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JULY 2024 NEWSLETTER

A NOTE FROM BRYAN

"There are 2,000 verses of Scripture that tell us we must be committed to protecting the poor and the oppressed...There is no concern of Scripture that is addressed so often and so powerfully as reaching out to the poor."   

– Tony Campolo


I believe these are critical times in our world, in our country and in our community, especially if you call yourself a follower of Jesus. Looking at the current living conditions in our community is heart breaking. Our poverty level at 22.4% in the city of Branson is staggering. It’s nearly double that of the rest of Missouri at 12.8%. According to DESE, Branson’s 2022-2023 free and reduced lunch rate is 51.7% - almost 5% above the State average. 


The Comprehensive Housing Study for Taney County revealed Branson has a shortage of over 2200 housing units to meet the current demand, and Branson has approximately 1500 people, including over 300 children, living in sub-par housing that includes weekly and extended stay motels. These are not just numbers. They reflect the lives of real people right here in our community.


We cannot depend on federal, state or city government to solve these issues. We cannot depend on churches and nonprofits to solve these issues. It’s going to take you and I to roll up our sleeves, think outside the box, acquire the necessary funding and put solutions into action.  We can only do it together and as followers of Jesus, we are mandated to it, but there are effective ways that it can be done.


11For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore, I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’

– Deuteronomy 15:11

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Bryan Stallings

Founder, Elevate Branson

POVERTY EDUCATION

Homelessness – Homelessness among older adults is a growing crisis in the United States. A recent report from the University of California, San Francisco's Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative titled "Toward Dignity: Understanding Older Adult Homelessness" offers critical insights into this issue. While the study focuses on California, its findings are highly relevant for Missouri as well.

Key Findings:

  • Aging Homeless Population: Nearly half of single homeless adults in California are age 50 and older, with a median age of 58.
  • Racial Disparities: Black Californians are overrepresented, making up 31% of older homeless adults.
  • Economic Struggles: High housing costs and low income are primary factors, with a median pre-homelessness income of just $920 per month.
  • Health Challenges: Over half reported poor health, and 68% had at least one chronic condition. Mental health issues and substance use were also prevalent.

This is a growing issue in Branson that we are seeing this year.

FOUNDATIONS ARE FUNDING TINY HOME VILLAGES FOR THE HOMELESS. IS IT A WORTHWHILE EFFORT?

America has an obsession with tiny homes. The country also is facing one of the worst housing crises in recent history. This odd combination of trends has led to a fast-growing movement: tiny home villages for the homeless. Public officials want to get people off the streets and into the miniature, bare-bones dwellings, and philanthropy is helping fund the effort.


Rates of homelessness have been going up for nearly a decade, exacerbated by rising housing costs. More than 650,000 people are without housing, the highest number recorded since the launch of a national “point-in-time” data collection in 2007. Over all, homelessness has increased 12 percent since 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.


Poverty, the lack of affordable housing, inadequate social services, mental-health problems, and substance abuse are contributing factors. Public officials have developed a federal strategy to increase low-income housing and health care access for the chronically homeless. However, state and municipal governments are overwhelmed and unable to provide adequate shelter and social services. Many have started clearing encampments, a tactic that homelessness advocacy groups have criticized as inhumane and ineffective.


Read More

ELEVATE WORK MAKES THE SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL

A milestone for an 11-year-old workforce development program in Branson was reached last month as commencement ceremonies were held for its 50th graduating class.


Elevate Work is a program started by nonprofit Elevate Branson to focus on the soft skills of employment.Participants in the nine-week course learn communication and problem-solving skills, create a resume, gain confidence for interviews, and better understand wants and needs of employers.


The May 22 commencement at Elevate Branson’s campus on Gretna Road increased the program’s graduation total to 325 students, said Elevate Work Director Donna McConkey.


“I see it as a class that’s valuable to anyone,” she said, noting the program isn’t targeted toward those who are unemployed or underemployed. “The first Elevate Work class I went through, I learned a lot.”


Classes for the sessions meet twice weekly for two hours per evening, with child care, dinner and transportation available for students, according to nonprofit officials. Panel discussions involving business leaders sharing their journey to employment and building their career are part of the curriculum.


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ELEVATE KIDS

Meet Suzie Thomason, PHD, Assistant Professor of Education in Early Childhood at Evangel University. Dr. Thomason came to Elevate Branson several years ago wanting to do her dissertation on reading levels of children who live in weekly and extended stay motels. We were thrilled for her to do this and as a result, Dr. Thomason has been instrumental in creating our Summer School Program and After School Program as well. We currently have 35 kids attending Summer School, three days a week through June and July. We are incredibly blessed to have Dr. Thomason on board and have seen great improvements in our kiddo's with the phonics program she has put in place. Thank you, Dr. Thomason. If you have any area's of giftedness and passion that you would be interested in helping with, please call Jeremy Weimer, our Volunteer Coordinator, at 417.593.2254 or visit us by clicking here.

PRAYER EVENT

Our next community wide prayer event will be on Friday, July 26th, from 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. What is a community prayer event you ask? It was just that. A gathering of individuals in the community will come together and pray for different segments of our community such as our local police department, fire fighters, our local churches, and many more. We know God has the power to transform these segments for the better of our community at large. All are welcome to join us.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT - SHELLA SICILIA

Shella Sicilia is a dear friend here at Elevate. Two years ago, her church partnered with us to deliver meals one Thursday night; she quickly became a dedicated regular. After starting her job at Developmental Connections, where she compassionately works with individuals facing physical and mental disabilities, she shifted her volunteering time to Thursday Morning Meal Making. Since then, she has driven vans and cooked for Elevate Work, and she is now on her second round of Summer School kitchen help! Shella’s passion lies in serving God and loving people. Alongside her warm disposition, she boasts several impressive accolades, including certificates in Serve Safe (food handling safety), Mental Health First Aid, and substitute teaching. She brings all of that and more every time she serves. Thank you, Shella, for all you do!

NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

This award is presented to the business owner(s) who finds a way to go above and beyond for customers and the community. They see beyond their own bottom line and remind us of what's possible whit an entrepreneurial spirit in America.


NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR

This award recognizes a non-profit for its exceptional achievement(s) in meeting a defined public need in the Branson/Lakes Area. These individuals have a true passion for the community, are good stewards of donor dollars, and utilize sound business practices to further their mission.


LOCAL HERO OF THE YEAR

New in 2024, the Local Hero of the Year award recognizes an outstanding individual in law enforcement, fire protection, healthcare, or community improvement. This person embodies a spirit of service and commitment to helping neighbors in need.

CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE

Winners will be announced at a special Good Morning, Branson presented by Central Bank on July 30, 2024.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Looking to give back to the community? We have several volunteer opportunities available this month:


  • Tutors for our education programs
  • Cooks for our Elevate Life program
  • Landscapers for our Playground


If you're interested, please sign up on our website or contact our volunteer coordinator at Volunteer@ElevateBranson.org.

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS

A heartfelt thank you to our generous donors who make our work possible. Your contributions have a direct impact on the lives of many in our community. Together, we are making a difference.

STAY CONNECTED

Thank you for being a part of the Elevate Branson family. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and continuing to make a positive impact together.

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Warm regards,

The Elevate Branson Team

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Swing by on your morning commute or stop in for a mid-day pick-me-up! Elevate Coffee provides hand crafted espresso based drinks, refreshing smoothies, and delicious desserts. Now featuring daily lunch specials!


Hours

Monday - Friday: 7:30 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.

Open For Business!


Come find a treasure while helping our neighbors and community prosper! All purchases support the programs at Elevate Branson.


Hours

Monday – Friday: 9:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.

Saturday: 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.

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Get Involved And Make A Difference!


Call 417.335.9915 or email Info@ElevateBranson.org to learn more about volunteer opportunities where your time and talents can empower others to reach their full potential.


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