This time of year it isn’t uncommon for me to present at several different businesses in a single day. I stand, side by side, with representatives from partner agencies and have the privilege of hearing their success stories. I am reminded daily, through their stories, … Read More
Did you know? Every public dollar invested in early child care and education saves tax payers up to $13 dollars in future costs. *The literacy rates among fourth grade students in America are sobering. Sixty-six percent of all U.S. fourth graders scored “below proficient” on … Read More
Dear Friends, This November, the GivingTuesday movement is running #MyGivingStory, a new storytelling contest that will highlight acts of generosity that may take place out of the public spotlight. They are asking individuals across the country to share their personal reasons for giving, and then … Read More
Did You Know? 1 in 7 people in our region don’t know where their next meal will come from. The average weekly Missouri food stamp benefit is $32.01 per person. 1 in 5 families in the Ozarks have an annual household income of just $15,000. On a … Read More
September 22, 2015 marked one year for United Way of the Ozarks under the new leadership and direction of Debi Meeds as President/CEO. “Like so many others – I thought I knew what United Way was in our community – but it is so much … Read More
Photos line the walls of the tidy home of Ms. Jewell Headlee. Photos from years long passed, she and her siblings, one of her now deceased son, and the loveliest photo of a toddler, Jewell herself. On the table near the window sits a framed … Read More
Alisha moved to Springfield from Nixa when she was 13 years old. New neighborhood, new school, changes at home, all these things made transition uncomfortable. She learned about “The Club” from some of the kids at her new school and decided to check it out. … Read More
In the spring of 2015, there were 64 at risk seniors who were part of the OTC Middle College program. All but one of those students completed the program, graduating from high school and the middle college program. Currently, 90 percent of those students are either enrolled … Read More
We hope your experience with United Way of the Ozarks Day of Caring was rewarding and you feel great knowing you were part of something valuable and impactful here in the Ozarks. It would not have been possible without you! And if you didn’t get … Read More
