Agency_Success

This past summer 20 Callaway County youth between the ages of 8 and 13 attended 4-H Camp at Camp Clover Point. 4-H Camp has long been the high point of the summer for many 4-H members. 4-H Members from Central Missouri have been camping at Camp Clover Point in Lake Ozark State Park for many years. An extensive survey, conducted this year involving campers from 19 camping groups representing 90 counties from through out the state, shows that camping is not only a lot of fun but also a valuable learning experience.

Meeting new people and forming friendships is a big part of the camping experience. Almost 95% said they met new people at camp with whom they would like to keep in touch. Over 78% of the respondents said that at camp they learned new ways to make friends, 86% indicated camp help them learn to respect others and that “being different is all right.”

The parents of the campers were also surveyed regarded the skills or attitudes their children acquired at camp. Survey results indicate that 75.6% or parents responding agreed or strongly agreed that, after attending camp their child showed greater responsibility for self care (brushing teeth, making med etc.) 81.3% agreed or strongly agreed that after camp their child was more willing to complete assignments and chores and over 85% said that after attending camp their child more often arrives on time on his/her own

In Callaway County we have seen a substantial increase in 4-H and non 4-H members attending 4-H camp. Over the past several years we have seen and increase from 17 4-H members in 2002 to 30+ in 2006 attending 4-H camp.

“After attending 4-H camp, my child is more comfortable around people who are not like him or her.”

One of every 10 Missourians between the ages of 5 and 18 participated in a Missouri 4-H program in 2005.

Ongoing participation in extracurricular activities, such as 4-H, can lead to long-term payoffs. Regardless of family background, studies find that teens who consistently participate in extracurricular activities from eighth through 12^th grade are 70 percent more likely to attend college. The College Board's Trends in Higher Education Series highlights benefits to individuals and society when young people attend and complete college. For example, over their lifetime, college graduates will earn an average of $2.5 million, or $1 million more than peers with high school educations.

A study commissioned by the Ohio State University explored the economic impact of Extension programs and offers one way to measure the impact of 4-H programs. Assuming that a 4-H experience motivates just 10 percent of Missouri's 105,463 4-H members to receive a bachelor’s degree, 10,546 degrees would be earned. The College Board study suggests that this would mean an additional $19,100 in earnings per year for those with a degree. Increased annual earnings for just this group would be nearly $201.4 million!

Each year several 4-H youth from Callaway County receive Collegiate/Vo-Tech scholarships from the Missouri State 4-H Foundation.

The success of the 4-H program cannot be measured by individuals. The 4-H program is designed to be a preventative program by developing young people into caring, competent and contributing adults. Over the years Callaway County has seen many 4-H members return to 4-H as adults, either with their children or as Project Leaders. Overall Callaway County 4-H has many success stories. by providing the community with caring adults that often serve their communities. There may even be a 4-H alumni on your United Way Board. Studies have shown that youth that were involved in 4-H spend many hours as adults volunteering and contributing in their communities.

On one of the busiest afternoons at SERVE, a man was waiting anxiously to see if we could help him. His worry was evident. As he sat down, he started to explain that he needed help, but didn’t know where to begin. Like so many of our clients, his life had taken a serious turn for the worse.

He had been working at a well-paying job with benefits until he had a heart attack three months prior which resulted in him having open heart surgery. He was receiving temporary disability through his employment benefits—but that was only 1/3 of his usual income. He could not afford to pay for his employer provided insurance while out of work, which meant that he no longer had medical or prescription coverage. He was now two months behind in his mortgage payment, two months behind in his vehicle payment and the phone company was threatening to shut his phone off. He had not had his medicine since he left the hospital.

Given all this, his request surprised us. He needed to get medicine, not for himself, but for his wife. His wife has had 3 heart attacks, 2 strokes and has COPD. Her medicine costs $1,150 a month. She was out of all her medicines (20 different medications). We provided him with funds to get one week’s worth of the most critical medicines. He returned a few days later, so that we could find more long-term solution to his problems.

□ identified unused resources. Despite being a Vietnam War Veteran, he had never accessed his VA benefits. This would eliminate much of his unmet health care needs.

□ Completed the paperwork for a free medicine program which would provide his wife’s medicines at no charge.

□ identified debt counselors that would prevent his home from going into foreclosure.

□ Upon confirming the medical necessity of phone service, negotiated with the phone company for an extension and subsequently made a payment.

When we saw him again a few weeks later, he simply wanted to express his deepest gratitude. He said that he had been five other places trying to get help and he continued being “put-off” and felt as if no one cared. We were the only place that had taken the time to listen, cared enough to take action, and had the capacity to help.

Susie Smith is a single mother who applied for a scholarship in November 2006. Susie was very descriptive in her application stating that she was overweight, depressed, and dealing with several health issues she could not afford. Her son Thomas, 14, was also over-weight and was having a hard time in school both academically and socially. She wanted a membership so that she would have a place to come walk and where her son could come after school each day.

With an income of about $15,000, Susie qualified for a scholarship, but was required to pay 20% or $5 per month. Initially, Susie started walking around the gym, eventually moving up to the track. Her son started coming to the YMCA each day after school. Originally bored, he made friends and they quickly needed some parameters set for activities in the YMCA. After months of after school basketball games, football on nice days, and occasional walks back to the school to watch the High School team play, Thomas has made friends, and even volunteers to keep the clock during youth games and other small jobs at the YMCA.

Susie has lost weight (undetermined amount), shows up 3 times a week to walk and seems happier. She reported to me that she has gone off some medications and feels great.

CARDV SUCCESS STORY

In December of 2005 a 71 year old women accessed CARDV services through our 24-hour crisis line. She had been residing with a man in his 80's as a companion and to act as an assistant for his medical needs. He was very self sufficient but had trouble taking his medications properly. He had been very verbally abusive to her for the past year and had in a fit of rage backed her into a corner with his fist in her face and threatened to slit her throat. When he fell asleep she left and went to her daughter’s home. Her fear was great and over and over she conveyed how disturbing it was to have to go through this at her age. She dreamed for past days when her husband had been alive and had treated her with love and respect. She said she could not believe she had allowed herself to be so misled by this other man and that she felt so stupid and ashamed. CARDV assisted her with an exparte and personalized a safety plan for her. His mental stability was of concern to all parties involved and law enforcement was kept abreast of the situation. Even during court he misbehaved badly and the judge had to reprimand him. Although she is no longer with this man his abuse of her over the past year really took a toll and she is still working hard to recover and feel safe in her own home. She was so surprised to find out that places like CARDV exists because there were no services for victims of domestic violence in her days. (her actual words).

We recently took on a new client who lost her ability to drive. By receiving our meals she is able to stay in her home about twenty miles outside of town. we deliver meals every two weeks and she can get other food picked up on a monthly trip to town through a volunteer. Our frozen meal program allows us to provide her services that we could never have been able to do on a daily delivery, because of high costs. This allows this lady to stay in the home she loves as long as possible!

Through Red Cross Health & Safety Classes – everyday people are trained, empowered and prepared – ready to save someone’s life if the need arises. The Callaway Chapter partners with area Schools to offer Red Cross training to students at a minimal cost, when we have volunteer trainers. More than 375 students were trained in CPR and/or First Aid during the 2005-2006 school year. Students were trained at Fulton High School, McIntire Elementary School, Bush Elementary School, Bartley Elementary School, New Bloomfield High School, South Callaway High School, and Kingdom Christian Academy. One of the Fulton high school students used the skills he learned to help save the life of a friend who was choking. Because of the training he knew what to do, stayed calm and saved someone’s life.

The Callaway Chapter responded to 11 different Single Family disasters during FY 2006. When we respond to a single family fire we usually provide food and drinks to the firemen that are responding to the fire. We also help the family that has been affected by the fire by helping to meet their immediate needs of shelter, food and clothing. Visiting with the families while the firemen are still there helps them to work through the tragedy that has happened and begin to make a plan of what they are going to do next. The Red Cross will provide families with lodging at local hotels if they do not have someone they can stay with. We also provide client assistance cards loaded with a set amount of money so families can pick out clothing and food at local businesses.

We also will refer families to additional community resources depending on the scope of their needs. In helping families work through the initial recovery process we are able to help them make the necessary plans and decisions so they can get back on their feet. It is amazing to see how different families cope with the tragedy that has occurred and the role that the Red Cross can play in helping this process occur.

A male client recently spent a week in the hospital after making a suicide attempt. He was referred to us for outpatient counseling. He reported that he attempted suicide because his wife had left him due to his problems with drug addiction and she was also attempting to gain full custody of his children. Due to his lack of employment, he had no insurance for mental health services. With the help of our United Way funding, we were able to offer him sliding scale services. He met with a counselor on a weekly basis and was able to regain a foothold on life. He obtained employment and was able to reduce his level of depression so that he was able to get back into the routine of living daily life.

Rashonda is 8-years-old. She lives with her grandmother, who is the only parent she’s ever known. She has three brothers and sisters. Her family subsists on government assistance and the help they get from area social service agencies. Rashonda is bright and bubbly and is eager to help whenever asked. Rashonda participates in Girl Scout programs through membership extension. Her favorite program so far is ‘Zink the Zebra,’ which teaches the value of respecting differences in each other. Her grandmother tells us that Rashonda enjoys the Girl Scout programs so much, “she always reminds me days in advance of when she’ll have to stay after school.”

It was a situation he had spent many hours training for, but one in which he never thought to find himself.

On February 11, 15-year-old Ben Mayne learned there was a reason his scout masters put so much emphasis on practicing First Aid when he used the Heimlich maneuver to rescue fellow Boy Scout Andrew Gibson, 13. The boys were on an indoor camping trip at the Lake of the Ozarks with the rest of their troop when Gibson started choking on a chip during a spirited game of Risk.

"I was scared for a moment," Gibson said. "Then he performed the Heimlich maneuver on me."

Mayne said he just reacted as he had been trained to do. "I didn't really think about it until afterwards," he said. "Later, when I did think about it, I got a little scared."

Although Gibson said he was grateful Mayne was so quick to jump to his aid, Ben did not seem to think it was all that special. "We went back to the game after everyone calmed down, Mayne said. "I didn't seem like that big a thing."

His mother, Kath Mayne, a member of the troop committee and chaperone at the campout, was more impressed. "I was delighted he knew how to deal with it, but it was kind of scary he had to," she said. "First Aid is not just knowing what to do, but having the conviction to actually use it when it is necessary."

Troup 53 Scout Master Bob Sterner also praised Ben's quick thinking. "I'm very proud of Ben for being prepared and doing exactly what he was trained to do, Sterner said. "He did everything you could hope or want a scout to do."

He said the youngster's ability to respond with appropriate action in a crisis situation is something that is expected of all scouts. "I think if people know you're a Boy Scout, they turn to you to tie a knot, put up a tent, raise a flag or perform CPR," he said. "Those are all things you expect a Boy Scout to know how to do."

Ben Mayne estimated he has spent approximately 12 hours on First Aid training during his seven years as a scout. "We try to at least go over First Aid once a year in our meetings, and working on different ranks and badges has required me to do more, " he said.

Despite the yearly review of life-saving skills, neither boy expected to have to use it in a real life-or-death situation with one of their friends. "I knew I would have to use it someday, but I didn't know it would be this early," Gibson said.

Troup leaders said this incident will be a great way to emphasize just how important First Aid training is. "It's a very good example to show the boys we're not doing this just to get a badge," Kath Mayne said. "It can be used to save a life."

It already has proven to be inspiring to at least one adult in Ben Mayne's life. "First Aid is one of those things that you forget if you don't use it," Sterner said. "Ben Mayne was able to remember what to do. I wish I was better at First Aid."

Our success reached beyond our children to the needs of or families as well. One of our young mothers stated a desire to return to work. With the aid of our Head Start staff she was able to establish goals and priorities. Her personal goals, to obtain a drivers license and to purchase a car and gain full time employment, were realized with in a short period with the support of Fulton Head Start.

Today this young mother is working towards her GED and is planning on purchasing a second vehicle and improve her own dental health, all through the Service Integration program and with the support of Fulton Head Start.

Her child’s progressing. CMCA Head Start has also seen a vast improvement. With his mother now having a set routine, improved self esteem and financial stability. The child has been able to focus on learning.

My wife and I are in our mid-60’s. We were middle class, having raised two kids and worked hard as laborers our whole lives. Our friends were all retiring and we were struggling to put a meal on the table. At 65 you shouldn’t have to eat only once per day or skip your medicine or turn the heat to 55. We never thought we would need a place like HAVEN House. I could barely make the call to ask for help because I was ashamed not to be able to provide for my wife and myself. We both had full time jobs, and then I got pneumonia and had to take two weeks off. I went back to work too soon and ended up having to take a month off from work to recover. I lost my job and my wife’s pay couldn’t cover our bills, especially all our medication. I had a heart problem and needed daily medication. We couldn’t pay our rent and then the utilities got behind. We sold a car and kept the old junker, but it only ran when the temperature was above 40, kind of like me. We were evicted and stayed for a while with one of our adult children and family. We displaced a family member from their bedroom. Needless to say, this didn’t make for any happy family members. After several weeks we all knew it just wasn’t working. I was trying to get temporary jobs but I never seemed to get there early enough in the morning to get picked regularly. We moved to HAVEN House and it was a relief to have a little space of our own. With help from the folks at HAVEN House I got into a prescription plan. With their encouragement I contacted our old landlord and made repayment plans with him and the utilities. It wasn’t much but we were trying and that meant a lot to us. We got new tires on the car so we could feel safe driving in bad weather. They helped me in my job search by making phone calls, polishing my resume and sending me to computer training for folks with two left hands. I got a decent job with benefits and then they hired my wife. We work the same shift and are bale to ride together, eat together and have the same days off. We have moved to our own place and paid off our old landlord and our outstanding utility bill. It feels like a fresh life. These folks know their stuff. They will help you help yourself. They really encourage you to get out there and do something. Now the wife and I donate time to them every month. I have told my story for the United Way. Everyone, the staff and volunteers work hard and we can see from our experience that they really care about people.

Well, they asked me to write something about my experience with Kingdom Respite Services. I had a wonderful volunteer for the last few months of my husband’s life. He came two times a week and they just visited about sports, mostly fishing. How my husband loved to fish and how he missed it. Telling those old stories brought him such joy and I am grateful that our volunteer seemed to enjoy hearing them over and over. Near the end, when my husband couldn’t talk much and slept a lot, our volunteer would just sit with him talking as though it was another day of two old friends talking about the “one that got away”.

After my husband passed, I started getting little things in the mail from Kingdom Respite. Something about every four weeks or so, to help me with my grief. It was nice to be remembered and the material did help. One day I went to the mailbox and there was a card from them. They had remembered that it would have been our anniversary and they sent me an anniversary card. What a beautiful thought! No one else had acknowledged that day and I was very blue, very tearful. That card means more to me than anything else I got the whole year. I have worn the edges out reading and rereading it. An anniversary card. Such a little thing, but such a wonderful thing to do for me. How I miss the fish stories. How I wished I had been more patient and listened to them all. God bless our wonderful volunteer.