Eli Camner

Dec 30, 2024 | columbiamissourian.com | Eli Camner

By Eli Camner/Missourian After retiring as a pharmaceutical salesman, Bill Mees redirected his energy to advocacy for wildlife conservation and habitat restoration. Mees would go on to serve as president of the Columbia Audubon Society, an organization spread across six counties in Missouri dedicated to preserving nature and its ecosystems.

Dec 4, 2024 | columbiamissourian.com | Eli Camner |Kyle Maki |Thomas Gleason

Dan Hanneken recognizes that for many leaving prison, freedom doesn't come with a fresh start-it comes with barriers, stigma and a constant reminder of the past. In2Action was founded in 2011 by Hanneken, who had faced the challenges of reentry after multiple incarcerations. The organization started as a single rented house in Columbia, offering shelter to seven men.

Nov 20, 2024 | columbiamissourian.com | Eli Camner

Nov 20, 2024 | columbiamissourian.com | Eli Camner

Nov 20, 2024 | columbiamissourian.com | Eli Camner |Olivia Gyapong |Brandon Curry

By Eli Camner/Missourian,Olivia Gyapong,Brandon Curry Following Michael Brown's death in Ferguson, Columbia resident Tory Kassabaum felt compelled to take action against racial injustice in America. She joined Race Matters, Friends, a local racial justice organization, looking for concrete ways to reform systems she felt were tainted with racial bias, and began working with a committee focused on ending cash bail.