At Joplin Area Catholic Schools, caring for the whole child in mind, body, and spirit has always been central to our mission. This fall, we are pleased to share an important next step in that commitment: a new partnership with Will’s Place, a local organization providing counseling and support services for children and families.
Through this collaboration, Will’s Place will serve as an on-campus resource for JACS families, offering access to professional mental health support during the school day. This initiative reflects our ongoing effort to provide comprehensive care for our students and to create an environment where every child can thrive academically, emotionally, and spiritually.
“We’re deeply grateful to the parents, administrators, and advisory board members who have helped shape this effort,” said Jess Sickman, Director of Joplin Area Catholic Schools. “Their insight and compassion have been instrumental in ensuring we approach this important work with both care and purpose.”
Will’s Place offers a variety of services designed to help children and families build resilience, strengthen relationships, and develop healthy coping strategies. Areas of support include:
Emotional wellness and behavioral functioning
Family and community relationships
Need for social structure and supports
Recovery from trauma
Substance use concerns
Avoiding high-risk behaviors and promoting safety
Families interested in learning more or seeking services for their child(ren) are encouraged to complete the Student Information Sheet and Consent for Services Form. Responses will help determine the schedule and frequency of services available on each campus. Completed forms may be returned to your school office or emailed directly to Will’s Place at agordon@freemanhealth.com.
All information shared will be handled with the utmost confidentiality by both Will’s Place and JACS. Services are billed to families and may be covered by insurance or paid privately.
In addition to services for students, JACS faculty and staff will also receive professional development from the Ozark Center, equipping educators with tools to recognize when a student may be struggling and to respond with compassion, understanding, and appropriate support.
This partnership represents a meaningful step forward in our shared mission to nurture the mind, body, and spirit of every child entrusted to our care. Together, we continue to build a faith-filled community where every student feels known, valued, and cared for.