Children’s Grove was founded in response to the tragic 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Inspired by a desire to foster peace and healing, concerned citizens came together to create a public symbol of hope—a place that reflects our community’s commitment to the well-being of children everywhere. As a result, a beautiful grove of trees was planted in the northeast corner of Stephens Lake Park in Columbia, Missouri in 2014.

What began as a heartfelt gesture quickly grew into a movement. Like a butterfly in flight, our passion for promoting kindness has spread in many directions, inspiring individuals and organizations to embrace and share acts of kindness throughout the community and beyond.