Drew Lewis Foundation Inc

Drew lewis foundation continued the program reaching independence through support and education(rise). This includes the continued expansion into rural communities and other nonprofit organizations in missouri. The program works with families and individuals to overcome challenges of living in poverty through financially supporting weekly community-driven programs. The rise programming continued on thursday evenings where a community dinner is provided and programming remained in person and in online formats and classes continued to work to build social capital while offering education on financial literacy, physical and mental well-being, family dynamics and relationships, and other life skills. State funds were used in operations and to incentivize participation. Families were able to pick up food resources; diaper and hygiene resources as needed through 2024. Partnerships for rise include over 130 organizations and individuals.

Other community initiatives included: 1. Hosted 9th annual community fundraising event, fashion forward, which features children of northwest springfield modeling a back-to-school outfit in a fashion show and sharing their dreams for the future. The event also provides school supplies and family resources 2. Hosted second harvest home fall festival for the community. This event promotes community connection, and helps reinforce a sense of place while showcasing resources available. 3. Continued development of "the blue house project" which purchases homes in northwest springfield, updates the homes to current standards and then offers them on a rent to own basis to rise members. The project now has 17 homes that are in various stages of renovations, member use, or have been sold. 4. Continued development and initial implementation of classes for the nonprofit career academy(nca). Nca is a post secondary education program that provides training services for individuals to attain the skill set necessary for application in the private and nonprofit sectors; including administration, fundraising, community outreach, and more. 5. Strengthened online curriculum with development of website and additional curriculum. Rise continued to expand and is in aurora, salem, monett, neosho, ash grove, and cape girardeau. 5 more organizations are in the development process of implementing rise. 6. The fairbanks bike shop, powered by volunteers and supported by sbc athletics community, provides bicycle education, free helmets for kids, free bike repair and low-cost bikes. This program has grown tremendously and is looking to expand its location at the fairbanks.