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Building Multigenerational Wealth: Lessons from 2020

by Barry Simmons November 12, 2020 JPMorgan Chase Bank Advisor

It’s been a tough year for many of us, no doubt. The emotional and financial toll of the pandemic, followed by a full-blown recession, hurt many U.S. families. While we all are still grappling with the spread of COVID-19, studies already show that for Black families, many of the existing inequalities have been exacerbated due to the pandemic. Even though it may not seem this way now, the economic disruption and the ongoing uncertainty we’ve faced this year also taught us a few valuable lessons when it comes to building multigenerational wealth. And reflecting on those lessons today may help us be better prepared for the next time the unexpected happens.

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Not being able to build on the financial knowledge of their parents and grandparents, many first-generation wealth builders grew up unaware of money management strategies. Today, we have made strides in acquiring wealth, plus building the knowledge base necessary for smart money management techniques. So it’s essential that we share that knowledge, by openly talking to our family and loved ones about our finances—even if it may seem uncomfortable at first. For instance, you can ask your parents what would they have done differently in terms of budgeting, saving, or investing. Or you could start by explaining the basic financial concepts to your children. This communication can help ensure that the financial knowledge you acquire today gets passed on to generations to come. And of course, there are almost unlimited resources available for continually educating yourself and others about building multigenerational wealth, including various financial publications, apps, or free courses.

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Review your budget and your credit

In the past months, we were forced to take a long and hard look at our spending. For those of us that were able to keep jobs, we had a chance to reevaluate our spending priorities and assess what our needs are. But it shouldn’t take a pandemic to force us to reassess our budget, including any outstanding debt. To take a fresh look, make sure you have a clear view on how much money comes in and out monthly, starting with how much debt you have. Having to pay—and especially fall behind on—high interest debt like credit cards, for instance, can have long-term implications on your financial wellness. Already, studies show that Black households are far more likely to be burdened by credit card debt. This increases the risk of potentially missing a few payments and negatively impacting your credit, which in turn can affect what you pay for different types of insurance, or hurt your chances of qualifying for a mortgage, for instance. So try budgeting within your means and, when you can, set aside an emergency fund.

Prioritize emergency fund and automate savings

Despite income gains for Black families in the U.S., their wealth is still on average about one-tenth that of white families. Most American households don’t have cash set aside to cover sudden shocks, such as job loss or emergency repairs. The prolonged impacts of the pandemic—including the health crisis, heightened unemployment, and market uncertainty—underline the importance of being ready for lengthy financial shocks. We hope that the worst of the pandemic is behind us, but to be ready for whatever may come next, try prioritizing the creation of an emergency fund that would cover three to six months of your expenses. Setting aside even $25-$50 of each paycheck will eventually get you to where you need to be. And in order to stay on track, try automating this process. Once you have a solid emergency fund, keep at it: continue saving, with your retirement in mind. About 60% of white families have at least one retirement account, while just 34% of Black families do. If you have an employee-sponsored 401(k), aim to contribute at least the amount that your employer matches, if any. You can then slowly build up to contributing 15% of your annual income toward retirement. You’ll thank the power of compounding over time. There is no way around investing Black investors have a tendency to be more risk-averse. Many may prefer saving, instead of investing, while others often prioritize other expenses—including caring for family and loved ones—and as a result may have less money to invest. But the fact remains: history has shown that the best way to build multigenerational wealth is to get invested, invest consistently, and stay invested. And you don’t need to start big: buy $200 worth of an investment, such as an ETF or mutual fund, and watch the price movements. Get used to the ups and down, and continue dipping your toe further. You have to be in it—and I mean for the long-haul—to win it. And the longer you delay, the less likely you are to meet your financial goals. If you start investing at 35, instead of 25 for instance, you could end up with roughly half the amount by the time you are 65. Talking to a financial adviser can also help you properly evaluate the risks versus rewards of

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Correct Diagnostics Needed

Walter E. Williams Public Schools.” In San Francisco,

George Mason University 70% of white students are proficient in math; for black students, it is 12% You present to a physician with -- a gap of 58%. In Washington, D.C., severe abdominal pain. He exam- 83% of white students scored profiines you and concludes that your cient in reading, as did only 23% of ingrown toenails are the black students -- a gap of cause of your abdominal 60%. In Philadelphia, 47% distress. He prescribes of black students scored that you soak your feet in below basic in math and warm water but that does 42% scored below basic in not bring relief to your reading. In Baltimore, 59% abdominal pain. Then he of black students scored suggests that you apply below basic in math and antibiotics to your feet. Still no relief. Then the phyWalter E. Williams 49% in reading. In Detroit, 73% of black students sician suggests that you wear san- scored below basic in math and 56% dals instead of shoes. Still no relief. in reading. The point of this story is that your “Below basic” is the score a toenails can be treated until the cows student receives when he is unable come home, but if there is improper to demonstrate even partial mastery diagnosis, then you are still going to of knowledge and grade level skills. have your abdominal pain. How much can racism explain this? The former superintendent of At- To do well in school, someone must lanta Public Schools, Meria Carstar- make a kid do his homework, get phen, last year said, “White students a good night’s rest, have breakfast are nearly 4.5 grade levels ahead and mind the teacher. If these basic of their black peers within Atlanta Continued on page 11

Health & Wellness News Happy & Healthy Holidays

by Melesha Bailey sickness you, or someone you

Unite Contributing Writer know may have experienced. You may have lost your job, suffered Springfield, MO—The holidays or witnessed extraordinary life are here, and with everything circumstances of racial injustices that has gone on this and a political system year, I’m challenging that does not favor you to make up in your you. I encourage you mind that no matter that in all things, to what, I’m going to be find thanks and find happy and celebrate all happiness this holithe blessings that this day season. I know, I year has brought. That understand but, there’s doesn’t mean you won’t Melesha Bailey always a silver lining, remember losing loved ones, and my philosophy is that it can

Targeting Communities of Color for COVID-19 Assistance

Springfield, MO—Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc has partnered with CPO Caring Communities, Springfield NAACP and Prosper Springfield to launch a COVID-19 resources and services outreach campaign. A grant was provided by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund. The grant is being used to contact targeted community members to obtain names and mailing addresses of residents needing vital COVID-19 health information. African American families or individuals can sign-up for a free six month Unite News subscription now through December 2020, please contact (417) 864-7444 or email your: • Name • Mailing Address to unitepublication@yahoo.com Predomanant African American Churches or Organizations, you can get assistance with: • masks, • gloves, and or • hand sanitizer

Funding provided by

Please contact: Brooke Ash, CPO at 417-888-2020. always be worse. We can always find something to be negative about, but the real key is to be positive, joyful, and happy despite the ups and downs we all have experienced in 2020. Things may not look and feel like they have in times past this holiday season with the surge of the Coronavirus lurking. It may be hard to plan and execute a joyous time with family and friends when realizing that you may have to make adjustments, which may cause some anxiety and stress. So let’s start by NOT creating undue stress, dizzying demands with unrealistic expectations to limit disappointments. We stress ourselves with shopping, cooking, decorating, cleaning, entertaining, and parties. Things will not be the same this year, so we have to go with the flow and accept the way things are THIS year. It’s time to face reality as the holiday approaches. So what do you do? Don’t’ stress! Stress is harmful to your health and spirit. With some practical tips, you can minimize the effects of stress and have one of the best holidays ever with some thought and careful planning. Tip #1- Create meaningful experiences and memories. It’s important to remember that the health and safety of your family come first. Memories are what people remember. Spend time creating memories that will last forever. Tip #2- Set guidelines and expectations with the consensus of your family. That way, everyone knows what will be occurring in advance. Don’t assume; talk explicitly about everything, so everyone is on the same page eliminating any misunderstandings. Tip #3- Make plans and stick to it. Plan how much money you will spend, how you will execute your family gatherings, navigate your holiday shopping, meals, and entertaining. Planning helps keep the pressure down and enables you to maintain a calm, healthy mindset. Many times the simple things are the most special. It takes precision, thought, and time to plan lasting memories. It’s not about the money spent, the decorations, or the parties. It’s about the emotions and feelings of love that will be displayed as you plan to make this holiday feel as normal as possible during this year during a pandemic. Lastly, don’t overindulge with sugar, rich foods, and alcohol. These substances can stress the body, lower your immune system. You want to enjoy the holidays, but you don’t want to get sick and gain extra weight. Enjoy but with awareness. My prayer is for you to experience a Happy and Healthy Holiday, full of love, joy, and peace. Happy Holidays from me to you.

behavior. Presented in partnerMultigenerational Wealth ship with Early Childhood One Stop. Call 616-0563 to register. dent and co-founder of Just Facts pregnancy and changed welfare A Great Place To Work For Great People! discrimination has not been Pay fines with a debit/credit card. Continued from page 8 investing. Resources has just published an article titled “Social Ills That Plague African Americans Coincide with Leftfrom an emergency rescue to a way of life.” The bottom line is that while eliminated, today’s discrimination cannot go very far in explaining the problems faced by a large Bottom line: 2020 is almost Continued from Page 5 ism, Not Racism.” Agresti writes: every vestige of racial segment of the black community. gone, but some of its money “Among all of the afflictions that Whether you have a material to sell or offer a great service—CU is looking for reputable vendors to help us keep our business up-and-running. Call 417-831-8363 or log on to cityutilities.net, key search “Purchasing”, to learn about ways for us to work together. Working Together to Power Springfield City Utilities of Springfield • 301 East Central, Springfield MO • 417.863.9000 • cityutilities.net It is the policy of City Utilities to offer equal opportunity to individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status. Correct Diagnostics Needed Continued from page 9 family functions are not performed, it makes little difference how much money is put into education the result will be disappointing. In 2019, the racial breakdown of high school seniors who took the ACT college entrance exam and met its readiness benchmarks was 62% of Asians, 47% of whites, 23% of Hispanics and 11% of blacks. That helps explain a 2016 study by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce “African Americans: College Majors and Earnings.” It found that black college students were highly concentrated in lower-paying and less academically demanding majors like administrative services and social work. They are much less likely than other students to major in science, technology, engineering and math, even though blacks in these fields earned as much as 50% more than blacks who earned a bachelor’s degree in art or psychology and social work. James D. Agresti, the presidisproportionately impact people of color, violence may be the worst. In 2018, blacks comprised 13% of the U.S. population but roughly 53% of the 16,000 murder victims.” The clearance rate for murders, where a suspect was identified and charged, declined from 92% in 1960 to 62% in 2018. For example, in Chicago, the clearance rate fell from 96% in 1964 to 45% in 2018. In Baltimore, the 2019 clearance rate was 32%. In 2015, when Baltimore experienced the highest per-capita murder rate in its history, the average homicide suspect had been previously arrested more than nine times. When crimes remain unsolved, it gives criminals free range and black people are their primary victims. By the way, most law enforcement occurs at the local level. The governments at these local levels are typically dominated by Democrats. According to statistics about fatherless homes, 90% of homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes; 71% of pregnant teenagers lack a father figure; 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes; 71% of high school dropouts come from fatherless homes; and 70% of juveniles in state-operated institutions have no father. Furthermore, fatherless boys and girls are twice as likely to drop out of high school and twice as likely to end up in jail. Dr. Thomas Sowell has argued, “The black family, which had survived centuries of slavery and discrimination, began rapidly disintegrating in the liberal welfare state that subsidized unwed 1550 E. Battlefield Rd, Suite A EOE lessons should stick, especially if you want to be able to create multigenerational wealth. Regardless of where you are in your financial journey, you should think about whether or not your strategy is positioned to withstand potential adversities. This starts with creating a solid budget, investing (and staying invested), and building up your retirement savings. NEEDED Letter to the Editor Continued from Page 7 Park, and it’s next to a Springfield early February with funding from If you’re a grandparent raising tives from area organizations and gather information on community Library, NAACP’s Be a Jewel and mealtimes and snacks with a child to being truly inclusive. Nevertheless, I dream of an inclusive society with mutual respect: something that Americans can be proud of. Above all, I love because of this revelation. “Disagreement does not equal hate.” June. Contact the MO Job Center at 417-887-4343 for more information. Change 1000 Skills Academy 2 Weeks – 36 Hours (6 hours a day) new job-training program for manufacturing, construction, transportation/logistics, information technology and healthcare industries. You can work another job while attending the training. At the end of training, participants are connected to employment opportunities with the same employers who designed the training program. Wages for most jobs start between $10 - $17 per hour. For more information or to register visit: www.changeonethousnad. org or call 417-887-4343. Northwest Project Offers a free program to help families revitalize their hope so they can set and meet personal goals with a community system of support. Program participants focus on specific ways to help families move from living paycheck to paycheck: Affordable Quality Housing, Quality Childcare, Transportation, Job Training and Educational Opportunities, Budgeting, Resolving Legal Issues, Accountability and Health and Well Being. For more information: contact the Northwest Project at: www. DrewLewis.org, SGFNWP@ gmail.com or 417-720-1890. One Door Are you without a home, at risk of becoming homeless, do not have a safe stable place to stay or need affordable housing, call 417-225-7499 or visit the Springfield Affordable Housing Center at 300 E. Central, Springfield. Making Sense of Money February 5, 12, 19 and 26 – (Basic Budgeting Series) Free interactive class to learn how to manage money better. Registration is required and you must attend all four sessions. Contact 417-888-2020, ext. 150 or register online at http://www. cpozarks.org/financial-literacy/. Full Time and Part Time Positions Available SilverDollarCity.com/Careers 417.338.8122 Equal Opportunity Employer / Disabled / Veterans Unite Springfield Feb issue.indd 1 1/15/19 11:13 AM Page 11 February 2019 | Unite News Library Continued from Page 3 Letter to the Editor Resources Continued from Page 5 other branch or Mobile Library. Pay fines with a debit/credit card. Access Wi-Fi from 5:30 a.m.-11 p.m., every day. The 24/7 library is within walking distance to several westside neighborhoods, businesses and restaurants; the Young-Lilley Park, and it’s next to a Springfield City Utilities bus stop on West Chestnut Expressway. The 24/7 made its debut in early February with funding from the Friends of the Library and additional support from the State Library. ••• If you’re a grandparent raising grandchildren or know someone who is, helpful resources will be highlighted from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at the Library Station. Visit with representatives from area organizations and gather information on community resources. It’s sponsored by the Library, NAACP’s Be a Jewel and Grands Raising Grands. Registration starts Feb. 5; call 616-0683. ••• Here are two more programs for families: Picky Eaters and Problem Feeders is the topic from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, in the Library Center auditorium. If mealtimes and snacks with a child behavior. Presented in partnership with Early Childhood One Stop. Call 616-0563 to register. June. Contact the MO Job Center at 417-887-4343 for more information. Change 1000 Skills Academy 2 Weeks – 36 Hours (6 hours a day) new job-training program for manufacturing, construction, transportation/logistics, information technology and healthcare industries. You can work another job while attending the training. At the end of training, participants are connected to employment opportunities with the same employers who designed the training program. Wages for most jobs start between $10 - $17 per hour. For more information or to register visit: www.changeonethousnad. org or call 417-887-4343. Northwest Project Offers a free program to help families revitalize their hope so they can set and meet personal goals with a community system of support. Program participants focus on specific ways to help families move from living paycheck to paycheck: AffordOne Door Are you without a home, at risk of becoming homeless, do not have a safe stable place to stay or need affordable housing, call 417-225-7499 or visit the Springfield Affordable Housing Center at 300 E. Central, Springfield. Making Sense of Money February 5, 12, 19 and 26 – (Basic Budgeting Series) Free interactive class to learn how to manage money better. Registration is required and you must attend all four sessions. Contact 417-888-2020, ext. 150 or register online at http://www. cpozarks.org/financial-literacy/. A Great Place To Work For Great People! Full Time and Part Time Positions Available SilverDollarCity.com/Careers 417.338.8122 Equal Opportunity Employer / Disabled / Veterans Unite Springfield Feb issue.indd 1 1/15/19 11:13 AM September Unite Page 11 renovate the Brentwood Branch. Ozark Mountain Daredevils founding member Randle Chowning will perform from 2-3 p.m.; activities and live entertainment continue until 4 p.m. The renovation will include a bigger reading room, more parking, a drive-through window, a dedicated public computer area and more! ••• Magna Carta, “the Great Charter” of 1215, turns 800 this year, and remains one of the most important documents in history. It established the principle that everyone is subject to the law, and guarantees the right to a fair trial and limit taxation without representation. Experience the national traveling exhibit Oct 12-23, “Magna Carta: Enduring Legacy 1215-2015,” at Meyer Library of Missouri State University. The exhibit, curated by the Law Library of Congress and produced by the American 6 p.m. Library Station Frisco Room, Kings of Pop, Musical Rebellion, and the Elite Music Critic. In a dynamic and interactive presentation for adults, Dr. Richard Schur, Drury University professor of English and Director of the Law & Society, will use Magna Carta to help us understand how American popular music has developed since the Civil War. Kathleen O’Dell is community relations director of the Springfield-Greene County Library District. She can be reached at kathleeno@thelibrary.org. SALES HELP WANTED TeleSales at Christian Radio Station, Monday through Friday 9-3:30 pm Hrly, Plus bonus available, Apply at KADI, 5431 W. Sunshine EOE continued from page 3 Library Every First Tuesday of the Month Minorities In Business monthly networking meeting When: 5:15 p.m. 405 N Jefferson Ave, Springfield, MO 65897 Bring a friend or business partner!! RSVP by emailing kayla@oke-thomas.com 405 N. Jefferson Ave. For more information call: (417) 863-6262 Branco Enterprises, Inc. is seeking bids from MBE and WBE contractors for work on the Missouri State University Glass Hall Additions and Renovations (bids due 9/17 at 2:00 pm). There are many trades needed for this project including earthwork, utilities storm drainage, demolition, concrete, site improvements, fencing, structural steel, doors and frames, finishes, painting, plumbing, HVAC and electrical. For information on the project contact Jeremy Pant at 417.455.8103 or at estimating@branco.com Digital plans are available from Branco Enterprises. Plans are available for viewing at our office in Neosho, MO. Contact us for information about purchasing the bid documents. Mechanic/Tool Crib Operator Drury University has an opening for a full-time Mechanic/Tool Crib Operator. NEEDED are a struggle, this is for you! Register by calling 883-5341. Conscious Parenting: From Chaos to Calm, 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 16, in the Library able Quality Housing, Quality Childcare, Transportation, Job Training and Educational Opportunities, Budgeting, Resolving Legal Issues, Accountability Bar Association, is brought to Missouri by the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Foundation. For a complete list of Magna Carta programs in Springfield Apply online at www.drury.edu/hr, send a letter and resume or apply in person at Drury University Human Resources Unite News Continued from Page 7 to being truly inclusive. Nevertheless, I dream of an inclusive society with mutual respect: Building Empowering Connections | Page 11Affordable Housing Opportunities There are currently housing vacancies in

Makaiya Brooks

Continued from page 5

for the game. These have all been character building, and instrumental to Makaiya’s accomplishments. The fruits of her labor speak for themselves. Makaiya finished her Junior year at Central High School as the all-time leading scorer with 1,600+ points, averaging 24.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.4 steals per game, scoring a 37-point game high. We anticipate a senior season with similar stats, mixed in with tricky passes, and an impressive game IQ. Perseverance is defined as: “steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement”. And, persevere is precisely what Makaiya has elected to do. Being a Senior in 2020 is far different than it’s ever been. The challenges these young people have experienced are incomparable on many levels. A global pandemic, re-ignited racial tension, etc. have been added to the “norm”, creating a tumultuous time worldwide. During these struggles, Makaiya has been able to sustain her center, by concentrating on her target- immersing herself in

Library

Continued from page 5

Materials in the collection were contributed by private individuals, the History Museum on the Square, Missouri State University’s Special Collections her basketball and books. Being a student athlete has always been a top priority of Makaiya’s, resulting in her ability to maintain a 4.0 GPA throughout her entire academic career. She recognizes the importance of being a well-balanced individual and will do what it takes to ensure it happens. There is a familiar saying- “It takes a village to raise a child”. While that is true, in this case, it has taken a “team”- a team of supportive family, friends, teammates, church, coaches, and community. Makaiya is both fortunate and grateful for this support system that has encouraged and uplifted her along the way. Kudos to the hustling, humble leader-a local “she-ro” of sorts. Setting examples and instilling hope is just a sprinkling of Makaiya’s contributions amongst her peers. Please join us in congratulations and Best Wishes to Springfield Central High School 2021 graduate, Makaiya Brooks, for signing with and becoming a part of the University of Memphis Basketball family, where she will continue her studies toward pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy. Go Tigers Go!

and University Archives, and the library district. The Library also partnered with Drury University, Greene County Archives, Minorities in Business, Springfield Public Schools and Unite. NewsOnline to help develop and guide the project. The Local History staff will continue adding more materials to the collection, Brian said. “If there are other individuals in the community that have photographs, documents or other materials they would like to share with us, we’d be glad to scan or photograph them and add to this collection to tell their story, as well.” For details, call Brian at 417-616-0544.

Kathleen O’Dell is community relations director of the Springfield-Greene County Library District. She can be reached at kathleeno@thelibrary.org.

Nature vs Nurture

Continued from page 7

peers to use the natural clash of wills between two human beings to nurture your children and develop the characteristics needed to be successful in today’s society. Applying this simple approach will help turn our hopes for our children into reality. I (Daniel), the said “baby” find it quite comical that Olaolu considers certain aspects of his growing up adversarial and “odd”… Objectively speaking, the youngest is ALWAYS the best (i.e. King David). Nonetheless, my siblings found it necessary to “teach” me otherwise. Being the youngest, I often had a chip on my shoulder- to be the loudest, tallest, to fit in with my older siblings. In many ways, this obviously backfired. In the best of ways, though, my family found ways of cultivating that lively, rambunctious personality into the person and father I am today. My family has always been my biggest unconditional support system. I can recall multiple conversations of being told, “I don’t care what you do, as long as you enjoy it, make us proud, and strive to be the best.” As an adult, I continue to take pride in the Ogunyemi name with hopes of passing that pride to my son. As my reflection, it is important for me to teach Kian how to be persistent, resilient, and driven while using discernment in every situation he will find himself in. My family taught me when to be loud, but that there are more times to be more quiet than loud. As a father, I hope to continue this strategic approach in celebrating whatever Kian’s personality becomes so he can continue to make a difference in the world. The short story for all of us is that we have a faith that drives everything we do and parents and older sisters that loved and supported us (still do) in everything we sought to accomplish. We interpreted situations very differently and have a diversity of experiences. In fact, you may think it is a full blown war whenever we get together for holidays or other occasions. Nonetheless, unconditional love persists. We have stood side-by-side for successes, failures, traumas, special moments, heartbreaks, and everything in between. Because of this, we stand before you as college graduates, spouses, mentors, leaders, advocates, friends, brothers… And most of all, good dads!

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) COMMUNITY & PUBLIC HEALTH RESOURCE DIRECTORY

PUBLIC HEALTH RESOURCES

Help Ozarks

Help Ozarks is the City of Springfield’s main website to share official directions to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). This website provides direct links to information on the latest Springfield-Greene County health updates, resources for job seekers and employers, and a pledge citizens, businesses and institutions can voluntarily take to show commitment to slowing the spread of the Coronavirus during Recovery orders. For more information visit: https://www.springfieldmo.gov/5107/Help-Ozarks

Springfield-Greene County Health Department | COVID-19 Resources

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department’s website has guidelines for good hand and respiratory hygiene habits, tips for at-risk groups that may be more affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and guidance for travel and isolation/quarantine timelines. The health department’s website also shows testing sites—Cox Virtual Health Visits and MyMercy—available in Springfield. For more information visit: https://www.springfieldmo.gov/5068/ Coronavirus or call 417-874-1211.

Cox Health Visits

Cox Healthcare System is providing free virtual visits to screen patients for COVID-19 and provide more guidance about the appropriate actions to take if they are sick with the Coronavirus. Virtual visits are online appointments that are available for people ages two years and older and include a COVID-19 Risk Assessment and if needed, a prescription referral to a pharmacy. For more information visit: https://www.coxhealth.com/services/virtualvisits/ or call 417-269-3000.

Mercy Health

Mercy Health provides virtual care options to seek medical treatment without exposing others to illness. MyMercy is a free, easy-to-use application to manage your whole family’s health online. This app allows users to access information about their health and care team 24 hours a day. For more information visit: https://www.mercy.net/patients/mymercy/ or call 417-820-2000.

Missouri Food Stamp

Pandemic Food Stamp/Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (P-SNAP) provided all households currently eligible for SNAP to receive the maximum amount for their house size for March through June 2020 to prevent Food Stamp benefits from ending during the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting July 1, 2020, Missourians are required to complete a periodic recertification process to verify the household still qualifies for Food Stamp/SNAP benefits. For more information visit https://mydss.mo.gov/covid-food-stamp-info.

Food Resources in Springfield and Greene County

Food resources in Springfield that are available to the general public, children and older adults who are 60 years and above during COVID-19 Stay-atHome and Recovery orders can be found at the following Google Spreadsheet. The list is updated with new resources when they become available and contains the location, hours, type of food service, ways to access food services and who can access services: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1v3UBVz5i68INI3agcZLM7ULys-O3jHOKm6zwJXWqJB0/edit#gid=0

WIC

Effective March 18, 2020, all satellite WIC locations were closed until further notice. All appointments are handled over the phone. The WIC program is housed at Jordan Valley Community Health Center and provides free services for qualifying participants such as health screenings, nutrition education and additional food packages, breastfeeding support, referrals to health care providers or social services agencies. For more information visit: https:// www.jordanvalley.org/services or call 417-864-1540.

Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS)

Most DSS offices are still closed to the public at this time, but some offices are taking in person visits by appointment only. Please visit the DSS website to see how the Family Support Division, Child Care Subsidy, MO HealthNet (Medicaid), Children’s Division and Division of Youth Services will conduct business during this time period if assistance is needed at https://dss.mo.gov/covid-19/

MO HealthNet (Medicaid)

Telehealth is available to MO HealthNet participants. There will be no copays for COVID-19 testing for MO HealthNet participants. Coverage will be extended to Missourians ages 19 to 64 who test positive for COVID-19. Requirements for prescriptions refills will make sure participants have access to essential medications. For more information visit: https://dss.mo.gov/mhd/ or call 573-751-3425.

JOB SEEKERS AND EMPLOYERS

Missouri Job Center

The Missouri Job Center has reopened to the public and offers a variety of job options and job training programs during Recovery Orders to make sure individuals can get back to work stronger than ever before with events and opportunities such as: Aspire (youth program), MO Works Together, Green for Greene, Career Services, America’s Promise, SkillUP and Franklin Apprenticeship & Dislocated Worker programs. The north location job center has relocated from the Cox building to the N. W. Project, located in the on Fairbanks. For more information visit https://www.springfieldmo.gov/1007/Workforce-Development or call 417-887-4343.

Prime, Inc.

Prime, Inc. is a logistics company with a Driver Training Program that allows individuals to earn their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) while getting paid. CDL training classes start each week and gives driver’s real-world experience to prepare for any situation they may encounter on the road. Prime also offers in-house job opportunities to ensure the safety, success and reliability of operations. For more information visit https://www.primeinc.com/ or call 1-877-774-6356.

SRC Holdings

SRC Holdings is a manufacturing company that remanufactures products for major industries that allows individuals to gain real-world experience, pursue an education and avoid student debt through apprenticeship, internship and tuition reimbursement programs. Participants receive one-on-one mentorship, earn wage increases at work milestones and learn cutting edge technology practices from Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC). For more information on how to apply, students may contact their high school counselor or OTC’s Career Center. All others can visit https://www.srcholdings.com/ career-development or contact them at 417-862-4510.

File for Unemployment | Missouri Department of Labor

The Missouri Department of Labor’s website provides information on how to file or manage an unemployment claim or claim benefit eligibility. The website also features information on worker’s compensation and discrimination complaints for businesses and workers. Businesses can file unemployment for groups of employees they may have to lay off due to COVID-19. For more information visit: https://labor.mo.gov/coronavirus.

US Small Business Administration (SBA)

The US Small Business Administration website describes areas eligible for SBA disaster loans and the steps to apply for a loan. SBA can provide small businesses who have experienced substantial suffering due to COVID-19 with low-interest federal disaster loans to overcome temporary loss of revenue. For more information visit: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ or call 1-800-877-8339.

EDUCATION PRE-K TO 12TH GRADE & BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL

Springfield Public Schools (SPS)

Springfield Public Schools (SPS) has an online resource center to help adjust to schooling from home to create an environment for your student to learn well at home. Resources include tips to schedule a routine for homeschooling children at each grade level, special education and English Language Learner (ELL) resources. For more information visit https://www.sps.org/Domain/57 or contact your child’s school.

Kahn Academy

Kahn Academy is offering free resources to parents, teachers, schools and districts to keep everyone learning. Their website offers resources such as daily schedules, weekly learning plans for students in remote learning environments. For more information visit https://keeplearning.khanacademy.org/.

Fast Track Program

Fast Track is a financial aid program from the Missouri Department of Higher Education that helps adults obtain an industry-recognized credential in high need job areas. Students who receive the Fast Track grant have any remaining college tuition and fees covered after using other state and federal aid programs. Individuals 25 years or older or who have not been enrolled in school within the last two years and are seeking to earn a bachelor’s degree are eligible to apple. Participants must earn under $40,000 per year or $80,000 filing jointly. For more information visit https://dhewd.mo.gov/initiatives/fast_track.php.

Ozarks Technical Community College

OTC is a community college in Springfield, Missouri. Students can earn a one-year certificate, two-year Associate of Applied Science degree or Associate of Arts degree. They also have a variety of apprenticeship programs. For more information visit https://www.otc.edu/ or call 417-447-7500.

Missouri State University

MSU is a public, comprehensive university system with a mission in public affairs. Their purpose is to develop fully educated persons with a focus on ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement. For more information visit https://www.missouristate.edu/ or call 417-836-5000.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Community Health Advocates | Springfield-Greene County Health Department

Community Health Advocates help individuals navigate Springfield resources and work with individuals to determine their needs and provide personalized referrals to employee assistance, affordable housing, healthcare, pregnancy and parenting services, education, disability services and childcare assistance. To make a referral visit: https://www.springfieldmo.gov/CHAreferral or call 417-874-2477.

U.S. Census 2020

The U.S. 2020 Census invitations began arriving at households March 12. For the first time, nearly everyone will be invited to respond online, by phone, or by mail. Along with the invitation, households will receive a census overview, description of language assistance in English and 12 additional languages, and a census ID number. More information about when most people will receive their invitations can be found at 2020census.gov. https://2020census.gov/en.html?utm_campaign=20200312msprts1ccpupnl&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Tax Filing New Due Date

TThe 2019 tax filing deadline was extended to July 15, 2020 due to COVID-19. For individuals with simple returns to file, Community Partnership of the Ozarks is hosting Tax Clinics through September 30, 2020. If individuals have access to a computer, they can also use the following website suggested by Community Partnership of the Ozarks: www.myfreetaxes.com. For more information visit https://www.cpozarks.org/financial-literacy/ or call 417-720-2000.

Prosper Springfield Website: “Get Help & Get Informed”

This website has information on current resources and services available in the Springfield/Greene County area. Click “Get Help” to find information related to almost any area of need related to education, health, housing, job/financial assistance and transportation. Please visit: www.prosperspringfield.org.

More resources listed online at: unitenewsonline.org

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