Springfield CARES Magazine...the voice for the non profits in our community. Bringingawareness of the impact they make, sharing information on events, stories of hope,volunteer opportunities, what they offer and how they can help those in need.

Legendsare Bornin OctoberChildren’s MiracleNetworkpage 20

Looking Good...Feeling EvenBetterAmerican Cancer Societypage 11

What CancerDid For MeGYNCApage 12

2

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3

contents4 Who Cares

from the Publisher and Editor

5 Professional Massage TrainingCenterPMTC Students at the Bass ProShops Outdoor Fitness Festival

6 Hope For Every Foster ChildAmbassadors for Children

7 Springfield CARES about FitnessColumn

9 Holiday Smiles: A Bright HolidayInvestmentOACAC

10 ACS Answers the Call AfterJoplin TornadoAmerican Cancer Society

11 Looking Good…Feeling EvenBetterAmerican Cancer Society

12 What Cancer Did For MeGYNCA

13 The Best Banana Muffins onthe PlanetRecipe

14 Help Us Help ThemCASA

advertisers10 About Springfield Cares8 Are You a Non-Profit?28 BluCurrent Credit Union23 CASA Holiday Cards12 Chips Against Cancer24 Christmas for the Kids Rewards Cards27 Clear Channel Radio18 dv LaRue24 dv LaRue for Non-Profits23 Fulpower Enterprises24 Isabel’s Tree8 Jeanne’s Hair Classics2 OACAC28 Penney, Murray & Associates13 Premier Home Health Care10 Priority Tax Service26 Rewards for Schools17 Springfield Cares Subscriptions8 Springfield Little Theatre

15 Champion for Children 2011A recap of the event

16 Recognizing Big Brothers BigSistersItems of interest

24 A Champion for Children 2011:Brooke O’ReillyNew silent auction introduced

19 Calendar of EventsCharity Events for December

20 Recent EventsChildren’s Miracle Network

20 Legends are Born in OctoberChildren’s Miracle Network

21 Kraft Foods and Roy W.Slusher Foundation RecognizedAssociation of FundraisingProfessionals

22 Share Christmas, Help a LocalFamilyCouncil of Churches of theOzarks

29 GamesFun stuff

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417-849-CAREwww.goicare.com

CARESCARES

staff advisory panelAmy MichaelPublisher

Phil DellasegaCreative Director

Cara TraskEditor

Michelle DeWittGraphic Design/Web Maintenance

Nicole MalinowskiDesigner

Ryan MulcahySales Executive

Jeff GossmanMary ValloniPeter Edwards CIABeverly RobertsRebbecca Fenton COTA/LGerry Catapang PT, DPTKen ChildersChris ShaeferBecky OverendSharna Rittmaster

4

Amy: Happy Holidays Springfield! As we near the end of the

year we are reminded to be thankful for the things that we

have and to keep our families close. From Veterans Day

to Thanksgiving to Christmas, the Holidays are here not

for over eating or getting material gifts, but to bring us

together in remembrance of all of the things that mat-

ter the most. It is my hope that this holiday season you

are all healthy, safe and warm. There are some wonderful

stories in the pages of the magazine this month about

people right here in Springfield that have been helped

by the generosity of those more fortunate. If you are one

of those, we thank you. It is only by working together

that we can overcome the challenges that face our com-

munity. Wherever you go this Holiday season, offer a smile

to a stranger, spare change to a cause and a helping hand

to a neighbor.

Warmest Regards,

Amy

Cara: To those out there whose celebrations do not in-

clude the traditional things, the same holds true. Let

this time of year, the days off of work, the cool winter

days, give us all a reason to show our loved ones we care,

no matter how we do it. Give warm hugs, cuddle by the

fire, tell stories from your youth, and laugh. Laughter,

love and true family time spent together, those are the

greatest gifts we give to each other.

Amy

Cara

News and Information about the Community from SpringfieldCARES Publisher Amy Michael and Editor Cara Trask

5

This years Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Fitness Festival was a great suc-cess. Professional Massage Training Center students had a great ex-perience giving massages to the runners of the 5K, 1/2 marathon andfull marathon. The temperature was low, but the spirits were high asover 300 runners came in for 15 minutes of pleasure for PMTC’s do-nation to the cause.

If you are interested in giving our highly trained students the oppor-tunity to learn please give us a call at 417-863-7682 and book anappointment.... the fee is only $30 for an hour massage!

Professional Massage Training Center, Inc.229 E. Commercial

Springfield, MO 65803

PROFESSIONAL MASSAGET R A I N I N G C E N T E R I N C

6

Hannah wakes up to

red and blue lights

flashing outside her

bedroom window.

It’s near midnight

and although she’s

only 9 years old, her

little brother is

frightened and sit-

ting at the foot of

her bed—looking to

her for answers,

comfort, some-

thing… She hears

shouting outside the

window and sees

both her parents be-

ing handcuffed by policemen. The policemen come in the bedroom and find

Hannah and her brother huddled on the bed crying and confused. What

will happen to them? Where will they go?

Will they be safe?

Stories like this happen right here in our community. Children in our own

backyards are enduring abuse, neglect, deplorable living conditions, ex-

posure to drug/alcohol abuse and domestic violence. So far in 2011, an av-

erage of 45 children have been placed into foster care each month from

Greene County, an 80% increase from 2009. Greene County currently has

well over 1,000 foster children—the most on record for a single time in

our community. This may seem like an impenetrable crisis, but Ambassa-

dors for Children has specific ways that you, your church or your business

can help.

Established in 1999 as a service agency of the Council of Churches, Am-

bassadors for Children has provided resources and support to over 6,000

local foster children and their foster parents. They also support families at

immediate risk of losing their children to foster

care. With funding solely from donations and pri-

vate grants, they assist with items like new cloth-

ing, winter coats, shoes, haircut vouchers,

individualized tutoring, sports fees, contact

lenses, stuffed animals, comfort bags, beds/cribs,

cleaning supplies, and much more through their

specialized and unique programs. Ambassadors

for Children provides hope for these special children by

providing resources to improve their self-esteem and re-

veal their hidden potential so they may be empowered to

break their family cycle of abuse and neglect. Many foster

children receive the first new clothing in their lives from

Ambassadors for Children.

Ambassadors for Children has year-round donation and

volunteer needs such as brand new children’s clothing for

their Kid’s Clothes Closet, groups to Adopt-a-Caseworker,

and Volunteer Tutors. In addition to these needs, Ambas-

sadors for Children is currently seeking community mem-

bers to “Adopt” a Teenager in Foster Care for Christmas.

They’ll provide the child’s first name, age, and wish list. You

provide 5 gifts or spend up to $100. They also need dona-

tions of brand new children’s coats in all sizes and wrap-

ping paper, tape, and gift tags to wrap hundreds of

Christmas gifts for foster children. These are a few small

ways you can help give hope to these special kids.

For more information or to make a donation, please con-

tact Sondra Uzzell, Agency Director, at 417-862-3586 ext.

236, suzzell@ccozarks.org or visit their website at www.am-

bassadors4children.org.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

A service agency of the Council of Churches627 N. Glenstone, Springfield, MO 65802417-862-3586 ext. 236, www.ccozarks.org

SOMETHING NEW!Scan me with your smart phone QRreader app to get more informationabout Ambassadors for Children.

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The month of December can be the most challenging month of the year for someone on a health and fitness journey. November, while cooler, still has some warm days and only one major opportunity for indulgence. Janu-ary, of course, pulls everyone back in with New Year’s Resolutions and a welcome calm after the New Year’s Eve festivities bring an end to the traditional holiday party season.

December however is full of cookie exchanges, open houses, office parties and family gatherings. Most people are juggling the holiday hustle and bustle on top of their already packed schedules. Workouts seem to fall to the bottom of the list, if they even make it on the list at all.

You may not be able to make it to the gym or do your normal workout DVD. Or you may not even be at home to do these things, spending the holidays at Grandma’s house. Time is short and that’s okay. My philosophy is something is always better than nothing. In fact, many recent studies have shown that just 10-15 minutes a day can do a great deal to improve health and mood.

a day of cardiovascular exercise significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease.

minutes a day of indoor cycling led to a lasting reduction in blood pressure.

and psychological well being) found that as little as 5 min-

improved mood and self-esteem.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed due to the holidays, the last thing you want to do is let your exercise program fall by the wayside. If you can find 15 minutes, no matter where you are, I have a solution for you.

in a carry on and use them when you get hung up at the airport or when

you arrive at your des-tination to do variety of exercises. Get them with handles to do exercises like bicep curls and chest

-ment will make rows and lat pull downs easy too.

familiar with this fantas-tic piece of equipment now is the time to start.

-bells for Dummies along with it to learn your basic swing before progressing to cleans and Turkish get-ups. You get a strength and aerobic workout in one with a piece of equipment that can easily be thrown in the car along with the presents.

workout. Try a quick circuit of pushups, lunges, dips and jumping jacks.

combine the two. You can do it anywhere and the sunshine will help stimulate vitamin D production, an important nutrient in mood and me-tabolism.

this shouldn’t be at the expense of your hard earned health and fit-ness gains. Just like the rest of the year, it takes a little planning and creativity to make it happen. Grabbing the right tools and giving yourself permission to do a little less will make the holidays happy, fun and fit.

Holiday Fit Tips

Pamela Hernandez is a ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and ACE Certified Lifestyle & Weight Management consultation. She owns Thrive Personal Fitness in Springfield. Follow her on Twitter @ThriveFit for more tips and tools for a healthy life.

8

We want to talk to you! Springfield CARES Magazine focuses on non profits and bringing awareness of the impact they make in our community. Does this sound like something you want to be involved in? Call today for an appt, 849-CARE (2273)

P.S. Visit our website at www.goicare.com and while you are there sign up for our FREE iCARE Package!

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What your investment will do:Investment Amount What It Provides

$34 a check-up and fluoride treatment $150 a check-up, fluoride treatment, and full x-rays $200 Two fillings$225 Stainless steel crown$450 complete dental treatments for one year

$1,000 cavity repair for 10 children $4,680 Check up, fluoride treatment, and cavity repair for 20 children

Dr. Burpo performs a dental exam on AbbygalTank while Ayden Skidomore holds her handfor support and het twin sister Gabriella Tanklooks on.

Missy Skidmore knew the importance of taking her 4 year old son, Ayden, tothe dentist regularly. “His first visit to the dentist was at 18 months and I madesure he received his regular visits,” said Missy. Then, her husband lost his job

and a routine dental screening at OACAC Head Start revealed Ayden needed 8caps. Missy discovered her employer-sponsored dental insurance only covered rou-

tine preventative care, not treatment. Missy said, “I was devastated. I looked at our(family) budget and knew it was going to take a long time to save enough money to afford to

have his teeth fixed.” Missy was told that delaying treatment for Ayden could result in furtherdecay and significant pain.

Unfortunately, the bacteria that caused the cavities can make the children very sick. Many children who lackgood basic oral hygiene habits or dental care can have severe tooth de-cay and gum disease which may result in physical pain, discomfort, andlow self-esteem. And when oral disorders go untreated, they can lead tokidney, liver and cardiovascular disease, as well as complications associ-ated with diabetes. For Missy, knowing Ayden needed treatment that shecouldn’t provide was overwhelming, frightening, and frustrating. Fortu-nately, Ayden didn’t have to wait for treatment. Through the investmentof local individuals in the OACAC Head Start Holiday Smiles campaign, Ay-den was able to receive the treatment he needed. Every dollar investedby donors goes directly to oral health prevention and restoration work.

The great need for children's dental care is not an exaggeration. It's provenby some harrowing statistics. Last year, OACAC Head Start provided1,667 children, ages 3, 4, and 5, basic dental exams and educational ma-terials. Those exams revealed that 530 children, ages 3 and 4, requiredadditional dental treatment. Many of the children need repair on 12 to 15of their 20 baby teeth. Most children have at least three areas of decay.

Almost 10% of OACAC Head Start’s children are without dental insurance.

With staggering numbers like those, it is no surprise that in the 2010-2011 program year, OACAC Head Startspent $22, 2683.83 to provide dental care that was not paid for by Medicaid.

OACAC Head Start uses cost effective methods, such as on-site dental examinations, fluoride treatment, anddental education to reduce expenses. But you have the power to help improve children's health. Early inter-vention with education for the parent and child, plus basic dental care can change children’s lives. Missy said,“Some people might think that fixing a child’s smile is superficial, but I can tell you it is an important invest-ment in Ayden’s future, in his health and his self-esteem!”

Your investment in our Annual Holiday Smiles Campaign will provide restoration and prevention to ensure chil-dren in OACAC Head Start maintain their healthy smiles. 100% of your investments are used to provide freedental care services to children who have no way to pay for treatment.

To invest in children like Ayden, please write Holiday Smiles in the memo line of your check and send to OA-CAC Holiday Smiles, 215 S. Barnes Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802 or visit our website at www.oacac-caa.org.For more information call Alice Wingo at 417-864-3448 or email awingo@oacac-caa.org.

A Bright Holiday Investment!

10

“The minute I heard it, I knew it

wasn’t a train,” explained Vickie Gol-

ubski, stage 4 primary peritoneal car-

cinoma cancer survivor. “We didn’t have

any time, so I laid on top of my grandson

to shield him from the flying debris.”

On May 22, a violent tornado ripped through Vickie’s hometown of Joplin, Mo.

The deadly storm struck just days after Vickie’s 20 day hospital stay – where

she underwent surgery to relieve some of the fluids caused by a tumor cov-

ering her entire abdominal cavity.

“It was pitch dark. We could feel the floors moving, the walls giving away,

and within seconds our roof was gone.” Vickie and her grandson were left

lying in a pile of debris. Vickie suffered a twisted ACL, and due to the drop in

air pressure and flying debris, her veins contracted and the PICC line in her

arm had become badly infected. A PICC line is a long, slender, tube that is in-

serted into a vein to allow intravenous access for administering chemother-

apy treatments.

“Since the tornado hit the hospital where I received my cancer treatments, I

wasn’t sure what to do,” says Vickie. “I was sent to Springfield, Mo for im-

mediate care on my infected PICC line, but it was so badly damaged that I

had to return to Springfield at least six more times.”

Vickie called the American Cancer Society’s toll free number, 1.800.227.2345,

for help. “After losing my home, I lived with a friend in Monett, Mo – 50 miles

from Springfield,”

she explained. “Be-

tween the long drive

and the extra ex-

penses to continue

my cancer treat-

ments in Springfield

it became hard to

get to appoint-

ments.”

The Society’s patient

navigators provided Vickie transportation assistance to and from nearby Spring-

field to continue chemotherapy. “I’m so grateful for the American Cancer So-

ciety,” she explained. “They connected me with other resources in Springfield

and allowed me to continue my cancer treatments.”

American Cancer Society Answers the Call afterDeadly Joplin Tornado

11

Going through cancer treatment can be

hard for anyone, for a woman, it could

mean losing more than hair; it could

mean losing a little self-esteem about their ap-

pearance. Life-saving treatment can cause loss of

eyebrows, eyelashes and have harsh affects on a

woman’s skin. The American Cancer Society is

helping women cope with those side affects with

Look Good…Feel Better; a free program teaching

beauty techniques to help restore a woman’s ap-

pearance and self-esteem through the use of

make-up, wigs, scarves and other accessories.

Every female patient receives a complimentary bag of make-up, selected

by their skin tone, and a demonstration by a licensed cosmetologist. The

volunteer cosmetologist is trained and participates on their own time. Ses-

sions are small, giving each participant a chance to learn about the skills for

their skin.

Taken place in a group setting, women who attend the session have a

chance to meet other women going through similar experiences. While

group sessions are mainly for females, Look Good…Feel Better is also of-

fered to teens in select cities as well as men online at lookgoodfeelbetter-

formen.org.

After learning new techniques

at a Look Good…Feel Better ses-

sion, patients can put their styling

to good use on a wig. Wigs and tur-

bans are also important to a

woman’s appearance. The Society un-

LookingGood...FeelingEvenBetter

SOMETHING NEW!Scan me with your smart phoneQR reader app to get moreinformation or to find a sessionnear you.

derstands the importance of looking like you again, or

maybe with a new hair color, which is why we offer free

wigs to patients at the American Cancer Society office.

Cancer patients and their loved ones can come into the

office to try on the perfect free wig.

To find a Look Good…Feel Better session near you or to

learn how to obtain a wig, call the American Cancer So-

ciety at 1.800.227.2345 or visit lookgoodfeelbetter.org.

Look Good…Feel Better participants applying makeup during class.

Cancer is not an easy journey to embark upon, nor is it one we readily decide to take. In my own case, I was

plopped down on my cancer path, and my only choice was to

go forward.

But, as crazy as this seems to say, I enjoyed my cancer journey,

for the most part. Cancer did me some big favors:

Cancer helped me get rid of a toxic job. I worked for a

curmudgeonly, chain-smoking control freak.. I had no insurance,

but I had a job, which was better than being unemployed, or so

I thought. Once I was diagnosed with cancer, I realized my job

was completely unhealthy for me. Which was great, because

while I was recovering from surgery and getting ready to start

radiation, the owner fired me. I felt a little adrift, but once my

friends and family assured me I wouldn’t be living in my car, I

realized I had a chance to focus on my health and myself.

Cancer sharpened my focus. I had no time for silly worries. My

entire goal was to beat cancer, and beat it good. Unemployed

and uninsured meant I was going to have to learn to get by

on the basics. And I did! I gratefully took what was offered by

friends and family, from books to groceries, and learned to let

go of frills and unnecessary things.

Cancer showed me who my real friends were. I know it’s easy to

say ‘call me if you need anything,’ and hard to follow through.

I’ve been there. I’ve been that person. But those people who

dropped everything when I asked if they could help me were

my heroes. It made me want to be exactly that way in return.

Cancer showed me I didn’t have to be afraid. I was bald, I was

going through cancer treatments, and I was doing it all on a

very thin shoestring. I was a superstar! Nothing else seemed

hard when compared to that. I was tough. I was brave.

This is my favorite thing cancer did for me: it made me grateful.

It made me realize how many wonderful people, things, and

opportunities had come my way. I grew even closer to my

family and friends. I became much more sympathetic and

understanding of other peoples’ struggles. I became a smarter,

gentler person.

Cancer isn’t something I’d demand to go through again. I had

plenty of difficult days. I hated dealing with neuropathy. There

were days I hated anyone who stared at me as I walked past,

a ballcap covering my bald head, my eyebrows drawn on,

stumbling as I tripped on nothing. I got tired of trying to make

lemonade out of what seemed like a never-ending supply of

lemons. But I made it to the other side.

Everyone’s journey is different. But I love the lessons I learned

on my journey. And I have cancer to thank for that.

What Cancer Did for MePam Witte is a cancer survivor and owner of Bad Apple Monsters. She love to act and can often be seen in Springfield Little Theatre productions. She credits her sense of humor with helping her get through the struggles of her diagnosis.

by Pam Witte

12

13

Grandma always has the best recipes for everything. Just about every recipe Iknow came from one of my grandmothers. I would like to share with you afamily recipe that has brought a lot of joy to my family's taste buds!

Important: Preheat oven to 350 before you begin mixing ingredients.

In one bowl mix the following wet ingredients (this should equal 2 cupstotal):2 ripe bananasone egg1/3 cup of melted butter or margarine1 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla2 tablespoons of strong coffeemilk or buttermilk added to make up the two total cups of wet ingredients.

In a separate bowl mix the following dry ingredients:1 1/2 cups of all purpose flour3/4 cups of sugar1 teaspoon of salt1/2 teaspoon of baking soda1/2 teaspoon of baking powder1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon of ground nutmeg1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts(optional)

The trick in this recipe is to mix the in-gredients separately. Once completely mixed, add the wet ingredients to thedry ingredients. fold them carefully with a few swift strokes. Do not over-mix.There will be places where the flour is still dry, that's ok. I fold mine over 12times. The batter should be lumpy and look not quite mixed.

I use Pam for baking and spray the muffin tins before I spoon in the batter.Fill them 2/3 full (this recipe makes about 12 muffins) once spooned in, gen-erously sprinkle sugar on the tops of the batter. You can be very generousand this is also a fun "job" for a little helper. Once you have sprinkled thesugar, spray the Pam over the tops of the muffins. This will create a delicioussugar glaze that everyone will love! Bake in the oven for 12-14 minutes oruntil the tops are lightly browned. Remove the muffin from the tins rightaway so that they do notstick in the pan. Enjoy!!! Sponsored by

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14

Dear Friends:

Season’s Greetings. The stockings are being brought out of stor-

age, the turkey and tree trimmed, and the hustle and bustle of

the holidays is quickly approaching. However, for many children

in our community, the stockings they are dreaming of may just

be socks without holes. The thought of a warm meal is a dream that may not be a reality every day; and

for many, ‘hustle and bustle’ are just words in a poem; taking place in an imaginary world of Christmas

carols and yuletide cheer. These are the hard realities faced by many children who are abused and neg-

lected in Greene County every year.

In 2011, there were over 1000 children in the Greene County foster care system. Many of these children

have faced adversity and atrocities that most of us cannot imagine and would not wish on our worst en-

emies, let alone a child. This is where CASA helps make a positive and long-lasting impact.

CASA of Southwest Missouri has been supporting children in the Ozarks for the past 22 years. CASA re-

cruits, trains, and supports court appointed special advocates (CASAs) who help the juvenile court to find

a safe, permanent home where children can thrive. To complete this mission, our organization depends on

support from our community: our children’s community.

If you have not had the opportunity to support CASA’s mission in the past, or would like to renew your

pledge to continue making a difference in the lives of children in our community, we would like to invite

you to be a part of our 2012 Friend of a Child Club. We have opportunities of giving to fit your budget,

from our Grassroots Supporter to our Patron Level. In addition, we are one of the organizations named

under Missouri’s “Children in Crisis Tax Credit” for up to a 50% tax credit for donations over $100 in

2011.

Please take a moment to look over the information about our “Friend of Child Club” and please call or

visit our office to let us answer any questions that you might have. In tough economic times, it is impor-

tant that we make every dollar count, and we look forward to sharing with you how your gift to a child

through CASA is one of the best investments you will ever make.

From our CASA to yours, we wish you a most Merry Christmas and Joyous Holiday Season!

Pat Reiser & Matthew Evans David YaktineCo - Executive Directors President

CASA of Southwest Missouri CASA Board of Directors

15

Held at the Hickory Garden Country Club this

year’s Annual Champion for Children was a

huge success! This year the event was held in

honor of Brooke O’Reilly. Brooke has done ex-

traordinary work to make a difference in the

lives of the children in southwest Missouri.

The event, sponsored by Ron and Janice Pen-

ney of Penney Murray and Associates as well

as Burrell Behavioral Health and Lisa & Dan

Blumenstock, was held to help raise funds to

support the work of CASA.

CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to

watch over and advocate for abused and neg-

lected children, to make sure they don’t get

lost in the overburdened legal and social serv-

ice system or languish in inappropriate group

or foster homes. Volunteers stay with each

case until it is closed and the child is placed

in a safe, permanent home. For many abused

children, their CASA volunteer will be the one

constant adult presence in their lives. For

information on how to volunteer with CASA

please call their offices at 417-864-6202 or

visit their website to fill out an application at

http://www.casaswmo.org/VolunteerApplica-

tion.aspx.

Helping you create the future you envision.

Penney, Murray & Associates

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

Licensed to provide service in thefollowing states:

AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IA, IL IN, KS,MN, MO, MS, NE, NY, OK, PA, SD, TN, TX, VA,

WA,WI, WY.

Broker, investment and !nancial advisory services aremade available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may

not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients.

1342-E East KingsleySpring!eld, Missouri 65804

(417) 881-9200

Ron PenneyCFP®, ChFC® PrivateWealth Advisor

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks is pleased to

announce that we have received $7100 from the

Community Foundation of the Ozarks’ Community

Response Challenge Grant Program. This is a

challenge grant, so from now until February 3rd

every dollar donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters

through the challenge grant will be matched by

the CFO, up to $7100. These funds will be used

for BBBSO Amachi program, which is mentoring

children of incarcerated parents. This program

addresses two red flag themes in the 2011

Community Focus Report, which are poverty and

child abuse and neglect. Big Brothers Big Sisters

has proven results in breaking the cycle of poverty

for the next generation and reducing violent

behavior within children that go through the

program. Specifically under the category of Public

Order and Safety, Big Brothers Big Sisters program

addresses domestic violence and rising crime rates.

Littles who have a positive adult role model in their

life through Big Brothers Big Sisters are 1/3 less

likely to hit someone. In addition, under Education,

Big Brothers Big Sisters program addresses the

achievement gap red flag. By providing positive,

one-to-one attention to children who are at-risk of

falling behind, these children have advocates for

them to ensure that they succeed in school.

Statistics show a child whose parent is incarcerated

is 7 times more likely to go to prison themselves

while more than 2/3 of juveniles in the criminal

justice system are children of prisoners. Research

indicates mentoring programs can break the cycle

of incarceration and poverty. Mentoring can reduce

drug and alcohol use, can improve relationships

and academic performance, and reduces the

likelihood that a mentored youth will initiate

violence. The National Clearinghouse on Families

and Youth suggests that the best way to prevent

risky behavior is to help young people achieve their

full potential. This mentoring program offers youth

development strategies that focus on giving young

people the chance to exercise leadership, build

skills, and become involved in their communities

while providing young people with safe and

trusting relationships; healthy messages about

life and social behavior; and appropriate guidance

from a positive adult role model.

If you would like to make your donation go further

by donating through the CFO’s challenge grant,

please contact BBBSO Chief Development Officer,

Sophie Pierpoint, at (417) 889-9136.

Make Your Donation Go Further by Donating to the CFO Challenge Grant

We are happy to announce that on Monday,

October 31st, construction began for our new

building expansion. This much needed addition

will include 11 new office spaces to help house our

currently crowded staff. The plans for a building

addition have been in the works since 2009.

Finally, our agency will be able to make this dream

a reality. We could not have done this without

community support and help from our generous

donors. We cannot thank them enough for helping

BBBS with this much anticipated project. The

expansion is projected to be complete by March

2012. Follow the progress of the expansion on

Facebook: Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks.

We’ve Broken Ground

S

16

These funds will be used

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Our site-based programs started on Monday,

September 26. Site-based programs allow

our matches to meet at a specific site, once

a week, for the entire school year. These sites

include: Musgrave, Henderson, and Stalnaker

Boys and Girls Club units, The Salvation Army,

and 6 local elementary schools. Our matches

enjoy meeting every week to eat together,

talk, play games, and continue getting to

know one another. Here are two stories from

site-based Bigs about their match experience

so far this year.

“I was recently introduced to my Little, Chloe.

She is in second grade and just moved to

Springfield. There is no greater fear than

being a new student, so she applied for a

Lunch Buddy. We instantly hit it off with

our mutual love of shopping, singing, and

laughing. Over the first few lunches, we got

to know each other and mingle with the

other second grade girls. She looks forward

each week to tell me something new she got

involved with at school or about a new friend

she made. Our friendship has grown from

little waves to big hugs at the end of each

lunch period. I leave each week with a big

smile on my face and the feeling that I am

making a difference in Chloe’s life.” – Amy

Lange, Missouri State University Senior

“My experience being an afterschool mentor

has been great. I enjoy my time with Kyle and

we have a lot of fun telling jokes and playing

games. It’s going so well that we hope to

switch to the community based program. I

enjoy being a friend and mentor to Kyle, and

my experience has helped me to become a

better role model. Kyle enjoys being outside

and being active but also likes videogames.

Being a mentor to Kyle and a part of the

Big Brothers Big Sisters organization has

helped me to grow as a student, a mentor,

and a leader.” – Doug Gaehle, Missouri State

University Senior

Big Brothers Big Sisters has a special connection with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and

we are happy to announce that they will be out again this year making calls and

spreading cheer to local boys and girls. If you know of a child who would like to

receive a call from Santa, contact Jessica at 417.889.9136 or joverend@bigbro.

com. Your $15 donation gives you one call from the North Pole. Each additional

phone call within the same family is $10.

We are also currently looking for sponsors to help us with this event. Please contact

Jessica if you are interested in partnering with BBBS and Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

Off to a Great Start

Santa Calls

17

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Have you ever wondered who creates the beautiful ads and pages we feature in Springfield CARES magazine every month?

Wonder no more.

d.v. LaRue is the sister company to Springfield CARES. We not only create the ads and layouts for the magazine, we developed the companion website, www.goicare.com. We also offer a wide variety of creative and print services for the business community.

Let us provide you with the same creative expertise and experience we use to develop the magazine each month.

If you like what we do for Springfield CARES, you’ll love what we can do for you.

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December: All of December you can make a $10 donation will light a bulb on Isabel's Tree at Houlihan's at Doubletree or Houlihan's South. All proceeds benefit Isabel's House, the Crisis Nursery of the Ozarks.

December 6:00pm: Enjoy a romantic and fun evening downtown with a Horse Drawn Carriage Ride! Every Friday and Saturday (weather permitting) from 6-8pm. Reservations suggested by visiting http://www.shiresforhire.com

December 01 7:30pm:Springfield Little Theater presents: A Christmas Story! Nine year old Ralphie wants only one thing for Christmas: an official Red Rider BB gun. Filled with lots of fun and laughter, Contact the box office for tickets and showtimes: 417-869-1334

December 02, 4:00pm: United Healthcare and D3 Technologies present the 2nd Annual Jingle Bell Bash for JDRF! Buy your tickets online NOW. Act now because the tables are filling up FAST.jdrfevents.donordrive.com/event/jinglebellbash/

December 02, 5:00pm:Juanita K. Hammons Hall’s WinterFest is a performing and visual arts festival. Event times: Friday, 5 - 10 pm; Saturday 10 am - 10 pm; Sunday 12 pm - 5 pm. Visit their website for more information www.hammonshall.com

December 02, 6:00pm:December, First Friday Art Walk Artist, Randy Bacon Exhibits: “End-of-the-Year Favorites” with Christmas cookies, music, short films & crafts!

December 5:The Arc of the Ozarks - The Connie Meyer Christmas Extravaganza at Hickory Hills Country Club. For more information contact the Arc of the Ozarks at 417 864 4307 or info@thearcoftheozarks.com

December 10, 10:00am: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network - Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Meet and Greet Hebrews Coffee 1604 E. Republic Road Springfield, MO 65804 Join us for some coffee and meet others that want to fight pancreatic cancer.

December 11: Alisia K Photography & Milla Jane Photogra-phy are teaming up this season to help LifeHouse Crisis Maternity Home by hosting a day of holiday mini-sessions! Book a 30-minute session complete with "Home for the Holidays" themed sets for a donation of only $30. Your donations go to a great charity right here in the Ozarks! For more informa-tion or to book your session call 417.827.6871

December 12&13:Santa Calls with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks. Receive a phone call from the North Pole! Contact Santa’s helper, Jessica, at 417.889.9136 or joverend@bigbro.com for more information.

December 16, 9:00am: At the Discovery center the 3rd Friday of each month from now till February they invite all young learners up to age 6 to learn, explore and discover a different topic each month. December's theme is Celebra-tions Around the World. Enjoy story time with Park Central Library 10am & 1pm and a special science demonstration at 11am & 2pm. General Admission applies.

December 21, 6:00pm:Tom Watkins Neighborhood Association with Caring Communities of the Ozarks will be holding their Annual Cookies and Cocoa with Santa from 6-8PM! Event held at the Springfield Fire Fighters Union Hall 2350 N Clifton Ave, Springfield, MO 65803. This event is FREE!!!!!!!! Everyone is welcomed. You can contact Marti Mowery President of Tom Watkins Neighborhood Association at twna2010@yahoo.com or call 864-7239

December 25 9:00am:Christmas Day Brunch provided by the Springfield Victory Mission. A hot buffet brunch for the homeless, hungry, and poor. From 9-11am at the Cook’s Kettle, 200 W. Commercial. For more info call 417.831.6387

December 25 5:00pm:A special worship service followed by a wholesome Christmas meal for the homeless, hungry, and poor. Provided by SVM from 5-7pm at Cook’s Kettle.

December 27 6:30pm:PCAN Volunteer Meeting The Library Center - Grafton Room Join us to learn how you can help fight pancreatic cancer in southwest Missouri!! We will be planning our 2012 calendar!

December 31 5:30pm:First Night Springfield 2012. This is a family-friendly event for New Years. Visual arts, performing arts, childrens activities, and more! This event is alcohol-free. $7 a person or $25 for a family 4-pack in advance. Visit www.firstnightspringfield.org

Calendar of Events

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19

20

We would like tothank the staff ofPower 96.5 and Jour-nal Broadcast Groupfor hosting a 3-dayRadiothon to benefitChildren’s Miracle

Network Hospitals! The first year event raised $60,401 for localchildren! It was a huge success, and we couldn’t have done itwithout the dedicated sales team, staff and on-air hosts – thankyou so much, and we can’t wait to do it again in March!

October 28, 2011

Legends are Born in OctoberTonight the mighty StLouis Cardinals willplay for their 11thWorld Series Champi-onship. Their incredi-ble comeback will beone of the mostamazing in baseballhistory. I am a base-ball fan, actually I lovesports in general. I'vebeen truly blessedwhen it comes tosports. I have been inthe front row of many historic games over the years. I have been in Super Bowl cham-pion locker rooms right after a thrilling victory & All Star game locker rooms right beforethe players take the field. As Chris Carpenter warms up on the mound I'll be occasion-ally glancing at a small grainy television in the lobby of a wonderful hospital that's try-ing to fix my little boy. Max was born on October 25th with Infant Respiratory DistressSyndrome. He is currently in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Cox Hospital in Spring-field Missouri. He is not quite getting all the oxygen he needs but he's a fighter. He cameoff the ventilator yesterday afternoon and is slowly making progress but still needs ex-tra oxygen. As a little boy I have vivid memories of my father telling me to "watch theguy on first base, he's gonna steal second” this happened over and over. That player ofcourse was Lou Brock, one of the greatest base-stealers in baseball history. Tonight asAlbert Pujols walks to the plate, I'll whisper in Max's little ear "Here comes the greatesthitter who ever lived". This little boy is the biggest blessing in my life and there are twothings of which I have never been more certain. I have the best seats in the house andLegends are born in October.

DadJeff Layman

October 25, 2011 started out just like any other normal day, well any normal day youryoungest daughter is scheduled to give birth to her first child by Caesarian section. WhenAmy and Jeff found out their little boy was breech and knew a C-Section was inevitableAmy wanted very much to have her Little Boy's birthday the same as her Papa's –my fa-ther who passed away 2006 and to whom Amy was very very close to. The delivery wentperfect, but once it was discovered Maxwell was having difficulty breathing, Max wasimmediately moved to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Cox South Hospital. The ini-tial update was perhaps Max needed just a little extra help with breathing, not uncom-mon for babies born by C-Section, we were initially thinking 2-4 hours tops, but that 2-4 hours went to maybe 2- 4 days. Now on day 6 we are hopeful that maybe next FridayMax will be able to be brought home. Max has made tremendous progress in his 6 daysin the NICU at Cox South, from having his ventilator and his IV removed today, he is gain-ing strength every day. Another wonderful success story through the wonderful staff,equipment all possible by the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Just another reminder,and why it is so important for all of us to do our part with raising funds with the Chil-dren's Miracle Network Hospitals. I certainly never expected to be a family member walk-ing through the doors to scrub in to see my little grandson in NICU. We know we are veryfortunate, Max has a wonderful prognosis and will be going home soon, I know not everychild in the NICU will be so fortunate.

Max’s GrandmaSusan Fiedler

On Monday,October 17,2011 the3rd Annual

Central Bank “Joe Nakato Memorial Golf Tournament” was heldat Millwood Golf & Racquet Club. More than 150 golfers partic-ipated in a day full of golf and fun to raise funds for Children’sMiracle Network Hospitals and the Sturge-Weber Foundation.Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals would like to thank thestaff of Nakato Japanese Steakhouse, the Nakato Family, as wellas all the participating sponsors, golfers, and volunteers for mak-ing the event a success! More than $18,500 was raised for chil-dren in the Ozarks!

Power 96.5 Radiothon

Upcoming Events

Joe Nakato MemorialGolf Tournament

For information regarding any of these upcoming events, pleasecall 417-269-6853.

Holiday Craft Sale - NorthTuesday, December 6th, 20117 am - 4 pm, Cox North, Fountain Plaza Room

Holiday Jewelry SaleWednesday, December 14th, 20117 am - 4 pm, Cox South, Atrium

Holiday Food Sale - SouthThursday, December 22nd , 20117 am - 4 pm, Cox South, Atrium

21

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.—The Ozarks Region Chapter of the Association of

Fundraising Professionals (AFP) recognized National Philanthropy Day

on Friday, Nov. 18 at Highland Springs, honoring Kraft Foods, Inc. as

the Corporation of the Year and the Roy W. Slusher Foundation as

Foundation of the Year. Both award recipients were nominated by the

community food bank, Ozarks Food Harvest.

“Kraft Foods and the Slusher Foundation are instrumental partners in

the fight against hunger in southwest Missouri,” said Denise Gibson,

development and communications director at Ozarks Food Harvest.

“We appreciate their continued support of The Food Bank, our net-

work of agencies and those we serve.

Kraft Foods, Inc. has donated a total of more than 1.3 million pounds

of food to Ozarks Food Harvest since 1995. The corporation also makes

regular financial contributions to The Food Bank through grants, cor-

porate giving and employee fund drives. Kraft recently made an in-

kind donation of a semi-tractor to Ozarks Food Harvest, the company

hosts food drives, sends employees to volunteer at The Food Bank and

delivers product donations to OFH, saving valuable time and resources

that would have been spent to pick up donations.

The Roy W. Slusher Foundation has supported Ozarks Food Harvest in

the fight against hunger for more than 15 years. Through its contin-

uous support and dedication, the Slusher Foundation has supported

the Weekend Backpack Program since its inception. This program pro-

vides underprivileged children with backpacks full of nutritious food

for them to take home every weekend, when they do not have access

to their free and reduced school meal programs, and would otherwise

go hungry. The Foundation also supports The Food Bank’s Kids Cafe

program, Mobile Food Pantry program and general hunger relief serv-

ices across the Ozarks.

Ozarks Food Harvest is the Feeding America food bank for southwest

Missouri, serving more than 300 hunger relief organizations across 28

Ozarks counties in addition to long-term relief sites in Joplin. The Food

Bank reaches 20,000 individuals weekly and distributes one million

pounds of food monthly. OFH was named the 2011 Small Business of

the Year by the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Learn more

at ozarksfoodharvest.org and at facebook.com/ozarksfoodharvest.

Kraft Foods, Inc. and Roy W. Slusher Foundation Honoredas Corporation of the Year and Foundation of the Year

Todd Sherman, plant manager, Kraft Foods and Renee Bartlett, communityrelations manager, Kraft Foods

Charles Fuller, Roy W. Slusher Foundation board member

2011 AFP National Philanthropy Day award recipients (from left to right): Bill R. Foster,Philanthropist of the Year Award; Bonnie Bell, Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year; Dylan

Whitaker, 417 Magazine, Outstanding Media Organization of the Year; Renee Bartlett andTodd Sherman, Kraft Foods, Outstanding Corporation of the Year; Charles Fuller,

Outstanding Foundation of the Year; Dr. Pat Dix of CoxHealth, Ozarks Health AdvocacyFoundation’s (OHAF) Child Health Advocate of the Year

The Council of Churches of the Ozarks provides help locally in our

community to families in crisis, abused and neglected children, elderly

people, nursing home residents and people with disabilities.

This year we have seen a record increase in demand for our services

– from providing food for local families to clothing for an abused

and neglected child. With the first week of applications taken for

Crosslines, there was a 77% increase in the number of families

requesting assistance this year over last year. We have had a 133%

increase in the number of foster children that we will be providing

Christmas gifts for this year. And, a new women’s shelter, Safe to

Sleep, has opened this year to shelter homeless women. With such

an increase in demand, we look to the Springfield community to help

us to help our vulnerable neighbors. The Christmas season offers

outreach for volunteers to help distribute Thanksgiving & Christmas

food baskets, toys, gifts for seniors and gifts for foster children.

Services We Provide:

emerging from homelessness

We provide hope, support and compassion to the most vulnerable

in Southwest Missouri. Through our nine service agencies we

provide 2.3 million service contacts annually to children, seniors

and those with disabilities. We have served Southwest Missouri

since 1969, today we serve 55 counties.

Our Agencies:

Ambassadors for Children

Child Care Aware® of Southern

Missouri

Child Care Food Program

Connections Handyman Services

Crosslines

Daybreak Adult Day Care

Ombudsman Long Term Care

RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program)

To Donate, Volunteer or Find ServicesContact Us

627 N. GlenstoneSpringfield, Missouri 65802

CCOzarks.org417.862.3586

“I’ve never had to do anything like this before. I work

hard, I have my education…..It’s been a tough year

with cutbacks in hours at work. Thank you (Crosslines)

for making this process easier for me and my family.”

22

23

Cards are drawn by boys and girls from the Ozarks. Proceeds benefit Greene County’s abused and neglected children through

CASA of Southwest Missouri. Ordering instructions on reverse side

#112 (blank) #113 (blank)

#114 (blank)

#115 (blank)

Corporate Holiday Cards Harvest Cards Birthday Cards

#116 Maypeace, loveandprosper�ity be yoursthis HolidaySeason

#118 HappyThanksgiving

#117 (blank)

#119 (blank)

®

#120 (blank)

#121 (blank)

#122 (blank)

#123 (blank)

Helping CASA Help Kids™ Cards

#201 Best Wishes for a Wonderful Holiday Season.

#202 May the special joys of the season be yours today and always.

#203 Let us cherish the gift of family and friends this Holiday Season.

#204 Season’s Greetings

#205 Wishing you joy in the traditions of the season.

#207 Warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday season.

#206 Holiday Magic!

#208 Wishing you bright holiday moments!

#209 For God so Loved the World...

#210 Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas!

#211 Wishing you all the joy and wonder of the season.

#212 Peace on earth, good will to all.

Thank you for Helping CASA Help Kids!™Ordering instructions below

Helping CASA Help Kids! Holiday Cards were drawn by boys and girls from the Ozarks. Proceeds benefit

Greene County’s abused and neglected children through

CASA of Southwest Missouri.

®

My check is attached___ Please charge my MC__ Visa__ Discover__ card#________-________-________-________ Exp. ____-____ 3-digit sig. panel code# _____

Item # Description Qty X Card cost = Total____ X ________ = ______ ____ X ________ = ______ ____ X ________ = ______ ____ X ________ = ______ ____ X ________ = ______ ____ X ________ = ______ ____ X ________ = ______ ____ X ________ = ______ ____ X ________ = ______ ____ X ________ = ______ ____ X ________ = ______ ____ X ________ = ______

201 Front Door 202 Cat 203 Shoppers 204 Bow/Ornaments 205 Poinsettias 206 Elf 207 Snowman 208 Reindeers 209 Manger Scene 210 Charlie Brown Tree 211 Night Time Tree/Moon 212 Three Kings

Minimum order—20 cards (no imprint), 100 (imprinted)Total Cards 20-99 100-799 800 or moreCost per card $1.20 $1.00 $.75

Total Card Order ____ X ________ = ______

Shipping / Handling ($6.00)* = ______

- Imprinting for Cards and envelopes (names & logos) is available for orders of 100+. Please call CASA for pricing and details. - Donation** _________

TOTAL ORDER _________

Card holder signature ______________________________________________

Name __________________________________________________________

Shipping Address _______________________________________________

City, State, Zip ___________________________________________________

Phone # ________________________________________________________

Email __________________________________________________________

PLACE AN ORDER: * No shipping fee necessary if you pick up your order at our Springfield office. Call 864-6202 to confirm hours and directions. ** Your tax deductible donation to CASA at this time of year is deeply appreciated, but is strictly optional.

Phone: 417-864-6202 Fax: 417-864-6280 Email: dkuhlman@CASAswmo.org Website: www.CASAswmo.org Mail: CASA of Southwest Missouri

P.O. Box 14364 Springfield, MO 65814

CARDS WILL BE SENT WITHIN 7 BUS. DAYS OF RECEIVING ORDER

(excludes special imprint orders)

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Fulpower EnterprisesFulpower EnterprisesIndoor and Outdoor Services

fulpower.enterprises@yahoo.comP.O. Box 9702 Spring!eld MO 65801

Tree Care & Removal ! Stump RemovalTree Hazard Assessments ! Landscaping

Gardens ! Fences ! ExcavationsPreventive Maintenance ! Lot Clearing

Clean Up and HaulingImprovments ! Home MaintenanceRepairs ! Water Drainage Solutions

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The mission of Isabel's House, the Crisis Nursery of the Ozarks, is to provide immediate refuge for children ages birth to 12 whose families are in crisis. By partnering with families and the community, we will strengthen

families and prevent child abuse and neglect.

Our goal is to strengthen families. That's why providing support, education and training to the families of the children we serve is also an important

part of our mission

Now of fering special pricingfor Non-Profi ts in the Community.

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Formerly

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