Why Volunteer?

Finding Inspiration

in Giving

New Director

at Crosslines!

Not Just

Horsin’ Around

See What’s Up

for TRO

New Name –

New Pilot Program

Find Out Who Winter 2011

life TOGETHER!

Planting the Seeds of HopeFind Out How Inside

c o u n c i l o f c h u r c h e s o f t h e o z a r k s

Mission StatementTo improve the quality of life in our region through collaborative

outreach in the name of Jesus Christ, by doing together what

can best be done together.

Council of Churches of the Ozarks

Board of DirectorsCindy Waites, Chair

Kevin Ausburn

Jan Baumgartner

Roseann Bentley

Kenneth Chumbley

Kim Erdel

Dan Friberg

Neil Guion

Gordon Kinne

Byron Klaus

Ken McClure

David Peck

Francine Pratt

Tom Reidy

Tim Rosenbury

Neil Stenger, Ex OfficioBill Foster

The CCO Foundation Chair

CCOzarks.org627 N. Glenstone

P.O. Box 3947 Springfield, MO 65808

Office: 417-862-3586 Fax: 417-862-2129

Dear Partners and Friends,

What an exciting time to be part of the Council of Churches of the Ozarks! As an organization, I believe we have entered into what the Bible refers to as “kairos” time: a time when God brings about a new beginning, a time of new opportunity, a time of growth that inspires a new sort of hope within us.

It seems to me that our mission, established more than 40 years ago, has foreshadowed the realities we are experiencing in today’s world. Current trends within American Christianity seem to be less focused on denominationalism, and moving instead toward experientially centered faith that is focused on building for the Kingdom of God. There is a renewed voice rising from American churches calling for a deeper understanding of the Gospel, and a fuller expression of God’s Kingdom inaugurated and revealed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

As you will see in the pages of this issue of Life Together!, there are new faces and new programs and new opportunities on the scene at the Council of Churches of the Ozarks. What isn’t new is our unique calling in our community to be a resource to churches, and a source of hope to our most vulnerable neighbors.

Strategic Plan: 2010-2013 – Planting Seeds of Hope!Like an on-board GPS, our Strategic Plan is guiding us as we are planting seeds of hope in our community. The preamble of our Strategic Plan states: “Our mission, our vision, our values, and our daily activity must coalesce into a pursuit of common ground rooted in service. This common ground of service is an occasion for experiencing God’s love, compassion, justice, forgiveness, inclusivity, and God’s self-identification with the poor and vulnerable.”

We see ourselves as those called to serve, humbly planting seeds of hope. We envision a time in our world and community “when all people are valued as children of God, when unmet human needs are met, and where there are examples of churches, organizations and concerned individuals working together as one to deliver resources to those in need.”

These are some of the guiding principles from our Strategic Plan. I invite you to view the Council of Churches of the Ozarks Strategic Plan: 2010-2013 in its entirety on our website at CCOzarks.org.

Thank you for your partnership with the Council of Churches of the Ozarks. May God bless you throughout the coming year!

Mark Struckhoff Executive Director

From the Executive Director

From the Cover

Why Volunteer? Find Inspiration in Giving — pages 4, 14

New Director at Crosslines! page 5

Not Just Horsin’ Around See What’s Up for TRO — pages 6-7

New Name – New Pilot Program Find Out Who — page 10

2 life TOGETHER!

Ambassadors for Children

2%

Child Care Food* 51%

Child Care Aware* 6%

Connections 3%

Crosslines 8%

Daybreak* 11%

Ombudsman* 2%

RSVP* 3%

Therapeutic Riding 2%

Management/PersonnelFundraising

12%

The agencies with an asterisk (*) are primarily funded by sources other than private donations.

Service Agencies

Ambassadors For Children Sondra Uzzell, msw, lcsw, Director

627 N. Glenstone Springfield, MO 65802

417-862-3586

Child Care Food Program Vicki McMillen, Director

1531 E. Sunshine E-1 Springfield, MO 65804

1-800-818-6812

Child Care Resource & Referral Nicole Piper, Director 1910 E. Meadowmere Springfield, MO 65804

417-887-3545

Connections Handyman Service Richard Virnig, Director

627 N. Glenstone Springfield, MO 65802

417-862-3586

Crosslines Tom Faulkner, Director

1710 E. Chestnut Expressway Springfield, MO 65802

417-869-0563

Daybreak Adult Day Care Rick Stephenson, Director

1461 E. Seminole Springfield, MO 65804

417-881-0133 / 417-882-4243

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Connie Payne, Director

627 N. Glenstone Springfield, MO 65802

417-862-3598

RSVP Sharon Bradford, Director

627 N. Glenstone Springfield, MO 65802

417-862-3595

Therapeutic Riding of the Ozarks Kent Crumpley, Director

627 N. Glenstone Springfield, MO 65802

417-862-3586

Planting the Seeds of Hope

Kim Erdel Christian Publishers Outlet

Neil Guion Lathrop & Gage, LLP

Byron Klaus AG Theological Seminary

Francine Pratt Isabel’s House

Tom Reidy St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Welcome Our New Board Members

2010 INCOme & exPeNSe SUmmARyTotal Dollars Received from Donations . . . . . . . . . . . $863,179Total Dollars Received from Other Sources . . . . . $4,764,976

(i.e. program service revenue including all fees and contracts)

Total Expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,846,028 (for all program services, management and fundraising)

Thank you for your dedication and time to further the mission of the Council of Churches of the Ozarks

life TOGETHER! 3

Crosslines Mission Statement:

‘Serving God’s People In Need”

Volunteers Make It Happen!Each Christmas leaves memories and this year, because of volunteers and donors the parents of 3,300 children could create those memories of a lifetime. Crosslines provided over 1,700 families a holiday meal and the cherished memory of Christmas dinner. Each of these memories was made possible by the dedication, spirit and determination of our volunteers!

Behind the scenes efforts to organizing such large scale distributions is no easy task, but our volunteers took on the challenge with a smile. From the application process (that began in October) to the clean-up of the Springfield National Guard Armory, volunteers were there to insure a smooth season! We are so grateful for the hard work. Each volunteer has their own reasons for donating their time and it seems the underlying theme to their motivation is to “help others”. When you put together a team of folks with the motivation to “help others” an amazing result happens!

Why Volunteer?Donna and Jamie Jacobsen, operators of the Fazoli’s, have volunteered for Crosslines and the Holiday Center for over ten years. They also donate lunch for the volunteers at the Thanksgiving and Christmas food distribution and for the volunteers of the Holiday Toystore. This year, their restaurants collected toys and donated a portion of sales on Tuesday and Fridays to help us provide enough food and toys to meet the increased need – donating over $700 to Crosslines! Donna also donates her time to be a member and co-chair of the Crosslines Advisory Board

throughout the year. The Jacobsens’ participation is so appreciated and in Donna’s words, her motivation for “helping others” comes from the heart!

Crosslines Tom Faulkner, Director

1710 E. Chestnut Expwy • Springfield, MO 65802 www.crosslines.org

Donna Jacobsen

“Being a part of the holiday outreach through Crosslines brings me great joy. It is one small way my family can act out the call God places on us to give and serve others. Knowing those in need, for whatever reason, get the chance to enjoy some traditional holiday fare (food for a meal and toys for gifts) gives me a glimpse of peace as it provides a very small measure of equality.”

Crosslines Toy Store Volunteers (left to right) Judy Boehm (Holiday Center Coordinator), Deanna Armstrong, Ben Murphy, Marcia Downs, Jamie

Jacobsen, Donna Jacobsen, Kerry Bodenhausen, Brad Bodenhausen, Bob Smith

4 life TOGETHER!

Introducing tom Faulkner – Director of CrosslinesTom got acquainted with the mission of Crosslines and jumped right in as Holiday Center Coordinator for the 2010 season. It was quickly obvious that this level-headed professional has what it takes to get things done! A native of Mountain Home, Arkansas, Tom moved to Springfield to attend Missouri State. Tom brings with him great experience including six years as a law enforcement officer and over 10 years in management, most recently with the Wal-Mart Corporation as a Specialty Division Manager and an Asset Protection Manager. Please join us in welcoming Tom to Crosslines and the Council of Churches of the Ozarks!

“As I look back, this was very much a case of God’s hand leading me to this position. I worked at the Holiday Center this year, I saw firsthand some of the great needs in our community as well as the kindness and passion of those who gave freely to meet those needs for their neighbors. When the Crosslines Director position was posted, it was not only a perfect fit with my core Christian values, but I saw it as an opportunity to make a real difference. Crosslines is more than a food and clothing bank, it’s a mission.”

CrosslInes Year In reVIeW$235,122 provided by Pantry Sponsors in

in-kind donations

27,421 People Received Food

Average of 44 Families Per Day Received Food

2,003 New Families Assisted

6,486 Families Received Clothing

area Businesses Help the Holiday Center

The need continued to increase for the services of Crosslines in 2010 and the Christmas season was no exception. With over 1,700 families applying for assistance in food and gifts for their children through the Holiday Center, we sought help from area businesses. We are so grateful to the participating businesses that helped us this year! There were 92 banks, retail and service businesses that stepped up and helped by providing toy collection locations, employee campaigns, sales donations and volunteers. This collaborative effort resulted in over 10,000 toys on the morning of distribution!

The Feinstein $1 Million Challenge for 2011“I was hungry and you gave me something to eat…”

For the 14th year, the Feinstein Foundation will divide $1 million among agencies like Crosslines to fight hunger. You can help us! Gifts received during March and April will

qualify for this challenge. Thank you for your generous support!

life TOGETHER! 5

Therapeutic Riding of the OzarksEnabling the Disabled Through Therapeutic Horseback Riding

A New Year, Another Opportunity for SuccessTherapeutic Riding of the Ozarks had a very busy year in 2010. The past year brought new ideas, some new faces and an increased determination and passion to continue to serve those in southwest Missouri with disabilities. Now with the beginning of a new year in full swing, TRO is ready! We are ready to spread awareness of TRO and take all that was accomplished over the past year and build upon it in 2011. Thank you

to all who have supported TRO’s mission not only in 2010 but in years past and for those who continue to do so.

Contact UsVisit our blog at www.trozarks.blogspot.com, or contact: Kent Crumpley, Director Therapeutic Riding of the Ozarks 627 N. Glenstone Springfield, MO 65802 417-862-3586, ext. 230 kcrumpley@CCOzarks.org www.CCOzarks.org

TRO Honored as Finalist for Jane Meyer AwardTherapeutic Riding of the Ozarks (TRO) is honored to be a finalist for the Jane Meyer Award for Best Nonprofit Advertising, presented by the American Advertising Federation of the Ozarks (AAF). It is a true honor to be a finalist for this award and TRO thanks AAF for this recognition. A special thank you is also given to Trish Moore and Michael Hokenson of KRBK for their roles in creating the TRO Community Spotlight that was aired on KRBK and is the focus of the nomination.

d In 2010, TRO offered both Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy to children and adults with disabilities. The one-year-old Hippotherapy program gained several

new faces with the addition of clients and two state-licensed therapists. Therapeutic Riding also saw changes and welcomed two NARHA Certified Instructors to the team. Between the two programs, TRO provided 200 sessions of equine assisted therapy to 67 clients.

Begin a New Year by Blessing Othersr $50 provides safety equipment & tack for riders to user $200 provides six weeks of Therapeutic Riding for a child to gain strength and confidencer $640 gives the opportunity for a client to progress to reach goals in motor skills and balance set by therapists and physicians in eight weeks of Hippotherapyr $1,000 to our Sponsor A Therapy Horse Program provides care for a therapy horse for one year

6 life TOGETHER!

A special thank you to all our volunteers that help make TRO possible! Your gift of time means so much to TRO clients, parents and staff. Volunteers provide an essential role for TRO as they offer support, encouragement and friendship to our clients. From Missouri State University, we send thanks to Dr. Anson Elliot and Dr. Gary and Sue Webb and the School of Agriculture; Citizenship and Service-Learning Program (CASL) students and CASL program coordinator Shellie Jones; Jeanne Cook and the Department of Physical Therapy students; and Dr. Lisa Proctor and the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders students.

We also thank the Drury University and Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) students, community members, and 4-H clubs that have donated their time as volunteers and Wesley United Methodist’s Mission Blitz team for all their efforts. We also give thanks for the collaborations with Burrell Behavioral Health (CSTAR), Springfield Greene County Parks and Recreations’ Northview Center and the Boys and Girls Town of Missouri that help us reach farther into the community.

“Everyone can be great because anyone can serve. … You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

– Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Volunteers – The Power of a Helping Hand r TRO needs three trained volunteers for each clientr In 2010, more than 200 volunteers gave the gift of their time to help the children and adults served by TRO servicesr In TRO’s Fall 2010 session (September-October), 65 volunteers gave more than 500 hours of service to support TRO’s two programs

Interested in becoming a part of this wonderful team of volunteers? Please call us at 417-862-3586 ext. 230.

Visit TRO at the 2011 Held at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds

MARCH 11, 12, 13TRO’s booth will be on the East side

of the E-plex along the west wall.

Stop by and find out what TRO is all about!

Therapeutic Riding and HippotherapyTRO’s spring Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy schedule is posted on our blog,

www.trozarks.blogspot.com.

TRO is now on Facebook! Follow the link on our blog or visit, www.facebook.com/therapeuticridingoftheozarks to keep informed on the latest news and opportunities to get involved.

life TOGETHER! 7

THANK YOU to everyone who donated Christmas items, and participated in our Gift Wrapping Party during the 2010 Christmas season. With your help, our agency provided Christmas gifts for 104 local children who have been abused and neglected. Many of these children would not have had gifts Christmas morning without your help. A special thanks also to the Crosslines Toystore for a wonderful partnership!

Volunteer Needs:Volunteer Tutors for Foster Children We need Volunteer Tutors to work with local foster children. Volunteer Tutors must be at least 21 years old and pass a background check. Teaching experience is not required and free training is provided. All tutor sessions occur in a public setting. Volunteer Tutor applications are available online at www.ambassadors4children.org or through www.ccozarks.org (Ambassadors for Children).

Volunteers Needed for Adopt-A-Caseworker

The Adopt-a-Caseworker program matches local faith, business, civic and community groups (as well as individuals and families) with a Foster Care or foster care prevention Caseworker in Greene County, Missouri. Currently, there are 22 caseworkers in Greene County awaiting adoption. It is fun, flexible and rewarding! When you Adopt-a-Caseworker, you help fulfill specific needs of the children and families on the Caseworker’s caseloads as you are able. Whether it’s cleaning supplies, birthday gifts or a bed, any group can make a difference! You can be an inspiration to these children and families – helping to reunite families after foster care, transitioning older children into their own homes and helping foster children going into a new home.

Serving Abused & Neglected Children From The Ozarks

8 life TOGETHER!

Our Special VolunteersWe love our ADvisory Committee for their dedication to our programs and service to abused & neglected children from Greene County: Connie Condict, Heather Ford, Kristiann Summerhill, Mary Casada, Susan Mayes, Allison Rudloff, Gaye Collins, Jeremy Trapp, Darrell Moore, Tara Forrester, Karenanne Miller, Anne Schubert, Gwen Hager, Donnetta Ghys, Staci Holland, Mike White, Lori Summers, and Kate Stacy.

We love our volunteer tutors! Bryan Campbell, Sylvia Melancon, Dorothy Hasenmyer, Dalene Doman, Lisa Street, Robin Sronce, Phyllis Parkhurst, Amy Lewis & Melodie King.

We love our ADopt-A-CAseworKer pArtner Groups!

Ambassadors for Children An Operating Agency of the

Council of Churches of the Ozarks Sondra Uzzell, MSW, LCSW

Agency Director 627 N. Glenstone • Springfield, MO 65802

417-862-3586 ext. 236 • suzzell@ccozarks.org ambassadors4children.blogspot.com

2010 Stats

l New record set in 2010 with 481 children served and 662 appointments at the Kid’s Clothes Closet

l Over 3,500 local foster children served through the Kid’s Clothes Closet since 2001. This could not be possible without our valued partnership with the Ronald McDonald House of the Ozarks

l New record set in 2010 with requests made for Project Self-Esteem to fund activities & items to improve self-esteem of local foster children (123 requests)

l 176 local foster children served through Project Self-Esteem since 2005

l New record set in 2010 with the 1,304 of in-kind donations made through our Adopt-a-Caseworker program

l We have served over 700 local child victims of abuse & neglect through the Adopt-a-Caseworker program since 2009

All Saints Anglican ChurchAsbury UMC Women’s Lunch BunchAsh Grove First Christian ChurchCampbell United Methodist ChurchCentral AG Faith BuildersCentral Christian ChurchChrist Episcopal Church St. Mary’s Guild

Christ Episcopal Church VestryClever First Christian ChurchCommunity of ChristDemocrats for the OzarksFirst Baptist Church of SpringfieldFirst & Calvary Presbyterian Church (2 Christ Care Groups)

First & Calvary Presbyterian “Church Ladies”

Gold Mechanical, Inc.Great Southern BankJosh Hoots

King’s Way UMC SojournersKing’s Way UMC Becomers ClassLanny BrentMike WhiteMiracle Life Bible ChurchMSU School of Social WorkOld Missouri BankPeoples Bank of the OzarksPhyllis & Woody ParkhurstRidgecrest Baptist ChurchRobin SronceSchweitzer UMC God’s Lunch BunchSchweitzer UMC Movers & ShakersSchweitzer UMC Word Alive ClassSpringfield First Nazarene ChurchTemple IsraelTiena AlexanderWe Hear YouWesley UMC Couples Group

their support of Caseworkers, children and our agency is truly inspiring!

life TOGETHER! 9

Pizza Pancakes NutritioN Facts: 1 serving (2 each) equals 270 calories, 14 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 79 mg cholesterol, 794 mg sodium, 26 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 10 g protein.

2 c baking mix (Bisquick)1 c milk2 eggs1/2 c shredded mozzarella

cheese1/2 c chopped pepperoni 1/2 c chopped tomato 1/4 c chopped green pepper2 tsp Italian seasoningpizza or spaghetti sauce

Mix baking mix, milk & eggs in large bowl until well blended. Stir in remaining ingredients, except sauce. Batter will be thick. Pour 1/4 C onto hot griddle & spread batter a little. Cook until edges are dry; flip & cook until golden brown. Serve with warmed pizza/spaghetti sauce for dipping.

Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR)

Social-Emotional ProjectCCRR is pleased this fiscal year to offer a new pilot Social-Emotional Project. This project is funded 100% by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through a contract with the MO Department of Health and Senior Services. The project consists of group training for child care providers focusing on children’s social-emotional development and offers specific classroom strategies that can be implemented immediately. In addition to group training, on-site technical assistance is offered to providers following

the training to assist with implementation of ideas and strategies. There are over 70 child care providers that are being served currently across southern MO. CCRR would like to take this opportunity to thank all the child care providers and programs that are participating. Project requirements have contributed to tight deadlines and heavy workloads. Thank you for sticking with us and working hard to improve the quality of life for children in your care!

For more information or to make a gift, please contact

nicole piper, Director 417-887-3545

1910 e. meadowmere springfield, mo 65804

www.CCozarks.org

A Year in Review For FFY 10 (Federal Fiscal Year)

• Monitored 405 child care providers in 54 counties

• Made 1200 daycare home visits

• Fed approx 8500 children meals and snacks daily

• Staff of 4 traveled 55,000 miles

Child Care Food program vicki mcmillen, Director

1531 E. Sunshine, E-1 Springfield, MO 65804

417-865-8427 or 1-800-818-6812 ccfpfood.com

Child Care Food Program (CCFP)

Reducing Childhood Obesity through Education

Year in Reviewreferral Calls: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,100Children served through referral Calls:. . . .1,624on-line referral searches: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,966enhanced inclusion referrals: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171enhanced military referrals: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Hours of on-site technical Assistance

offered to Child Care providers:. . . . . . . . .832.5

Same Agency – New Name!CCRR has a new name – Child Care Aware of Southern Missouri! This name change is a direct result to further

align them with their National and Missouri organization. In addition, with the new name, Child Care Aware of Southern

Missouri has expanded to 10 more counties in Southern Missouri. Get additional details at www.ccozarks.org!

Same Agency – New Name!CCRR has a new name – Child Care Aware of Southern Missouri!

This name change is a direct result to further align them with their National and Missouri organization. In addition, with the new name, Child Care Aware of Southern Missouri has expanded

to 10 more counties in Southern Missouri. Get additional details at www.ccozarks.org!

10 life TOGETHER!

Binnie Clements Guild of First & Calvary Presbyterian Church

City of Springfield, Community Development Block Grant

Community Foundation of the OzarksCorporation for National & Community ServiceCox Health FoundationDarr Family FoundationExxonMobil FoundationGreater Springfield Board of RealtorsGreene County Board for the Developmentally

Disabled/Abilities FirstGreene County Senior Citizens FundJohn Q. Hammons FoundationH.O.P.E. SertomaJunior League of SpringfieldElizabeth McCain Foundation

MFA Incorporated Charitable FoundationMissouri Foundation for HealthMissouri Housing Trust FundJeannette Musgrave FoundationCharlie & Mary Beth O’Reilly FoundationOld Missouri BankOzarks Health Advocacy FoundationChristine & Katharina Pauly TrustBee Payne-Stewart FoundationRonald McDonald CharitiesRotary Club of Springfield SoutheastSpringfield Sports Hall of FameTurner Family FoundationUnited Way of the OzarksWal-Mart FoundationWebster Electric FoundationTal & Rosalie O’Reilly Wooten Foundation

Ken headed off down the street with his backpack and bedroll over his shoulder to a porch where he is allowed to sleep when the shelters are not open. This Army veteran had allowed me to take some pictures of him on the street after his free supper at Cook’s Kettle. Ken was blessed that the next night was a little colder and the Salvation Army Emergency Cold-weather Shelter was open. The Salvation Army carries the burden of

provision for those life-threatening nights with a wind- chill below 15 degrees.

The Homeless Task Force and Council of Churches of the Ozarks offered me the privilege of immersion into the network of service providers and sharing the needs with the “faith community,” especially for providing hospitality to those who are on the streets during cold weather. Now my passion is to invite others to participate in safe interaction with individuals who are poor and to experience the inter-cultural model Jesus consistently promotes in his words and actions.

Two shelters declare an emergency, overflow, cold-weather shelter nights when the wind-chill is between 20 and 15 degrees, East Sunshine Church as a men’s shelter and Pathways United Methodist Church for women. Both provide a dormitory style, cot and blanket for those who want to get inside. They provide transportation from the Commercial Street area to the respective churches about 8:30 PM and return transportation about 8:00 AM. The estimate is that there are 30 to 40 men and less than a half-dozen women using the shelters. This demands the provision of transportation and supplies, notification of the homeless population, scheduling of facilities, and training of volunteers. These are not overwhelming problems, but identifying the volunteers (men, women or couples) needed to serve as hosts for the night has proven to be most difficult. You may contact me at 417 862-3586 to help.

Two recent deaths during cold nights serve to cause each reader of the news to consider whether he might be willing to stay up part of a night just two or three times this winter to provide a place for the men and women who shiver on the streets. The director of the men’s shelter says, “Once people visit and see the non-threatening atmosphere and the significant impact on the guests, they will WANT to sign up to help.”

Homeless Connection

Romona Baker Resource Coordinator for

Homeless Services rbaker@CCOzarks.org

Mentorship GroupsGroups are needed to work with families moving out on their own after being in some type of transitional housing. Contact Romona at 417.862.3586, ext. 225.

Thank You to our Generous Grant-Making Partners in 2010

Follow Us on FaceBook - Homeless Connection

life TOGETHER! 11

Daybreak Adult Day Care“Quality Care, Each New Day”

A DAy At DAyBreAKAs a licensed medical model adult day health care provider, Daybreak

provides a wide range of client oriented services. Nursing and Social Service staff monitor medical conditions, charts and collaborate in planning sessions with other local professionals responsible for the clients care outside our facility. A day at Daybreak is planned to bring fun and joy to the clients while serving their individual medical needs. Entertainment, community outings and socialization activities are all part of the typical day!

Eldercare Transit provided over 11,215 handicap accessible non-emergency medical transports to 347 clients from Daybreak and the extended community.

realtors Helping people in the ozarks

Once upon a time, Realtors® Helping People (RHS), the community outreach arm of the

Greater Springfield Board of Realtors, set about the task of returning something to the community through focusing on providing essential home repairs to those most in need. During the 90s, they discovered that the screening and processing of eligible clients took about as much time as the actual work being done. Then, in the early part of this millennium, the Council of Churches of the Ozarks started Connections Handyman Service (CHS) to focus on a similar mission.

After a couple of years of collaborations, in the year of 04, RHP figured out that they were better at RAISING money than spending it and that CHS was the best at spending the money to accomplish their mutually shared vision.

“We felt that CHS was better equipped to handle the screening process of eligible clients.” said Brenda Morris, a founder and a prime mover and shaker of RHP. “Not only that, because CHS is faith based, we implicitly trust them to be responsible with OUR money. Plus, CHS has access to a number of volunteers that help make our dollars go farther.” Over the years, RHP has provided over $120,000 in funding to assist CHS help people in over 315 households to remain in the safety and comfort of their own homes.

Thanks to Realtors® Helping People we are making Springfield a GREAT place to live!

Richard Virnig, CHS Director and Kirk Hewitt, RHP President

For more information, contact:

Connections Handyman ServicesRichard Virnig, Director

417-862-3586627 N. Glenstone

Springfield, MO 65802ccozarks.org

A year in Review ——————————————————————Delivered 233 operational days of careProvided 21,711 meals & snacksEldercare Transit provided over 11,215 non-emergency medical transports

Daybreak Adult Daycare Rick Stephenson, Director

1461 E Seminole Springfield, Mo 65804

417-881-0133 ccozarks.org

12 life TOGETHER!

the Happy plunkers The Happy Plunkers, a group of 17 volunteers who play ukuleles, travels to nursing homes in Springfield and as far out as Monett and Mt. Vernon to bring music and laughter. Every week this group visits a different community center or nursing home, where they sing and play and have a fun time. Energetic and talented, they are always smiling and happy. They have a warm relationship with their co-volunteers and the volunteer station personnel. This group contributed 4,370 hours last year.

rsvp reading Buddy programAs the RSVP Reading Buddy Program grows each year, there has been an increased interest by the volunteers to learn more ways to help their students practice reading. This fall, Colene Hank, a retired reading teacher, and now a RSVP Reading Buddy, willingly volunteered her time to share her expertise on fun ways to

learn sight words when working with the students. She prepared several handouts for the volunteers and explained the importance of learning sight words. In

addition to volunteering in the Reading Buddy Program, Colene has developed a devotional program to use with skilled care patients. Plus she has agreed to serve on the RSVP Advisory Committee. She is a devoted volunteer always looking for ways to improve the lives of others in our community! 174 volunteers contributed 4,786 hours of service last year with over 3,000 visits to students in Springfield, Nixa, Ozark, Republic, Willard Schools, Strafford, Marshfield and Highlandville.

rsvp van DriversRSVP Van Drivers, 27 volunteers with a smile every day, go door-to-door to pick-up other volunteers who no longer drive but are still able to volunteer in our community. RSVP drivers contributed 2,698 hours of service last year, providing 6,094 rides. Van riders contributed 19,558 hours of service, which is valued at $19.89 per hour and saves non-profits $389,008.62

Foster GrandparentsThrough the Foster Grandparents program, grandmothers volunteer at the

Head Starts in Springfield, rocking babies and helping the staff with the older children as well. They contributed 1,846 hours of service in 2010

rsvp mADD (make A Difference Daily)The RSVP MADD (Make A Difference Daily) group goes to non-profits to help with bulk mailings saving these organizations the expense of a professional mailing service. These volunteers contributed 3,517 hours of service.

You can also find RSVP volunteers in our libraries contributing 2,714 hours of service, and the information desk at the Springfield Court House with 459 hours of service. Environmentally, volunteers keep the Springfield Nature Center trails and the Greenway trails cleared. These volunteers contributed 2,700 hours of service.

rsvp has

over 1,400 volunteers

enrolled and over this

past year these volunteers have

contributed 169,827 hours of

service to 122 organizations

in our community.

For more information about the programs

offered through rsvp, or to make a gift

or volunteer, please contact

sharon Bradford, Director 627 n. Glenstone

springfield, mo 65802 417-862-3595

www.CCozarks.org

Follow Us on FaceBook - www.facebook.com/RSVPSpringfieldMO

life TOGETHER! 13

Finding Inspiration in FamilyPhil Morrissey first contacted the Ombudsman Operating Agency about their Santa for Seniors Program 6 years ago and has been providing gifts for area nursing home residents each year since that time. He collects the gifts, in small amounts, all year long. Phil was raised mostly by his grandparents and is now the primary caretaker for his 93 year old grandmother who makes sure that the presents for the residents are purchased each year. The large array of gifts include sodas, puzzles, books, candy, painting and drawing kits, socks, hair accessories and many other items that help ensure a Merry Christmas for many residents.

“We don’t do this for recognition,” Phil said. “We do it because it is just the right thing to do. My grandma always took care of others in our neighborhood. She never wanted anyone to feel sad, lonely or forgotten and always thought it to be an injustice for people to experience those feelings. Grandma just wants people to know that someone cares about them. A lot of people have no family and we know that the holidays are the very worst time of the year to remind many that they are alone, so we do what we can to help ease that loneliness. Somebody has to do something because, if nobody does anything, then nothing gets done.”

The Ombudsman Operating Agency and the Council of Churches wish to especially bless Phil and his Grandmother for all the generosity they have shown for our nursing home residents.

Long-Term Care ombudsman Program

“I was sick and you visited me…” (Matthew 25:36)

“Somebody has to do something

because, if nobody does anything, then nothing gets done.”

Follow all the news of Council of Churches of the Ozarks on facebook www.facebook.com/pages/council-of-churches

long-term Care ombudsman

Connie payne, Director 627 n. Glenstone

springfield, mo 65802 417-862-3598 ccozarks.org

Phil Morrissey

14 life TOGETHER!

pictures TOGETHER!

We want to include your Pictures Together! Send us your photos of ministry in action by April 8, 2011 to be considered for the Spring issue! Photos can be emailed to cmoses@ccozarks .org

realtor’s Helping people Auction to Benefit Connections Handyman

life TOGETHER! 15

Life Together! is a quarterly publication of the Council of Churches of the Ozarks, designed to inform readers of current community needs and service agencies activities and recognize donors and volunteers. Life Together! is mailed without charge to anyone interested in the Council of Churches of the Ozarks.

council of churches of the ozarks Dorsey E. Levell Ministry Center of the Ozarks 627 N. Glenstone, Springfield, MO 65802 MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 3947, Springfield, MO 65808-3947 Phone: 417.862.3586 Email: ccozarks@CCOzarks.org Fax: 417.862.2129 Website: www.CCOzarks.org

central office staff Paula Austin • Advancement Assistant • ext. 233 Romona Baker • Resource Coordinator for Homeless Services • ext. 225 Leslie Boughton • Grant Writer • ext. 235 Krista Crumpley • Receptionist Barbara Gardner • Executive Assistant/HR • ext. 224 Janet Garoutte • Receptionist Rick George • Director of Finance and Operations • ext. 232 Christine Moses • Director of Marketing & Development • ext. 238 Mark Struckhoff • Executive Director

the council of churches Foundation Richard Dunn, President Phone: 417.839.7450

Council of Churches of the ozarks PO Box 3947 Springfield, MO 65808-3947

NoN-Profit org. US PoStage

Paid SPriNgfielD, Mo

PerMit #772

The Feinstein $1 Million Challenge for 2011

“I was hungry and you gave me something to eat…”

For the 14th year, the Feinstein Foundation will divide $1 million among agencies like

Crosslines to fight hunger. You can help us! Gifts received during March and April will qualify for this challenge. Thank you for

your generous support!

Become A Corporate Sponsor!

Get Your Business Involved and YOU Can Help Change Over , Lives In The Ozarks!

To Get Involved Contact Christine Moses at ......... or cmoses@ccozarks.org

www.ccozarks.org

Join Us In Planting The Seeds of Hope

life TOGETHER!

16 life TOGETHER!