BRANSON, MO — Sometimes, life comes full circle in the most meaningful ways. For Kate Jones, a social worker at Cox Medical Center Branson, that moment became clear when she realized that Hope Counseling Center’s internship program that helped her gain her clinical hours was made possible by a grant from Skaggs Foundation.
Originally from Houston, Texas, Kate first arrived in the Ozarks to study social services at the University of Arkansas before continuing her master’s degree at Baylor University through online courses. Her passion for social work was inspired by her mother, who is also in the field, and a life-changing mission trip to Uganda in high school.
“That experience opened my eyes,” Kate recalled. “I worked with refugees, and it was then that I knew I wanted to help people and be an advocate for others.”
When it came time to complete the required 600 clinical hours for her degree, Kate found her opportunity at Faith Community Health. Thanks to a Skaggs Foundation grant, Faith Community transitioned into Hope Counseling Center, making it possible for individuals like Kate to complete internships and gain the experience needed for their careers.
“Baylor helped connect me with Hope Counseling, and I was able to start my internship in May 2024,” she explained. “Kyle David and Reuben Smith were amazing mentors. I shadowed Reuben for a few sessions before taking on clients of my own. I really connected with the teens, and I saw firsthand how critical mental health services are in this community.”
Kate worked at Hope Counseling Center through December 2024, gaining invaluable experience and forming relationships within the mental health field. But her journey didn’t end there—she decided to stay in the Ozarks and accepted a position at Cox Medical Center Branson as a social worker.
“I love working here,” she said. “The team is incredible, and what makes it even more special is that I can now refer people to Hope Counseling, the very place where I gained my experience.”
For Kate, it’s a full-circle moment—one that not only shaped her career but also reflects the impact of Skaggs Foundation’s investment in mental health services.
“The grant that made Hope Counseling possible wasn’t just about creating an internship program—it was about building a pipeline of professionals who could serve this community,” Meghan Connell, Skaggs Foundation President said.
From a mission trip in Uganda to an internship made possible by Skaggs Foundation Legacy Endowment, Kate’s story is one of service, growth, and returning to the very place that helped her succeed. And for the people of Branson, it’s a testament to how investing in the next generation of professionals creates lasting change.
