Linda Mattson, Conception Jct., is the new executive director of the Children and Family Center of Northwest Missouri, 1220 East Second Street, Maryville. 

Mattson was named to the position in January. She had worked part time at the shelter since November 14, 2016. She brings a varied background of qualifications to her new role.

Her most recent position has been as the Northeast Nodaway K-12 principal for nine years. Before that, she taught at several different schools in pre-school, first grade and served as a Parents as Teachers instructor. She also coached basketball and ran a home day care.

“I loved my work,” Mattson said about being the NEN principal, “but I got my priorities straight and put my family first.”

She said that the demands on her time as principal were all-consuming and didn’t leave her time to spend with her husband, Francis, and children, Madelynn, NEN seventh grader, and Alex, NEN fifth grader. She also has three grown children and three grandchildren. She resigned from NEN as of May 31, 2016.

“I still wanted to do something where I can help people,” Mattson said of her new position. “The flexibility of the hours is really great for my family. I am more available to spend time with my family. Helping families appeals to me.

“I’m meeting with staff and the board to see if we need to offer more or extend services already offered. It’s exciting to be setting goals and to decide what the goals are.

“We serve five counties and I want to raise awareness about the shelter and the services offered. It’s outstanding all the services these advocates offer to the clients. The staff here is great.”

Mattson is currently visiting hair salons with brochures to discuss these varied services. Next, she plans to visit schools, courthouses and medical offices throughout Nodaway, Atchison, Holt, Gentry and Worth counties which are served by the shelter.

The Children and Family Center is an abuse shelter and also provides legal advocacy, counseling, parenting classes, case management, which can range from someone to listen to help getting an apartment, crisis intervention, medical advocacy, support groups and the 24-hour hotline at 660.582.8285 or toll free, 866.382.7867.

“When the client comes in, it’s what they need,” Mattson said. “They’re free to come and go as needed.”

Mattson said that the community support, including volunteers, financial and item donations, is heart warming.

The community can meet Mattson at the Red Door Chili Supper from 4:30 to 7 pm, Sunday, February 26 at the First Christian Church, Maryville.

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