2021 October Unite

October 2021 Volume 31/ Number 10 • Find Digital Version @ www.unitenewsonline.org •

Free Take One

UNITE.

Soul Food line goes Nationwide Pg 8

Building Empowering Connections

Dred Scott inducted into MSU Public Affairs

Hall of Fame

Lynne Jackson, great-great granddaughter of Scott guest speaker Dred Scott will be inducted into the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame on October 15; Lynne Jackson, great-great granddaughter of Scott will be guest speaker on October 16

Page 7

NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet Oct 16 Springfield NAACP will host its Freedom Fund Banquet with guest of honor and keynote speaker, Taj Suleyman. Tickets on sale now. Page

5

O’Reilly Unit focuses on achievement gap Shonte Clay-Fulgham is the new Unit Director at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield, O’Reilly Unit at Williams Elementary. Page 8

Making better decisions about Senior Care As a former nursing home administrator and caregiver, I have learned a lot about the long-term care industry.

I have first hand experience. Page 10

‘Updated COVID-19 Community & Public Health Resource Directory See Information on PAGE 13

e

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Capital Campaign Committee n, is raising funds for the church restoration.

So far they have One Door Unite Springfield Feb issue.indd 1 1/15/19 11:13 AM raised $175,000 their Phase 1 Are you without of a home, at risk of $250,000.

The suspendofgoal becoming homeless, do not ed ceiling in the sanctuary have a safe stable place to has stay been removed and the process of or need affordable housing, call restoring the or ceiling the orig417-225-7499 visit to the Springinal cathedral look is currently field Affordable Housing Center In a few weeks, they atunderway.

300 E. Central, Springfield. will begin updating the sanctuary lighting. the past year, Making Sense Over of Money February 5, 12, 19 and 26 – (Basic Budgeting Series) Free interactive class to learn how to manage money better.

Registration is required and you must attend all four sessions.

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y

Letter to the Editor Continued from Page 7

to being truly inclusive. Nevertheless, I dream of an inclusive society with mutual respect: something that Americans can be proud of. Above all, I love because of this revelation.

“Disagreement does not equal hate.”

Page 2 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

You Belong Here At City Utilities, people are our priority. If you want to work for a community-minded organization that puts people first, come find your place at City Utilities.

Get Connected to Us. Call 417-863-9000 or go to cityutilities.net to learn ways we can work together.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

COVID-19 Community & Public Health Resource Directory: See PAGE 13

Tableof Contents Community

Business

Taj Suleyman will be the Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker at the Springfield Branch NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet

Claude Booker leveraged his culinary background and business experience to launch Booker’s Soul Food Starters

Education

Health & Wellness

Page 6

Page 10

Page 5

Generally students with positive academic mindsets are more willing to engage, work harder and persevere through challenging assignments.

Page 8

Sugar makes us feel good, but unfortunately, the addictive nature of sugar and the long-term adverse health effects like obesity and diabetes are wreaking havoc on our quality of life.

History

Lynne Jackson, great-great granddaughter of Dred and Harriet Scott will speak in Springfield on October 16th

Page 7

Education/Community

Shonte Clay-Fulgham is the new Unit Director at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield, O’Reilly Unit at Williams Elementary

Page 8

18th Anniversary & New Building Dedication

October 24th, 4:30 p.m.

Sanctuary of Praise COGIC 2245 S. HOLLAND AVE, Springfield, MO

Elder T.J. Appleby & Mother Anitra Appleby

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 3

The Unite News Publication is published by Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc.

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Page 4 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

The Unite. publication is a monthly newspaper published by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc. a 501(c)(3) non-profit community organization. Our mission is to promote a broader understanding and appreciation of the ethnically diverse talent, community resources and opportunities available in the Springfield/Greene County area. Distribution of Unite. is by free circulation at various locations. However, request for home delivery by mail may be directed to Unite. P. O. Box 1745, Springfield, Missouri 65801 and accompanied by $25. for one year’s postage and handling.

Those wishing to make a contribution or become a monthly sponsor should direct correspondence to the same address. Reader’s comments and questions are welcomed. The opinions expressed in these pages do not necessarily reflect the views of Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. “The Unite Publication in accepting advertising in this publication, makes no independent investigation concerning the services of products advertised and neither endorses nor recommends the same and assumes no liability therefore.”

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“Let’s build a stronger community together.”

- Samuel Knox

Managing Editor

Community: News, People & Events SPRINGFIELD BRANCH NAACP #4081

Saturday, October 16, 2021 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Taj Suleyman Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion City of Springfield

For ticket information Call 417-873-6386

Masks are required. NO exceptions

6PM SILENT AUCTION 7PM PROGRAM TICKETS $50

TABLE $400 (SEATS 8)

OASIS HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER 2546 N. Glenstone Springfield, MO

Spooky tales, Stories in the park, Discussions about death and dying all at the SGF Library From spooky tales, to stories in the park, to honest discussions about death and dying, The Library offers a wide range of thought-provoking programs this fall.

Given the concerns about Covid-19, we’re still playing it safe with storytimes outdoors. Infants to age 6 will love Storytime at Doling Park Fridays, at 10 a.m. Oct. 22 and 29; and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27 at Living Memorial Park, 4323 S. Nature Center Way. Partners are the Springfield-Greene County Park Board.

Crazy about everything Harry Potter? On Saturdays, Oct. 16, 23 and 30, grade 6-adults can meet at 10:15 a.m. at the Ward Downtown YMCA for a Potter-themed, free yoga series with instructor Amanda Davis. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat. Register once for the series beginning Oct. 1; call 831-1342.

••• Recharge your indoors with Houseplants How-To! Meet at 1 p.m. in the Midtown Carnegie Branch upstairs meeting room. Oct. 23 is Plant Swap. Bring one or more of your houseplants, succulents or cactus plants or cuttings to swap. Nov. 13 is Plant Hanger Macrame.

Bring an old T-shirt and a favorite small planter to create a plant hanger for your home.

••• The Library’s annual Oh, The Horror! Series of authors and book talks includes horror author Stephen Graham Jones in Chainsaw Hearts at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26, in the Library Center auditorium. Watch “Scream” at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29, at The Moxie.

••• The November Death & Dying series returns with thoughtful sessions for adults. Here’s a sample; see the full schedule in Bookends or at thelibrary.org/programs.

• Thursday, Nov. 4, 6 p.m. at Relics Event Center, Ask a Mortician: Live with Caitlin Doughty. Registration starts Oct. 4; call 882-0714.

• Saturday, Nov. 6, 2 p.m., Library Center auditorium, Tombstone Bootcamp, the symbolism and care of Continued on page 11

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 5

How to help your child succeed at school

Generally students with positive academic mindsets are more willing to engage, work harder and persevere through challenging assignments.

By Gwen Marshall, Unite Contributing Writer

Springfield, MO—In Zaretta Hammond’s book Culturally Responsive Teaching & the Brain she talks about shifting the academic mindset.

The university of Chicago Consortium Gwen Marshall on School Research defines academic mindset as the “beliefs, attitudes, or ways of perceiving oneself in relation to learning and intellectual work.”

It simply means that generally students with positive academic mindsets are more willing to engage, work harder and persevere through challenging assignments.

Whereas students with negative mindsets are more likely to act up or zone out because they believe they cannot do the work.

What is the solution to this dilemma? We need to shift the negative mindset rather than trying to force engagement. We need to work with our students on ways to be self-motivated which is one of the hallmarks of an independent learner. Students who

believe that they can increase their academic ability by their own efforts are more likely to try harder to achieve their goal. A student that says “I can do this” is a student that believes that they can succeed at a given task and will keep trying until they master it. This starts with the parents helping their student achieve small, incremental successes on small tasks. You are their cheer leader.

Ideally, we want our students to learn how to learn, retain information, think independently, ask questions and develop an increasing sense of competence.

Author Jessica Lahey shares some guidelines for making sure you start on the right foot and keep enthusiasm and momentum high throughout your child’s learning career.

Do:

Focus on the process, not the product. Don’t put so much emphasis on the grade that you lose sight of the process, mastery is the key to success.

Encourage kids to selfadvocate. Self-advocacy is a key part of building a child’s sense of self- efficacy, or the understand-

Page 6 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

ing that they have the power to control and change their behavior, motivation and environment.

Keep a long-term perspective. When things go wrong in life, talk about them with your child. Help them keep their focus on doing better next time and their long-term perspective. Ask them what they think they should do differently next time.

Love the child you have, not the child you wish you had. A much deeper love is able to grow with this appreciation.

And this is the basis for developing, positive communication between you and your child.

Don’t:

Overschedule. Many families and children are over scheduled and are in a constant rush but a few adjustments could help ease the tension. Helping your child create an effective routine that they buy into will help tremen-

dously. Including good study habits.

Worship grades. When we invest less energy and emotion in the academic grade, we can begin to ask our children questions such as, what did you do to get this grade, which study techniques worked for you and what are you going to do differently next time to achieve your goal.

Encourage helplessness.

Learned helplessness could be defined as the student’s belief that they have no control over their ability to improve or learn.

So, they do not exert any effort, this is just another form of hopelessness. We need to identify the negative thoughts that contribute to learned helplessness and supply our student with the proper learning environment, tools, and techniques that they need to confidently move from helplessness to being more actively engaged in Continued on page 11

Dred Scott will be inducted into the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame

Lynne Jackson, great-great granddaughter of Dred and Harriet Scott will speak in Springfield on October 16th

honors, she has recently received several other awards. In a 3-part documentary on the Constitution, “A More or Less Perfect Union,” Ms. Jackson is featured in the second hour sharing about her Springfield, MO—Five inductees great-great grandparents. were selected as citizens with a On October 16, 2021 connection to the state of MisLynne Jackson will be the guest souri who serve as examples of speaker at the global citizens.

10:00 am Trinity These individLutheran Church, uals define the 1415 S. Holland, essence of public Springfield, MO. affairs, and have This program is acted consistently sponsored in-part for the benefit by the Daughter of others. Up to of Union Veterans six recipients are of the Civil War honored annu1861-1865. ally, with each Dred Scott was induction class a civil rights pioincluding up to neer. He was born one legacy award, Lynne Jackson a slave around 1799which will be awarded 1805 in Southampton, Virginia. to Scott this year.

Over the years, two different famThe induction ceremony will ilies owned Scott and he moved take place at The Old Glass Place with them to Missouri and other in Springfield. The black-tie opplaces where slavery was prohibtional dinner event is from 6-8:30 ited, such as Illinois, the Wisconp.m. Oct. 15. Tickets are $40 and sin Territory and Fort Snelling, tables are $750. Tickets can be which later became Minnesota. purchased online.

Ms. Lynne Jackson, great-great In 1846, under the law “once free, always free” by which they granddaughter of Dred and Harriclaimed their freedom, Scott and et Scott and Founder of the Dred his wife, Harriet, made history by Scott Foundation will be acceptsuing for their and their children’s ing that award at the event.The freedom at the Old Courthouse in Dred Scott Foundation’s goal is St. Louis, Missouri. to promote the commemoration, After years of appeals and education and reconciliation of court reversals, the case, known our histories with an eye towards as Dred Scott vs. John F. Sandhelping to heal the wounds of the ford made it to the U.S. Supreme past.

Court. On March 6, 1857, Chief In addition to the long list of Justice Roger Taney gave the Ms. Jackson’s credentials and

Dred Scott decision. It said the Scotts were not citizens, neither were any slaves; therefore they had no rights to be respected. The court further ruled the Missouri Compromise and Northwest Ordinance unconstitutional, allowing slavery in all states and all territories. This case served as a major catalyst for the American Civil War. After the Civil War ended, the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments to the Constitution (also known as the Dred Scott Amendments) ended legalized slavery, ensured citizenship to former slaves and

their children, and restored voting rights to African Americans.

The Scott family endured five trial proceedings over 11 years to an unfortunate end. The case is infamous, stated to be the worst decision ever rendered by the U.S. Supreme Court. A son of their former owner eventually freed the family and Scott lived a free man until his death on Constitution Day, Sept. 17, 1858. His legacy lives on in the fight for equality and justice through the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation.

For more information on Lynne Jackson, go to: thedredscottlives.org

Connect with the things that matter most.

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Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 7

Closing achievement gaps is major goal of the new O’Reilly Unit Shonte Clay-Fulgham is the new Unit Director at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield, O’Reilly Unit at Williams Elementary

the new unit. The 4,000-squarefoot O’Reilly Unit is part of the newly rebuilt Williams Elementary— funded by a $168-million bond issue approved by voters in 2019.

Clay-Fulgham says she choosSpringfield, MO—The start of a es to work for the Club because new Springfield school year has there is no greater mission. “The brought layers of extra support to impact the Boys & Girls Club has families at Williams Elementary. on children for the One of those layers is rest of their lives will Shonte Clay-Fulgham. ultimately impact the Clay-Fulgham has world- as these chilbeen selected as Unit dren are our future Director for the new leaders- and to play O’Reilly Unit of the a small part in that is Boys & Girls Clubs of truly a blessing and Springfield. honor,” she says.

Through an ongoClay-Fulgham has ing partnership with her bachelor’s degree the district, the club Shonte Clay-Fulgham in communications/ launched a capital Spanish and her master’s decampaign to open the O’Reilly gree in sports management and Unit. It was reported that the administration. She comes to the clubs raised more than $1.3 milClub family with a wealth of prior lion, in less than a year, to launch

New O’Reilly Unit of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield

experience including sales management, marketing, corporate partnerships and athletic coaching. Clay-Fulgham lives with her husband in Springfield. Together, they have two children, Sage and Eli. They love attending sporting events, playing sports, taking weekend visits to the zoo, music, volunteering and serving at their church. Personally, Shonte enjoys professional networking, personal fitness, Mexican food and crime

shows!

The wraparound services provided in the unit aim to improve attendance, give children a safe haven, and offer academic support. One of the overarching goals is to close achievement gaps in reading and math to give children a better chance to succeed in school, which in turn will set them up for success with college and career options.

New Line of Soul Food Starter Kits in 1,000+ Grocery Stores Nationwide Claude Booker Leveraged His Culinary Background and Business Experience to Launch Booker’s Soul Food Starters Nationwide — Meet culinary expert and business leader Claude Booker, the CEO and founder of Booker’s Soul Food Starters which are now available in over 1,000 grocery stores across the country. His business providing Southern side dishes for buffets was decimated as a direct result of the pandemic, and most buffets

remain closed.

He pivoted his business during the pandemic and went from ideation to grocery store shelves with Booker’s Soul Food Starters in nine months. He did not shy away from his commitments to building a supply chain filled with domestic Black-owned businesses. The partnership with other Black businesses encourages more opportunities for those businesses and allows them to employ other Black Americans.

“When the pandemic hit in 2020, I lost 90% of my hot food

Page 8 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

and steam table business during the shutdown,” said Claude. “We pivoted and created pantry-ready seasonings for soul food during the pandemic because more people were eating at home. We went from creation to 1,000 stores in the midst of a pandemic.”

Booker’s Soul Food Starters enables any home cook to create the traditional flavors of collard greens, mac and cheese, peach cobbler, and more by adding their own fresh ingredients to the starter. The products are now sold online and in over 1,000 locations

nationwide, including at Meijer, Stop & Shop, KeHE, Cost Plus World Market, VW Roses, and Sam’s Club.

“Pivoting in the pandemic was a valuable lesson in perseverance in entrepreneurship and community. My hope is that other Black entrepreneurs will consider other avenues when one becomes blocked. It’s important for our community to continue to invest in itself and support Black business owners as we strive to close the wealth gap that has existed for Continued on page 9

Soul Food Starter Kits Continued from page 8

too long in this country,” Booker said.

Booker says that he well understands the importance of keeping money in the Black community. Black Americans spend over $1.4 trillion every year.

Even though Black buying power is strong, the lack of community access to Black-owned businesses continues to contribute to the wealth gap.

According to Brookings, the pandemic left Black households more vulnerable: “Although

Black-owned businesses only represent a minority of all businesses, they are disproportionately likely to operate in sectors most severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated shutdowns.” Santa Cruz economist, Robert Fairlie, found that more than 2 out of 5 black small businesses and self-employed workers have been forced to shutter during the pandemic — well over twice the rate of white businesses. Claude Booker’s business was no different.

To learn more about his product line and/or to make a purchase, visit SoulFoodStarters.com Claude Booker, the CEO and founder of Booker’s Soul Food Starters

ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT PAYING RENT OR UTILITIES DUE TO COVID-19?

If you are struggling to pay your rent or utilities due to COVID-19 and live in Greene County, contact the number below to see if you qualify for assistance.

Community Partnership of the Ozarks 417-888-2020

THIS PROJECT IS BEING SUPPORTED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, BY FEDERAL AWARD NUMBER ERA0293 TO COUNTY OF GREENE BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY.

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 9

Health & Wellness News The Dangers of Sugar

by Melesha Bailey Unite Contributing Writer

are worse for African Americans.

Statistically, 60% of the United States African Americans have Springfield, MO— Sugar addicdiabetes or prediabetes. These tion is as dangerous as taking facts are a direct result of our cocaine or heroin. diet. These numbers When you eat sugar, are shocking, and they it creates a shortcontinue to climb. term high and a The in’s and out’s, spark of energy the do’s and don’ts in the body. Sugar concerning sugar, can makes us feel good, be very confusing. but unfortunately, We hear things like: the addictive nature “it’s okay in moderaof sugar and the tion, your body isn’t Melesha Bailey long-term adverse health efdesigned to digest sugars, fects like obesity and diabetes are sugar-free products are always wreaking havoc on our quality of healthy, artificial sweeteners are life. the worse, you need sugar for According to the National energy, sugar is addictive.”

Center for Health Statistics, the All of these are common United States has the highest claims, but for sure: we consume rate of obesity. Obesity and high too much sugar. According to blood sugar have affected almost the United States Department of 40% of adults and 19% of children Agriculture, the average Ameriand adolescents. Those numbers can consumes 150-170 pounds of

refined sugars per year.

That’s about ¼ to ½ pound, or 30-60 teaspoons, of sugar PER DAY. It’s hard to believe we’re capable of consuming that much.

However, you will find it hidden in most foods and drinks you probably have all the time and don’t realize how much added sugar it contains.

Sugar comes in many forms other than the white powder we often associate with it. Some forms of sugar are better than others, and many have names you wouldn’t even recognize on an ingredient label.

One of the main reasons you may not recognize all the sugar you have in your diet is because it rarely says “sugar” on the ingredient lists of the food you buy.

Instead, you may see it labeled: Dextrose, Maltose, Glucose, Fructose, Corn Syrup, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn Sweet-

ener, Sucrose, Sorbitol, to name a few. To become an informed consumer of what the food industry is hiding, we must get into the habit of reading labels. Many products contain vast amounts of sugar. As a result, our taste buds have become accustomed to sugar.

Ketchup, BBQ sauces, tomato sauce, marinades, salad dressings, yogurts, bread, protein bars, peanut butter, soups, canned fruits, cereals, crackers, oatmeal, and frozen dinners are the many places that sugar is hidden.

Almost anything that comes in a box, jar and is processed has lots of sugar.

Some sugar alternatives like Stevia, Coconut Sugar, and Raw Honey can be better choices with occasional use as much as possible as you adjust your taste buds away from sugar.

Continued on page 11

Making Better Decisions about Senior Care care, independent and assisted living, memory care, estate planning, long-term care insurance, hospice), and through all of it I have gained firsthand experience of what it is like to be on the other side as a family member.

Begin thinking: 1. Individuals need Jacqueline Jadidian an estate plan. At the

by Jacqueline Jadidian Unite Contributing Writer Springfield, MO— As a former nursing home administrator and caregiver, I have learned a lot about the long-term care industry. My family has gone through the entire long-term care experience (in-home

Page 10 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

very least, you need a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare and Financial, and a Will. If you do not have a DPOA for Medical/ Financial in place before something happens where you cannot make decisions for yourself and your affairs, it is a strenuous process for your loved ones to legally be able to make decisions for you because they must go through the court to be granted guardianship and/or conservatorship.

2. If you have a financial advisor, begin discussing what is involved with a long-term care policy. Long-term care policies can be very beneficial alleviating senior care cost. The policies only cover assisted living, nursing home, memory care and in-home care.

3. Medicaid is increasing with the elderly population because people are living longer, and/ or they didn’t have the extensive Continued on page 11

Library

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150 oncan grades, taskmeet doingpersonal or image for families: Medicare (65+) and a supplemen- they set and iner’s Office and discuss how the or register online at http://www. maintenance from you,system there is Picky tal Eaters and Problem Feedinsurance, instead of paying goals with a community COVID-19 pandemic affected work cpozarks.org/financial-literacy/. ers is the from Replacement 9:30-11:30 Plan. of support. not a lot of room forparticia genuine for atopic Medicare Program at the ME’s office. a.m. Saturday, in the You knowFeb. that 23, saying, “you get connection the relationship. pants focus oninspecific ways to Library Center auditorium. what you pay for”? ThatIfsaying helpAsfamilies movetofrom we endeavor helpliving our chilKathleen O’Dell is community mealtimes and snacks with a child goes along with which Medicare paycheck to paycheck: Afforddren succeed at school let’s help relations director of the Springare a struggle, for you! from PageLibraries.

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Conscious insurance dictated when the and Health and Well Being. For of hope and a recognition of their be proud of. Above all, I love Discipline supports children’s patient would be discharged more information: contact the true potential. because of this revelation. healthy socialleaving and emotional versus the decision to Northwest Project at: www.

“Every child deserves a champilearning. learn With life-chang“Disagreement does not equal the Parents professionals. standard DrewLewis.org, SGFNWP@ on, an adult who will never give ing skills that decrease problem hate.” Call: (417) 864-7444 gmail.com or 417-720-1890.

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Resources

power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” - Rita Pierson , Educator

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Scientists, health and medical experts, and researchers agree that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. It is one of the most important tools to help our community.

Low vaccination rates impact all of us. Experts agree that it takes a 70% vaccination rate to reach herd immunity. Locally our vaccination rates have not passed 40%. Until vaccination rates increase, many are vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19.

With vaccines we can OVERCOME. If we’re going to beat COVID-19, it will take all of us. Getting the vaccine not only protects you, it protects your family, your neighbors, and your community.

Visit VACCINE417.COM for more vaccine information and a map of local vaccine opportunities. For questions about the vaccine or to schedule you free vaccine today, SCAN THE QR CODE or call our COVID-19 Call Center at 417-874-1211.

Page 12 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

WE HAVE ENTERED THE FINAL LEG OF THIS MARATHON, BUT WE NEED TO FINISH STRONG.

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) COMMUNITY & PUBLIC HEALTH RESOURCE DIRECTORY PUBLIC HEALTH RESOURCES Help Ozarks

Help Ozarks is the City of Springfield’s main website to share official directions to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). This website provides direct links to information on the latest Springfield-Greene County health updates, resources for job seekers and employers, and a pledge citizens, businesses and institutions can voluntarily take to show commitment to slowing the spread of the Coronavirus during Recovery orders. For more information visit: https://www.springfieldmo.gov/5107/Help-Ozarks

Springfield-Greene County Health Department | COVID-19 Resources

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department’s website has guidelines for good hand and respiratory hygiene habits, tips for at-risk groups that may be more affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and guidance for travel and isolation/quarantine timelines. The health department’s website also shows testing sites—Cox Virtual Health Visits and MyMercy—available in Springfield. For more information visit: https://www.springfieldmo.gov/5068/ Coronavirus or call 417-874-1211.

Cox Health Visits

Cox Healthcare System is providing free virtual visits to screen patients for COVID-19 and provide more guidance about the appropriate actions to take if they are sick with the Coronavirus. Virtual visits are online appointments that are available for people ages two years and older and include a COVID-19 Risk Assessment and if needed, a prescription referral to a pharmacy. For more information visit: https://www.coxhealth.com/services/virtualvisits/ or call 417-269-3000.

Mercy Health

Mercy Health provides virtual care options to seek medical treatment without exposing others to illness. MyMercy is a free, easy-to-use application to manage your whole family’s health online. This app allows users to access information about their health and care team 24 hours a day. For more information visit: https://www.mercy.net/patients/mymercy/ or call 417-820-2000.

Missouri Food Stamp

Pandemic Food Stamp/Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (P-SNAP) provided all households currently eligible for SNAP to receive the maximum amount for their house size for March through June 2020 to prevent Food Stamp benefits from ending during the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting July 1, 2020, Missourians are required to complete a periodic recertification process to verify the household still qualifies for Food Stamp/SNAP benefits.

For more information visit https://mydss.mo.gov/covid-food-stamp-info.

Food Resources in Springfield and Greene County

Food resources in Springfield that are available to the general public, children and older adults who are 60 years and above during COVID-19 Stay-atHome and Recovery orders can be found at the following Google Spreadsheet. The list is updated with new resources when they become available and contains the location, hours, type of food service, ways to access food services and who can access services: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1v3UBVz5i68INI3agcZLM7ULys-O3jHOKm6zwJXWqJB0/edit#gid=0

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 13

PUBLIC HEALTH RESOURCES WIC

Effective March 18, 2020, all satellite WIC locations were closed until further notice. All appointments are handled over the phone. The WIC program is housed at Jordan Valley Community Health Center and provides free services for qualifying participants such as health screenings, nutrition education and additional food packages, breastfeeding support, referrals to health care providers or social services agencies. For more information visit: https:// www.jordanvalley.org/services or call 417-864-1540.

Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS)

Most DSS offices are still closed to the public at this time, but some offices are taking in person visits by appointment only. Please visit the DSS website to see how the Family Support Division, Child Care Subsidy, MO HealthNet (Medicaid), Children’s Division and Division of Youth Services will conduct business during this time period if assistance is needed at https://dss.mo.gov/covid-19/

MO HealthNet (Medicaid)

Telehealth is available to MO HealthNet participants. There will be no copays for COVID-19 testing for MO HealthNet participants. Coverage will be extended to Missourians ages 19 to 64 who test positive for COVID-19. Requirements for prescriptions refills will make sure participants have access to essential medications. For more information visit: https://dss.mo.gov/mhd/ or call 573-751-3425.

JOB SEEKERS AND EMPLOYERS Missouri Job Center

The Missouri Job Center has reopened to the public and offers a variety of job options and job training programs during Recovery Orders to make sure individuals can get back to work stronger than ever before with events and opportunities such as: Aspire (youth program), MO Works Together, Green for Greene, Career Services, America’s Promise, SkillUP and Franklin Apprenticeship & Dislocated Worker programs. The north location job center has relocated from the Cox building to the N. W. Project, located in the on Fairbanks. For more information visit https://www.springfieldmo.gov/1007/Workforce-Development or call 417-887-4343.

Prime, Inc.

Prime, Inc. is a logistics company with a Driver Training Program that allows individuals to earn their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) while getting paid. CDL training classes start each week and gives driver’s real-world experience to prepare for any situation they may encounter on the road. Prime also offers in-house job opportunities to ensure the safety, success and reliability of operations. For more information visit https://www.primeinc.com/ or call 1-877-774-6356.

SRC Holdings

SRC Holdings Corp. is an employee-owned remanufacturer in North America directly servicing original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Acknowledged as a Top 25 Best Small Company in America by Forbes, SRC employee-owners are leaders in custom remanufacturing, new assembly, supply chain management, and core and materials management. SRC associates take pride in their reputation as businesspeople who understand how they impact the company’s success and share in the wealth generated by the company. SRC offers extensive benefits packages and robust career development programs including 100% tuition reimbursement, paid training, apprenticeships and more. Learn more at https://www.srcholdings.com/ or call 417-862-2337.

File for Unemployment | Missouri Department of Labor

The Missouri Department of Labor’s website provides information on how to file or manage an unemployment claim or claim benefit eligibility. The website also features information on worker’s compensation and discrimination complaints for businesses and workers. Businesses can file unemployment for groups of employees they may have to lay off due to COVID-19. For more information visit: https://labor.mo.gov/coronavirus.

Page 14 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

EDUCATION PRE-K TO 12TH GRADE & BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL Springfield Public Schools (SPS)

Springfield Public Schools (SPS) has an online resource center to help adjust to schooling from home to create an environment for your student to learn well at home. Resources include tips to schedule a routine for homeschooling children at each grade level, special education and English Language Learner (ELL) resources. For more information visit https://www.sps.org/Domain/57 or contact your child’s school.

Kahn Academy

Kahn Academy is offering free resources to parents, teachers, schools and districts to keep everyone learning. Their website offers resources such as daily schedules, weekly learning plans for students in remote learning environments. For more information visit https://keeplearning.khanacademy.org/.

Fast Track Program

Fast Track is a financial aid program from the Missouri Department of Higher Education that helps adults obtain an industry-recognized credential in high need job areas. Students who receive the Fast Track grant have any remaining college tuition and fees covered after using other state and federal aid programs. Individuals 25 years or older or who have not been enrolled in school within the last two years and are seeking to earn a bachelor’s degree are eligible to apple. Participants must earn under $40,000 per year or $80,000 filing jointly.

For more information visit https://dhewd.mo.gov/initiatives/fast_track.php.

Ozarks Technical Community College

OTC is a community college in Springfield, Missouri. Students can earn a one-year certificate, two-year Associate of Applied Science degree or Associate of Arts degree. They also have a variety of apprenticeship programs. For more information visit https://www.otc.edu/ or call 417-447-7500.

Missouri State University

MSU is a public, comprehensive university system with a mission in public affairs. Their purpose is to develop fully educated persons with a focus on ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement. For more information visit https://www.missouristate.edu/ or call 417-836-5000.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES Community Health Advocates | Springfield-Greene County Health Department

Community Health Advocates help individuals navigate Springfield resources and work with individuals to determine their needs and provide personalized referrals to employee assistance, affordable housing, healthcare, pregnancy and parenting services, education, disability services and childcare assistance. To make a referral visit: https://www.springfieldmo.gov/CHAreferral or call 417-874-2477.

U.S. Census 2020

The U.S. 2020 Census invitations began arriving at households March 12. For the first time, nearly everyone will be invited to respond online, by phone, or by mail. Along with the invitation, households will receive a census overview, description of language assistance in English and 12 additional languages, and a census ID number. More information about when most people will receive their invitations can be found at 2020census.gov. https://2020census.gov/en.html?utm_campaign=20200312msprts1ccpupnl&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Prosper Springfield Website: “Get Help & Get Informed”

This website has information on current resources and services available in the Springfield/Greene County area. Click “Get Help” to find information related to almost any area of need related to education, health, housing, job/financial assistance and transportation.

Please visit: www.prosperspringfield.org.

More resources listed online at: unitenewsonline.org

EDUCATION PRE-K TO 12TH GRADE AND BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL • RENT OR MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE • CHILD CARE & TUTORING

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 15

#DanceLikeaDad #DanceLikeaDad YOUR HEADLINE HERE Instructions: Click on text box and hold down Ctrl+E to adjust size and text formatting (bold, italics, underline) YOUR MESSAGE HERE Instructions: Click on text box and hold down Ctrl+E to adjust size and text formatting (bold, italics, underline)

Becoming more involved in your child’s life can take a lot of different forms. At every stage your children can benefit from your involvement. Read with young children. Join the elementary school parent teacher organization. Chaperone a school event. Volunteer as a coach, or ask your child’s coach in what way she/he could use your help. Take a rainy Saturday and turn it into a family movie night.

Take time to be a positive and supporting part of your child’s life. The resources and links here are a great starting place to learn more.

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YOUR MESSAGE HERE Instructions: Click on text box and hold down Ctrl+E to adjust size and text formatting