U.S. Bank recently awarded ESC a $4000 grant for the Community Development division. These funds will be used to help case management with support services including gasoline, trolley passes and employment related expenses.
Golden City Head Start Relocates
The Golden City Head Start program has a great new home this year. The program moved into a new facility this summer, replacing the United Methodist Church classroom when the program had operated for over 7 years. The facility serves 10 children in classes on Monday through Wednesday. James Epple, the classroom teacher, also provides each family with an in-home visit every month.
The new building may only be a block down the street, but the new location is a huge improvement in space available for the teachers, staff and parents. The new classroom is approximately 3 times larger than the old room. They now have enough space for a library, art area, staff office space and much improved restroom and kitchen facilities.
The center is newly painted and features numberous examples of artwork by James Epple, the classroom teacher. According to James, one of his favorite things about the new facility is the natural lighting. It is a much welcome change since the old classroom had been located in a basement. The new center also has a much larger playground with more play structures and green areas for the children. A trike track will be added in the near future.
James is assisted by Brenda Cornell (Teacher Aide), Cindy Sipes (Cook/Bus Driver) and Cinda Garrison (Family Resource Specialist). Of course, the whole operation is carried out under the supervision of Area Supervisor Amber Nicholson.
The staff of the Golden City Head Start program welcome you to check out the new facility and maybe read a book to the children while you are visiting. The new center is located on Main Street in Golden City.
Life Skills Classes Available...
ESC's Life Skills Training continues to be successful and the Community Development division is excited to offer several more opportunities to join the class this month.
These classes help clients with skills such as budgeting, conserving energy and finding employment. Anyone can attend the trainings, but those wishing to attend must enroll in advance by contacting one of the following staff members: Joanna Watson at 417-781-0352, Sally McAffrey at 417-451-2206, Marcia Denny at 417-845-6011 or Sharon Havens at 417-451-2206.
October 8th-
ANDERSON: Budgeting from 8:30-12:30
JOPLIN: Budgeting from 8:30-12:30
October 14th-
NEOSHO: Budgeting from 8:30-12:30
October 22nd-
ANDERSON: Budgeting from 1:00-5:00
JOPLIN: Budgeting from 1:00-5:00
October 28th-
NEOSHO: Budgeting from 8:30-12:30
HeRO accepting applications!
The HOME Repair Program (HeRO) is in need of applicants from Barton and McDonald counties. Through the HeRO program, selected eligible applicants will receive needed home repairs at no cost. These repairs could include, but are not limited to, roof repair or replacement, bathroom remodeling, window replacement and porch repair.
Priority for the program is given to elderly households (those over 65). Applicants for the program must meet eligibility criteria:
Clients must own or be purchasing the home (no rent-to-own or Contract for Deed).
Clients must live in Barton or McDonald county.
Clients must meet income eligibility guidelines that are based on a sliding scale. (Examples: A single person household in Barton County can have a gross income of no more than $25,650 annually. A three person household in Barton County can earn no more than $33,000. A single person McDonald County household can have a gross income of no more than $24,900 annually. A three person household in McDonald County can earn no more than $32,050.)
The home must be the primary residence of the client and be located on less than 10 acres of land.
If the home is a mobile home, it must be on a permanent concrete foundation with the tongue and hitch removed to be eligible.
For an application, clients should visit Economic Security Corporation's main office (302 South Joplin) in Joplin, or one of the outreach offices in Barton County (807 Gulf Street in Lamar) or McDonald County (712 S. Hwy 59 in Anderson). For more information about the program, please contact Debbie Markman, Curtis Scott or Mark Loncarich at 781-0352.
The Home Rehabilitation Program (HeRO) is sponsored by the Missouri Housing Development Commission.
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.
Economic Security Corporation of Southwest Area (ESC) is a private non-profit Community Action Agency, which was created in October 1965 to serve the needs of low-income individuals and families. The mission of the agency is "to help families currently caught in poverty to find a way out, and to work in our communities to prevent the conditions of poverty from affecting future generations."
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