Life Together!Council of Churches of the Ozarks

Issue IV: Volume 2 Fall 2009

Reaching For The Future Together

November 2009

Dear Council Partners and Friends,

WOW! Our 40th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, October 18, brought more than 1,000 people to the Drury University Campus to celebrate God’s faithfulness in our shared life together. And I’m still a little buzzed from all that happened!

It was a beautiful day in many ways. I have been fortunate to work alongside Dr. Dave Hockensmith these last two years and it was a blessing to celebrate his years of service as he retires. We celebrated our long-time partnership with Drury University, and the Centennial of the Drury School of Religion. I have been an avid reader of best-selling author, Shane Claiborne, and I was thankful for the opportunity to meet with Shane, pray with him, and be challenged by what God would say to us through his message… and I was not disappointed! Finally, I was encouraged to hear Dorsey Levell, our retired Founder speak to us of God’s faithfulness even as God is doing a “new thing” among us.

Not Even One.

Our 40th Anniversary is a special occasion to reflect on “roots and wings.” The Council of Churches is branded from birth, so to speak, by our mission and core values, to be servants of a King and God who serves and identifies with the weak and the vulnerable, the forgotten and the disconnected. And our unity in Christ is interwoven with God’s own reputation in the world.

Trusting in our birthright and rooted in Christ, we are emboldened to stretch our wings to make this pledge: to serve our most vulnerable neighbors so that there will never be a child, a senior or a person with disabilities in the Ozarks who is hungry, abandoned or abused. Not even one.

I believe that with such a sense of calling, and with spiritual gifts and natural resources, all given by God, much more is expected from us as we lean into the future with confidence.

Thank you for contributing to our shared Life Together!

Mark Struckhoff, Interim Executive Director

From the Interim Executive Director

Mission StatementTo improve the quality of life in our region through collaborative

outreach in the name of Jesus Christ, by doing together what

can best be done together.

Council of Churches of the Ozarks

Board of DirectorsNeil Stenger, PresidentRoseann BentleyKenneth ChumbleyDan FribergBill GautGordon KinneDavid KunzeKen McClureKris NauDavid PeckTim RosenburyKatherine SteinbergPatrick SweeneyCindy WaitesBill Darr

The CCO Foundation Chair

ccozarks.org627 N. Glenstone

P.O. Box 3947 Springfield, MO 65808

Office: 417-862-3586 Fax: 417-862-2129

On The Cover:

Special thank you to the Community Children’s Choir and director - Sheila Grisham - Pippin of First and Calvary

Presbyterian Church. The future generation of God’s servants.

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Operating AgenciesAmbassadors For Children

Sondra Uzzell, msw, lcsw, Director627 N. Glenstone

Springfield, MO 65802 417-862-3586 ccozarks.org

Child Care Food Program Vicki McMillen, Director

1531 E. Sunshine E-1 Springfield, MO 65804

1-800-818-6812 ccfpfood.com

Child Care Resource & Referral Nicole Piper, Director 1910 E. Meadowmere Springfield, MO 65804

417-887-3545 ccochildcare.org

Connections Handyman Service Richard Virnig, Director

627 N. Glenstone Springfield, MO 65802

417-862-3586 ccozarks.org

Crosslines Pam Copling, Director

1710 E. Chestnut Expressway Springfield, MO 65802

417-869-0563 crosslines.org

Daybreak Adult Day Care Rick Stephenson, Director

1461 E. Seminole Springfield, MO 65804

417-881-0133 / 417-882-4243 ccozarks.org

Long-Term Care Ombudsman ProgramConnie Payne, Director

627 N. Glenstone Springfield, MO 65802

417-862-3598 ccozarks.org

RSVP Sharon Bradford, Director

627 N. Glenstone Springfield, MO 65802

417-862-3595 rsvp-springfieldmo.net

Therapeutic Riding of the OzarksKent Crumpley, Director

627 N. Glenstone Springfield, MO 65802

417-862-3586 ccozarks.org

A Source of Hope for a Lifetime

Thank you for making our 40th Anniversary Celebration a success!

We’re grateful to Drury University for their generosity and hospitality. A special word of thanks to:

Drury University President, Todd Parnell Dr. Peter Browning, Drury University Chaplain

The Drury University School of Religion for co‑sponsoring Shane Claiborne’s visit.Honorary Chairman Rev. Dorsey Levell

Sheila Grisham-Pippin, First and Calvary Presbyterian Church – Community Children’s Choir Director

The Community Children’s Choir – Brentwood Christian Church, Campbell UMC, Christ Episcopal Church, First & Calvary Presbyterian Church, King’s Way UMC, Messiah Lutheran Church, Schweitzer UMC, St. Agnes Cathedral, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Wesley UMC

Denny Reeves, Schweitzer UMC – Community Faith Band Director

The Community Faith Band Emily Bowen, Brentwood Christian; Stan Jones, First and Calvary Presbyterian; Mark Penticuff, Second Baptist; Mark Ellman, Immaculate Conception Catholic; Richard Struckhoff, Immaculate Conception Catholic; Daniel Pasquale, Immaculate Conception Catholic; Jana Henderson, Immaculate Conception Catholic

Verna Needem – 40th Anniversary Coordinator • Brother Wiley – Special Musical Guest Jim Mayfield - Photographer • Mark Moore – Food Coordinator • Ron Spargo – Food Coordinator American Red Cross • Romona Baker – Set Up Coordinator • Josh Jones – Grounds Coordinator

Nicole Piper – Children’s Activities • Sara Potter – Children’s Activities Richard Virnig – Set Up and Clean Up

All of our dedicated volunteers

Gold Corporate Sponsors

Silver Corporate Sponsor

Bronze Corporate Sponsor

Sponsors

All Events Rentals

LifeTogether!3

Evidence that anyone can truly make a difference in the lives of local abused and neglected children. Ambassadors for Children is matching Caseworkers and Partner groups together. A Partner Group can be anyone, including a faith group, Sunday school class, business colleagues, student groups and even individuals. Once this process is decided, the Partner Group (many Caseworkers have begun to refer to them as their “family” and “adoptive parents”) works on fulfilling those specific needs of the children/families of the Caseworker. The beauty of this program is that needs are specific.

Check out the beauty of this connection for both Caseworker and Partner Group:

“Just wanted to let you know how great Ridgecrest is. I asked them for some fall/winter clothes for a single mom I have that is struggling. We discussed donations of gently used items. However when I went to pick up the items on Tuesday I was given three bags of all NEW clothes and a couple of toys for each child with a lovely note from the church ladies saying how happy they were to get to help their Mommy. It was very, very nice.”

“I just wanted to let you know what wonderful things Gold Mechanical has done for my clients: They provided furniture for one of my girls who will be moving home this

week. They bought a new mattress and box springs, bed frame, armoire, bedside table and trunk. They also provided a $150 gift card to Target for decorating her room. They also provided a NEW washer and dryer for the mom. They also agreed to purchase a new car seat for a co-worker’s family whose car seat was destroyed in an accident. They are awesome!”

Adopt-a-Caseworker Program

Ambassadors for Children An Operating Agency of the

Council of Churches of the Ozarks Sondra Uzzell, MSW, LCSW

Agency Director 627 N. Glenstone • Springfield, MO 65802

417-862-3586 ext. 236 • suzzell@ccozarks.org ambassadors4children.blogspot.com

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We currently have 36 Partner Groups matched with a Caseworker; 30 more Greene County Child Protective Services Caseworkers are still waiting to be adopted!

If you would like to be part of this amazing program, contact Sondra Uzzell 417-862-3586 ext. 236 or suzzell@ccozarks.org.

q Pants (size infant-teenager boy & girl)

q Long sleeve shirts (size infant-teen boy & girl)

q Sleepers (newborn-12 months)

q $15 gift cards to Payless Shoe Store

q Winter coats (size infant-teenager boy & girl)

All items can be dropped off at the Ronald McDonald House, 7 days/week from 9am-9pm (949 E. Primrose)

Kid’s Clothes Closet Wish List

3,000 + Children ServedThe Kids Clothes Closet has seen a 67% increase in the number of foster children served and a 64% increase in the number of appointments from January – August 2009 com-pared to 2008. To date, the Kid’s Clothes Closet has served nearly 3,000 children!

“You know I would do anything for my adoptive parents (Partner Group)...they are awesome!!!!!! Thank you for matching me with the best!”

“The foster parent was VERY appreciative of what was purchased!!! Thank you to my family (Partner Group).....you are truly living up to your name, and you indeed heard me!!! Thanks!”

“I just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate Gold Mechanical. They have come through for me every time I ask! Their generosity has really enhanced the lives of the families I work with. I think they are the greatest. I just wanted to share that with you.”

“Yes, my Church (Partner Group) has been very helpful! One of the member’s daughter even made birthday cards for the May birthday kids! They were amazing.”

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HUNGER - Right Here in Our Community!By Pam Copling, Crosslines Director

I went to the gas station to fill up a car for one of our volunteer’s who was afraid she wouldn’t make it to the station. As I was returning her keys, I saw the mother and child she was serving at the food desk. We chatted for a minute and Mom told me how Dad had left for Texas with his new girlfriend and here she was with three children and no income. She said she spent a week just shell shocked and really in denial of the situation. By then the last of the money was gone and so was the food in her pantry. My attention eventually turned to her youngest son (her other two were in school) and he told me he was three years old and that he was hungry. I went around the corner and found a loaf of cinnamon raisin bread donated by a bakery that morning. I took the loaf back to the child who immediately tried to open the twist tie. I helped him with the twist tie and he ate a slice of bread so fast it seemed to disappear. By the time the volunteer was finished with the paperwork, he had eaten three big slices of bread.

It humbles me to be reminded of just how important our food pantry is. Hunger is not only in other places. It’s right here in our community. It could be right next door. Crosslines is more committed than ever to make sure our neighbors do not go hungry. I pray you will continue to help us be there for God’s people in need.

Crosslines Holiday Food Baskets DistributionsThanksgivingSaturday, November 21 at Pathways United Methodist Church

ChristmasSaturday, December 19 at Pathways United Methodist Church

We will provide food baskets for hundreds of families on each of these days. It takes many volunteers to accomplish this task. If you or your group can help, please call Ginny Westwick at 882-9476 to sign-up.

Sharing the Joy of the Holiday Season Together!

Crosslines Adoption ProgramThanksgiving and Christmas are fast approaching. Is this a time of joy for you or are you already beginning to wonder what to send those relatives that you haven’t seen in years? Or maybe you are dreading the annual exchange of candles and coffee mugs at the office? Do any of us really need this? Maybe it’s time for a change.

One way you can help is by sponsoring a family or families through Crosslines. If your Sunday school class or other group in the church, your family, or your place of work is looking for a special holiday project, this may be just the answer. For all the details, call Alice Dodd, Crosslines Adoption Coordinator, at 883-6378.

Double Your Donation Now! See Page 9

6 LifeTogether!

• Council of Churches• Bancorp South• Bank of America• Citizens National Bank of Springfield• Commerce Bank• Empire Bank• Fazoli’s

• Great Southern Bank• Hawthorne Bank• Liberty Bank• Metropolitan National Bank• Midwest Family Broadcasting• Old Missouri National Bank• Regions Bank

• Springfield First Community Bank• State Bank of Southwest Missouri• UMB Bank• US Bank• Village Bank• Wood & Huston Bank

Toy Drop Off … Drop off new toys for the Crosslines Toystore by December 16th at one of the following locations:

Crosslines Christmas Toystore Set UpDecember 14 – 18

Distribution

December 19 at the National Guard Armory – 1400 North Fremont Avenue

Parents who cannot provide for their children come to our Toystore and “shop” for gifts. You will be helping to provide Christmas for nearly 3,000 children! There are a large variety of jobs available. Your groups are welcome!

ALL VOLUNTEERS MUST BE AGE 13 OR OLDER.

Call Ginny Westwick at 882-9476 to sign-up for this wonderful volunteer experience.

COMMUNITY CLEARINGHOUSE 2009 SCHEDULEIf your church group, business or other group is helping a family for Christmas, make sure to ask the agency providing you with a family to help if they participate in the Community Clearinghouse. In these tough economic times it is more important than ever that we make the wisest use possible of every donor dollar. Community Clearinghouse services are free of charge.

OPENING DAY -- Monday, November 2 LAST DAY FOR CLEARING -- Monday, December 21

HOURS: 10:00am - 3:00pm Monday - Friday

PHONE: 865-5810 (If no answer, leave message. Your call will be returned.)

FAX: 865-6435

LOCATION: Southern Hills Shopping Center on E Sunshine, just East of Dollar General - Watch for our sign. The Clearinghouse will be closed from November 25 thru November 29 for Thanksgiving.

NOTE: If Springfield Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather, the Holiday Center/Community Clearinghouse will also be closed. Applications are processed daily. Wait 24 hours for duplication. Report before notifying or adopting families.

CrosslinesPam Copling, Director 1710 E. Chestnut Expwy Springfield, MO 65802 www.crosslines.org

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Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR)

Enhanced Military ReferralDo you know a parent or guardian of the National Guard and Reserves who is activated or deployed? Do you know an active duty Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine who is unable to access child care on Military installations? Then Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) may be able to assist with their child care needs.

In May, CCRR signed a contract with the National Association for Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) to provide enhanced child care referrals to military families. NACCRRA is contracting with CCRR to provide a higher level of consumer education and referral service to eligible military families who need help finding an existing high-quality child care space. In addition to offering the usual information families receive through community referral, CCRR staff will confirm vacancies before making referrals to families. CCRR will conduct follow-ups with families to make sure they have found care. CCRR will also assist families with navigating through the NACCRRA system as needed. Finally, in addition to receiving enhanced child care search assistance, qualifying military families may get assistance with child care fees through the military child care subsidy program.

If you know someone that could benefit from this new CCRR service, have them call CCRR to check their eligibility and apply for this program. For more information, please call CCRR at 417-887-3545 or 1-800-743-8497, ext. 210. Since May CCRR has provided this service to 35 families and we are hoping to see this program grow! Please help CCRR spread the word about this very important new service.

Serving Statistics July-September 2009Total # of…

Referral Calls: 384 Children Served through Referral Calls: 559 Enhanced Military Referral Calls: 23 Enhanced Inclusion Referral Calls: 44 On-line Referral Searches: 625

Thank you for helping my child stay in preschool!A CCRR Referral Specialist received a call from a child care provider who had just registered for the new Military Child Care program. The provider explained she had two families in her care in which the fathers had just been deployed to Afghanistan. Both of these families told this provider they were going to have to drop their children from the program because their husbands would be making less money while they were deployed. Preschool tuition was something they were going to need to cut out of their budgets. The Referral Specialist told this provider to have the families call Child Care Resource and Referral right away and the Referral Specialist could help them apply for the Military Child Care Subsidy. Minutes after talking with the provider, the Referral Specialist received calls from both of the mothers and a Military referral was completed for them. Both parties were so grateful for the help and could not believe there was assistance to help pay for the child care. One parent told the Referral Specialist, “without this assistance my child would not have the opportunity to stay in preschool”.

For more information about CCRR, or to make a gift in support of the work

of CCRR, please contact Nicole Piper,

CCRR Director 417-887-3545

1910 E. Meadowmere Springfield, MO 65804

ccochildcare.org.

8 LifeTogether!

CCFP’s annual Fall Workshop was held at Schweitzer United Methodist Church on Saturday October 17th. CCFP providers from all over the state attended. They came from Kansas City, St. Louis, Columbia, the Bootheel and all areas in between. An emphasis on the “four seasons” was used throughout the workshop as the providers had a choice of classes to attend. Class choices arranged from Infant Feeding Guidelines, required portions sizes of foods, the home monitor visit, and fun foods for kids. Director Vicki McMillen shared with them how through good nutritional meals, love and care they can make an impact on children’s lives “for seasons to come”.

“Four Seasons to Come”

Child Care Food ProgramVicki McMillen, Director

1531 E. Sunshine, E-1 Springfield, MO 65804

417-865-8427 or 1-800-818-6812 ccfpfood.com

Child Care Food Program (CCFP)

Providing Nutrition to Children in Need

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO) has awarded a $40,000 Community Response Challenge Grant to Corsslines.

Demand for the services of Crosslines in 2009 is on a record-setting pace which will surpass the record number of families served in 2008. The Holiday Programs offered by Crosslines (Thanksgiving and Christmas Food Baskets and Crosslines Toystore) are expected to set new records.

To qualify for the matching funds, Council of Churches and Crosslines partners are encouraged to make a special cash gift immediately. Donors are asked to make out checks to CCO-Crosslines-CRG and send to the Council of Churches of the Ozarks, P.O. Box 3947, Springfield, MO 65808-3947.

For more information about the Community Response Challenge Grant, or about the work of the Council of Churches of the Ozarks, please contact Mark Struckhoff, Interim Executive Director, at 417-862-3586 ext 225.

Community Foundation oF the ozarksawards Crosslines $40,000

Community response Challenge Grant

Community Foundation oF the ozarks

LifeTogether!9

Another successful SYWC encounter!Connections Handyman Service’s Summer Youth Work Camp (SYWC) during the week of July 7 through July 10 worked with the following 10 churches to deliver essential home repairs for low-income seniors.

• Christ United Methodist, Independence MO (13 youth/4 adults) built a 29’ wheel chair ramp

• New McKendree United Methodist, New McKendree MO (13 youth/3 adults) built a 27’ wheel chair ramp

• First United Methodist Church, Independence MO (11 youth/3 adults) built a 24’ wheel chair ramp

• St. Andrew United Methodist, De Soto MO (11 youth/4 adults) built a 21’ wheel chair ramp

• Centenary United Methodist, Bonne Terre MO (9 youth/3 adults) built a 15’ wheel chair ramp

• Hillsboro United Methodist, Hillsboro MO (9 youth/6 adults) built a 18’ wheel chair ramp

• Green Trails United Methodist, Green Trails MO (7 youth/3 adults) built a set of Walker Steps (6 steps)

• Grace United Methodist, St. Louis MO (6 youth/2 adults) built a set of Walker Steps (8 steps)

• Concord Trinity United Methodist, Concord MO (13 youth/5 adults) did an Extreme Yard Makeover

• Warrenton United Methodist, Warrenton MO (7 youth/3 adults) helped on the Extreme Yard Makeover

• Ashland United Methodist, Ashland MO (5 youth/2 adults) did yard cleanups, removed a ramp, and generally helped out

Connections contractors, J.W. Gatty, Arthur Virnig, Shawn Batty, & Katherine and Jerry Biler, provided technical assistance to all of the building projects. Arthur primarily acted as a supply supervisor and hauled literally tons of materials to all of the job sites. For example, we delivered over 100 bags of concrete mix, i.e. 100x80 lbs = 8,000 or 4 tons of cement alone!

CONNECTIONS

HANDYMAN SERVICES

The Contractor’s Corner by Richard Virnig

RichaRd ViRnig

For more information, contact:

Connections Handyman ServicesRichard Virnig, Director

417-862-3586627 N. Glenstone

Springfield, MO 65802ccozarks.org

Thank you to the Greene County Senior Citizens’ Services Fund for their generous support of the Council of Churches of the Ozarks’ work with senior

citizens through Connections Handyman Services, Long Term Care Ombudsman and RSVP.

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Certified Nursing Assistants Honored at 3rd Annual Exceptional Caregiver Award LuncheonThe Long-term Care Ombudsman Program sponsored their 3rd Annual Exceptional Caregiver Luncheon and Recognition on August 7, 2009 at the Tower Club, in Springfield. The keynote speaker was Lisa Cantrell, RN Chief Clinical Officer, National Association of Health Care Assistants NAHCA, Academy of Certified Health Professionals ACHP. Thank you to our Gold Sponsor, Missouri Health Care Association and our Silver Sponsors as follows: Andy Williams Moon River Theatre; Christian HealthCare East; Christian HealthCare Republic; Culpepper Place of Branson; Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre; Grand Country Music Hall; Hilton Hotel & Convention Center; Jim Stafford Theatre; Northwood Hills Care Center; Ozarks Nursing and Care Center; Presley’s Country Jubilee; Region I Ombudsman Operating Agency; Ride the Ducks; Showboat Branson Belle; The IMAX; The Maples Healthcare and The Shepherd of the Hills.

Santa for Seniors in Nursing HomesThe Long-term Care Ombudsman Program is accepting financial donations to provide gifts to nursing home residents this Christmas. Not all residents have family or friends to provide them with holiday gifts or even some extra necessities. Through your partnership with us, you can be part of “playing Santa” to many residents! We’ll do the shopping if you will send your cash gifts to Long-term Care Ombudsman Santa for Seniors at 627 N. Glenstone, Springfield, MO 65802. For more information on adopting a Nursing Home call Connie Payne, Agency Director at 417.862.3598.

Daybreak Adult Day Care“Quality Care, Each New Day”

CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS AT DAYBREAKDaybreak Adult Day Care is wrapping up 2009 with a bang! We are gearing up for our Christmas festivities. We will have our Thanksgiving dinner on the 25th of November, with turkey, dressing and all the usual trimmings for clients.

On December 11th, we will be having our annual Christmas dinner for Daybreak clients, their families, and ISL staff. Our dinner will be held at Brentwood Christian church, located at 1900 E. Barataria in Springfield. We will be accepting donations for our door prize drawings. Donations could be gift cards to local restaurants, shops, movie theaters, etc. Also baked pies, cobblers, cookies, etc. are popular prizes. The Daybreak band is preparing Christmas carols and a small Christmas presentation to entertain our guests.

Daybreak will also be holding our client Christmas party all day on December 23rd. We will have special snacks, activities, and end the day with presents for all of the clients! We are also accepting Christmas gift donations (our clients like new toiletries, gloves, scarves, hats, movies, gift cards, books, CD’s, and jewelry.) We appreciate our community who supports Daybreak Adult Day Care. Because of you, we are able to have the amazing program that we have and also offer our clients the very best.

Daybreak Adult Daycare Rick Stephenson, Director

1461 E Seminole Springfield, Mo 65804

417-881-0133 ccozarks.org

Long-Term Care ombudsman Program

“I was sick and you visited me…” (Matthew 25:36)

Long-Term Care Ombudsman

Connie Payne, Director 627 N. Glenstone

Springfield, MO 65802 417-862-3598 ccozarks.org

CONGRATULATIONS to ALL 24 Certified Nursing Assistant Nominees being honored at the 2009 Caregiver Award Luncheon: nominated for their outstanding job performance and demonstration of respect for the residents they care for daily. Each nominee is truly a winner!

Thank you to CFO for their generous support of Daybreak and the band!

Community Foundation oF the ozarks

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Therapeutic Riding of the OzarksEnabling the Disabled Through Therapeutic Horseback Riding

Letters from the BarnRiders and their parents describe how equine

therapy has impacted their livesby Kent Crumpley, Director

Therapeutic Riding of the Ozarks (TRO) will soon be wrapping up our Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy sessions for 2009. As we turn out the horses to pasture this winter and put away all our tack, we can’t wait to start planning for the 2010 TRO sessions, but we could use your help and support. As some of you may know TRO started a Hippotherapy (HPOT) program to assist our Therapeutic Riding (TR) program back in January. Our Hippotherapy program is a greatly needed to serve those living in the Ozarks with severe disabilities. As of today TRO’s HPOT and TR program is serving 74 clients and looks to keep growing as we continue to reach out to those in need and educate the insurance companies so that parents can receive a much needed higher reimbursement to the cost of HPOT. Scholarship support for parents that need financial help to cover the cost of their child to receive either HPOT or TR is needed.

To learn more on how you can help financially support those in need of equine therapy or how you can become a TRO volunteer, please contact Kent Crumpley, Director, at 862-3586 ext 230. Thank you for your support and dedication to TRO.

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Contact UsFor more information or to learn how to volunteer or make a donation in support of TRO, visit Kent’s blog at trozarks.blogspot.com, or contact: Kent Crumpley, Director Therapeutic Riding of the Ozarks 627 N. Glenstone, Springfield, MO 65802 417-862-3586, ext. 230 • ccozarks.org

Kent,

I just want you to know what an

incredible time this has been for the

boys and we are genuinely thankful to

be a part of it. We DO have our little

horse that Asher painted sitting on

the window sill just waiting for your

event. I will bring it on Saturday when

we ride. You and your wife are an

awesome team and we cannot thank

you enough for ALL you do!!

Angelia Buffington

(Izz and Ash’s mom)

Kent,

Our son, Robbie, did not sit up until age

three. He had poor muscle tone, head,

and trunk control and did not like to use

his hands. He was eventually diagnosed

with cerebral palsy.

Therapeutic Riding was suggested by

his physical therapist to challenge his

muscles and help with balance and motor

issues. When he began riding at age six

he could hardly sit up on a horse with the

horse standing in place much less walking

or trotting. At age thirteen after years

of therapy, he sits up straight and loves

to trot the horse.

Therapeutic Riding gives our son a

sense of pride and enjoyment while

accomplishing Physical, Occupational and

Speech Therapy goals at the same time.

Thank you, Donna Allyn

LifeTogether!13

THE 35TH ANNUAL RECOGNITON DINNERHonoring RSVP’s Dedicated VolunteersWith more than 500 in attendance, RSVP celebrated the wonderful and dedicated spirit of our volunteers at the 35th Annual Recognition Dinner at the Clarion Hotel and Convention Center. Table decorations were provided by The Montclair, Oxford Health Care and Linda Turk. The “Sounds Pretty Good Combo” played lively music during dinner and had a sing along.

As a special note of interest: 19 members of the Licking Bridge Builders Senior Center came all the way from Licking to attend our festivities! Thank you for attending and of course for your service to the community.

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Meyer Communications aired commercial announcement spots on KWTO-AM 560 RADIO.

Oxford HealthCare provided a cash donation in addition to table decorations. For more information about Health Fairs and volunteer opportunities with Oxford HealthCare call 883-7500.

The Montclair Retirement Community, where residents enjoy independent senior living within the comfort of their own apartment, provided a cash donation in addition to table decorations. Call (417) 886-2100 to find out more about this community.

St. John’s generously gave a cash donation to help underwrite the banquet. We give thanks for St. John’s and all their volunteers for the work they do throughout the year.

The Mary Horton Memorial RSVP Volunteer Award 2009This year’s winner of the Mary Horton Award is Brad Cox from The Northview Senior Center. Brad Cox is a “ONE OF A KIND” individual. His humility and commitment to service put him at a pinnacle populated by very few. He would say his help is what anyone would provide, but how many actually do. He works with the cooks and maintains a menu list, generates an ongoing newsletter, answers phone calls, creates home meal delivery routes as well as assists with the technology programs offered at Northview Senior Center. He is an inspiration to us all!

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNTIESBus Ambassador (New Volunteer Opportunity)A new program with Volunteers helping seniors negotiate City Bus Routes, transfers and how to get around.

RSVP Transportation Service Van Driver - Blind Routes Schedule OpenVan Driver - Substitute and Permanent

Homebound ShoppersShopper will help one client shop about twice a month for groceries and/or medications. (Anyone knowing of a person needing this service, please call 862-3595)

Reading BuddyOnce a week you will meet with a student at their school and spend one-half hour reading with them.

To learn more about these and other volunteer opportunities, contact RSVP at 862-3595.

For more information about RSVP, or to make a gift in support of the work of RSVP, please contact RSVP Director, Sharon Bradford 417.862.3595 627 N. Glenstone, Springfield MO, 65804. Visit the RSVP website at rsvpspringfieldmo.net

RSVP offers free van transportation to your volunteer assignment

RSVP vans are driven by volunteers for volunteers

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Easy Giving Options to Support the Council of Churches

Please charge $______________ per month to my:

Monthly withdrawal date is on: 15th 30th

I understand that my account will be debited at the time my authorization is received and thereafter in each subsequent month on the date I have selected.

Name on card: (please print) ________________________________________ Address: __________________________City_____________State__Zip_____

Card #: Exp. Date: (required) ________ - _________ - ________ - __________ ___ / ______

Signature: (required) _____________________________________________ Date: ____/______/________

Amount per month $_________________

Name of financial institution: __________________________

Account information:

Checking (Important: please attach a voided check)

Savings (Please provide an account number)

Preferred date of transaction 5th 20th

Account number: ____________________________________ Routing number: _____________________________________

Note: you can obtain your routing (ABA) number and account number by looking at one of your checks or by contacting your financial institution.

Signature: (required) __________________________________________________ Date: ____/______/________

I understand that my account will be debited at the time my authorization is received and thereafter in each subsequent month on the date I have selected. I authorize Council of Churches of the Ozarks to charge my account each month the amount shown above (this includes my authorization for Council of Churches to reverse any changes made in error). This authority will remain in effect until I give written notice to cancel it. I understand all changes to this agreement take three to six weeks to be processed.

Simply follow the process on our home page or the donate section of our website to give a safe, secure and private donation. You may donate by credit card or through a PayPal Account. All contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Credit Card (Automatic monthly credit card charge)

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) (Automatic monthly bank account withdrawals)

Online Giving (go to ccozarks.org to give safely and securely)

Thank you for your partnership with the Council of Churches of the Ozarks! To enroll, please return this form in the reply envelope provided, or mail to

Council of Churches, Gift Processing, PO Box 3947, Springfield MO 65808

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LifeTogether!15

Life Together! is a quarterly publication of the Council of Churches of the Ozarks, designed to inform readers of current community needs and operating agencies activities and recognize donors and volunteers. Life Together! is mailed without charge to anyone interested in the Council of Churches of the Ozarks.

Council of Churches of the Ozarks Dorsey E. Levell Ministry Center of the Ozarks 627 N. Glenstone, Springfield, MO 65802 MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 3947, Springfield, MO 65808-3947 Phone: 417.862.3586 Email: ccozarks@ccozarks.org Fax: 417.862.2129 Website: www.ccozarks.org

Central Office Staff Mark Struckhoff • Interim Executive Director • ext. 225 Barbara Gardner • Executive Assistant • ext. 224 Collette Howland • Controller • ext. 232 Paula Austin • Advancement Assistant • ext. 233 Leslie Boughton • Grant Writer • ext. 235 Rosella White • Human Resources Assistant • ext. 238 Janet Garoutte • Receptionist

The Council of Churches Foundation Richard Dunn, President Phone: 417.839.7450

Council of Churches of the Ozarks PO Box 3947 Springfield, MO 65808-3947

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Celebration Snap Shots

Special thanks to our $40,000 Challenge Sponsors!

Underwriting Sponsors ($5,000+)

Traditional Values. Global Performance. Lifetime Partnerships.

Presenting Sponsors ($2,500-$4,999)

Gold Sponsors ($1,000-$2,499)

Great Southern Bank • Hlavacek, Morris, McIntyre, Yates & Danielson, P.C.Med-Pay, Inc. • Peck’s Insurance & Financial Services

Palmerton & Parrish, Inc.

Challenge Partners ($250-$499)

Professional Answering Service, Inc. Ollis & Company Insurors • Rick’s Automotive

To find out more about becoming a Challenge Sponsor call 417.862.3586 ext. 225.

The New Power of Together $40,000 Challenge

Thanks to the generosity of special partners like you, gifts to the Council of Churches are eligible to be

matched dollar-for-dollar up to $40,000!

The New “Power of Together” $40,000 Challenge is made possible by a visionary and generous group of individuals, businesses and foundations

that have come together with the Council of Churches board of directors to leverage donations by doubling your gift up to $40,000.

16 LifeTogether!