’s Ball was held January 26, 2018, with over 230 in attendance, along with countless others who attended prior reception honoring Judith Sabbert upon her retirement from Heartland Foundation. A number of tributes were offered in honor of her 30-plus career and the countless achievements she brought to the organization.
  • At the January 31, 2018, HF Board meeting, Julie Gaddie, Ph.D., was announced as the new President of Heartland Foundation, replacing Judith Sabbert upon her retirement.
  • The first ever “Big Muddy Mini Maker Faire” was held Saturday, March 3, at the Restoration Natatorium in downtown St. Joseph. This project began with the e2 Pathways to Prosperity/STEAM Action Team to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. Over 800 tickets were sold with 940 participants, including a number of innovative and unusual Makers.
  • Now in the operations phase, efforts are underway to secure tenants for the Think Ahead Works co-working space in King City. Plans include an online store which will involve a graphic design intern to develop products and begin sales/marketing.
  • An overview of educational scholarships granted by or through Heartland Foundation since 1984, resulted in a cumulative total of 873 granted, amounting to $653,602.24, This reflects 3 types of scholarships: funds managed and allocated by HF; the Lowell C. Kruse Scholarship, managed by HF with funds provided through Mosaic Life Care; and scholarships managed and funded by regional technical/higher ed institutions under the e2 banner. Also included were scholarships through the former Heartland Employee Trust Fund, which transitioned into the Mosaic Life Care Touchstone program, and has been managed and funded by MLC since 2003.
  • As of May 2018, the ign!te Campaign, including Mosaic’s contribution of $1.5 million, amounts to $2,546,006.63. Julie Gaddie asked trustees, in the final year of the campaign, to consider a fundraising opportunity to close out the Campaign. The fundraising ad hoc group presented ideas for a potential new annual fundraising event.
  • HF Board members tested the latest in virtual reality technology on loan to emPowerU by Microsoft. While on their “virtual” experiences, they were asked to consider how this technology could benefit emPowerU students or corporate rental clients.
  • To showcase some of the phenomenal work of HF, Dr. Gaddie presented a Cumulative Grants Review to trustees as an overview of grant programs managed by HF. These included those submitted by HF on behalf of other regional initiatives and grants for which HF serves as fiscal agent. Since 1984, $15,117,002 in grants have been awarded.
  • HF received the 2018 GuideStar Gold Level Seal of Transparency.
  • On March 7, 2019, the second annual Big Muddy Mini Maker Faire was held. The day welcomed 48 makers and generated $3,989.48 in net cash.
  • In March 2019, a series of small group vision sessions were held at emPowerU. Themes that emerged from these sessions included: Mental Health, Health Care, Basic Needs, the relationship between Mosaic Life Care and Heartland Foundation, Early Childhood, Parent Education, Leadership Development, Workforce Development and Community/Education/MWSU.
  • On March 27, Mosaic Life Care Oncology was presented $43,000 to support patient assistance, chaplaincy services and community outreach.
  • In April, two Jump Starters grants were awarded: Ivan Chatfield and Ella Ham from Bessie Ellison received $3,500 toward their homeless hygiene backpack project and $6,129.21 was awarded to Kim Dilley’s sixth grade class toward their beautification project at Edison Elementary.
  • On May 8, the Adulting 101 program was launched at emPowerU. This program teaches students lessons in leadership and diversity, wellness and nutrition, car-care and maintenance, and employment and healthcare.
  • At the May Board of Trustees meeting, three CollaborACTION Grants were awarded: Grundy County University of Missouri Extension Council received $4,350; the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce received $49,100 and Albany R-III High School was awarded $30,000 from the Foundation and the Harold P. Dugdale Charitable Trust, US Bank, Trustee.
  • In August, Think Ahead Works added a commercial kitchen to its space. The renovation supports local food producers such as bakers and farmers to expand their business market.
  • On September 12, the Spark award was renamed to the Judith K. Sabbert Spark Award. A reception was held at Room 108 in honor of the renaming.
  • At the Ignite Annual Fundraiser held on September 20, Dr. Julie Gaddie announced the renaming of Heartland Foundation to Mosaic Life Care Foundation.
  • Following the announcement of the rebrand, Mosaic Life Care’s Auxiliary and Philanthropy department transitioned to operate under Mosaic Life Care Foundation.
  • St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration on November 22 in honor of the renaming to Mosaic Life Care Foundation.
  • January 6, 2020, the new Mosaic Life Care Foundation suite opened at Mosaic Life Care at St. Joseph, Medical Center. The Foundation’s philanthropy department operates in the suite with a high presence to caregivers and patients.