When Missouri celebrates Good Neighbor Week, it’s not just individuals who take part—it’s institutions rooted in community life. Across the state, 54 County MU Extension Councils played a pivotal role in sparking local acts of kindness, connection, and service that rippled far beyond their initial reach. These councils, the local backbone of University of Missouri Extension, mobilized volunteers, organized community drives, and reminded Missourians that neighboring is more than a word—it’s a movement. Their coordinated efforts brought together thousands of people, proving that when education and engagement meet, the result is a stronger, more connected Missouri.' County Councils reported a little over 19,000 acts of neighboring during the week. This year, 42,000 acts of reported statewide for Missouri Good Neighbor Week. Extension at Work on Campuses On the MU campus in Columbia, university-based teams set the tone for statewide involvement. Team #1 partnered with the Food Bank ...

  Quilts displayed in the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center 2025. Inside the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center in Springfield, Missouri, several groups share the same space and work together to improve the community. Each group has a different mission, but they often collaborate on projects that benefit everyone. One example is a special art project for Show-Me Neighborhood Art Week 2025. Staff from the different organizations painted large wooden barn quilt blocks—colorful designs based on traditional quilts. These quilt blocks were then displayed together, creating a powerful symbol of teamwork. The theme of the project is “Stronger Together.” Just like a quilt is made up of many different pieces, this project shows how people with different skills and backgrounds can come together to create something meaningful. Each barn quilt represents cooperation, creativity, and the idea that we can do more when we work as a team. The Botanical Center is home to several...