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June 2021 Volume 31/ Number 6 • Find Digital Version @ www.unitenewsonline.org •

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From The Unite Staff:

Happy Father’s Day To All The Fathers

Building Empowering Connections

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATE FREEDOM SATURDAY JUNE 19 12PM-4PM SILVER SPRINGS PARK More Details on Page 5

Black History Summer Academy Starts June 14th at Drury University

A week long learning experience for students K-12 and adults. Presented by Bridge Builders Page 3

History Museum on The Square joins program series with SGF Library

Summer series devoted to Missouri African Americans and Missouri’s Bicentennial Page 5

Why Kids Need Involved Fathers Dads can do wonders for a child’s development.

Page 11

‘Updated COVID-19 Community & Public Health Resource Directory See Information on PAGE 13

.338.8122

Employer / Disabled / Veterans

l er

You Belong Here

1/15/19 11:13 AM

Search YouTube: Black Fathers Matter

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At City Utilities, people are our priority. If you want to work for a community-minded organization that puts people first, come find your place at City Utilities. Get Connected to Us. Call 417-863-9000 or go to cityutilities.net to learn ways we can work together.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

COVID-19 Community & Public Health Resource Directory: See PAGE 13

Tableof Contents JUNE

TEENTH CELEBRATE

FREEDOM

Community

Health & Wellness

Springfield Branch NAACP presents 2021 Juneteenth Celebration in Silver Springs Park

Life after COVID-19: We are Survivors by Melesha Bailey

Communitiy

Fatherhood

Page 10

Page 5

Why kids need invovled fathers by Samuel Knox

History Museum on the Square joins with Springfield /Greene County Library to present series on stories of African Americans

Page 11

Also search YouTube for: Black Fathers Matter

Page 5

Education

Ways to Prevent Summer Learning Loss by Gwen Marshall

Page 6

Resource Info

New poverty-reduction program emerges from Northwest Project

Page 7

Black History Summer Academy Starts June 14 A week long learning experience for students K-12 and adults. Presented by Bridge Builders

Deadline for Registration is May 31

BLACK HISTORY SUMMER ACADEMY

HIDDEN GEMS T H E

N E X T

JUNE 14-18

G E N E R A T I O N

6-8:30 P.M.

Learn more about Black History during a week-long FREE learning experience for students grades K-12 and adults.

FREE TO ATTEND

SPONSORED BY

Drury University, Lay Hall 900 N Benton Avenue

Drury University Springfield Public Schools

sps.org/BHSA

For more information, call Gwen Marshall at 417-523-0008

#DIVERSITYATSPS

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 3

The Unite News Publication is published by Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc.

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UNITE. Volume 31, Number 6

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CONTENT CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Melesha Bailey CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Sativa B-Sloan CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Gwen Marshall CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Kathleen O'Dell CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Daniel Ogunyemi CREATIVE TEAM PHOTOGRAPHY, Erin Gamble FESTIVAL GRAPHIC DESIGN, Bradley Knox COMMUNITY ADVISORY GROUP COMMUNITY ADVISORY MEMBER, Christopher Palma COMMUNITY ADVISORY MEMBER, Jasmine Bailey COMMUNITY ADVISORY MEMBER, Diana Vargas

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Are you inspired to create a better future for yourself and others? If so, Missouri State has a place for you. With a campus community filled with diverse perspectives, voices and opinions, Missouri State is fulfilling its commitment to address the needs of a changing society.

Missouri State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Minority/Female/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity Employer and Institution. Employment will require a criminal background check at university expense.

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The Unite. publication is a monthly newspaper published by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc. a 501(c)(3) non-profit community organization. Our mission is to promote a broader understanding and appreciation of the ethnically diverse talent, community resources and opportunities available in the Springfield/Greene County area. Distribution of Unite. is by free circulation at various locations. However, request for home delivery by mail may be directed to Unite. P. O. Box 1745, Springfield, Missouri 65801 and accompanied by $25. for one year’s postage and handling. Those wishing to make a contribution or become a monthly sponsor should direct correspondence to the same address. Reader’s comments and questions are welcomed. The opinions expressed in these pages do not necessarily reflect the views of Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. “The Unite Publication in accepting advertising in this publication, makes no independent investigation concerning the services of products advertised and neither endorses nor recommends the same and assumes no liability therefore.” For further information, you can contact us at (417) 864-7444. Email: unitepublication@yahoo.com

Make A Contribution Today! If you would like to make a contribution to the Unite News Publication and it’s mission, please mail your gift to Unite, P.O. Box 1745, Springfield, MO 65801 or contact our office at (417) 864-7444. “Let’s build a stronger community together.” - Samuel Knox

Managing Editor

Community: News, People & Events Springfield NAACP Holds Annual Juneteenth Celebration Springfield, MO—The Springfield NAACP will hold their Annual Juneteenth celebration June19, from 12 pm to 4 pm at Silver Springs Park. There will also be a basketball tournament hosted by 30 Below and Umi that begins at 10:00 am. Preregistration is required by June 15th for the tournament. The afternoon will include; community booths with kiddo friendly activities. There will be entertainment throughout the afternoon on the big stage. The program will be MC by Marlon Graves and include dramatic readings and presentations on current events, a praise dancer, and live music to name a few. Food trucks will be available along with the mobile vaccine unit onsite to administer the Covid-19 vaccine. Some of the performers will be Mark Barger, Lyle Foster, KayAnnah Ray, Jon Herbert, and the ABS Band The celebration will kick off at noon with a welcome from the past and current President of the Springfield NAACP and elected officials. The NAACP will be collecting sunscreen, bug spray, masks, and socks for the unsheltered population in our community.

Brief History of Juneteenth Celebration

President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, announcing that enslaved people “shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free,” but the proclamation didn’t immediately apply in certain areas, including secessionist states like Texas, which had left the Union and joined the Confederacy during the Civil War. It took another two years for the news to be enacted in Texas. The Civil War ended in April 1865 and two months later, on June 19, 1865, Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger of the Union Army issued General Order No. 3 in Galveston, Texas, with Granger saying, “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.” Slavery was formally abolished after Congress ratified the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution nearly six months later, on Dec. 6, 1865. Freed enslaved people marked June 19 the following year, kicking off the first celebration of Juneteenth. Juneteenth is also known as Black Independence Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Juneteenth Independence Day or Juneteenth National Freedom Day.

This marker commemorates the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862

The Juneteenth celebration is open to the public. Everyone is invited to attend

Meet Springfield Public Schools new Superintendent, Dr. Grenita Lathan

The Springfield NAACP is excited to announce that we will be hosting a Meet and Greet for Springfield Public Schools new Superintendent, Dr. Grenita Lathan. The event will be held July 10, 2021, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at Doubletree Hotel Conference Center located at 2431 N. Glenstone. The NAACP is seeking sponsors for this event to welcome the new superintendent. The Sponsorship levels are below: Diamond Level $500.00; Silver Level $250.00; and Bronze Level $100.00 For more information, please email the NAACP at info@naacpspringfieldmo.org for additional information. Checks can be sent to the Springfield NAACP at PO Box 8983, Springfield, MO, 65801

History Museum on The Square joins program series with SGF Library The stories of African Americans are entwined in Missouri’s journey to becoming a state. As part of the summer series devoted to the Missouri’s Bicentennial, you’re invited to hear a presentation on African American Heritage at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 19, in the Fox Theater, 157 Park Central Square. Staff of the History Museum on the Square will explore African American heritage through a variety of topics including sports, music, education and the importance of community. This free presentation will take place in person at the Fox and virtually; registration is required for either option. Space is limited for the seated event, along with other COVID-19 safety protocols. Registration is underway at thelibrary. org/programs; a link to the virtual event will be shared with registered participants. Or register at http://historymuseumonthesquare.org/#events The series, Struggle for Statehood, continues through July 29 with virtual events and a traveling exhibit commemorating the bicentennial. The exhibit is at the History Museum on the Square through July 5; and moves to the Library Center July 6-Aug. 6. Future programs include a 7 p.m. July 26, virtual presentation, “Contesting Slavery: Enslaved Missourians’ Enduring Struggle for Freedom,” by author Diane Mutti Burke. Registration begins July 12 through thelibrary.org/programs.

Continued on page 11

Image courtesy of the History Museum on the Square

Past Juneteenth celebration at Bartley Decatur Neighborhood Center

Members of the Benton Avenue A.M.E. Church gathered to celebrate the laying of the cornerstones of their church on August 27, 1922.

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 5

Ways to Prevent Summer Learning Loss by Gwen Marshall Unite Contributing Writer

hour a day for academic enrichment can help students close their learning gaps and perform at a higher level during the upcoming school Springfield, MO—It doesn’t seem possible but year. summer is upon us once again, and Barbara Dianis, author of, Don’t parents and caregivers are beginCount Me Out! A Guide to Better ning to plan their children’s summer Grades & Test Scores PreK-12 schedule without school activities. recommends a few tips for summer I am sure your child is dreaming of learning: days filled with friends, family, fun, 1. Make Time for Learning and goodbye to another school year Set aside time for your student to and no more books and homework. read each day. During the summer But wait a minute! A nonacademic break when they have more time to Gwen Marshall summer could cause your student, read just 15 to 30 minutes per day no matter what grade level to is all it takes! It would be beneficial digress at least two or three months in their to take your children or teenagers to the public academic skills. Setting aside an hour to a half library to check out books of interest and/or any summer reading groups they’d like to join. 2. Learn and Practice Affixes Students of all grade levels can improve their reading and spelling skills by learning affixes. Most multi-syllable words include prefixes and suffixes added to a base word. You can find a list of affixes and their meanings in a dictionary or in many online sources. To make this practice appealing, turn it into a game! Students can create flashcards of prefixes and suffixes 3. Develop Math Skills Though they

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may not like the idea of working on three to four math problems per day during the summer, it can help prevent students’ mathematical skills from getting rusty. Parents can purchase a math book for their child’s grade level at the bookstore and work on just a few problems a day. Working on just a few problems daily can help students of all ages close the gaps in their math skills and preserve what they learned during the previous school year, and prepare for the next. 4. Improve Reading Comprehension To help your children better understand what they’re reading, consider offering them a reading comprehension workbook to work on several minutes daily. These workbooks can be found at teacher supply stores or many online outlets. Workbooks and brief quizzes can help develop their fact-retaining and inference-making skills. 5. Encourage Creative Writing Creative writing is a great way to improve your children’s written language skills while giving them a fun and imaginative activity during the summer! Have your student write a creative paragraph each week. As a parent, you can help by assisting him or her with choosing a “topic” (such as a family vacation, special outing or holiday memory) to write a paragraph about. 6. Focus on Specific Skills Pinpoint the subjects your child had the most trouble learning the previous school year, and make sure to fit in some practice in these areas. Summer is an ideal time to set aside just 15 to 30 minutes a day for helping your student with areas that they are finding difficult. Remember, as a parent you are your child’s first and best teacher. Summer offers you a relaxed fun way to be a part of your child’s continued summer learning experience. From Springfield Public Schools and the Office of Diversity and Equity have a safe summer filled with fun, relaxation, and learning.

New poverty-reduction program emerges from Northwest Project Springfield, MO— After five years and a $1.3 million philanthropic investment, the Northwest Project has positively influenced the lives of 464 individuals and spawned RISE, a new year-long program to guide people to economic self-sufficiency. Those are the banner highlights from the final annual report from the NWP, which can be found online at cfozarks.org/ nwp. Led by the Drew Lewis Foundation, Missouri State University and Drury University, the NWP began in April 2016. Its goal was to pilot strategies to help families overcome challenges that kept them living in poverty and develop tools to achieve long-term success in emerging from those circumstances. The NWP was funded by the largest single grant in the history of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, along with support by the Jeannette L. Musgrave Foundation and the Stanley & Elaine Ball Foundation, managed by Central Trust Company. The original Northwest Project concept was modeled on a program launched in Jacksonville, Florida, called “1,000 in 1,000,” which demonstrated success in reducing poverty by emphasizing “pivotal assets” that boost families’ opportunities for success. Examples of these include financial literacy, parenting skills, reliable transportation, affordable housing, quality childcare and others. With the NWP now concluded, the DLF’s focus now shifts to supporting the economic self-sufficiency program it developed over the course of the last five years. DLF staff are now working to publish RISE — short for

“Reaching Independence through Stability and Education” — as a fee-based resource available to organizations across the country, providing DLF with a revenue stream to support its ongoing efforts. The RISE program is currently funded through the next year with support from the CFO and other funders. “When we look at the nitty-gritty of the success of the RISE program, we know that individuals move out of poverty through education, employment and social capital, which, simply put, comes down to support and relationships,” says Dr. Amy Blansit, CEO

of the DLF and project director for RISE. “We see the greatest success in members who are able to stick with the program longterm and benefit from the support system of the community that results from participation.” Other key highlights from the report: For all participating households, average monthly income increased by $568 and average credit scores increased by 48 points. Both of these points improve a program member’s “bankability,” which in turn has positive outcomes for mental and physical health.

Members who remained active in NWP programming for 36 months improved their average monthly income by $798. While other poverty-reduction programs only provide 12 weeks of programming, RISE offers a full year of curriculum and case-management tools to have a more sustainable impact on members and build longer-lasting communities. Another goal of the initial grant was to create transferability of the pilot project. After starting at The Fairbanks community center in the Grant Beach neighborhood of Springfield’s Zone 1, RISE has Continued on page 12

BROWN BAG LUNCH SERIES Sat., June 19, Aug. 21, Oct. 16 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. The Brown Bag Lunch series highlights local, regional and national history makers through education agency, entrepreneurship and reconciliation. Each series features a brief spotlight on a history maker to open wider conversations. Registration required two days before. Don’t forget your lunch! FEE: $5 Sat., June 19: AGENCY Sat., Aug. 21: ENTREPRENEURS

Herman Doc Horn Jr.

Negro Leagues Baseball Player for the Kansas City Monarchs, 1949-1954

Mrs. Alberta Ellis

Springfield Businesswoman and Hotelier, 1950s-1960s

Sat.,Oct. 16: RECONCILIATION

Bryan Stevenson

Attorney, Author and Founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, 1989-present

Springfield native, Herman Doc Horn Jr. Photo courtesy of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City.

MORE INFO: Timmons Hall 417-864-1046 or cpeoples@springfieldmo.gov

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 7

Wealth: Business & Personal Finance Becoming wealthy is not an event. It’s a process. Refer to the frugality habit here: Invest in quality, not quantity. Vacations – 5 percent or less. The Saver-Investor Millionaires in my study took modest, inexpensive vacations and found bargain travel deals for their families. Entertainment – 10 percent or less. This category includes bars, restaurants, movies, music, books, gifts and so on.

by By Tom Corley Success Magazine Since 2004, I’ve been immersed in studying what to do and what not to do in order to become wealthy and avoid poverty. Thanks to my research, I’ve made two monumental discoveries: First, your daily habits have a great deal to do with your financial circumstances. Some habits lift you up and help you grow wealth, while others drag you down and could put you in the poor house. And second, there are four paths to wealth: the Saver-Investor Path, the Big Company Climber Path, the Virtuoso Path and the Entrepreneur Path. When you choose the path that is right for you and install what I call “Rich Habits” to reinforce you on your journey, building wealth becomes almost automatic. Conversely, if you choose a path that is not right for you, building wealth becomes almost impossible. The most common path people take to wealth? It’s the Saver-Investor Path, which has created more millionaires than any other. I’ve spent quite a bit of my time learning how the Saver-Investor Path works for my latest book, Effort-Less Wealth. What makes this path so special is that it is available to almost everyone. It requires no special set of skills or particular education. It doesn’t demand significant risk, long working hours or isolation from friends and family.

There are just a few basic things you will need: 1) at least a middle-class income—it’s hard to save when you have to scrape by to cover the bills; 2) Discipline; 3) Consistency; and 4) Time—the typical Saver-Investor in my Rich Habits study was at it for 32 years, but accumulated north of $3.2 million. Those are the traits of a Saver-Investor millionaire. But they’re just the starting point. To leverage those traits, you’ll need to cultivate the eight common habits I observed the most during my study.

1. Be frugal, not cheap.

Being frugal means spending your money wisely. Frugal spenders make a habit of buying the highest quality product or service at the lowest price possible. They focus on quality first and cost later. Cheap spending means buying the cheapest product or service,

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with little regard for quality. Cheap products break down after just a few years, forcing you to replace them over and over again. Cheap services are typically provided by those who are either inexperienced in their field or who are not very good at what they do. This can result in mistakes that cost you money down the road.

2. Keep your spending in check.

The Saver-Investor self-made millionaires in my Rich Habits study accumulated their savings by sticking to the following guidelines for spending their net, or take-home, pay each month: Housing – 25 percent or less. Side note: The wealthy tend to buy, not rent. Cars – 5 percent or less. This includes not just the monthly payment, but also insurance, gas, tolls, registration fees and maintenance. Clothing – 5 percent or less.

Getting control of your spending is not an easy task, and it might challenge your vanity—many of the wealthy are not afraid to bargain shop or use coupons. Once smart spending becomes a daily habit, however, it gets much easier.

3. Surround yourself with fellow Saver-Investors.

The Saver-Investors in my Rich Habits study intentionally surrounded themselves with friends who shared their savings mindset. Why is this important? Habits spread like a virus throughout your social network. If your inner circle includes too many spenders, you will eventually become infected by their spending habits and will be unable to save.

4. Understand need vs. want. People who overvalue their wants will surrender to instant gratification, eschewing saving in order to buy things they crave right now: 8K TVs, glamorous vacations, expensive cars, bigger homes and flashy jewelry. Want-Spenders routinely incur debt in order to finance their standard of living. They are

Continued on page 9

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Restaurant Column

And consistent with the cuisine there is an abundance of tequila as well so if that is your drink or that is what you want to try in the new year you are now informed. Oh and if you just want to sound like you are get-

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 9

Health & Wellness News Life Afer Covid-19: We are Survivors by Melesha Bailey Unite Contributing Writer Springfield, MO—To say that this past year hasn’t had its challeng-

es would be an understatement. We have lived through the worst pandemic in our lifetime. We have seen political, social, and racial unrest. Our stress levels have

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gone through the roof as we have Will there be permanent damage watched all these events unfold to our health, finances, and our right before our eyes. way of life? Will people be able to There are over 33 million cases go back to work? Are you afraid to diagnosed and almost 600,000 return to society? Many are asking deaths so far from these questions and Covid-19 in the Unitfacing these problems as ed States. As of April we get back to a place of 28, 2021, according to normalcy. Will it ever be Statisa, 15% of Covid -19 normal again? Time will cases in the U.S. have tell. been among non-HisMany take a deep soulpanic Black or African ful look at their lives and Americans. That’s a ask themselves, how they tremendous amount of want to live the rest of Melesha Bailey people, and unfortunately, their lives? the numbers continue to grow. We have seen many vaccinated, Think about all the families who and the cases are going down. have had to endure sickness, death Nearly 50% of people say they are of loved ones, financial hardship anxious about getting back to norand are now in recovery and still mal, pre-pandemic life. We are now fighting for their lives. It’s been adjusting to the “New Normal.” challenging, emotionally, physicalThere have been massive changly, spiritually, and mentally. es in daily life. We have been in For many who have survived, the survival mode for the past year, road has been difficult. Survivors isolated and out of our everyday have endured perhaps being in coroutines. We are figuring out how mas, on ventilators, in the hospital to function at school, work, as a for weeks or months, will return to person, and in our relationships a life that will never be the same. with others. The physical toll on their body It’s okay to feel uncertain. Focus alone is hard to imagine. Many did on what you can control. Adjusting not have severe symptoms but exis a process that looks different for perienced weakness, fatigue, fever, each individual. Patience, flexibiland body aches. It’s been a long ity, and respecting the process are and trying time to stay alive. crucial. I know of a young lady in a Set routines, try something new coma for three weeks, only to while reminding yourself that you emerge with scar tissue around her survived and you are strong. The trachea from the breathing tube. time is right to set a new course for She had to have several surgeries your life. to be able to breathe. She had Life after Covid will be what you to re-learn how to walk from the decide to make it. Whether you are trauma her body endured. That’s still struggling through sickness one story; I’m sure you know many or entering society again, life will more just as challenging. Life after never be the same. It’s going to be Covid is about survival and managup to you from this point forward. ing a new way of life. Encourage someone today. Tell So what happens now? Families them they made it, and life is good, are without their loved ones. Medand the best is yet to come. We ical expenses are accumulating. survived Covid-19!

Why Kids Need Involved Fathers Edited by Samuel Knox Unite News Editor Springfield, MO—While reflecting on the topic of fathers and the role they play in a family structure, I came across a few excerpts from an article I would like to share with the Unite audience by writer Mark Oliver and a quote from former President, Barack Obama. Dads don’t always get the credit they deserve. When a father is involved in his children’s lives, it makes a big difference. Dads can do wonders for a child’s development.

Fathers make kids more resilient

Studies suggest, the more time dad spends with his kids, the tougher those kids grow up to be. There have been dozens of studies on this, all showing that almost every measure of self-confidence seems to go up when a child has an involved father. Children with involved fathers are more resilient when they have to deal with stress. They’re more able to handle unusual situations. They’re more curious about their environments and more eager to explore them. They have less fear and guilt, more self-direction, and less psychological distress. So why does that happen? Because fathers deal with problems differently than mothers do. When a child is upset, mothers tend to comfort them and make them feel safe and protected. Fathers, however, tend to comfort children by trying to bolster the child’s sense of confidence in exploration instead. This approach is not necessarily better than a mother’s approach. Both serve a useful purpose. But

when children have exposure to both approaches, they grow up emotionally well-adjusted and ready to face the world. Boys imitate their fathers Boys, especially, need a present father. He is going to set their concept of what a man is. Dad will be the first standard of masculinity in a child’s life, and he’ll be the one with the longest-lasting impact. One of the most important things boys learn from their dads is how to treat a woman. When kids grow up, they tend to emulate their parents’ marriage. If mom and dad fought a lot, had affairs, and got divorced young, there’s a high chance their kids’ marriages will go the same way. When mom and dad treat each other with respect, kids learn how to do the same with their own partners. In fact, boys are more likely to emulate their fathers if their parents have a good relationship. Part of the reason a child wants to be like his father is because he wants his mother’s love. If a boy can see that his parents are in love, he’ll imitate his father more. If dad isn’t present, boys will still come with up a concept of manliness. They just won’t get it from their parents. They’ll get from the streets or TV.

the expression, “happy wife, happy life.” This is especially true when dads take over developmental duties, like reading to the children and helping out around the house. When a father takes an active role in his child’s development, he takes the pressure off of mom to do it by herself. Former President Barack Obama said, “a

kid without a father is five times more likely to be poor, nine times more likely to drop out of school, 20 times more likely to end up in jail.” And it almost goes without saying that, when parents are less stressed, they’re better parents.

Dads parent differently from moms, and that variety is more useful and beneficial to kids

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Good fathers make mothers better

A father’s impact lasts throughout the child’s life. At every stage, involved fathers reduce the mother’s stress. When dad is participating and helping with the kids and other domestic tasks, mom feels more supported and confident in every aspect of their lives. Not only does she feel better about her husband; she feels better about everybody. Most men have heard Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 11

Library

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Another program at 7 p.m. July 29, is “Milly’s Story,” with Connie Yen, director of the Greene County Archives. In 1836, Milly Sawyers and Calley Easter, former slaves and free women of color, were attacked by a mob of some of Springfield’s founders. The men were charged in the attack, but in 1837 all charges had been dropped. Visit thelibrary.org/programs for a link to this event. To learn about other series programs, pick up a copy of the library’s Bookends calendar of events. ••• It’s the time of year for bird song and nesting, says Sue Schuble, Greater Ozarks Audubon Society member and world birder. She’ll present a virtual program, Bird Songs & Behaviors, at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 22, for grade 6 through adults on how to recognize local birds and their songs, and the unusual mating displays of birds worldwide. Registration is underway by visiting thelibrary. org/programs; a link to the event will be shared with registered participants. Kathleen O’Dell is community relations director of the Springfield-Greene County Library District. She can be reached at kathleeno@thelibrary.org.

Northwest Project

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since expanded to rural communities across the Ozarks. Aurora and Salem have had several

cohorts complete the program, and new groups are forming in Eldon, El Dorado Springs, Hermann, Monett and Neosho. When the COVID-19 pandemic spread to Springfield, NWP staff began monthly tracking of the RISE self-sufficiency assessment, typically collected every six months from members. Of the 12 RSSA scores tracked through the surveys, the group’s average mental health and psychosocial scores saw the greatest fluctuation. This indicates the impact of the pandemic on members’ mental wellness, particularly related to community engagement and social support systems being limited due to precautions taken during the pandemic. Over the past five years, the NWP leveraged the initial philanthropic investment to secure an additional $850,000 in direct funding along with substantial inkind resources provided by project partners, banking educators, legal professionals with the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association and other community “allies,” who supported members. Learn more about the Northwest Project and RISE at cfozarks. org/nwp and drewlewis.org/programs. The Community Foundation of the Ozarks is a regional public charitable foundation serving 58 counties across central and southern Missouri through a network of donors, nonprofit partners and 53 regional affiliate foundations. The CFO holds assets of $310 million as of June 30, 2020. Community Foundation of the Ozarks 425 E. Trafficway Springfield, MO, 65806 (417) 864-6199 Fax (417) 864-8344 www.cfozarks.org/nwp

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Involved Fathers

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than most people give it credit for. So this Father’s Day, we want to take time to honor the men who show up, who provide, who love, who mentor, who care — even if

they’re not someone’s biological father. Happy Father’s Day! Also see radio host Larry Elder explain in Prager University’s video how the lack of fathers is a serious threat to the black community. Search YouTube: Black Fathers Matter

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

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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.

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PUBLIC HEALTH RESOURCES 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.

More resources listed online at: unitenewsonline.org

EDUCATION PRE-K TO 12TH GRADE AND BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL • RENT OR MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE • CHILD CARE & TUTORING

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