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EAST MISSOURI ACTION AGENCY

Community Action changes Community Action changes

people's lives, embodies the people's lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes communities, and makes

America a better place to America a better place to live. We care about the live. We care about the entire community, and we entire community, and we are dedicated to helping are dedicated to helping people help themselves people help themselves and each other. and each other.

PEOPLEMATTERMOST

AtEastMissouriActionAgency,webelievethatpeoplemattermost.Our commitmentistotheindividuals,families,andcommunitiesofSoutheast Missouri.AsaCommunityActionAgency,wefocusoncultivatinggrowth, empoweringindividuals,andhelpingcommunitiesthrive.Ourworkis centeredaroundthebeliefthateveryonedeservestheopportunityto succeedandleadafulfillinglife.

Throughavarietyofessentialprograms,includingCommunityServices, HeadStart,Weatherization,Housing,andNewFoundations,weaddress bothimmediateneedsandlong-termgoals.Wemeetpeoplewherethey are,offeringtailoredsupportandcoachingtoguidethemontheirunique journeys.Byprovidingresources,personalizedcoaching,andhands-on assistance,wehelpindividualsovercomebarriers,gainskills,andbuild resilience.Ourprogramsempowerpeopletotakecontroloftheirfutures, helpingthemtorealizetheirownambitionsandaspirations.

Attheheartofallourworkisadeepcommitmenttothoseweserve.We recognizethatwhenindividualsaresupportedandgiventhetoolsthey needtosucceed,entirecommunitiesbecomestrongerandmorevibrant. Itisthroughthestrengthofourpeoplethatwecancreatelasting change.Wearehonoredtobeapartoftheirjourneys,helpingto cultivatehope,ambition,andresilienceasweworktogethertowarda brighterfuture.

Aswecontinuetoserveandupliftthoseinneed,wealsowanttoshare thestoriesofourcommunitieswithyou.Eachstoryisareflectionofthe courage,perseverance,anddeterminationthatdefinethepeoplewe serve.Bysharingthesestories,wehopetofosterunderstanding, celebrateresilience,andbuildconnectionsthatcanmakealasting impact.

Weremainfocusedonwhattrulymatters–thepeoplewhomakeupourcommunities. Together,wecanbuildafoundationofhope andopportunity,ensuringafuturewhere everyonehasthechancetogrow,thrive, andsucceed.

Resilience Resilience

Both

In response to the EF2 tornado that struck Bollinger County on April 5, 2023, East Missouri Action Agency (EMAA) quickly mobilized a team of staff to provide immediate support to those affected. They offered essential resources such as food, clothing, gas, and other necessities. With additional aid from the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS), EMAA received DSS staff support, bulk supplies, and $40,000 in Community Services Block grant funds to address emergency needs.

LUCAS BOUNDS Perseverance Perseverance

My name is Lucas Bounds and I found East Missouri Action Agency in 2021whenIwashomelessandlivingonthestreet(literallyinunlocked storagesheds,parkbathrooms,anywhereIcould).

East Missouri got me out of the bitter cold and put me in a hotel and that is when I got connected to Rob and the SELF program. I set goals for myself and worked really hard to reach them. I got a job and was starting to do better, then I ran into legal issue that landed me in jail. I was already on probation so I had to do 30 days in jail. Then I had to completeanother60daysatthereleasecenter.Ilostmyjobanditwas very depressing. Once a week during that whole time, Rob visited me at the jail and the release center. He kept encouraging me to look ahead. He helped me get a new job and the release center let me out to work every day. I saved the money I was making so I could try and findaplaceofmyownwhenIgotout.

I was given job leads and one led to an interview at Ozark Pride meat company.Igothiredandhavebeenemployedfornearly2years.When Iwasreadytog got help with housing progra food.Iamstubb applybecausei

Today I have a f apartment and my own car. I’m myself. I still str came a long wa better. I gave up than I can coun am sure glad.

The programs a Missouri have b

SEED$ staff met with Amanda to explore her vision of opening a multi-faceted massage therapy business focused on mind and body healing. After carefully considering the full scope of her project, we determined that funding the entire venture at once was not feasible. Instead, we worked with Amanda to identify a practical first step— launching a mobile massage therapy business, bringing services directly to clients rather than operating from a fixed location. By narrowing the focus, we were able to support Amanda in securing a small loan to purchase essential equipment and supplies, enabling her to begin offering mobile massage therapy services right away. To supplement her income while building her client base, Amanda will continue working at her current employer until her business becomes self-sustaining. She expressed that this opportunity is a critical step toward breaking the cycle of poverty and achieving financial stability. SEED$ remains committed to working alongside Amanda as she progresses toward her long-term goals, including the development of a Rage and Release Therapy business.

AMANDA ZILLIKEN Hope Hope

THESCALES’FAMILY Growth Growth

“MynameisAmberScales,andmy husband,Derrick,andIbothworkfor EMAA.IserveasaCommunityServices RepresentativeandBuildingManager fortheFarmingtonOutreachOffice, whileDerrickworkswiththeNew FoundationsConstructionCrew.

MyjourneywithEMAAbeganthreeyearsagoasaHeadStartcookbefore becominganassistantteacher.Seekingfull-timeemployment,Iturnedto SKILLUP,whichhelpedmeearnmyCDA.Derrickalsofoundemployment throughSKILLUP,securingapositionwithEMAAandobtaininghisHVAC certificationatUnitec.

OurchildrenattendedHeadStart,whereweexperiencedfirsthandthe incrediblesupportofEMAAstaff.Overthepastsixtosevenyears,the agencyhasprovideduswithinvaluableresources,helpingustransition fromasingleincometobothofussecuringfull-timeemployment.Our ultimategoalwastobuyahomeforourfamily,andattheendof2024,we wereapprovedforahomeloan.Injusttwoweeks,wewillmoveintoa newlybuilt,affordablehomeconstructedbyDerrick’steaminParkHills.

Comingfromfamiliesthatstruggledwithpoverty,wehavealwaysbelieved inpushingforwardandcaringforourlovedones.ThankstoEMAA,that beliefhasturnedintoreality.Wearebeyondgratefulforthesupportwe havereceivedfromHeadStart,NewFoundations,CS,andLIHEAP,andwe areexcitedtocontinuepayingitforward—helpingotherfamiliesachieve theirgoalsjustaswehave.”

FRIENDSHIPHOUSE

Independence Independence

ThisistheinspiringstoryofBecky,anindividualwhocametothe FriendshipHouseseekingapathtowardindependenceandhas sincebuiltasuccessfullife.TheFriendshipHouse,avital transitionalspaceforthoseinthebehavioralhealthcommunity, offersincome-basedhousingtoindividualsmovingfrom institutionalorassistedlivingenvironmentstomore independentliving.In2021,BeckyarrivedattheFriendship Housewiththegoalofembracingself-sufficiencyandabrighter future.

ThesupportivecommunityattheFriendshipHouseplayeda crucialroleinBecky’sgrowth.Soonaftermovingin,sheenrolled incollegepart-time,eventuallytransitioningtofull-timestudies whilealsoparticipatinginasharedworkprogramthroughBJC BehavioralHealth.Herdeterminationandhardworkpaidoff, andby2025,shehadearnedaBachelorofSciencedegreeanda Master’sinPsychology.Now,poisedtomoveintoherown apartment—withouttheneedforrentalassistance—Beckyhas launchedhercareerasacounseloratSoutheastMissouri BehavioralHealth.

TheFriendshipHousecontinuestooffervitalhousingsupport, fosteringsuccessstorieslikeBecky’s.Herjourneyfromseeking stabilitytoachievingprofessionalsuccesshighlightsthepower ofcommunity,perseverance,andtheunwaveringsupportofthe FriendshipHouse.Becky’sstoryisatestamenttotheimportance ofprovidingopportunitiesforindependenceandthe transformativeimpactofasupportiveenvironment.

*Please note the name has been changed as this individual requested to remain anonymous.

A SAFE PLAC

Restore Restore

*Please note the name has been changed as this individual requested to remain anonymous.

Signingherparentalrightsovertoherdaughtersoherdaughtercouldhave abetterlife,wasoneofthehardestthingsShannonhaseverdone.She wantedsobadlytobeabettermom,butaddictionkeptpullingherback, andherchoiceskeptgettingintheway.Thepainofsigningoverher parentalrightswassomethingthatstayedwithhereveryday.Evenafter that,Shannon’sstrugglesdidn’tstop.Shefoundherselfinanotherunhealthy relationship,andaddictioncontinuedtotakecontrol.Thenshehadason, andhebecameherreasontoturnthingsaround.However,atthetimeher pastchoiceswerealreadyinterferingwithherplans.Sowhenshestarted losingcustodyofhimtoo,itfeltlikeeverythingwasslippingawayagain.This time,though,Shannonwasdeterminedtomakethingsright.Sheknewshe couldn’tloseanotherchild,soshemadethedecisiontofightforhersonand getcleanforgood.

Determinedtoturnthingsaround,Shannonsuccessfullycompleted residentialtreatment,anduponcompletionbegananewpathasshecame totheUpliftShelter,fullycommittedtostayingcleanandregainingcustody ofherson.Theroadaheadwasn’teasy,buttheUpliftOvernightShelter playedapivotalroleinsupportingShannon’srecovery.Ashelterforthose facinghomelessness,UpliftprovidedShannonwithasafeandsupportive environment,completewithencouragingstaffwhobelievedinherpotential. ItwasherethatShannonfoundnotonlyastableplacetolivebutalsoa communitythatprovidedtheguidanceandsupportsheneededtostay clean.Theshelter’sresourcesallowedhertofocusentirelyonherrecovery andtoprovethatshewasreadytobetheresponsible,lovingmotherherson needed.

Shannon’sdeterminationtobeabettermotherdrovehereveryday.Hernew foundfaithinGodandwiththehelpofUpliftandothercommunity programs,sheworkedtirelesslytorebuildherlife.Shefoughttoregain custodyofhersonbyattendingcounselingandtherapyandbyconsistently showingthatshewascommittedtoherrecovery.Meanwhile,Shannon workedonbuildingcommunicationwithherdaughter’sparents,knowing thatrebuildingthatrelationshipwouldtaketime.Whilereconnectingwith herdaughterisstillaworkinprogress,Shannonremaineddeterminedto makeithappen,focusingonrespectful,opencommunicationandsteady stepstowardreestablishingtheirbond.

Inadditiontoherjourneyofrecoveryandfamilyrestoration,Shannonsether sightsonanewgoal:pursuingacareerinclinicalcounseling.Her experiencesinspiredhertohelpothersfacingthesamestruggleswith addictionandloss.Shewantedtocreatearecoverygroupthatwasinclusive andfaith-based,offeringasafespaceforpeopletocometogether,heal,and supporteachotherwithoutjudgment.Shannonknewthatherstorycould providehopetootherswhoweregoingthroughsimilarchallenges.

Today, Shannon is working towards her master's degree in clinical counseling and beginning to start her internship with the drug court program that once gave her a fresh start. Her journey has been long and difficult, but Shannon is proof that redemption is possible. She is a mother, a survivor, a believer of God and a woman who has fought for her family and her future. Shannon’s story is one of faith, resilience, determination, and the power of second chances.

IMPORTANCEOFCOMMUNITY Generosity Generosity

Communitypartnershipsare essentialinaddressinglocal challenges,astheybringtogether diverseorganizations,resources, andexpertisetocreatemore sustainablesolutions.These collaborationsfosterasenseofsharedresponsibility,empowering individualsandgroupstoactivelyengageinsolvingcommonproblems.The powerofcommunityactionliesinitsabilitytomobilizepeoplefromall walksoflife,workingtogethertowardmeaningfulchange.Inthecaseof theUpliftOvernightEmergencyShelterinFarmington,MO,these partnershipsareintegraltotheshelter’ssuccess.Bypoolingresourcesfrom localgovernments,churches,businesses,non-profits,andindividuals,the initiativeensuresthatpeopleexperiencinghomelessnesshaveasafeplace tosleepandaccesstocriticalservices,demonstratinghowcollectiveeffort canaddressurgentcommunityneeds.

TheEastMissouriActionAgency(EMAA)exemplifiesthepowerof communityactionthroughitscollaborationwiththeCityofFarmingtonand avarietyoflocalorganizations.Thisunifiedefforthelpssustainandexpand theservicesprovidedattheUpliftShelter.Churches,non-profits,and businessescontributetime,funding,andresources,whileindividuals supportthroughvolunteeringandadvocacy.Together,theycreatearobust networkofcarethatensuresthesheltercancontinuetoprovidea welcomingenvironmentforthoseinneed,especiallyduringcoldermonths. ThesuccessoftheUpliftShelterillustratesthatwhenacommunitycomes together,itcanaccomplishextraordinarythings,highlightingthe transformativepowerofcollectiveactionincombatinghomelessnessand buildingastronger,moreresilientcommunity.

MELISSAYATES

Determination Determination

SKILLUPisoneofthemanylife-changing servicesofferedbyEMAA,andforMelissa Yates,itwasakeypartofherjourneytoa brighterfuture.

Asadedicatedsinglemotheroftwo children,ages8and10,Melissawas workingasanassistantteacheratEMAA HeadStartwhilepursuingherdreamof becomingapublicschoolteacher. Determinedtoreachhergoal,sheenrolled atCentralMethodistUniversity,butduring herfinalyear,shefacedfinancial challenges herPELLandWIOAaidhad runout,andsheneededhelpcovering tuitionandtestingfeestocompleteher Bachelor'sDegreeinEducation.Reliable transportationwasalsoessentialtofulfill herstudentteachingrequirements,buther carneededurgentrepairs.

ThroughSKILLUPandtheS.E.L.Fprogram, Melissareceivedthefinancialassistance, coaching,andsupportsheneeded.With theseresources,shenotonlygraduated butwasalsopromotedtoaclassroom teacherpositionatHeadStart.

Her hard work and perseverance continued to pay off, leading to another promotion as a lead teacher, each step bringing greater financial security and confidence in her future.

Now,Melissaisreachingevenhigher—shehasbeenacceptedintotheMaster’s DegreeprogramatCentralMethodistUniversity,continuingherpathofgrowth andsuccess.

“Furtheringmyeducationhasmadeitpossibletoadvanceinmypositionatmy job.Itwillalsohelpmeinthefuturetoachievemorefinancialsecurity,”Melissa shares.Sheisincrediblygratefulforthesupportshereceivedandencourages otherstotakeadvantageoftheopportunitiesavailablethroughEMAA.

“IwoulddefinitelyrecommendEMAAtoothers.”

Melissa’sstoryisatestamenttothepowerofperseveranceandtheimpactofthe rightsupportsystem.Withdeterminationandtherightresources,anyonecan takestepstowardabetter,moresecurefuture!

FARMINGTONOAKSSENIORCENTER

SocialConnectionsSocialConnections

TheFarmingtonSeniorCenterplays acrucialroleinprovidingaspace whereolderadultscanbuild meaningfulconnectionswith othersintheircommunity.Ina timewhenmanyseniorsmay experienceisolationduetomobility issues,lackoffamilysupport,or distancefromfriends,theSeniorCenter offersanopportunityforengagement. Thisconnectionfostersasenseofbelonging, whichisvitalforemotionalwell-beingand mentalhealth.Theevents,activities,and socialgatheringsorganizedbythecenter encourageinteraction,helpingseniors feelmoreintegratedintotheirlocalcommunity.

Connectionattheseniorcenterextends beyondjustsocializing;italsohelps participantsmaintainanactiveandhealthy lifestyle.Throughfitnessclasses, educationalworkshops,andvolunteer opportunities,seniorshavethechanceto stayengagedbothphysicallyandmentally. Theseactivitiesnotonlykeepseniors healthybutalsoprovideafoundationfor buildinglastingrelationships.Whetherit's th ughsharedexperiencesinafitness sorcollaborativeeffortsinahobby up,theconnectionsformedwithinthese ngscontributetoastrongsupport work.

staffattheFarmingtonSeniorCenter deeplycommittedtothewell-beingof seniorstheyserve.Theydon'tjust videservices—theygenuinelycareabout rclients.Thestafftakesthetimeto wtheseniors,theirfamilies,andtheir onalstories.Theycelebratemilestones ogether,whetherit’sabirthday,an chievement,oraspecialevent.Butjustas mportantly,theysupportseniorsthrough hemoredifficultdays,offeringa ompassionateearorahelpinghandwhen eeded.Throughthisunwaveringsupport, hecenterbecomesatruecommunity whereseniorsfeelunderstood,valued,and neveralone.

BAYLEEJO’SBBQOpportunity Opportunity

“Owning a business was always my dream. When Baylee Jo’s restaurantinArcadiaValleywentupforsale,Iwasdeterminedtomake it ours. But after meeting with the bank, reality hit a 20% down paymentwasbeyondourreach.Wefeltdefeated.

Then, we found SEED$. From the start, they welcomed us, understood our struggles, and offered real solutions. Thanks to their support, we purchasedBayleeJo’sinSeptember2019—adreamcometrue!

ButSEED$didn’tjusthelpusonce.In2021,whentheopportunitycame tobuyShepherdMountainInnandSuites,theymadeitpossibleagain.

Six years later we have created multiplejobsinoursmallcommunity andaresellingourBayleeJo’sbranded barbequesauceandsaladdressingin twostatesandalmost40stores.

SEED$turnedourdreamsintoreality not once, but twice. Their support madetheprocesseasy,evenintough times.Wearebeyondgratefulforthis amazingprogramandthepeoplewho makeithappen!”

-Jessica Horton

JOANNA WHITEDTransformation Transformation

“My name is Joanna Whited and I am a single mother of two children. Both of my daughters have attended Iron County Head Start. Over the years I never planned on beingasinglemother.Ihavefacedhardtimes,andgoodtimes.Iam28yearsoldandI didn't know where my life was going after I left a 7 year abusive relationship 3 years ago.Iwasworking3jobsandIdecideditwastimeforustohaveabetterfutureand wanted to further my education. So I decided to go to college and enrolled my daughters when they were old enough to attend Head Start. The teachers have always been amazing with them. I decided to go to nursing school at Ultimate Medical Academy and I graduated in July of 2024 with my associates degree. But, I amnotdoneIplantocontinuemyeducationwithEMTschool.It'snoteasyandeven through hard times I know God has a plan. I have given so much to others I decided that it was time for me to give myself and my children the future we deserve. The teachersattheHeadStartunderstoodthatI'manonlyparentandhavehadnooneto call on for help. But, I always made a way to get my children if they were sick. Fortunately I was able to count on my mother for her help to watch my daughters while I worked the night shift. I am now able to work one job and take care of my childrenandmoveontomynextjourney.Educationisveryimportanttomeandifit wasn'tformymotherandEMAAIrontonHeadStartIwouldn'thavehadthechanceof doingwhatIhave.Nevergiveuponyourjourneyorchasingyourowndreamsaswell. Showyourchildrenyoucangoasfarasyouwantforyourfuture.Don'tletanythingor anyonestopyou.Shootforthestars.”

DEGRANT FAMILY Relief Relief

Randy had always managed to get by, but when health problems forced him to retire, he began to worry about the future. His primary concern was his wife — what would happen if something happened to him and she couldn’t afford the bills? Their house, which had been built in 1903, was hard to keep warm in the winter, and heating costs were sky-high. The electric furnace alone cost them $600 a month, a bill that felt impossible to keep up with. To stay warm, they had resorted to using a wood stove, but it was an imperfect solution. That’s when Randy decided to reach out for help, applying for the Weatherization program, hoping to make their home more affordable and livable.

The difference was immediate and life-changing. The crew sent by the East Missouri Action Agency insulated their house and installed a heat pump with air conditioning, drastically lowering their utility bills. Randy and his wife also received new windows, which made a huge difference in the comfort of their home. Before, they had to shut off parts of the house during the cold months because it would get too chilly, and sitting near the windows meant feeling the cold air coming through. Now, their home stays warm, and in fact, it gets so warm that, for the first time ever, they have to open the door to let some of the heat out. It’s a small luxury that Randy never thought possible.

With the improvements, Randy feels a weight lifted off his shoulders. He no longer has to worry about skyrocketing bills or his wife struggling alone. He’s even shared his story with others, encouraging them to apply for the Weatherization program, especially those who might not think they qualify. He wants others to know that help is available, and the East Missouri Action Agency’s work has made a world of difference for his family. What started as a simple application has turned into a safer, more comfortable, and more affordable home, and Randy couldn’t be more grateful.

REALL/V.O.I.C.E. Our Future Our Future

EastMissouriActionAgency(EMAA)offerstwoimpactfulprograms —VOICE(VocationalOpportunitiesInspiringChildreninElementary) andREALL(RealityEnrichmentandLifeLessons)—designedto equipstudentswithessentiallifeskillsandcareerinsights.

VOICESimulation:

VOICEintroduceselementarystudentstovariouscareerpaths throughinteractiveactivitiesandexposuretoprofessionalsfrom diversefields.Thisearlyengagementfosterscareerawareness, enhancespersonalskills,andbroadensstudents'perspectiveson futurepossibilities.

REALLSimulation:

REALLchallengesmiddleandhighschoolstudentstocritically assesshowtheiradolescentchoicescanimpacttheiradultlives. Participantsnavigatescenariosinvolvingeducation,employment, andpersonaldecisions,learningtomanagebudgetsand understandtheconsequencesoftheiractions.Thishands-on experiencepromotesfinancialliteracy,careerawareness,and criticalthinking.

OnestaffmemberatEMAAsharedapersonalexperiencefacilitating aREALLsimulation,highlightingitsprofoundimpactonstudents. Duringthesimulation,studentsweretaskedwithbudgetingand makingdecisionsthatwouldaffecttheirfuture.Thestaffmember observedthatmanystudentsinitiallystruggledwithbudgeting, oftenunderestimatingthecostsassociatedwithdailylivingand futureplanning.Asthesimulationprogressed,studentsbeganto grasptheimportanceoffinancialplanningandthelong-term consequencesoftheirchoices.Thestaffmembernotedthat witnessingstudents'realizationsandthediscussionsthatfollowed underscoredthesimulation'seffectivenessinimpartingcriticallife skills.

Throughtheseprograms,EMAA empowersstudentstomake informeddecisions,fostering personalgrowthandpreparing themforfuturesuccess.

OUR HEART

Every day at East Missouri Action Agency, our staff show up not just as employees, but as committed allies to the communities they serve. They walk into work with a shared purpose: to make a real difference in the lives of individuals and families who are facing challenges. Whether it’s helping someone find stable housing, assisting with job placement, or just offering support, staff pour their hearts into their work, knowing how crucial their roles are in helping people, and changing lives.

What sets our staff apart is their compassion. They approach every person who walks through the door with a non-judgmental attitude, making sure that no matter the struggle someone faces, they’re met with kindness, empathy, and understanding. Staff know that everyone’s situation is different, and they never make assumptions—only offering a listening ear and a helping hand. Clients often leave with a sense of hope, knowing that someone genuinely cares about their well-being and is there to support them through tough times.

But compassion alone isn’t enough. The staff at East Missouri Action Agency are also incredibly resourceful. They’re always finding ways to connect people with the right resources, whether it's through local programs, external partnerships, or their own creativity. It’s a never-ending drive to ensure that each individual has the tools they need to thrive. No challenge is too big, and the staff is always thinking outside the box to make sure every need is met, whether it’s a person needing food, medical care, or help with navigating a complicated housing system.

The truth is, our staff at East Missouri Action Agency are the heartbeat of the organization. They are the driving force behind the success of every program, and their dedication is what makes the agency’s work possible. Without them, none of the transformative changes in the lives of individuals and families would happen. Their unwavering commitment to service, their compassion, and their relentless resourcefulness are what make them not just workers, but essential pillars of hope and support in the community.

WHO WE ARE

East Missouri Action Agency, Inc. (EMAA) is a nonprofit

East Missouri Action Agency, Inc. (EMAA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families in need across an 8-county region in southeastern Missouri. in need across an 8-county region in southeastern Missouri. Through a variety of programs, including financial assistance, Through a variety of programs, including financial assistance, community development, and educational initiatives, EMAA community development, and educational initiatives, EMAA works to promote upward economic mobility, and meet people works to promote upward economic mobility, and meet people where they are. where they are.

OurVisionandMission: OurVisionandMission:

Vision: Vision: Communitieswhereeveryone’spotentialtothriveis Communitieswhereeveryone’spotentialtothriveis uunlimitedbycommunityconditions. nlimitedbycommunityconditions.

Mission: Mission:EEastMissastMissouriActionAgencycultivatescommunitiesof ouriActionAgencycultivatescommunitiesof oopportunityandsupportspeopleinreachtheirhighest pportunityandsupportspeopleinreachtheirhighest ppotential. otential.