Adair County SB40 Developmental Disability Board Announces August's Spotlight Award Winner!

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Adair County SB40 is pleased to announce that it has awarded Jason Underwood the August Community Partnership Spotlight Award for his volunteer work with middle school students with developmental disabilities. Underwood was nominated for this award by the William Matthew Middle School student members of the ‘Operation Career Club’ and their teacher sponsor, Jacinda Rhoads.

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Underwood is currently the Youth Behavioral Health Liaison with Mark Twain Behavioral Health. As a former Medal of Valor recipient during his tenure as a police officer with the Kirksville Police Department, his background in law enforcement has greatly contributed to his successful endeavors in mental health. In addition to his professional roles, Jason has also been an active volunteer with Special Olympics, the Polar Plunge and the Law Enforcement Torch Run for several years. He was named the Special Olympics Missouri Volunteer of the Year in 2021. Jason is also a Board member of CAPNEMO and volunteer with the Heartland Task Force.

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Crystal Aminirad, Executive Director of Adair County SB40, enthusiastically concurred with the nomination. “Jason has been an active member of the Transition to Adulthood Coalition since its inception. This interagency coalition was formed more than two years ago with our collective focus on helping local middle- and high-school students with disabilities plan a successful transition into adulthood post-graduation. Several community support agencies participate along with school administrators to contribute to the coalition’s efforts. The coalition members decided that the first major project of the group would be to partner with the Kirksville School District in the formation of the after-school career club at William Matthew Middle School. Jacinda Rhoads agreed to be the teacher sponsor and funding was provided by Adair SB40. As we began planning the details for organizing the club, it became clear that Ms. Rhoads would need someone to assist with the after-school meetings. That’s when Jason stepped up and volunteered his services.”

Rhoads stated “During the last school year, Jason assisted me in piloting the Operation Career Club (OCC) at William Matthew Middle School. He has shared his amazing ability to make connections with the middle school students and displayed his willingness to jump in and assist anywhere needed, Jason recently even opened his personal business building to host the OCC students and transition to adulthood coalition members to have an end of the school year pizza party.”

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Aminirad said “The Transition to Adulthood Coalition and the Operation Career Club are just two examples of Jason’s commitment to people with disabilities in our community. Virtually every initiative that Adair County SB40 has been a part of has included Jason offering his time and expertise. I also see Jason attending multiple meetings held each month by various other community support agencies. He always attends, offers his leadership and is never afraid to roll up his sleeves and do the hard work it takes to keep these initiatives moving forward. Because of his contribution to the success of the middle-school career club the Coalition is able to expand the program to Kirksville High School this coming school year and plans to open club membership to include all students of both schools.”

Jason has been volunteering for his community since he was a teenager doing everything from volunteer work for the YMCA to being selected to travel on a cultural exchange trip to China where he taught English to students and helped seniors in a nursing home in Shanghai. Rhoads said “Jason is a wonderful advocate for others and puts 110% into making sure they have what they need!” Aminirad added that “It has been an extreme privilege to have the opportunity to collaborate with a professional like Jason, one filled with honor, integrity and true grit.” Jason and his partner Blake Roberts live outside of Novinger with their three dogs, Chance, Spot, and Remmy.

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If you would like to nominate a great candidate for a monthly Spotlight Award, Adair County SB40 accepts nominations. Anyone can make a nomination. Nominations can be made in any of the four following categories:

     • Kids Inclusion Spotlight Award for children in

       kindergarten - 8th grade

     • Youth Leadership Spotlight Award for youth in

       grades 9-12

     • Community Volunteer Spotlight Award (any age)

     • Entrepreneur or Employee Spotlight Award (any

       age)

In March 2025, all monthly Spotlight Award winners will be recognized at the annual awards banquet. Nominations can be made throughout the year by visiting the Adair County SB40 website or by contacting a SB40 staff member to assist you at (660) 665 - 9400. You can also find more information about the four nomination categories by visiting Adair County SB40’s website, https://www.sb40life.org.