Improving Quality of Life in Rural Communities with MU Extension Programs

Written by David Burton

Many University of Missouri Extension programs focus on planting something or raising livestock. However, programs that improve the quality of life in our rural communities are just important to the productivity of agriculture in the Ozarks. Here are three examples.

SKILLUP TRANSITION

SkillUp 101 is an MU Extension program for people who receive food stamps. The program is designed to help individuals get a new job or go back to school and improve their life situation.

The goal of the program is to get people off food stamps and to become self-sufficient.

Individuals interested in the program, or who know someone who is interested, should call 855-278-0354 to begin the registration process. Once an individual’s food stamp eligibility is verified, they will be able to enroll in the SkillUp program. 

The following SkillUp transition classes in Greene County are going to be held at the Springfield Botanical Center from 1 to 3 p.m.: July 11 “The importance of maintaining a good attitude,” July 18 “Taking responsibility for your choices,” July 25 “Communication Skills,” Aug. 1 “Problem Solving Skills,” Aug. 8 “Preparing for the Workplace.”

In 2018, 800 people have applied for the SkillUp program across Missouri. Of those, 247 are in training, and 137 are employed and are receiving pay that is above the poverty level, which means that they no longer need food stamps.

BETTERMENT NIGHT

Greene County MU Extension has joined forces with sponsors to offer a unique event aimed at addressing challenges and improving the sense of community in Ash Grove.

The Ash Grove Betterment Night will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, July 12 at the Ash Grove Sunshine Center, 310 N Perryman Ave, Ash Grove.

All proceeds from the meal will stay with the Sunshine Center to support their building. Admission is $8 per for a barbeque meal with sides and homemade cobbler and ice cream.

Dr. Amy Patillo, a workforce development specialist with MU Extension, will present “Health Insurance Literacy.” Dr. Pam Duitsman, a nutrition and health education specialist with MU Extension, will present “Nutrition for Life-Long Health.”

I will be presenting, “Working Together to Create a Better Community.” My presentation will focus on volunteerism and examples of ways for people in Ash Grove to connect with a non-profit with the goal of improving the local quality of life.

Local sponsors have funded the marketing and promotion of this event. Those sponsors include
Integrity Homecare and Hospice, First Baptist Church of Ash Grove and Freeway Ministries, Wilson-Griffin Funeral Homes, Greene County Farm Bureau, Greene County Commission, and the Greene County Commonwealth.

To register for this event, contact Greene County MU Extension by telephone at (417) 881-8909 or online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene.

LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Individuals wanting to be part of University of Missouri Extension’s EXCEL Leadership Class 2 in western Greene County are encouraged to register soon since there are only 15 seats available in the program.

Participants in the class must be residents of Ash Grove, Bois D’Arc, Republic, Willard, Walnut Grove or the county area around those communities.

The program is free again this year thanks to program funding from sponsors.

The purpose of EXCEL is community development through graduates who network and commit themselves as leaders to improve the lives of residents in their community.

Registration information is online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene.

Registration for EXCEL Leadership Training with Greene County MU Extension Underway; Seating is Limited to 15

Contact: David Burton, civic communication specialist
County Program Director - Greene County
Office Tel: (417) 881-8909
E-mail: burtond@missouri.edu

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Individuals wanting to be part of University of Missouri Extension’s EXCEL Leadership Class 2 in western Greene County are encouraged to register soon since there are only 15 seats available in the program.

Participants in the class must be residents of Ash Grove, Bois D’Arc, Republic, Willard, Walnut Grove or the county area around those communities.

“Residents of those school districts are eligible,” said David Burton, county program director for Greene County MU Extension. The program is free again this year thanks to program funding from the Greene County Commission.

One of the features that made this EXCEL project unique was the partnership with the Greene County Commonwealth. EXCEL members published regular community editorials in the Commonwealth as a way to encourage and foster local dialogue about community needs.

“The Commonwealth has provided a terrific example of what it means to be a community newspaper,” said Burton. “Every paper should be engaged with their community in this way.”

Participants in the program must also create project plans for a community effort of some type. Understanding the planning process is important but learning how to implement it also important.

“Plans from Class 1 made a difference in our communities. People in Class 2 can build on some of those project plans, or create something new,” said Burton

EXCEL is a proven research-based community program for developing emerging leaders. This particular program targets residents of western Greene County living outside of Springfield.

MU Extension is using this program to develop leaders in response to feedback received at 40 statewide community forums in 2017. Participants at those forums identified a lack of community leaders and volunteers as one of the most important issues facing Missouri.

EXCEL students learn to engage in building community networks, making well-informed community decisions and finding real solutions to real problems. In the process of EXCEL classes, they also learn more about county resources and issues facing their communities.

“The purpose of EXCEL is community development through graduates who network and commit themselves as leaders to improve the lives of residents in their community,” said Burton. “Even after they graduate from the program, the goal is to keep EXCEL members engaged with each other through special opportunities and future EXCEL classes.”

MORE INFORMATION

Registration information can be found online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene/exccel.aspx or individuals can register their interest by calling David Burton at (417) 881-8909 or emailing him directly at burtond@missouri.edu.

Community development specialists with MU Extension help people create communities of the future by tapping into local strengths and university resources. The Community Development Program works collaboratively with communities to foster economic development, leadership development, community decision making, community emergency preparedness and inclusive communities.
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