We value a culture of giving and encourage our employees to Do Some Good. Throughout the course of our Corporate campaign, we have shown a spotlight on several of the incredible agencies that United Way serves in our local community. Times may be difficult, but we have witnessed communities rising to meet hard moments. If in a position to give this year, we encourage you to support your local agency, too.

Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Missouri

Many working families in our community have come to rely on the exceptional care their children receive at the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Missouri. At only $25 per semester, their after-school program is very affordable — saving families money during a time when funds have never been tighter. Participating children develop ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals while interacting and having fun with friends their own age. The program has been carefully designed to advance academic success, character, and healthy lifestyles.

This year presented several creative challenges. The staff used the shut-down to complete a planned renovation and expansion of their facility but were able to move to an alternative location for their summer program. The pandemic also required them to operate at a reduced capacity and to implement additional safety protocols. Taking these measures allowed the participating kids to be kids again: playing with friends, spending time with mentors and heroes, watching guest speakers, and participating in a variety of fun activities.

In addition to the other changes, Boys & Girls Club also worked to strengthen their virtual programming this summer. This meant even more kids were learning through targeted and engaging activities. Staff utilized social media and created video content to help to minimize learning losses during the pandemic, often encouraging kids to share their results and engage using hashtags.

“We take a very educational approach to our program,” says Rhonda Gorham, Executive Director. “We focus on providing them with learning opportunities in math, reading, and especially science — which is fun because it can be messy!” During the school year, staff also require all students to complete their homework, which frees up their evening to focus on time with their families.

Throughout the rest of this school year, the Boys & Girls Club is committed to encouraging the kids in their program. They also hope to increase the number of students they’re able to serve. The United Way donations they receive are vital to that service — covering staff salaries, project materials, meals, and other expenses of the program.

“We look forward to a time when we can welcome volunteers into our doors again. It was really nice to have those extra hands,” says Rhonda. “However, people can help in many other ways. We really appreciate it when people take the time to connect with us on social media and help to share our message. Our club is working to build our community… starting with each of the children we serve.”

We value a culture of giving and encourage our employees to Do Some Good. Throughout the course of our Corporate campaign, we’ll be spotlighting several of the incredible agencies that United Way serves in our local community. Times may be difficult, but we have witnessed communities rising to meet hard moments. If in a position to give this year, we encourage you to support your local agency, too.

Jasper County 4-H 

At the beginning of every meeting and event, 4-H members make a pledge to the American Flag and the 4-H flag. They repeat in unison, “I pledge my HEAD to clearer thinking, my HEART to greater loyalty, my HANDS to larger service, and my HEALTH to better living — for my club, my community, my country and my world.”

This promise clearly encompasses what 4‑H aims to do. Through their clubs, kids and teens complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement in a positive environment — where they receive guidance from volunteer adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. Jasper County’s program has several active clubs in the area, which are delivered by the University of Missouri Extension.

Pictured above are five of the eight 4-H members who served on the livestock judging teams this year. These kids completed this state contest virtually. Jasper County 4-H’s junior team placed 5th in the State and the senior team placed 6th — both within their respective divisions.

With projects on more than 75 topics, 4-H has something to interest every child. Some of those learning opportunities include: geocaching, robotics, international exchanges, horsemanship, pets, starting a business, arts and crafts, raising animals, woodworking, photography and gardening. Many clubs have also taken on critical societal issues, such as addressing community health inequities, engaging in civil discourse and advocating for equity and inclusion for all.

The program emphasizes equal opportunities for kids who may be underserved as well. “We want to ensure that all the children in our program develop a partnership with an adult who can mentor them,” says Sarah Townley, 4-H Youth Program Associate. “The influence of a positive adult role model can really benefit a child throughout their entire life.”

Last December, Jasper County 4-H Teen Council rang the bell for the Salvation Army Red Kettle Donation Drive.

As with many other local non-profit organizations, the issues presented by the pandemic have been a challenge. However, staff and volunteers of 4-H have worked diligently to continue presenting engaging learning opportunities for their participants. While they were unable to meet in person, many clubs provided virtual options, and leaders adjusted the requirements for specific achievements. The children were even able to compete in a closed-door Jasper County Youth Fair, where they were able to safely compete in livestock shows. Other projects were judged remotely. While somewhat altered, these changes provided goals, normalcy, and community to many kids, during a difficult time.

The Jasper County Youth Fair is normally the largest fundraiser for Jasper County 4-H, so these changes have brought financial hardship as well. They are extremely grateful for the consistent support they receive from the United Way, as it enables them to continue the work they do with youth in our community.

“United Way allows our kids to go and do things they have never been able to before,” says Sarah. “Those dollars are often used to cover registration fees and expenses for the kids to attend state and national contests, summer camps, and leadership conferences. We really want to provide opportunities for all the kids we serve.”

In February (pre-Covid), the local Senior Meats Judging team competed at the Missouri State 4-H meat judging contest — and took First Place!

We value a culture of giving and encourage our employees to Do Some Good. Throughout the course of our Corporate campaign, we’ll be spotlighting several of the incredible agencies that United Way serves in our local community. Times may be difficult, but we have witnessed communities rising to meet hard moments. If in a position to give this year, we encourage you to support your local agency, too.

Joplin Family Y

The Joplin Family YMCA has been a fixture of the Joplin community for 129 years. You might know them best for their fitness offerings, which include cardio and strength equipment, group classes, and personal training. However, they’re more than just a gym and the name says it all – Joplin Family YMCA.

Staff at the Joplin Family Y work every day to strengthen the foundations of our community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Often, this mission impacts the families they serve in a very personal way.

When schools shut down during the pandemic, many essential workers struggled to find safe childcare. As a response, the Joplin Family YMCA implemented an Emergency Childcare Program to assist those families, which provided a healthy breakfast, lunch, snacks, assistance with their school’s remote learning activities, daily fitness activities, crafts and STEM projects.

Nikki’s son was one of 46 local children served by the program. It provided a safe, fun atmosphere for the kids, and allowed parents to continue serving our community during the crisis. “I’m very grateful,” said Nikki. “This program offered us both some consistency during a very difficult time.” Nicki even noticed that her son’s attitude greatly improved thanks to his experience there. While daily life felt very unfamiliar and chaotic during that time, the Emergency Childcare Program helped families navigate it together.

Like other nonprofit organizations around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a large toll on the Y. They were forced to manage facility closures, suspend memberships, and cancel all sporting programs. Enrollment in their afterschool programs in Joplin, Webb City, Carl Junction, and Carterville were also severely impacted. These unexpected financial pressures forced them to make many tough decisions regarding operating expenses. However, they remain dedicated to providing a safe, welcoming, and nurturing environment for the community, the members of the Y, and our local children.

As they begin to reopen their programs, the Joplin Family Y is particularly grateful for the support they receive from the United Way of Southwest Missouri. “The gifts we receive from United Way allow us to better focus on the families we serve,” says Cookie Estrada, Chief Executive Officer. “The health of our community is more vital now, than it has ever been.”

The Joplin Family Y welcomes the specialized talents of community volunteers as well. You can support their mission by providing services including Information Technology assistance, landscaping, reading to children, coaching, or by serving on their Board of Directors.