Community Partnership Of The Ozark Inc

SERVES IN 29 COUNTIES BUILDING RESILIENT CHILDREN, HEALTHY FAMILIES AND STRONG COMMUNITIES.THE MISSION OF COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP IS TO FACILITATE AND PROMOTE THE BUILDING OF RESILIENT CHILDREN, HEALTHY FAMILIES AND STRONG NEIGHBORHOODS IN A 29 COUNTY AREA IN SOUTHWEST MISSOURI THROUGH COLLABORATION, PROGRAMMING AND RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT. COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP IS ABOUT DESIGNING NEW WAYS TO USE RESOURCES TO HELP CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND NEIGHBORHOODS IN A HOLISTIC MANNER, PROVIDING PROGRAMMING THAT DELIVERS MEASURABLE AND COST EFFECTIVE OUTCOMES. WHEN COMMUNITIES COME TOGETHER, SCHOOLS SUCCEED, NEIGHBORHOODS ARE SAFER, RESIDENTS ARE HEALTHIER, ADULTS AND CHILDREN FEEL CONNECTED, AND YOUNG PEOPLE CAN REALIZE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL.

CPO'S EARLY CHILDHOOD AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION WORKS TO BUILD STRONG CHILDREN AND FAMILIES THROUGH EDUCATION, ENGAGEMENT, AND EMPOWERMENT. WE OFFER REGULAR PARENT EDUCATION THROUGH THE STRENGTHS-BASED PARENT SUPPORT PROGRAM, PARENT CAFES, WHICH USES THE WORLD CAF MODEL. PARENT CAFES USE A PEER-TO-PEER LEARNING PROCESS COMMITTED TO INTRODUCING PARENTS TO FIVE PROTECTIVE FACTORS THAT KEEP FAMILIES STRONG. PARENT CAFES BUILD RESILIENCY AND FOSTER MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS AMONG THOSE WHO PARTICIPATE IN CAFES. PARENT CAFS SUPPORT FAMILIES IN A HOST OF SITUATIONS FROM FOSTER PARENTS TO NEW PARENTS, TO AT-RISK PARENTS, TO SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. CAFES HAVE BEEN PROVIDED IN ENGLISH, SPANISH, AND CONGOLESE LANGUAGES. WE TRAINED 51 MORE FACILITATORS THIS YEAR.OUR CONSCIOUS PARENTING SERIES HAD MULTIPLE PARENTING EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR AND PROVIDED SUPPORT AND PARENTING GUIDANCE TO 61 INDIVIDUALS. IN A LONG-STANDING COMMITMENT TO SUPPORTING THOSE WHO CARE FOR CHILDREN, CPO HAS PARTNERED WITH OUR LOCAL PROSECUTING ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, CHILDREN'S DIVISION, AND THE CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER TO PROVIDE REGULAR MANDATED REPORTER TRAINING TO OUR COMMUNITY AND WE HAVE CONTINUED TO WITHHOLD THIS PARTNERSHIP. OUR CAPABLE KIDS AND FAMILIES PROGRAM SUPPORTED FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN WITH A DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY OR DISABILITY. THE PROGRAM SERVED 35 FAMILIES THROUGH HOME VISITING AND AN EQUIPMENT LOAN PROGRAM. ENROLLED FAMILIES ARE PROVIDED WITH MONTHLY HOME VISITS THAT INCLUDE GOAL SETTING AND SUPPORT BASED ON INDIVIDUAL NEEDS. THE EQUIPMENT LOAN PROGRAM ALLOWS FAMILIES TO TRY OUT VERY EXPENSIVE EQUIPMENT TO SEE IF IT MEETS THEIR CHILD'S NEEDS BEFORE SPENDING INSURANCE DOLLARS OR THEIR OWN MONEY TO PURCHASE IT. THE LENDING PROGRAM ALSO ALLOWS FAMILIES TO CONTINUE THE EXERCISES PRESCRIBED BY THEIR THERAPISTS USING EQUIPMENT DESIGNED FOR THAT PURPOSE.OUR FAMILY FOCUSED NETWORK HAS 4 FOCUS AREAS: DATA COLLECTION ASSOCIATED WITH HOME VISITING PROGRAMS IN OUR REGION, SUPPORTING HOME VISITING PROGRAMS WITH TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES, MANAGING OUR COORDINATED REFERRAL AND INTAKE SYSTEM (CRIS), AND DEFINING WHAT HOME VISITING IS TO OUR COMMUNITY. OUR FIRST BIRTHDAY SAFE SLEEP PROGRAM HELPS FAMILIES IN 26 SOUTHWEST COUNTIES BY PROVIDING SAFE SLEEP EDUCATION AND PACK N' PLAYS. ELIGIBLE FAMILIES ARE PROVIDED A PACK N PLAY, CRIB SHEETS, PACIFIERS, SLEEP SACKS, AND INFORMATION ON HOW TO KEEP THEIR BABY SAFE WHILE SLEEPING. PRE- VERSUS POST-TESTS SERVE TO ENSURE PARENTS UNDERSTAND WHAT IS APPROPRIATE FOR KEEPING BABIES SAFE. ADDITIONALLY, THE PROGRAM IS RECRUITING SAFE SLEEP CHAMPIONS TO SPEAK TO THE COMMUNITY ON SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES. DURING THE FISCAL YEAR OUR PROGRAM PROVIDED SAFE SLEEP EDUCATION AND PACK N PLAYS TO 223 INDIVIDUALS. OUR EDUCARE PROGRAM SERVED CHILDCARE PROGRAMS THAT WORK WITH CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WHO RECEIVE CHILDCARE SUBSIDIES. THE GOAL IS TO HELP PREPARE CHILDREN FOR SCHOOL AND INCREASE HEALTH AND SAFETY. THE EDUCARE PROGRAM SERVED 70 CHILDCARE PROFESSIONALS THROUGH MONTHLY VISITS, COACHING, CLASSROOM EQUIPMENT LOANS, AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES. CLASS ASSESSMENTS AND SUPPORT WERE PROVIDED TO PROVIDERS IN GREENE, CHRISTIAN, TANEY, POLK, STONE, LAWRENCE, AND WEBSTER COUNTIES. INFANT TODDLER SPECIALIST NETWORK (ITSN) COMPLETED ITS FINAL YEAR IN 2023 SERVING CHRISTIAN, GREENE, OZARK, POLK, TANEY, AND WEBSTER COUNTIES. DURING THIS YEAR, WE HOSTED 36 TRAINING COHORTS SERVING 176 CHILDCARE PROVIDERS AND COMPLETED 781 ON-SITE CONSULTATIONS THAT IMPACTED 829 CHILDREN. ITSN USES RELATIONSHIP-BASED CAREGIVING AS THE FOUNDATION FOR QUALITY PROGRAMMING. TEACHERS RECEIVE A PRE- AND POST-ASSESSMENT, COHORT TRAINING, AND ON-SITE COACHING TO INCREASE THE QUALITY OF CARE THEY PROVIDE IN INFANT TODDLER CLASSROOMS. EVERY CHILD PROMISE CONTINUED TO PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS TO CHILDREN WHO WOULD NOT OTHERWISE BE ABLE TO AFFORD QUALITY PRESCHOOL IN THE GREENE COUNTY AREA. THESE SCHOLARSHIPS INCLUDED PAYMENT FOR PRESCHOOL CARE AND AFTERSCHOOL CARE. THROUGH A PARTNERSHIP WITH ARCHS OF ST. LOUIS, WE NOW OFFER COMPREHENSIVE HOME VISITATION TO 54 FAMILIES IN SEVEN COUNTIES IN SOUTHWEST MISSOURIDENT, HENRY, HICKORY, POLK, DALLAS, BENTON, AND WEBSTER COUNTIES. THE HOME VISITING MODEL, HEALTHY FAMILIES AMERICA, IS AN EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING MODEL SERVING FAMILIES PRENATALLY THROUGH AGE 3 YEARS TO HELP REDUCE CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT. MOST FAMILIES SERVED ARE REFERRED TO THE PROGRAM BY MISSOURI CHILDREN'S DIVISION. THE FOCUS OF THE PROGRAM INCLUDES CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT PREVENTION, SCHOOL READINESS, STRENGTHENING FAMILY FUNCTIONING, AND DEVELOPING HEALTHY MOTHERS AND BABIES. WE HOSTED 158 PARTICIPANTS AT OUR CALLED TO CARE CONFERENCE THIS YEAR. THE KEYNOTE, DENITA DINGER, ASKED PARTICIPANTS TO STRETCH THEMSELVES A BIT WITH NEW APPROACHES TO CHILDREN'S UNSTRUCTURED PLAY. ADDITIONAL SESSIONS ON DIVERSITY, DISABILITIES, PERSONA DOLLS, BABY DOLL CIRCLE TIME, LITERACY, AND MORE SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING WERE PROVIDED. OUR SOCIAL EMOTIONAL TRAINING WITH A CONSCIOUS APPROACH TO DISCIPLINE WAS OFFERED TO OVER 300 PROVIDERS IN OUR REGION THROUGH A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE IN CHILD WELL BEING. SOME LOCAL PROVIDERS ARE ALSO BEING PROVIDED ADDITIONAL COACHING TO SOLIDIFY THE INFORMATION THEY LEARNED AT THE THREE-HOUR TRAINING. COMMUNITY WIDE PLAY DAY IS A ONE-DAY EVENT FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN TO COME AND ENJOY A DAY AT THE PARK WITH PARTNERING AGENCIES THAT SHARE RESOURCES AND ACTIVITIES WITH FAMILIES. WE HAD OVER 800 PEOPLE ATTEND THIS EVENT.BIG RIG NIGHT IS AN EVENT ON WHICH WE PARTNER WITH PARENT AS TEACHERS AND THE BATTLEFIELD MALL. PARENTS BRING THEIR CHILDREN TO EXPERIENCE "BIG RIGS" THEY SEE THROUGHOUT OUR COMMUNITY BUT MAYBE NEVER GET TO EXPLORE, SUCH AS A SEMI-TRUCK OR A CITY BUS. THIS YEAR WE HAD OVER 5,000 FAMILIES IN ATTENDANCE.

THE O'REILLY CENTER FOR HOPE (OCH) WELCOMED OVER 9,300 UNIQUE VISITORS AND MADE OVER 33,000 REFERRALS, CONNECTING GUESTS TO CRITICAL COMMUNITY SERVICES. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OCH HELPS TO FULFILL CPO'S ORGANIZATIONAL MISSION TO ENSURE RESIDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO THE SUPPORT AND SERVICES NEEDED TO OBTAIN SAFE, DECENT, AFFORDABLE, AND ACCESSIBLE HOUSING, AND TO ACHIEVE FINANCIAL STABILITY. THE HOUSING CENTER PROVIDES RESIDENTS OF OUR TRI-COUNTY REGION WITH DIRECT ACCESS TO MULTIPLE AGENCIES; A ONE-STOP DIRECT SERVICE CENTER CO-LOCATING CPO'S ANCHOR PROGRAMS ONE DOOR AND THE SPRINGFIELD COMMUNITY LAND TRUST (SCLT) ALONG WITH AARP, BURRELL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SOUTHERN MISSOURI, DIVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES, HABITAT FOR HUMANITY, AND MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY'S NURSING PROGRAM.THE SCLT IS A LOCAL LEADER IN CREATING SAFE, DECENT, AFFORDABLE HOMEOWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES IN SPRINGFIELD. THROUGH NEW DEVELOPMENT AND RENOVATION OF SPRINGFIELD'S AGING HOUSING STOCK, THE SCLT CAN OFFER HOMES TO QUALIFYING HOUSEHOLDS THAT MEET FANNIE MAE INCOME AND CREDIT THRESHOLDS. HOUSEHOLDS CAN PURCHASE A HOME WITH $1,000 DOWN AND MORTGAGES TYPICALLY LOWER THAN FAIR MARKET RENT RATES. FURTHER, EACH NEW HOME INCORPORATES UNIVERSAL DESIGN PRINCIPLES. THE SCLT HAS SOLD 22 HOMES TO LOW- AND MODERATE-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS. AFFORDABLE RENTALS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE THROUGH THIS PROGRAM. THE SCLT HAS 27 RENTAL UNITS THAT ARE OFFERED TO LOW AND MODERATE-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS. USING THE SAME PRINCIPLES OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING, THE SCLT PURCHASES AGING HOUSING STOCK, RENOVATES TO ENSURE ENERGY EFFICIENCY, SAFETY, AND ACCESSIBILITY, AND PROVIDES THE UNITS TO INCOME QUALIFYING HOUSEHOLDS. AS A 'COMMUNITY CONVENER' WE CONTRACT WITH THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD TO OVERSEE THE LOCAL CONTINUUM OF CARE (DBA AS THE OZARKS ALLIANCE TO END HOMELESSNESS - OAEH). THE OAEH GOVERNS POLICIES AND PROGRAMMING FUNDED THROUGH THE US DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD) INCLUDING CONTINUUM OF CARE (COC) FEDERAL INITIATIVE. FUNDING THROUGH HUD COC TOTALS OVER $1 MILLION DOLLARS AND SUPPORTS DIRECT SERVICE AGENCIES INCLUDING CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SOUTHERN MISSOURI, DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH, KCV, HARMONY HOUSE, THE KITCHEN INC., AND THE INSTITUTE FOR COMMUNITY ALLIANCES.THE OAEH CONDUCTS A SPECIALIZED STUDY OF YOUTH AGED 13-24 WHO ARE HOMELESS AS DEFINED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (MORE BROADLY DEFINED THAN THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT). THIS STUDY INCORPORATES POINT IN TIME DATA FOR YOUTH, A SURVEY, AND INFORMATION FROM THE AREA PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEMS. CPO FORMALLY LAUNCHED THE HUD MANDATED COORDINATED ENTRY SYSTEM IN FEBRUARY 2017 THROUGH OUR ONE DOOR PROGRAM. THE ONE DOOR PROGRAM NOW HOLDS THE HOMELESS BY-NAME-LIST, WHICH IS A PRIORITIZED LISTING OF ALL HOUSEHOLDS THAT ARE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS. TWICE EACH MONTH, ONE DOOR FACILITATES CASE CONFERENCING WITH ALL FEDERALLY FUNDED PROGRAMS TO IDENTIFY AND REFER HOUSEHOLDS FOR ALL AVAILABLE UNITS. ONE DOOR AND ITS 6 'FRONT DOOR' ENTITIES CONDUCT ALL ASSESSMENTS FOR THOSE WHO ARE HOMELESS OR AT RISK. IN 2022-2023, ONE DOOR STAFF COMPLETED MORE THAN 1,300 INTAKE ASSESSMENTS WERE MADE, ENCOMPASSING 2,531 PEOPLE. THROUGH THIS COORDINATED ENTRY SYSTEM, WE CONNECTED 626 HOUSEHOLDS TO SUPPORTIVE HOUSING SERVICES.CPO AND THE OAEH COORDINATE THE CRISIS COLD WEATHER SHELTER PROGRAM EACH WINTER TO EXPAND THE NUMBER OF OVERNIGHT EMERGENCY SHELTER BEDS FOR ADULTS IN OUR COMMUNITY. SHELTERS ARE INDEPENDENTLY OPERATED, BUT ALL FOLLOW PARAMETERS SET FORTH BY THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD'S DECLARATION OF ECONOMIC AND HOUSING CALAMITY TO ENSURE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF VOLUNTEERS/GUESTS AS WELL AS BEST PRACTICES ESTABLISHED THROUGH CPO'S OAEH TO ENSURE CONSISTENCY OF SERVICE ACROSS ALL SITES. DURING THE 2022-2023 SEASON, CRISIS COLD WEATHER SHELTERS WERE OPEN 60 NIGHTS, PROVIDING 10,657 BED NIGHTS (INCLUDES DUPLICATED NUMBERS SERVED). DURING DECEMBER 2022 THE SPRINGFIELD REGION EXPERIENCED AN ARTIC BLAST WHERE TEMPERATURES WERE AT OR BELOW ZERO DEGREES, NECESSITATING AN EXPANSION OF SHELTER SPACES AND DAY CENTER ACCESS. THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD PROVIDED SPACE FOR A DAYTIME WARMING CENTER AND 3 ADDITIONAL CHURCHES OPENED THEIR DOORS OVERNIGHT. SHELTER-IN-PLACE OPPORTUNITIES WERE ALSO ESTABLISHED FOR THE MAINSTREAM SHELTERS, REMOVING THE NEED FOR INDIVIDUALS ACCESSING SHELTER TO LEAVE DURING THE DAY. THROUGH THIS COORDINATION, A STANDARD EXTREME CRISIS COLD WEATHER SHELTER SYSTEM IS IN PLACE.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP OF THE OZARKS' (CPO) COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT DIVISION (CNDD) BUILDS RESILIENT CHILDREN, HEALTHY FAMILIES, AND STRONG NEIGHBORHOODS THROUGH COLLABORATION, ENGAGEMENT, NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS, TO IDENTIFY AND FACILITATE COMMUNITY-BASED STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES. CARING COMMUNITIES PROMOTES STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT THROUGH MENTORING, AFTERSCHOOL CLUB SUPPORT, SKILL BUILDING GROUPS, SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES AND EDUCATION, CRISIS INTERVENTION, AND CASE MANAGEMENT WITH FAMILIES. THE INITIATIVE PROVIDES SUPPORT TO NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS AND NEIGHBORHOOD CLEANUPS, FACILITATES THE SPRINGFIELD TOOL LIBRARY, HELPS TO ADDRESS CHRONIC NUISANCE PROPERTIES, AND FACILITATES NEIGHBORHOOD TRAINING AND EDUCATION. CARING COMMUNITIES PROVIDES MENTORING THROUGH PROGRAMS INCLUDING BULLDOG BASKETBALL ACADEMY, MENTOR SGF, AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS, ONE-ON ONE MENTORING, AND BROTHER 2 BROTHER (SAAB). BULLDOG BASKETBALL ACADEMY IS A MENTORING PROGRAM THAT PREPARES STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS IN SCHOOL, AND LIFE AS AN ADULT, WHILE PROVIDING QUALITY BASKETBALL TRAINING. IN FY23 BULLDOG BASKETBALL ACADEMY SERVED 263 STUDENTS, WHICH IS A 99% INCREASE FROM FY22. THROUGH THREE PARTNERSHIPS, TWELVE SESSIONS WERE RUN AT SEVEN DIFFERENT LOCATIONS, WHICH PROVIDED STUDENTS WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENGAGE ON EIGHTY-FOUR OCCASIONS. MENTOR SGF SERVED 1,008 STUDENTS BY HELPING THEM BUILD SELF-AWARENESS, CONFIDENCE, AND RESILIENCE. AFTER-SCHOOL CLUBS SERVED 554 STUDENTS BY PROVIDING THEM EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES TO GIVE THE STUDENTS A SAFE, PRODUCTIVE SPACE TO GROW AND CONNECT AFTER SCHOOL. 92 STUDENTS TOOK PART IN ONE-ON-ONE MENTORING TO PROMOTE HEALTHY HABITS AND THE BUILDING OF A UNIQUE AND IMPACTFUL SET OF SKILLS. BROTHER 2 BROTHER, WHICH IS A MENTORING INITIATIVE FACILITATED THROUGH STUDENT AFRICAN AMERICAN BROTHERHOOD (SAAB), IMPACTED 167 YOUNG MEN BY EQUIPPING THEM WITH THE SKILLS AND MINDSET NECESSARY TO FIND SUCCESS THROUGHOUT EACH NEXT STEP IN LIFE. IN TOTAL, 2,102 PEOPLE WERE SERVED THROUGH MENTORING PROGRAMS. THROUGH OUR SOCIAL WORK PROGRAMS (COMMUNITY-BASED SOCIAL WORK AND SCHOOL-BASED SOCIAL WORK), WE ASSISTED FAMILIES WITH CRISIS INTERVENTION AND CONNECTION TO RESOURCES. THROUGH COMMUNITY-BASED SOCIAL WORK, 156 FAMILIES WERE SERVED WHICH IMPACTED 284 INDIVIDUALS. OUR COMMUNITY CONTINUES TO FIND THE VALUE IN CPO AS WE RECEIVED 316 COMMUNITY REFERRALS FROM THOSE IN THE COMMUNITY WHO KNEW CPO COULD HELP CONNECT THE RIGHT RESOURCES. 1,036 CONTACTS WERE MADE LAST FISCAL YEAR WITH 11 CLIENTS WHO WERE SERVED THROUGH ONGOING CASE MANAGEMENT. WE CONTINUED THE PARTNERSHIP WITH MIDTOWN-CARNEGIE LIBRARY TO PROVIDE COMMUNITY-BASED SOCIAL WORK SERVICES TO THEIR PATRONS. OUR STAFF WERE AVAILABLE TO LIBRARY STAFF VIA PHONE, EMAIL, AND PROVIDED ON-SITE SERVICES ONE TIME A WEEK TO 58 COMMUNITY MEMBERS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. THERE WERE 21 FAMILIES ASSISTED THROUGH THE CANCER FUND, 18 FAMILIES ASSISTED THROUGH THE CARING COMMUNITIES EMERGENCY FUND, AND 5 FAMILIES ASSISTED THROUGH THE COMMUNITY EMERGENCY FUND. WITH TWO ROUNDS OF FUNDING FROM THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE OZARKS' LET'S GET TO WORK PROGRAM, WE UTILIZED A TOTAL OF $55,000 TO HELP 44 CLIENTS IN 3 COUNTIES BY SUPPORTING WORKERS AND JOB SEEKERS WITH TRANSPORTATION BARRIERS. THE NEEDS MET WERE CAR REPAIRS, LICENSING FEES/TAXES, CAR INSURANCE, GAS CARDS, CAR PAYMENTS, BUS PASSES, AND EVEN CAR DOWN PAYMENTS. OUR SCHOOL-BASED SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM RECEIVED 1,102 REFERRALS FROM TEACHERS, COUNSELORS, STAFF, AND ADMINISTRATORS AT SPRINGFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS. THE TEAM OF SCHOOL BASED SOCIAL WORKERS MADE 15,866 CONTACTS AND HELPED WITH $42,550.41 IN EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FOR UTILITIES, TRANSPORTATION, RENT, HOUSEHOLD NECESSITIES, MEDICAL, BEREAVEMENT, AND IDENTIFICATION. ADDITIONALLY, WE HOSTED 6 BACHELORS OF SOCIAL WORK INTERNS WHO PROVIDED A TOTAL OF 2,400 HOURS OF SERVICE. DURING THEIR TIME WITH US, THEY ASSISTED WITH CASE MANAGEMENT FOR FAMILIES, ASSISTANCE WITH CRISIS INTERVENTION, FACILITATION OF SKILL BUILDING FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL GROUPS, NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN UP PARTICIPATION, COALITION MEETING REPRESENTATION, PLANNING SOCIAL SERVICES TRAINING, AND CREATING A HOMELESS SERVICES TASK FORCE. OUR NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN-UP PROGRAM EXPERIENCED ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR. OVERALL, THIS YEAR, 222 TONS OF TRASH WAS TAKEN TO THE LANDFILL, 17 TONS OF SCRAP METAL WAS RECYCLED, 111 WASTE AND 37 YARD WASTE DUMPSTERS WERE FILLED, AND 1,570 HOUSEHOLDS WERE SERVED. ADDITIONALLY, WITH GRANT FUNDING FROM THE OZARKS HEADWATERS RECYCLING AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT DISTRICT, WE OFFERED FREE RECYCLING OF 255 TVS AND 59 COMPUTERS. THE SPRINGFIELD TOOL LIBRARY CELEBRATED ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY AND EXPERIENCED FURTHER GROWTH. ALONG WITH THE UPDATED INVENTORY OF OVER 270 TOOLS, A NEW TRACKING SYSTEM WAS IMPLEMENTED FOR THE EASE OF THE PROCESSES AT THE TOOL LIBRARY. THIS YEAR THE TOOL LIBRARY ADDED OVER 60 NEW MEMBERS, WHICH BRINGS OUR CURRENT ACTIVE MEMBERSHIPS TO 185, 5 OF WHICH ARE LIFETIME MEMBERS. WE PROCESSED 512 SEPARATE TRANSACTIONS. FIX-IT FAIRS ARE FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS THAT OFFER REPAIR SERVICES FOR SMALL-SCALE ITEMS, SUCH AS LAMPS, RADIOS, JEWELRY, TOYS, CLOTHING, AND MORE. AT OUR FIX-IT FAIR EVENTS, WE SERVED 75 PEOPLE THROUGH 44 HOURS OF SERVICES FROM 7 DIFFERENT VOLUNTEERS. THE GREATER SPRINGFIELD AREA CRIME STOPPERS PROGRAM ENCOURAGES MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY TO ASSIST LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME BY OVERCOMING THE TWO KEY ELEMENTS THAT INHIBIT COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: FEAR AND APATHY. CRIME STOPPERS RELIES ON COOPERATION BETWEEN THE POLICE, THE MEDIA, AND CITIZENS TO PROVIDE ANONYMOUS INFORMATION ABOUT CRIME AND CRIMINALS IN THE GREENE COUNTY AREA WITH A MAJOR FOCUS ON CRIME WITHIN SPRINGFIELD CITY LIMITS. THE PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO DEVELOP INFORMATION USED TO SOLVE FELONY CRIMES. CASH REWARDS OF UP TO $1,000 ARE AVAILABLE FOR TIPS THAT DIRECTLY LEAD TO A FELONY ARREST OR SEIZURE OF A FELONY AMOUNT OF DRUGS. ALL TIP REWARDS ARE PROVIDED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CIVILIAN ADVISORY BOARD. THE CRIME STOPPERS PROGRAM UTILIZES LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR TIP INVESTIGATIONS BUT THERE IS NO CONTACT INFORMATION OBTAINED FOR THE TIPSTER, NO CALLER ID, AND THE CONVERSATION IS NOT RECORDED. ALL TIP SUBMISSIONS ARE KEPT COMPLETELY ANONYMOUS BY USING A TIP HOTLINE NUMBER, A SECURE ONLINE WEBSITE OR A DISCREET P3 APP AVAILABLE FOR SMART PHONES. THIS YEAR, THERE WERE 1,356 TIPS RECEIVED, 1,084 TIP FOLLOW-UPS WERE MADE, AND $1,000 WAS PAID OUT TO 17 TIPSTERS WHO PROVIDED VALUABLE INFORMATION LEADING TO FELONY ARRESTS/CHARGES FILED. IN FY23, CPO SERVED 203 CLIENTS WITH A TOTAL OF $700,595.09 OF DIRECT ASSISTANCE PROVIDED THROUGH THE GREENE COUNTY RENT & UTILITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. THE COMMUNITY MENTORING AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES PROGRAM IS A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE DIVISION OF YOUTH SERVICES THAT PROVIDES INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP MENTORING WHILE SUPPORTING FAMILY ENGAGEMENT. THERE WERE 18 YOUTH WHO RECEIVED ONE-ON-ONE MENTORING SERVICES, 54 REFERRALS WERE MADE TO 16 DIFFERENT COMMUNITY RESOURCES, AND 81 AFTERSCHOOL ACTIVITIES WERE FACILITATED AT EXCEL RESOURCE CENTER. THIS PROGRAM ALSO CONDUCTED 7 FAMILY NIGHTS AND 2 HOLIDAY LUNCHEONS WHERE ATTENDANCE RANGED FROM 26 TO 50 INDIVIDUALS SERVED. THE COMMUNITY COLLABORATIVES INITIATIVE INCLUDES SIX COLLABORATIVE GROUPS FOCUSED ON CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT, FOOD, ENVIRONMENT, HOUSING, TRANSPORTATION, AND EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION. EACH GROUP CONSISTS OF COMMUNITY AGENCIES, LEADERS, AND GRASSROOT CITIZENS THAT COME TOGETHER TO CREATE DIALOGUE, ACTION, AND COORDINATION TO ADDRESS ISSUES IN A BROAD COMMUNITY CONTEXT. THE COLLABORATIVE INITIATIVE IS OVERSEEN BY THE COUNCIL OF COLLABORATIVES, WHICH IS COMPRISED OF LEADERSHIP FROM EACH COLLABORATIVE. THE COLLABORATIVES HAD 125 UNIQUE, ACTIVE MEMBERS FROM 63 ORGANIZATIONS. THERE WERE 1,462.5 VOLUNTEER HOURS DEDICATED TO COLLABORATIVES TO MAKE LONG LASTING CHANGE IN OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH COLLECTIVE IMPACT. OUR MAKING SENSE OF MONEY FINANCIAL LITERACY PROGRAM SERVED 111 INDIVIDUALS THROUGH THE BASIC BUDGETING SERIES AND 13 PARTICIPANTS RECEIVED A $100 SAVINGS GOAL MATCH. THROUGH THE MAKING SENSE OF MONEY PPOGRAM, PARTICIPANTS ENGAGED IN CLASSES, OPEN FINANCIAL LITERACY PLANNING, AND PANEL DISCUSSIONS WITH FINANCE EXPERTS IN THE COMMUNITY. FREE VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA) CLINICS WERE OFFERED AS PART OF THE ACROSS THE LIFE SPAN (ATLS) AND WE CARE COALITIONS. MORE THAN 80 IRS-CERTIFIED VOLUNTEERS PREPARED 5,380 FEDERAL TAX RETURNS LAST YEAR, RETURNING OVER $5 MILLION IN TOTAL REFUNDS. THERE WERE EIGHT TRADITIONAL VITA TAX CLINICS AND SIX FACILITATED SELF-ASSISTED SITES. WE PARTNERED WITH THE SPRINGFIELD DREAM CENTER TO HOST TAX-A-PALOOZA THAT SERVED 134 PEOPLE.

CPO'S PREVENTION AND YOUTH SUPPORT DIVISION WORKS IN 21 COUNTIES IN SOUTHWEST MISSOURI ASSISTING COMMUNITIES IN BUILDING PREVENTION COALITIONS AND IMPLEMENTING MULTIPLE STATE OF MISSOURI PREVENTION CONTRACTS AND LOCAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL GRANTS. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE COORDINATING A REGIONAL SUBSTANCE USE AND SUICIDE PREVENTION LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE FOR COALITION AND COMMUNITY LEADERS, HELPING THE TOBACCO AND VAPE PREVENTION COALITION TO COLLECT 734 VAPE DEVICES FROM VAPE DROP BOXES INSTALLED IN ALL SPRINGFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISTRICT MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL BUILDINGS, AND ESTABLISHING A SYSTEM TO SAFELY DISMANTLE AND DISPOSE OF THOSE TOXIC DEVICES. AFTER RECEIVING THE SPRINGFIELD AREA VAPE EDUCATION PROGRAM THAT WE HELP FACILITATE, GREENE COUNTY YOUTH'S KNOWLEDGE ON THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF VAPING INCREASED BY 18%. WE ESTABLISHED A NEW SUBSTANCE PREVENTION COALITION IN TEXAS COUNTY, ASSISTED COALITIONS IN TANEY AND WEBSTER COUNTIES IN APPLYING FOR 5-YEAR FEDERAL GRANTS THAT THEY WERE THEN AWARDED.WE WERE AWARDED A 5-YEAR FIREARM SUICIDE PREVENTION GRANT FROM MISSOURI FOUNDATION FOR HEALTH AND A 4-YEAR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS TRAINING GRANT FROM THE FEDERAL SUBSTANCE ABUSE & MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION. THROUGH THESE INITIATIVES, WE COORDINATED A FIREARM VIOLENCE ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION WITH COMMUNITY LEADERS THAT LED TO THE CREATION OF THE GUN SAFETY & VIOLENCE PREVENTION COLLABORATIVE, IMPLEMENTED SUICIDE PREVENTION MEDIA CAMPAIGNS RESULTING IN 1,080,964 IMPRESSIONS, AND CREATED AND DISTRIBUTED TO COMMUNITY MEMBERS MORE THAN 1,000 HOME SAFETY KITS THAT INCLUDE A MEDICATION/HANDGUN LOCK BOX, FIREARM CABLE LOCK, MEDICATION DESTRUCTION PACKETS, AND LITERATURE ON SUICIDE AND OPIOID MISUSE AND OVERDOSE PREVENTION, INCLUDING PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS FOR 988. WE ESTABLISHED A NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH THE OZARKS AREA CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM TO PROVIDE CIT TRAINING TO MORE THAN 100 FIRST RESPONDERS, PROVIDED 33 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAININGS TO 552 ADULTS INCLUDING ALL SPRINGFIELD-GREENE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT STAFF AND SPRINGFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT ACADEMY RECRUITS, AND QPR SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING TO 52 MISSOURI PARK RANGERS. WE SUPPORTED ALMOST 2,000 10TH GRADE STUDENTS IN RECEIVING TEEN MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING AND 6,800 6TH-9TH GRADERS IN RECEIVING THE SIGNS OF SUICIDE TRAINING, TO INCREASE THEIR MENTAL HEALTH LITERACY, DECREASE STIGMA, AND IDENTIFY AND ASSIST A PERSON EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGE OR CRISIS, INCLUDING THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE. WE ASSISTED THE MISSOURI SUICIDE PREVENTION NETWORK AND MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH IN DEVELOPING THE 2024-2028 MISSOURI SUICIDE PREVENTION PLAN. AT THE REQUEST OF THE MISSOURI FOUNDATION FOR HEALTH, WE JOINED AS A FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE NEW MISSOURI COLLABORATIVE ON FIREARM RESEARCH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, COMPRISED OF 3 COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS AND TWO RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS, TO DEVELOP THE CHARTER AND GOVERNANCE FOR A STATEWIDE COLLABORATIVE TO SHIFT FIREARM INJURY AND DEATH RESEARCH TO BE COMMUNITY LED BY THOSE IMPACTED BY FIREARM INJURY AND DEATH.