In 1993, then-Governor Mel Carnahan created the Family Investment Trust (FIT) by Executive Order. The name of the organization was changed to Family and Community Trust by then-Governor Bob Holden in 2001. The aim of this partnership is to achieve better results for children and families through collaboration and innovation in service delivery. This effort is known as Caring Communities.

Eight state agencies have joined this initiative:

* Department of Corrections

* Department of Economic Development

* Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

* Department of Health

* Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

* Department of Mental Health

* Department of Public Safety

* Department of Social Services

Local citizens and organizations have joined together with the above agencies to create Families and Communities Together (F.A.C.T.) as a Caring Communities Partnership. F.A.C.T. has been part of the Caring Communities Initiative since 1995.

F.A.C.T. is people working together in our community to develop or build stronger and more successful families and children.