Neighbors and advocates help heal emotional wounds after Scott County tornado

SCOTT COUNTY, Mo. (KBSI) — As Mental Health Awareness Month draws attention to emotional well-being nationwide, residents of Scott County are battling more than just structural damage from a recent EF-3 tornado — they’re also grappling with the psychological toll of surviving the storm.

For Nicholas Cain and his family, the trauma remains close to the surface. Their home suffered extensive damage when the tornado swept through the area in mid-May. Amid the wreckage, a mother cat tends to her kittens — a small but meaningful comfort for the family as they sort through debris and attempt to rebuild.

Cain says the emotional weight is heavy, especially for his wife and mother-in-law.
“Pamela’s still in shock and Katie, she’s just overwhelmed and just on alert — constant alert,” Cain said.

Next door, neighbor Cleon “Cody” Milton was pinned in his truck after the tornado flipped his mobile home, crushing the vehicle.

Milton was trapped for nearly an hour before neighbors pulled him free. He suffered a broken collarbone.

He said it’s hard to sleep now. The memories of that day replay in his mind when he lays in his bed at night.

“It’s kind of hard to explain,” Milton said. “It really messes with your mind — your anxiety, the way you think, the way you feel.”

Despite the trauma, both Cain and Milton said they’ve found strength in their community — their neighbors understanding exactly what they’re going through, how they feel, and why they may act in different ways.

“It really made a big difference having everybody come together that was involved in it and supporting each other,” Milton said.

Local mental health advocates are also stepping up to meet the emotional needs of tornado survivors.

Ronnie’s Outreach — a nonprofit based in Scott County — was founded by Wallee Jenkins who named the organization in honor of her son Ronnie, who died by suicide.

“We’re here to help,” Jenkins said. “It is past time for us to break the stigma and talk about mental health.”

Ronnie’s Outreach offers mental health first aid and connects people with long-term care options.

The group has also donated essential supplies to families who were affected by the tornado.

“We did our part in the community to let them know we had their back, with helping people who have suffered from the loss of their — everything,” Jenkins said.

Jenkins said people can call Ronnie’s Outreach to get connected with local mental health resources.

She also reminds people that 988 is a number they can call for mental health support 24/7.