Did you know that currently in Joplin and the surrounding areas, over 400 people have been reported as homeless? Did you know every two minutes a child becomes homeless in America? Did you know that due to the current state of the economy more people are becoming homeless? Did you know YOU can make a difference? Here is how:
Get involved with Project Homeless Connect!
The event is being hosted by the Homeless Coalition of the Southwest Area. It will be held on September 8th, 2010 at Joplin Memorial Hall from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
As the number of homeless persons rises, the needs become greater. Currently, the Project Homeless Connect Committee is asking members of the community to volunteer their time, goods or services to assist those in need. Socks, sunscreen, chapstick, hats, gloves, scarves, coats, clothing, toiletry items, sleeping bags, blankets and can openers are a few of the requested items. All items donated are tax deductible.
Service providers are also welcome to sign up for the event. Service providers are a vital link between concerned community members and the homeless in our community. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment that will help the homeless connect with services that will bring them one step closer to becoming stable and housed. All service providers will have the opportunity to talk with participants and welcome them into our community as well as educate them about the goods and services the agency provides. Booth space is filling up fast. Please contact Jennifer at (417)623-0059 for more information.
Volunteers are also welcome! Volunteering at an event such as this could be life changing. A person can really make a difference in the life of others. Ask yourself, if I could make someone's life better in just one day, would I? If the answer is yes, contact Jennifer at (417)623-0059 or Jackie Dorsey at (417)499-3144.
Don't forget to invite any homeless persons you may know to the event!
To donate items, set up a booth, volunteer, or for more information, contact Jennifer Pliler at (417)623-0059 or jpliler@escswa.org or Jackie Dorsey (417)499-3144.
Together we can make a difference!!!
Community Garden Program a Success!
The ESC Community Garden Project had an amazing first year. Community gardens were planted in Barton, Jasper, McDonald, and Newton Counties. Each garden showed that hard work and determination could be transformed into fresh food but two gardens proved that gardening is a skill that can be utilized for a lifetime.
The Barton County Community Garden located at 603 E. 20th Street in Lamar was so successful because the participants, the volunteers, and the city of Lamar were dedicated to creating a bountiful garden. The agronomist from the University of Missouri Extension office in Lamar constructed raised beds for the participants and provided education on square foot gardening. The city of Lamar donated land and water for the garden and the participants worked hard at creating and maintaining their garden spaces.
Most of the participants were able to walk across the street to the garden and that made it much easier for them to remain interested in gardening. Many compliments were given about how successful the garden was but the best compliments were when several participants said they loved being able to share their fresh produce and that they look forward to gardening and sharing next season.
The Highway 43 Community Garden was located at 6893 Highway 43 between Joplin and Seneca. This garden was so amazing because none of the participants had any gardening experience and they created and maintained three separate raised bed gardens. A volunteer helped deliver soil and concrete blocks and he provided gardening education.
The participants then worked hard to complete the three gardens. There was such a variety of produce and the participants were so proud of the achievement. They were able to share produce with friends and neighbors and they now have the invaluable skill to grow their own food and to share that skill with others.
Flu Shots Available for Employees
It is Flu Shot season once again. ESC will have a supply of 120 flu shots available to our employees on a first come, first served basis. The shots will be administered on September 20th at a cost of $5 per shot.
If you would like to receive one of the flu shots, please contact Becky Hopper, Director of Human Resources, by September 16th to have your name added to the list. Becky will be out of the office from the afternoon of September 3 through September 15. During that time, please contact Brenda Huffhines at the Central Office, extension 266.
Life Skills Classes Ending Soon...
ESC's Life Skills Training program is nearing an end. The program has proven to be a great benefit to our community. The Community Development division is excited to offer several more opportunities to participate in the program. This month will be the last month we will offer the classes, so don't delay!
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: Sharon Havens or Sally McAffrey (Neosho) at 417-451-2206, Marcia Denny (Anderson) at 417-845-6011 or Wes Barbee (Lamar) at 417-682-5591.
September 8th-
NEOSHO: Budgeting from 8:30-12:30
September 15th-
LAMAR: Budgeting from 9:00-1:00
September 22nd-
NEOSHO: Budgeting from 8:30-12:30
September 23rd-
ANDERSON: Budgeting from 9:00-1:00
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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Did you know that currently in Joplin and the surrounding areas, over 400 people have been reported as homeless? Did you know every two minutes a child becomes homeless in America? Did you know that due to the current state of the economy more people are becoming homeless? Did you know YOU can make a difference? Here is how:
