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 visit to our partners over at The Salvation Army, we met and talked to a young family visiting the food pantry who shared their thanks. “We are going to get there, we’re just starting out and we appreciate the help,” said Jake as he held his little girl proudly on his lap while he and his young wife, Maggie, sat in line to visit with the case managers that day.
Trying to graduate from High School and being a parent is something many of us can’t relate to. When Maggie found out she was pregnant at the age of 17 she dropped out of school not knowing how she would manage to have a baby and continue with her education. There are a multitude of circumstances that may lead a teen down the path of parenthood. For those who find themselves in this situation, United Way of the Ozarks and our partner agencies can help.
Several United Way of the Ozarks partners have programs that specifically help young families trying to make ends meet and remain in school. A program in Springfield Public Schools through Kids First helps by providing child care on school campuses. The Salvation Army, Lutheran Children & Family Services and others are making an impact on the future of these young moms and dads who are working hard to provide a stable environment for their children. Maggie decided to ask for help and re-entered high school once the baby was born. “I’m a little behind, but I know it’s worth it” she said.
Because you give to United Way of the Ozarks, your dollars are connecting the dots for people like Jake and Maggie. There is no single agency that can solve every struggle, but TOGETHER we are improving lives. Thank you!
About United Way of the Ozarks: A locally governed, volunteer-driven organization whose Mission is to improve the lives of people in the Ozarks by uniting the community. United Way of the Ozarks funds over 45 programs and 15 community initiatives that address critical health and human service needs in 14 counties in southwest Missouri.