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SEPTEMBER 2024 NEWSLETTER

A NOTE FROM BRYAN

“I cannot be all that I am meant to be until you are everything you are meant to be.” – Ubuntu


You may not be aware of this but Elevate Branson provides our staff with one Day of Solitude a month. This is a paid day that is to be used to spend time alone with God to refresh. Elevate Branson also provides the staff with a two-month paid sabbatical after five years of employment. Many people don’t know the emotional toll ministry can take on individuals or the spiritual battle that those in ministry face on regular basis. This sabbatical is an extended time of rest and refreshment. A time to reconnect with God on a deeper level, restore and renew passion and hearts. 


Amy and I were supposed to do our sabbatical last year but moved it to 2024 thinking we would be beginning construction on the tiny home development. We are just returning from our “much needed” sabbatical this year and I was reflecting on that South African word “ubuntu.” What if we all strived to live everyday like the meaning of that word. Especially if we did that for our neighbors in poverty or those with substance or mental health issues. I think it would not only change their world, but ours as well. I challenge you to begin to see people as Jesus sees them, as His masterpiece.


10For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

– Ephesians 2:10 NLT

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Bryan Stallings

Founder, Elevate Branson

POVERTY EDUCATION

One of the reasons Elevate Branson doesn’t do handouts is because it robs people of their dignity and value leading to expectations and entitlement. God created each of us for work. It’s so much more than just a paycheck. Watch this video from PragerU.

ELEVATE WORK

Elevate Work kicked off on September 9th; we will meet every Monday and Wednesday night from 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. If your employees, your hiring managers or yourself are not signed up to be students, mentors or business panelists, it’s not too late. Contact Donna McConkey today at 417.527.1709 or Donna.McConkey@ElevateBranson.org.


Elevate Work students discover the importance and dignity of work. The program connects individuals with the skills and tools to improve their employment opportunities. This nine-week course is open to anyone who wants greater earning potential and employers looking for employees that will show up on time ready to work.

ELEVATE KIDS

The Elevate Kids After-School Program starts up again beginning September 10th and ending April 29th, every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. Elevate Kids After School Program has students, K-4th grade enrolled with students on a waitlist. In partnership with Branson Schools, Elevate Branson provides transportation from Cedar Ridge and Buchanan to Elevate Branson and then home. Programming includes 30 minutes on the all-natural playground, snack time, homework completion, games, sensory room, Theo, the therapy dog time, and art.  


The after-school program incorporates our Good Behavior Buck Store whereby our students can earn play money for exhibiting good behavior, such as, saying a kind word to a friend, sharing with a friend, picking up during transition time, etc. Good behavior earns the student’s play money but when students exhibit inappropriate behavior they have to pay the play money back to the teacher. The Good Behavior Buck store is opened on a monthly basis for the students to count their money earned and purchase new toys, books or hygiene products. To learn more about Elevate Kids, contact Cathy Brown 417.737.1041 or Cathy.Brown@ElevateBranson.org.

ELEVATE COMMUNITY

We are back out for bid again on the Elevate Community project. We adjusted the completion timeline and gave multiple options in the hopes that it would reduce the bid amount cost and attract more potential bidders. Be in prayer that we have the right contractor bid with the right amount.


If you are a contractor with experience working with government grants, municipalities and utility infrastructure you can go to DemandStar to review the bid documents.


If not, please share this and help us get the word out!

CLICK HERE TO BID!

ELEVATE APARTMENTS

Why does affordable housing matter for our community?


It provides economic growth - Affordable housing is important for economic growth because it helps create a diverse workforce for businesses. Research shows that a lack of affordable housing costs the economy about $2 trillion a year in lower wages and productivity. 


It reduces poverty - Research shows that increasing access to affordable housing is the most cost-effective way to reduce childhood poverty. 

It supports job creation - Each dollar invested in affordable housing helps boost local economies by generating income and supporting job creation and retention. 


It builds community - Quality housing can help anchor and support neighborhoods. Improving affordable housing can lead to outcomes that extend beyond the household to areas ranging from community engagement to education. 


It improves individual health and well-being - A safe and stable home is essential for a healthy life. Poor quality housing can increase the risk of injury and exposure to toxins. 


And for Branson… It is important because it helps to ensure that local businesses have access to the workforce they need while providing essential support in times of economic hardship, such as a job loss or illness. Affordable housing helps to keep people out of homelessness and reduces income inequality.


We currently have 400-600 children living in deplorable conditions in some of these extended stay motels. No one should have to live in this, imagine living in these conditions as a single parent with children because you can’t afford anything else or there is nothing else available.

CURRENT STAFF BOOK

Out staff just wrapped up God for the Rest of Us and we are now reading The Irresistible Revolution, Updated and Expanded: Living as an Ordinary Radical. This is the book that wrecked us (Amy and Bryan) and was the catalyst to starting Elevate Branson. Often times many Christians sit on the sidelines and think somebody should do something about poverty, or food insecurity, or affordable housing, or xyz (fill in the blank). Shane challenged us to “just do something.” As we re-read this updated book it is wrecking us again and I encourage you to read it with us and see if Jesus turns your world upside down.


The Irresistible Revolution, Updated and Expanded: Living as an Ordinary Radical

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: 8:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.

Open For Business!


Come find a treasure at the Elevate Thrift Store 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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