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History

History

In 2003, Jennifer Krassinger, GiFT's Founder and a Registered Nurse in NICU (Newborn Intensive Care Unit), began recognizing a need among the babies she cared for. Some of their families were unable to get the most basic essentials when it was time for their baby to make the transition from the NICU to home. With help from a NICU social worker, Jennifer set out to recruit family and friends to help one NICU family in need around the holiday season. ​

 

The effort became a family tradition known as The Holiday Project and support grew each year. In 2010, Holiday Project support surged and this is the point when Jennifer realized that momentum around the effort could be harnessed and benefit NICU families throughout the calendar year. 

 

GiFT began with the launch of our Destination Home program, developed in collaboration with NICU social workers to address this basic gap in service. GiFT became incorporated in the state of Missouri and obtained 501(c)(3) tax exempt status in 2011. GiFT continues to develop and expand the Destination Home program, now serving hundreds of NICU families each year.

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NICU Referral Partners 

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Partners

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Supporters

Our Team

Jennifer Krassinger

Jennifer Krassinger

Founder & Executive Director Interim Board Secretary

Jenna Twenhafel

Jenna Twenhafel

Office and Program Coordinator

Alison Green

Alison Green

Case Manager

Our Advisors

William Hemenway

William Hemenway

Board Advisor Key Volunteer

Laura Stinson

Laura Stinson

Chair, NICU Advisory

Stephanie Pisani

Stephanie Pisani

Board Advisor Key Volunteer

Meredith Choate

Meredith Choate

Board Advisor Key Volunteer

Our Board of Directors

Chris Cimarolli

Chris Cimarolli

Board President Retired, Nooter Contruction

Suzanne Cunane

Suzanne Cunane

Interim Board Treasurer Interior Designer, Suzanne Cunane Interiors

Monica Muir

Monica Muir

Board Member Attending Physician, Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital

The Reverend David Hodges

The Reverend David Hodges

Board Member Rector, St. Peter's Episcopal Church

Peter Schweiss

Peter Schweiss

Board Member Director of Technology Services, Boys Hope Girls Hope

Directors & Staff
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