http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/local-non-profits-announce-new-effort-fight-poverty_71083.mp3
Several non-profit organizations are banding together to try to improve the poverty rate in the Ozarks. They're bringing in an expert on poverty to help them do that. KSMU's Michele Skalicky has more.
Representatives of several non-profits gathered for a news conference at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce to announce a new war on poverty in the Springfield area. Chamber president Jim Anderson says something needs to be done to improve the area’s poverty situation. Changes need to be made, he says, to current efforts to help the poor.
"We've all heard the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. Well, certainly this year's Community Focus Report Card shows some of the same red flag themes that unfortunately have not changed since the first report card back in 2004," he said.
According to Anderson, the report shows that all aspects of a community are impacted by poverty, and there’s a growing concern about poverty levels in Springfield and Greene County. The report also states there’s continued concern for acute impact of poverty on children, and poverty has a negative impact on economic development.
So, twelve non-profits, including the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, the Junior League of Springfield and Care to Learn are bringing a national expert on poverty to Springfield. Dr. Ruby Payne, who has presented to groups in more than ten countries and every state in the U.S., will be in town February 11 and 12, 2014.
Morey Mechlin, executive director of Care to Learn, hopes that will be the beginning of a major effort to combat poverty in the region.
"I want her to come in and evaluate what we're doing. We are doing great things everyday, but the poverty rate continues to climb, so we're missing the boat somewhere. That's what I hope comes out of it is that missing link that we can turn the tide," she said.
Mechlin points out that 60% of kids in Springfield Public Schools are on free and reduced lunch.
Jim Anderson hopes Payne will provide a customized and focused analysis for our community, which will be a recipe to break the cycle of poverty.
For KSMU News, I’m Michele Skalicky.