2021 March Unite

March 2021 Volume 31/ Number 3 • Find Digital Version @ www.unitenewsonline.org •

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UNITE. Building Empowering Connections

Leadership Retreat Kick Off Concert

March 15 Oasis Convention Ctr

Heather Hardinger Is Running for City Council

Pitts Chapel UMC moves forward with capital campaign for Church Restoration

Ozarks Technical Community College hires first diversity officer

featuring Bishop Cortez Vaughn

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Page 8

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Tech-Healthy Grandfamilies Page 5

Daniel Ogunyemi Is Running For School Board Page 9

Legal Workshops available In March for Faith-Based Organizations Page 7

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

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Page 2 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

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

Tableof Contents Faith Community

Leadership Retreat Kick Off Concert, featuring Bishop Cortez Vaughn March 15 Oasis Convention Center

Page 6

Civic Particapation

Heather Hardinger is a candidate for Springfield City Council, General Seat A: Meet the person behind the vision

Page 8

Education

Women’s History Month is a dedicated month to reflect on the often-overlooked contributions of women in the United States of America

Page 5

Civic Particapation

Daniel Ogunyemi is running for school board: Find out what he wants to achieve

Page 9 Community

Is the children’s technology causing you confusion or concern? Join a virtual presentation, Tech-Healthy Grandfamilies

Page 5

Heath & Wellness

The US Healthcare system is moving toward a patientcentered care model to provide safe, timely, equitable, and efficient care.

Page 10

Faith Community

Pitts Chapel UMC moves forward with capital campaign for their church restoration

Page 5

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 3

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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.”

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Community: News, People & Events Pitts Chapel UMC moves forward with capital campaign for their church restoration

By Kim Jones Unite Contributing Writer It is well documented that the year 2020 was a year like none other. Through all of the challenges of political division, social unrest, an unprecedented world-wide pandemic and an awakening to racial injustice, Pitts Chapel United Methodist Church not only survived, but is audaciously marching into 2021 and moving forward with God’s plan!

In early 2020, Pitts Chapel adopted a new Vision: Building a spiritual foundation for today’s ever-changing world. There was absolutely no way of knowing how extremely prophetic this vision would be. The vision followed the 2019

theme of the capital campaign for the restoration and improvement of the church building: Honor the legacy; fulfill the prophecy. Pitts Chapel has a rich legacy reaching back to minimal humble beginnings in 1847. At that time, there was no building; only a small group of slaves who were given permission to gather and worship along the Jordan Creek.

Through many trials and with a great deal of commitment and determination, the current building at 600 N. Benton was erected in 1911.

Now, 110 years old, the building is being restored to not only preserve its treasured history, but more importantly, to be made more accessible and functional to fulfill the prophecy of Continued on page 11

March Is Women’s History Month

By Gwen Marshall Unite Contributing Writer

and their families with love, grace and determination.

Let’s honor them, let’s say their names, let’s write Women’s History Month is a dedicated month them a note and let them know how deeply we to reflect on the often-overlooked contributions appreciate their wisdom. of women to United States history. From Abigail I would like to share a quote from the National Adams to Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Women’s History Alliance, “RecognizTruth to Rosa Parks, Cecily Tyson, ing the dignity and accomplishments of and Vice President Kamala Harris, women in our own families and those the timeline of women’s history milefrom other backgrounds leads to highstones stretches back to the founding er self-esteem among girls and greater of the United States. respect among boys and men. The First celebrated on March 19, 1911, Inresults can be remarkable, from greatternational Women’s Day was inspired er achievement by girls in school to Gwen Marshall by the National Women’s Day organless violence against women, and more ized by the Socialist Party of America stable and cooperative communities.” and observed on February 28, 1909, in New York There is no greater way to celebrate Women’s City.

History Month than respecting and honoring the During Women’s History Month I would like to talents and contributions of women to the world. invite Springfield, Missouri to pay tribute to all Langston Hughes said it best in his poem Mother the great women who have impacted their lives. to Son. Readers of all backgrounds can read this Great Women that have served this community Continued on page 11

Learn Strategies For Connecting With Your Neighborhood At The Library Having friendly, trusting relationships with your neighbors can help combat social isolation.

It can also build strong communities, say two guest speakers planned in March.

On Tuesday, March 16 at 6:30 p.m., David Burton, county engagement specialist with the Greene County MU Extension Office, will share strategies for connecting with your neighborhood, and the benefits for you. Registration begins March 2; find the program listed at thelibrary.org/programs. A link will be shared with registered participants.

At 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 18, author Melody Warnick will present “This is Where You Belong: The Art and Science of Loving Where You Live.” She will focus on becoming attached to where you live, being neighborly, and what it takes to feel truly rooted in your town or city.

Sponsored by The Library Foundation and Greene County MU Extension Office. Registration starts March 4; find the program listed at thelibrary.org/programs. A link will be shared with registered participants.

Then we invite you to take the 100 Acts of Community Kindness Challenge from March 13-20. You can download the suggested list of 100 acts at thelibrary.org/kindness, or ask a librarian to print a copy for you. We’re hoping to inspire 100 acts of kindness throughout the week. Send us an email at imagine@thelibrary.org and tell us what act you or your family did that week.

••• Is the children’s technology causing you confusion or concern? Join a virtual presentation, Tech-Healthy Grandfamilies, at 10 a.m.

Saturday, March 27. Dr. Stephanie Huffman, head of the Reading, Foundations and Technology Department at Missouri State University, discusses how to monitor your family’s safe use Continued on page 11

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 5

Ozarks Technical Community College hires first diversity officer Springfield, MO—Last month, Daniel Ogunyemi was named OTC’s first director of diversity, equity and inclusion. Based in Springfield, he will work with all of OTC campuses and centers in the college’s 12-county service region.

“Every time I heard someone talk about OTC, mainly employees, they all seemed excited to work there — the culture, the atmosphere,” Ogunyemi said. “All the programs it has. It seemed very cool to be a part of.”

The Louisiana native moved to the Ozarks to attend Southwest Baptist University, where he earned a degree in counseling psychology. He has a master’s degree in counseling from Evangel University.

Daniel served as the volunteer coordinator for CASA of Southwest Missouri before taking a job, nearly a year ago, working in the field of diver-

sity, equity and inclusion at Burrell Behavioral Health.

“Being able to build my own program in hopes of creating a more inclusive atmosphere for staff, for students and for community members and for stakeholders from all over is what drew me,” he said. “It is a little hard to leave, on multiple fronts, but I’m excited to work at OTC.” OTC Chancellor Hal Higdon said more people from underrepresented groups have been choosing OTC to further their education.

“It’s been a goal of ours to fund this position for a while,” he said.

Higdson said students from all backgrounds need to feel included at OTC. “He is here to help us become a more diverse, more welcoming community.”

Ogunyemi was one of 45 applicants for the job

and four who were interviewed. Higdon said his positivity and dynamic personality made him the choice.

“I’ll be leading the work of diversity, equity and inclusion, access and belonging but I will also be soliciting my coworkers to infuse that into the culture,” he said.

Ogunyemi said helping students achieve their academic and career goals will help grow a diverse workforce in southwest Missouri.

“We are representing what America is becoming. We are representing what it means to be a community college,” he said. “When we are looking at hiring, when we are looking at recruiting, when we are looking at higher-up positions, we will be ensuring we have a robust pipeline of qualified individuals from many, many different backgrounds.”

In the Field of Cosmetology, a pioneer rarely heard of by many

by Carla Benhum Unite Guest Writer Christina Mae Jenkins was the African American hair stylist who was the “trail blazer” and inventor of the sew-in hair weaving process. Hair weaves were first seen among the Egyptians as early as 3400 B.C. At this time in history, women often wore braids, sewn-on hair pieces and wigs made from sheep wool. Hair weaves were very popular in the 1950’s as they were worn by many celebrities. In the 1970’s, weaves were also very popular globally especially during the long disco hair era.

Christina (Christina Mae Thomas) was born in Zillplatt, Louisiana on December 25, 1920.

She attended Leland College (an all- black college founded in

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1870) located near Baton Rouge and graduated with science degree in 1943. Christina obtained a teaching certificate in math and the same year married Herman Duke Jenkins-- one of Cleveland’s leading jazz performers. They had one child—a daughter. The family resided in Cleveland, Ohio.

In 1949, Christina worked in a wig manufacturing company located in Chicago. This job peaked her interest in devising new ways to hold wigs and hair pieces in place.

At this time, women simply used bobby pins to hold them in place.

Her extensive research inspired her to design a permanent way to attach commercial hair to natural hair.

She later moved to Malvern, Ohio to develop weaving extensions into braids. Christina’s technique was Continued on page 12

A Series of Legal Workshops for Faith-Based Organizations Springfield, MO—A unique attribute of living in the Ozark region is experiencing the central role faith-based organizations play in the overall culture of our community.

In Springfield, faith-based organizations work to meet individuals and families where they are at in relation to faith and connecting individuals to resources to meet specific needs while achieving life goals.

Due to Springfield’s rich network of resources and collaboration, there is a need for all cross-sector organizations to align to community goals.

The Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association is hosting a series of brief and basic web-workshops designed to provide faith-based leaders with the legal knowledge needed to connect individuals and families to appropriate resources.

The workshops are designed to provide faith-based leaders with knowledge that can help them with a variety of legal issues that individuals or families may experience.

Last month a workshop took place that covered family law and custody basics. The March 2021 workshop will focus on guardianship, estates and end of life basics and the May 2021 workshop will focus on criminal law basics. The links below can be used to register for the workshops: Thursday, March 18, 11:00 A.M. – Guardianship/ Estate/ End of Life Basics for Clergy https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uORpxJqcSFeHq8p5gI7y1Q Thursday, May 20, 11:00 A.M. – Criminal Law Basics for Clergy

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VaBli-jPSHy9va2BJvwlZA Faith-based organizations offer a unique sense of belonging and resource to individuals and families in our community. Many times, faithbased organizations are often the first to encounter the needs of individuals and families. When faithbased organizations are equipped to connect people to pathways to address legal issues, they can serve their congregations and communities in trusted environments. To learn more about Springfield area resources, please visit www.prosperspringfield.org.

Prosper Springfield is a collective impact initiative focused on a shared community vision to improve economic mobility in the Springfield community. The Prosper Springfield mission is to build community relationships and align community resources to create pathways that help move people to prosperity. Today’s column was written by Prosper Springfield’s Lauren Rogers.

For more information about Prosper Springfield, please visit www.prosperspringfield.org or contact 417-888-2020.

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Heather Hardinger is a Candidate for Springfield City Council working families, closing the skills gap, and the accessibility of workforce training and higher education. These valuable experiences would help us navigate the pandemic and subsequent challenges of economic recovery.

With more than 10 years of experience in analyzing workforce trends at multiple levels and developing innovative workforce initiatives, and over five years directing complex workforce and economic development projects, my blend of professional and volunteer experiences have given me a skillset that is unique to the community and will be an asset in service to Council. I look forward to applying my professional experience, education and knowledge to making informed, thoughtful decisions as a member of Springfield City Council.

Heather Hardinger

Springfield, MO—Originally from Fairbanks, Alaska, I have lived in Springfield since 2005 and it is truly home for me and my husband Aaron.

We love it so much that we have convinced several family members from Alaska to settle here, and they now also call Springfield home. Springfield has been a great place for my husband and I to launch our careers as young professionals and maintain a great quality of life.

In volunteer roles and as a professional, I have dedicated time, energy, and effort to understanding the issues that face our city and I want to help foster a community where everyone can thrive. My entire career has been dedicated to public service in some capacity, and I am ready to take those efforts to the next level by serving on Council. I am committed to listening to citizens about their needs and working to lead our city’s economy into an era of robust growth so families can stay here and succeed.

With my diverse personal and professional experience, I bring a fresh perspective and an innovative approach to the issues we face, here in Springfield and beyond. In 2019, I completed a fellowship program with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation that allowed me to participate in conversations with nationally-recognized leaders tackling tough issues like childcare for

Job Growth + Economic Recover y As an economic development professional and business advocate, I understand the stresses small business owners face to be good employers while offering good jobs, providing excellent customer service, and maintaining a profitable bottom line.

Workforce Development The best starting point to addressing challenges like underemployment, cyclical poverty and a tight labor market is a good job. It is vital that we continue to invest in workforce training programs and initiatives that focus on in-demand skills to build a pipeline of talent that helps attract higher-paying jobs to the community.

Public Safety Public safety is directly linked to growth and economic success. The safety of our neighborhoods and our citizens should continue to be a top priority of the city. Our leadership continues to ensure that Springfield’s police and fire departments have the training and equipment they need and that our local health system is equipped and ready to provide vital community support to address public health concerns.

I have participated in Police Chief Paul Williams’ Citizen Advisory Group over the past year

Page 8 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

and have attended several community listening sessions to better understand policing and our community. I plan to be a part of productive discussions as we work towards a safer community for all citizens.

Closing Opportunity Gaps + Fostering Inclusion Fostering an inclusive, welcoming climate in Springfield is the right thing to do for the health and wellbeing of all of our citizens, and it is also a key part of our future growth and economic success. A recent national study found that if the number of minority-owned firms were proportional to labor force participation, the U.S. would add more than 1.1 million businesses, supporting an estimated nine million additional jobs and adding nearly $300 billion in workers’ income.

As a community, we can do more to champion our minority-owned businesses while investing in start-up resources and advancing entrepreneurship opportunities for people who want to launch a new business in Springfield.

While I was Chair of the Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights and Community Relations, the Commission conducted a qualitative Inclusion Survey of Springfield residents. With more than 2,200 responses, people shared their experiences and provided suggestions on how we can improve as a community. This is important data for public policy makers to ensure we are creating a more desirable place to live with a thriving economy for future generations.

It will continue to be my priority to support initiatives that allow us to build a community where anyone can live the life they want in Springfield.

“My vision is to build a strong, safe community to benefit future generations, foster a thriving business climate that fuels economic vitality and family-sustaining jobs, while working to attract, retain and develop top talent to ensure Springfield is truly a great place to live and work for all.”

-Heather Hardinger, Candidate for Springfield City Council, General Seat A

Daniel Ogunyemi Is Running For School Board Springfield, MO— When I moved to Missouri, it was riddled with two goals: play college basketball and obtain my degree in Psychology, then I was on my way to Florida or… almost anywhere else that did not snow. Not that I thought Missouri was bad, but before moving here, I did not know anything about Missouri.

So, I was able to obtain those goals that I originally came to do. I was blessed with a scholarship to play basketball at Southwest Baptist University before attending graduate school at Evangel University to complete my Master’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. By this point, I’m in Missouri longer than I ever imagined I would be. Some other behind the scenes things include quickly becoming involved in my church, meeting/dating/marrying my wife, and starting a family.

Still, though, my plans did not include staying in Missouri. I began my career working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities which I thoroughly enjoyed before switching to the child welfare field which also holds a special place in my heart. While all of this is transpiring, I made the wonderful and fortunate mistake of getting involved in the Springfield community. What did that look like? Pretty much any time the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s doors were open, I was there. Same goes for many other organizations and events including being accepted into Class 36 of Leadership Springfield.

While in Leadership Springfield, I met people I never would have otherwise (connect), learned more about this community and how to partner for performance (develop), and made a commitment to remain an active member of this community (inspire). Even before this experience, I got this impromptu urge to get involved which usurped my plans of pursuing a career as a marriage and family therapist. But Don Harkey said something that has stuck with me for the last few years since Leadership Springfield, “The lack of satisfaction you feel is potential.”

Potential. This word is scary for me, somewhat a trigger. My entire life, I had been told

my basketball potential was one that equaled the path of high-major Division I athlete into a professional career. I never reached that status to nobody’s fault but my own. No, I am not saying I am dissatisfied with the opportunity I received to play college basketball at SBU. Even now, I do not believe I maximized my potential while there.

The work and determination required to transcend my peak performance was nonexistent.

Because of this, Mr. Harkey’s comment struck another nerve in me… One that said I will NEVER get caught slacking again. Any lack of effort would be disrespectful to my faith and my family.

Coffee meeting after meeting, networking event after event, relationship after relationship. My goal was to know and understand this community one relationship at a time. I asked Wes Pratt, Chief Diversity Officer and Assistant to the President at Missouri State University, to mentor me and gave an ear to anyone else I was ever able to sit in front of. This obligation to listen to others’ stories is fun, necessary to me. I began to realize that there is no special potion for people to influence others. In fact, we are all an influence to someone else. But this gave me hope that an ordinary guy like me can carve a space here in 417-land.

Through the years, this recipe of genuine relationships and listening has paid major dividends for me. I plan to continue this pattern as I currently serve as the first Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Ozarks Technical Community College as well as a candidate for Springfield Public Schools Board of Education with the plan of being elected on April 6, 2021. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined serving in either of these capacities or even living in the Midwest. I’m a southern, Louisiana guy that flocks to sunshine and hides from… well everything else.

As a member of the SPS Board, my hopes are to advocate on behalf of all students with specific focuses on the mental health of staff and students, addressing equitable barriers for marginalized students while balancing high quality educational and extracurricular experiences for

Daniel Ogunyemi

all students, and bridging the gap between the teachers and administration as well as the district and the community. During this campaign season and beyond, I am open to hearing open and honest feedback from all persons. I firmly believe that from growing up listening to my parents and siblings to gleaning from the stories of my fellow community members, I stand here today. This is something that the constituents of the Springfield district can rest assured on- that there will be a fierce, energetic, and enthusiastic advocate that will infuse a healthy learning culture that may be sustainable #ForOurFutureGenerations. I have a son that will soon be in the district and personal motivation to ensure this community and the district are conducive for him and my family. I look forward to serving as your next school board member.

To learn more about my campaign, visit ogunyemiforschoolboard.com or email ogunyemiforschoolboard@gmail.com

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 9

Health & Wellness News Birthing Black Babies

by Melesha Bailey Unite Contributing Writer

dual feelings, happiness, joy, heartache, and devastation.

According to the CDC, Black, Springfield, MO— Childbirth is a American Indian, Alaska Native, magical time for mothers and their and Hispanic women are 4x more families. Bringing a new likely to die from preglife into the world is one nancy-related causes of the most emotionally than white women in the charged events in a United States. African mother’s life. Feelings American mothers are of joy, apprehension, twice as likely to have an fear, and euphoria erupt infant who dies by their as a mother gazes into first birthday. Pregnanthe eyes of her child and cy-related complications Melesha Bailey tenderly kisses her newborn are closely tied to infant baby. For many minority women, deaths and affect black women the birthing experience brings from all walks of life. Most of these

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, Funding provided by • gloves, and or • hand sanitizer Please contact: Brooke Ash, CPO at 417-888-2020.

Page 10 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

deaths are preventable.

Racial and ethnic disparities in pregnancy-related deaths continue to be a leading cause of these deaths. According to Dr. Ana Langer, director of the Women and Health Initiative at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, it’s a public health and human rights emergency.

There are widespread calls to address and reduce infant mortality, preterm birth, and low birth weight rates in the United States.

According to the Midwives Alliance of North America, “racial disparities in birth outcomes continue to persist, with African-American infants remaining the most vulnerable.”

Many black and brown women experience disparities and biases during childbirth based on race when medical professionals treat their patients differently during their pregnancy. Medical mistrust is a leading cause of apprehension to the reality of discrimination in healthcare. It affects care, treatment, and health outcomes for these mothers and their babies.

Disparity starts with access to quality healthcare because of economics, inadequate medical insurance, housing, a living wage, untreated pre-existing health conditions, and transportation to doctor appointments.

Communication can be a barrier to health care because of cultural values, beliefs, and behavior patterns when working in diverse populations. Many cultures have their own way of communication, and those differences may elicit a

breakdown of communication and trust between mothers and health professionals. Communication is critical to make childbirth go more smoothly with no adverse outcomes.

Health care practitioners must do a self-check for conscious or unconscious bias. These biases can lead to mothers feeling unheard, uncared for, and not safe because of mother and child indifference.

For things to change, many factors need to occur to ensure these babies are born in a safe environment and have a better chance of survival. The patient-centered care model is a great place to start. The US Healthcare system is moving toward this model to provide safe, timely, equitable, and efficient care. This model addresses access to healthcare providers, access to hospitals, doulas, and trained professionals who understand how to communicate and care for ethnic mothers, their babies, and their families.

We can start by addressing these disparities and advocating on behalf of these mothers and their babies. Healthy, beautiful black and brown children are the future.

We must be vigilant in making sure these babies arrive in the world safely with a chance of survival.

What can you do to be a voice?

What can we do collectively? The future of our babies depends on action.

Nutritional Holistic Health Coach Melesha Bailey, www. love4lifewellness.

the famous Mercury-Atlas 6 mission in 1962 and is about a math genius named PittsKatherine Chapel Continued Johnson whofrom had page 5 an important role those gone before: to truly serve as in calculating a sanctuary and a village of service flight trajectories for ALL people of God. for NASA. The The mission of Pitts Chapel: other two women ‘Sharing God’s truth, grace and profiled in the service, guidance, exlove through filmample also and hadinclusion’ is not dependsignificant ent uponroles a building. The COVID-19 onepandemic being the has shown us that a exist, and perhaps even firstchurch blackcan female thrive, with engineer and the theassistance of modernleading technology; however, there is other no replacement black women in for the security and Pictures 2016 of a churchUniversal home…a place thecomfort West Area to gather, to celebrate, to serve and computers division. The women to mourn. A place where acceptare played by some easily recogance is the norm and love is given nizable women in the person without condition. These are the of Taraji P. Henson, Octavia intangibles that a ‘church home’ Spencer and Janelle Monae. provides.

Their To acting can bring all ofability the individuals, churchanyes, story to life and the reality corporations and organizations have in any way contributed, thatwho it really happened simply supported, or prayed makes it evendonated more powerful. for Pitts Chapel, we offerfrom a very The film doesn’t hide ‘Thank you’! We will soon thesincere racial and gender climate of reach $100,000 raised of the day and with the leadour char$250,000 goal for Phase One acters being black and female of our capital campaign. With your in a male dominated space race assistance, we have been able to inandstall engineering field one can a new HVAC system, upgrade imagine the day to day challengthe lighting in the fellowship hall, es that they face.

The film alleviate water seepage and gives drainus aing good idea of ainstallation few of theof new issues, begin things that they faced and the windows and complete demolition of the drop ceiling in the sanctuary.

Through the renovation, pandemic and unrest, Pitts Chapel is also exceedingly grateful that we have continued from page 8 to serve been able to continue and be a resource to our greater much too early to find out I Springfield community.

We but invite have been told by very reliable all to join our journey. For more sources that the margaritas information or questions regarding arePitts niceChapel, and well worth a try! please contact Rev.

Restaurant Column

encourage each other works very well and in many ways is the glue that H Russell Ewell, II, Pitts holds the Chapel film Senior Pastor:together.

314-306-4298 or email: ncommunity1@gmail.com Kevin Costner. plays the role of supervisor and as usual plays his Women’s History Month Continued from page part in 5an inspiring manner. poem and feel themselves The filmeither is in in the shoes of the child or the mothlimited release er, or perhaps both. on Christmas day When I read this poem, I hear and gets to all of the heart of a mother encouraging thegoing. nationLife right her child to keep may after the new have some difficulties and hardI am hoping ships but you year. have the strength within you to persevere through that seeing these them all.

Just as many women did sisters work their magic in mathand continue to do to gain young their ematics will inspire some rights. men and women to become engineers and scientists and wildly Mother to Son succeed in technology Well, son, I’ll tell you: as well.

Thefor real film Life memessage ain’t been of no the crystal might stair.be one for our society hadthat tacks it, you are stillIt’s and is in when And to splinters, trying get a man in space And boards torn up,and room you don’t have time And places with no carpet on the for prejudice to get in your way. floor— Hopefully we will learn that Bare; about But everything all the time else in life as well.

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ciated. Chips and salsa which are excellent by the way are complimentary when you order anLibrary entre. I am not a big queso Continued page 5 fan but theyfrom have several versions of it including a mac and of their green digital devices, websites cheese, chile and plain. and social media platforms. ProvidThe guacamole (which I am ed in partnership with Be A Jewel. becoming a fan of) is fresh and Find the event listed at thelibrary. delicious.

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Great American Taco makes a great spot for lunch or dinner and also offers a convenient to your collection. Registration drive-through you starts March 27; if find theneed eventto grab at and go. It can also be a listed thelibrary.org/programs, night spot agood link todate the virtual eventand will prices be can go up close to $10 for some shared with registered participants. of the menu items but if Santa Thursday, Aprilyou 15 it should not came to visit Virtual Thebank.

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Don’t you sit down on the steps, ’Cause you finds it’s kinder hard; Don’t you fall now— Forconsistent I’se still goin’, honey, And with the cuisine I’se still climbin’, there is an abundance of tequila And life for been no crystal as well so if me thatain’t is your drink stair.

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Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 11

A Pioneer in Cosmotology Continued from page 6

patented on December 16, 1952.

This method was created to add length and volume to natural hair by the use of attaching a net that was sewn into the client’s cornrows.

Christina and Duke developed their own company called “Christina’s Hair Weev Penthouse Salon in Cleveland, Ohio. She spent many years traveling and teaching other stylist her techniques throughout the UK. At the same time, Christina was noted to own and operate her own store up until 1993 in

which she retired. Records indicate that she died in 2003.

Where would woman of all nationalities be today without Christina’s wonderful invention?

Today, women can go from short to long, and/or curly or wavy in a single day. Women can experiment with different lengths, textures and colors. Weaves have many advantages. They make a person feel beautiful, are low maintenance, easy to maintain, protect our natural hair and allow us to experiment.

Every Christmas around the world take moment and thank Christina Jenkins for making life easier for some of us!

NEW INFORMATION Stimulus Checks Individuals with an adjusted gross income up to $75,000 or couples with $150,000 are eligible for full amount of the second round of stimulus checks. Stimulus checks will be up to $600 per individual, or $1,200 per married couple, plus $600 per child under 17 years of age. Check disbursement will begin January 4, 2021. Those who have their direct deposit information already on file with the IRS will get their money first. If you do not receive your check in early January, the IRS advises you to watch your mail for either a check or debit card.

2020 Taxes | Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) The 2020 tax season for VITA is February 1 to April 15, 2021. VITA hosts weekly tax clinics for individuals who earn up to $56,000 annually to have their taxes prepared at no cost by a qualified IRS tax preparer. If individuals have access to a computer, they can also consider utilizing 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.

ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT PAYING RENT OR UTILITIES DUE TO COVID-19?

If you are struggling to pay your rent or utilities due to COVID-19 and live in Greene County, contact the number below to see if you qualify for assistance.

Community Partnership of the Ozarks 417-888-2020

THIS PROJECT IS BEING SUPPORTED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, BY FEDERAL AWARD NUMBER ERA0293 TO COUNTY OF GREENE BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY.

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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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