Springfield Victory Mission

Victory Mission is a place of help and hope to individuals and families in need. Since 1976, they have been reaching out with the love of Jesus Christ to people who are hungry, homeless, hurting and struggling to meet their family's basic needs in Springfield and the surrounding area.

Their mission is that they are a non-denominational, evangelical ministry sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ through emergency and educational services that lead to long-term reconciliation, rehabilitation and re-entry into society.

Some of the services they provide are food, lodging, clothing and household goods, as well as recovery programs, education, job training and Christian counseling and spiritual guidance in a safe and supportive environment.  This continues daily throughout the entire of the year.

Their ministry is primarily sustained by the generous support of individuals, businesses, churches and community organizations. They are a certified member of the national Association of Gospel Rescue Missions (AGRM), and are committed to the highest standards of financial and institutional integrity.

Learn more today at the Springfield Victory Mission website.

C.A.R.E. Rescue

The C.A.R.E. Rescue mission is to rescue as many adoptable animals from "death row" as we can properly care for. To provide medical treatment to sick or injured stray animals. To combine an aggressive spay/neuter program with a high volume adoption program while providing quality lifetime care for unadopted pets. To network with and provide a rescue service for other shelters, ultimately reducing the kill-rate in Southwest Missouri. Learn how you can help at carerescue.org.

If you missed the interview here's the link to listen: C.A.R.E. Animal Rescue.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield

The primary mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield is to enhance the quality of life for youth as participating members of a richly diverse society. With special concern for the disadvantaged, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield helps youth to help themselves realize their potential for growth and development. Basing its program on member and community involvement and a recognized role as a spokesman for youth, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield is aware of the influences of the total environment, thus providing youth with relevant, everyday various and diversified individual and group services. These demonstrate that adults care for youth and truly desire to help them grow into contributing human beings with the necessary skills for living. Therefore, to accomplish it’s mission, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield must provide programs based on principles of behavioral guidance, which will achieve the health, social, educational, vocational, character and leadership development of our membership. Learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield today.

Boys and Girls Clubs of Springfield Interview

If you missed the interview of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield, you can click this link to LISTEN NOW.

Care to Learn

Care to Learn

For thousands of kids in the Ozarks, school isn’t just a place for learning. It’s a shelter. A kitchen. A refuge from suffering. For these kids, hygiene needs go unmet. Meals are few. And clothes rarely fit. They come to school distracted by hunger and limited by embarrassment—their education an afterthought to survival. It’s for the courage of these kids that Care to Learn was created.

Care to Learn provides immediate funding and action to meet any emergent health, hunger, or hygiene issue and restore a child’s self-respect so they can get back in the classroom. A toothbrush. A coat. Deodorant. Breakfast. These are the things that stand between children and belonging—basic unmet needs that cause pain and embarrassment.

History

In the fall of 2007, Doug Pitt heard some sobering statistics about poverty in Springfield, Missouri. The growing trend of poverty in his hometown was an unwelcomed shock to the native Springfieldian who had lived and worked in the community for over 40 years.

Doug shared the information with his brother, Brad Pitt. Doug told him about children living in poverty who had to share a toothbrush, a fifth grade boy who was being made fun of because he had to wear his mother’s jeans and teenage girls missing school because of the lack of personal hygiene products. The brothers felt strongly that no child should suffer physically or emotionally due to lack of food, access to medical, dental or mental health care, or hygiene issues.

Within 24 hours, Doug called upon Jim D. Morris, a Springfield businessman and community leader, and shared the discussion he had with Brad. Before the end of the business day, Jim offered to join the Jolie-Pitt Foundation and provide funding to stop the suffering of children living in poverty. The Brad Pitt-Jim D. Morris Fund immediately began providing funds for emergent needs of Springfield students in the areas of health, hunger and hygiene. With this strong foundation, administrative support from the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools and a caring community, Care to Learn was born in 2008. In 2009, Care to Learn Chapters were founded in Bolivar, Ozark, Nixa and Ozarks Technical Community College.

Care to Learn Chapters have also been formed in Clever, Fordland, Logan-Rogersville, Republic and Willard. Get involved by learning more at Care to Learn.  

Care to Learn Interview with Doug Pitt

If you missed the interview with Care to Learn founder Doug Pitt you're invited to click the link to listen. http://soundcloud.com/883thewind/care-to-learn

Habitat for Humanity Springfield, MO

Since 1988, Habitat Springfieldʼs dedicated donors and volunteers have helped either build or rehabilitate over 130 houses in partnership with deserving people in Greene County, MO. Together, they have built or rehabilitated homes and hope for over 500 men, women and children. Continuing with your help, the keep building success stories for deserving individuals in our community.

As a Habitat for Humanity International affiliate, Habitat Springfield’s mission is to eliminate substandard housing in Greene County, MO. The directors, community partners, individual donors and volunteers all recognize that everyone—regardless of nationality, race, or religion—in Springfield and the surrounding Ozarks deserves the basic human comfort of safe, affordable, high-quality housing. They work hard every day to build and ReHabilitate housing for our neighbors who need it most.

If you are ready to help build homes and give hope for struggling Springfield families, there are several ways you can get involved with Habitat Springfield. Donate or sign up for volunteer opportunities involving Construction, ReStore, Community Relations, Family Selection and Family Support. There are also ways to build a stellar reputation in the Springfield community by building the community itself. Becoming a Habitat for Humanity corporate partner or community partner not only improves the lives of local families in need, it also gives you tax deductions, boosts your overall employee morale and gives your business or organization crucial public relations exposure in the Springfield market. Learn about all the opportunities to help at Habitat for Humanity's Get Involved page. 

June One Sole Purpose

Just two years ago the volunteers at Weller Elementary saw a need and met it. For a Title 1 School in our community, the needs are many. However, after much consideration it was decided that this group of givers would put a new pair of shoes on every student at the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year. One Sole Purpose was created to complete that mission and they did so with success.


Through the process they learned that the area has over 20 Title 1 Schools. One Sole Purpose expanded their commitment to include not only to the kids at Weller, but for every child in the Title 1 School district of Springfield, MO. With the help of generous volunteers, churches, and business over $150,000 was raised to help put shoes on 5893 elementary students at the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year. They have made it their focus to repeat the goal year after year.


"At OneSolePurpose, we believe that love is best shown where the rubber meets the road. Where dollars meet dedication ... hands meet help ... feet meet faith ... and everyday people like you and us are at work sharing the love, from soul to sole." 


OneSolePurpose is a partnership with High Street Baptist Church, Springfield, MO who has allowed them to operate under their non-profit status. By donating to OneSolePurpose you will ensure funds are available for completing our mission of restoring hope and God-given dignity by providing basic necessities to those currently in need.


With generous benefactors and by High Street Baptist Church graciously underwriting, who allows them to operate under their non‐profit status, OneSolePurpose is able to use nearly 100% of all donations for the purchase of shoes. Financial Report and other details can be found at http://www.onesolepurpose.com.

Thank you One Sole Purpose for seeing a need and finding a way to fulfill it with kindness and heart. Love like this helps kids gain confidence and feel their worth. This is just another reason the Ozarks is a great place to live and raise a family!


If you would like to contribute, tax deductible donations can be made to OneSolePurpose, 1325 W Sunshine, Box 125, Springfield, MO 65807. (Please ensure box number is included in address.) 

Interview with One Sole Purpose

If you missed it, here's the complete interview with June Difference Maker, One Sole Purpose.

Council of Churches of the Ozarks

May celebrates the Council of Churches of the Ozarks as the next Springfield Difference Maker. They strive, and excel, to improve the quality of life in the area by collaborating and reaching out in the name of Jesus Christ. They credit their gains to an attitude focused on doing together what can best be done together.

The Council of Churches of the Ozarks was born from the union of two Biblical themes:  Matthew 25:35-40 and John 17:20-23. They believe when they practice the former, they latter prevails as well.  Working and serving together, in the name of Jesus Christ, builds relationships and unity of spirit.

The relationship of values and vision gives traction to the work of the Council of Churches.  Today they have nine service agencies that are highly focused and specialized communities. These are networked together in order to improve the quality of life for some of the most vulnerable people in our region, regardless of their age, gender, race, or religious background. 

"Through our unified service, the Council of Churches continues to be the hands and feet of ministry that expands the capacity of our congregational, individual and business partners to make a real difference in the quality of life for the most vulnerable in the Ozarks.

The Council of Churches of the Ozarks is where common ground is higher ground, the sort of higher ground that offers a vantage point from which we can begin to see the face of God in, with and through our community."

The main office building for the Council of Churches is located at 627 North Glenstone, Springfield, MO. The  Main Office phone number is (417) 862-3586 or visit their website at http://www.ccozarks.org.

Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri

Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri, or LFCS, is the Springfield Difference Maker for April. This not-for-profit organization has been in existence since 1868. They began as an orphanage for children left homeless after the Civil War.  Their mission is to "help familes, children, and individuals experience greater hope and wholeness of life" as their website states.

Since the beginning, LFCS has made many program modifications in order to meet the changing needs of children and families in Missouri. Programs and services include counseling, adoption services, foster care, child care, crisis/unplanned  pregnancy assistance, youth mentoring services, disaster relief services, and advocacy on behalf of children and families. Over the past 30 years, they have extended their presence from the St. Louis region across the state, expanding services into Cape Girardeau, spreading into Columbia, and lastly here in Springfield in 1998. LFCS continues to take on challenges and expand their desire to serve.

Support helps ensure children in our community receive the the healthiest start to life that is possible as well as a safe loving Christian environment to live in and thrive. There are many ways you can help, connect with them to learn more. The LFCS Southwest Missouri Office is located at 2130 N. Glenstone, Springfield, Missouri 65803. Contact them at www.lfcsmo.org or email them at connectwithus@lfcs.org. The phone number is 417-862-3276.

Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri | 866-326-LFCS | connectwithus@lfcs.org

DSGO Interview

Hope you got to hear the interview, but if you missed it just click the link below to listen!
http://soundcloud.com/883thewind/dsgo-sndcldedit

DSGO

The Springfield Difference for March is the Down Syndrome Group of the Ozarks. This group was created in Southwest Missouri and the resources stay here, too. The organization is made up of committed parents, professionals and other interested people that are striving to creating an extensive network of support for individuals with Down syndrome as well as for those who love and serve them in Southwest Missouri. Their goal is to become the leading resource of Down syndrome information for new and expectant parents, students, educators and all citizens of Southwest Missouri.

"Our mission is to help individuals with Down syndrome become successful by providing support and education to loving families, bringing awareness to early intervention services, promoting inclusive education, highlighting appropriate medical services, encouraging quality employment opportunities and advocating for community awareness and acceptance."

Down Syndrome Group of the OzarksP.O. Box 1598Springfield, MO 65801Phone:(888) 655-5173Phone:(417) 885-9905

The Rainbow Network Follow Up

If you missed the interview you can listen now! Trina Wilcox from 88.3 The Wind talks with Brian Hom about the influence The Rainbow Network has had on Nicaragua with the help of people from Springfield, MO. Listen to how this faith based organization is fighting to abolish extreme poverty through education, micro finance, housing, health care, and sustainable agriculture.

The Rainbow Network  is always happy to receive your gifts to help Nicaragua. Get in touch with them at 3834 South Avenue, Springfield, MO 65807. Their phone number is 417-889-8088. Thank you for fighting poverty and improving lives!

Click here for the full interview with The Rainbow Network.

The Pregnancy Care Center

The Pregnancy Care Center is the first organization to be highlighted as a Springfield Difference Maker. They are committed to, "providing health, wellness, and relationship education for young people facing an unplanned pregnancy, and presenting healthy relationship education in local schools to equip teens to make positive choices," as their mission statement reads. They provide a number of services including Adoption Education, a Pregnancy Testing Program, and Community Medical Referral.

For the past eleven years the PCC has helped enrich relationships and they have impacted the community in several ways. Among those changes have been a decline in teen pregnancies by 24% since 2000, abortion rates have decreased by more than 49%, and volunteers have invested numerous service hours valued at over $7.34 million. They also visit schools to advocate abstinence education through the Choice Project.

Educational, community, and foundation collaborations are what keep PCC thriving. You can help the PCC continue to educate the Ozarks. Volunteer opportunities range from mentorship to administrative tasks, visit the How To Get Involved page to see the list. Contact Terry Malesky at (417)877-0800 ext. 388 or email volunteer@pccchoices.org and set up an appointment today!

Click this link to hear highlights from the interview!

Here's the full interview if you missed it. Click the words you're reading to listen.

Read the latest update about PCC celebrating the Sanctity of Human Life.

The Rainbow Network

Many complaints among every day conversation are that we need to clean up the house, grab something to eat, or do dreaded school work. It's rare that we consider that we don't have a house to clean, we don't have food available to assuage our hunger, or that educational opportunities are a luxury. Nicaragua knows too well what it's like to be underprivileged but fortunately, The Rainbow Network is committed to changing this lack in misfortune.

Since 1995, The Rainbow Network has made it their mision to:

"share in the love of God by partnering with Nicaragua’s poorest people in healthcare, education, economic development, and housing." As well, "We value Christ’s call to serve the poor. We respect the dignity of all people without exception. We value effective partnership.We value the expression of faith demonstrated in the act of giving."

This month Brian Hom will us how The Rainbow Network is affecting the Ozarks. He will share stories about trips to Nicaragua and tell us how both financial support and volunteer action is helping make positive change for this country. You might even discover that you're ready to "kick the tires" for a few days by taking a trip to Nicaragua.

Learn more about the vast opportunities at RainbowNetwork.org.

Thank you Dr. Greg Stamps

This month's Springfield Difference Maker is sponsored by Dr. Gregory Stamps, OB/GYN. Dr. Stamps, practices obstetrics and gynecology in Springfield, MO. Appointments can be made at Primrose OB/GYN. If you are considering becoming a sponsor for a SGFDM please send your contact details to sgfdifferencemakers@gmail.com. 


Previous Post: Sanctity of Human Life

The Sanctity of Human Life

The Pregnancy Care Center celebrates the Sanctity of Human Life all through the year, but January is especially a special time to celebrate. Here's a video that's a small reminder of how you make a big difference when you partner with PCC. Together 2012 can be better than ever!

Sanctity of Human Life 2012 from MasterPlan - OurCampaign Site on Vimeo.

Next Post: Thank You, Dr. Greg Stamps