As you are all too well aware, the recent ice storms have a had a tremendous impact on our community over recent weeks. Access to water, food, shelter, medical care and security were an issue for many who lost power. In the time of need, many volunteers responded to the emergency needs of these people... including many of our own staff members.

The Thursday that the storm hit, staff members at Anderson Head Start noticed that the city was using the armory as a shelter. Knowing that it would spoil before the center would be in operation, staff members took the milk and bread over to help feed everyone. Sergent Corcoran then asked if the center would be willing to shelter the children during the day so that they would have a better place to play. It would also give the guards time to clean the Armory throughout the day.

After receiving permission to help out, they brought the children over to the center along with their snacks. The Head Start staff members noticed that all the snacks were high in sugar which is against their nutrition guidelines. In response, they received permission to use some agency funds to help the community effort. They were able to purchase pizza, lasagna, fruit, juice, chocolate milk, games and movie to make the day a little better for those children.

According to staff, the children seemed to really enjoy the fruit. They were all very well behaved and seemed to enjoy the time spent with the things Head Start children get to do every day when they are in class. The staff did not consider the effort to be a chore. Rather, they felt that it was a pleasant time spent with children and community volunteers. They were happy to be a small part of the effort to help families through a rough time.

We would like to give recognition to Phyllis Craig, Sarah Pratt, Jessica Mason, JoAnne McDonald, Jerry Proctor, Donna Murphy, Donna Cook, Debbie Spears and Marlina Jones, the staff members that helped these families during their crisis. Their efforts are a reminder that our agency does make a difference in changing the lives of people in our communities. A big thank you to them for exemplifying the spirit of community action and what we do!!!

Stan Heater, Andrea Osiek, John Joines, and special guest Spencer Snow, representing Economic Security Corporation (ESC), attended Missouri Association for Community Action’s (MACA) Annual Legislative Day on January 10, 2007, at the State Capitol in Jefferson City, MO. Over one hundred MACA members converged on the Capitol to visit with their local legislators in order to educate them on the programs administered by the employees of the 19 Community Action Agencies. The agencies programs are designed to assist low- income persons and include such programs as Head Start, Women’s Health, utility assistance, housing assistance, and many others.

During the event, MACA held a news conference to explain why the event is held annually. During the press conference MACA members heard a presentation from Public Service Chairman Jeff Davis. Mr. Davis has been instrumental in working with state officials to obtain state utility funding know as UTILICARE, for the state’s most vulnerable population, it’s elderly, disabled and low-income individuals and families. The governor has since recommended funding of this program in the amount of $6.3 million for Fiscal Year 2007.

After his comments, John Joines, MACA Legislative Chair and CEO for ESC, awarded Chairman Davis a plaque. The award acknowledges Mr. Davis’ dedication and commitment to helping mankind, and how this has resulted in an improved quality of life for low-income energy consumers.

The Community Development division has also pitched in to support storm relief efforts in the area. A couple of staff members participated in a planning meeting shortly after the storm to coordinate a resource center in Neosho. Staff members set up a table at the center and have spent the past week sharing information regarding recovery services we offer to individuals who visit the center for assistance.

Many other organizations have been available at the resource center. The Red Cross and Salvation Army are providing resources to eligible clients to assist with home repairs. The Health Department was at the center testing water and giving free tetnis shots. Also, FSD was available to answer questions about replacing food stamps for those who lost food due to power outages.

Shortages of food are becoming an issue at the shelters and food banks in the area. Realizing this, the agency allocated Community Services Block Grant funding to help meet this important community need. Two food pantries in Neosho were given $500 to purchase more food. Another $500 was also allocated to the ESC food pantry in Anderson.

As mentioned in last month's newsletter, the ESC Food Pantry in Anderson continually seeks donations of non-perishable food items to distribute to McDonald County families in need. If you would like a make a donation to this valuable program, please contact a staff member in the Community Development division for more information.

Is there anything interesting going on in your department that you would like to share with our staff, board members and supporters? To have your information included in an upcoming issue of News from ESC, please contact Andrea Osiek at aosiek@escswa.org.