Event CoverageEvening of Hope

Lost and Found Grief CenterPage 13

Succession Planning:Managing LeadershipTransitionsCenter for Nonprofit CommunicationPage 32

Askinosie Launches SchoolLunch Programsin Phillipines & TanzaniaPage 35

The Color RunEqui-Librium Therapy CenterPage 10

Survivor in the Wild:2013 Heart Ball

American Heart AssociationPage 27

SuperBowl-a-ThonCASA

Page 18

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contents march 2013

staff advisory panelAmy MichaelPublisher

Phil DellasegaCreative Director

Tom MezzacapaGraphic Design

Kaitlyn SchwersEditor

Michelle DeWittGraphic Design/Web Maintenance

Gerry Catapang PT, DPT

Ken Childers

Peter Edwards CIA

Rebbecca Fenton COTA/L

Jeff Gossman

Becky Overend

Sharna Rittmaster

Beverly Roberts

Chris Shaefer

Ross Stoops

Cara Trask

Mary Valloni

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122 Park Central Square • Springfield, MO 65806417.849.CARE • www.goicare.com

3 Table of Contents

4 Membership DirectorySpringfield 3 members listing

5 Letters from the Editor and Publisher

7 Welcome MemberAmerican Red Cross

8 18 Holes of Fun in the Middle of Winter!Community Partnership

9 New Member WelcomeOzarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC)

10 The Color RunEqui-Librium Therapy Center

11 New Member WelcomeEqui-Librium Therapy Center

12 Books for Bissett

13 Event Coverage: Evening of HopeLost and Found Grief Center

16 Who CARES?News Round-up for local nonprofits

17 New Member WelcomeHarmony House

18 Event Coverage: 2013 SuperBowl-a-ThonCASA

19 Welcome Back MemberCASA

20 Integrity Home Care

23 New Member WelcomeWomen in Need of the Ozarks

25 Helping People with Disabilities Through Horses and TherapyDynamic Strides Therapeutic Riding

27 Event Coverage: Heart BallWomen in Need of the Ozarks

29 Calendar of EventsCharity Events for February

30 CARES Website Launch

32 Succession Planning: Managing Leadership TransitionsThe Center for Nonprofit Communication

35 Askinosie Launches School Lunch Programs

37 GamesFun Stuff

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Ambassadors For ChildrenAn Operating Agency of theCouncil of Churches of the Ozarks500 W Battlefield, Suite BSpringfield, MO 65807417-708-0565 ext. 202

Killuminati Foundationwww.killuminatiFoundation.org

Equi-Librium Therapy Center8710 E State Hwy ADRogersville, MO 65742417-830-1409www.etctherapy.org

Harmony House519 E Cherry StSpringfield, MO 65806417-837-7700www.myharmonyhouse.org

Lost & Found Grief Center2840 E Chestnut Expressway, Suite CSpringfield, MO 65802417-865-9998www.lostandfoundozarks.com

March of Dimes1722 S Glenstone W110Springfield, MO 65804417-889-9397www.marchofdimes.com

Pregnancy Care Center1342 E Primrose StreetSpringfield, MO 65804-4224www.pccchoices.com

United Way of the Ozarks320 N Jefferson AveSpringfield, MO 65806417-863-7700www.uwozarks.com

The Victim Center819 N Boonville AveSpringfield, MO 65802417-863-7273www.thevictimcenter.org

Women Connect4GoodDrNancy@womenspeak.comTwitter.com/womenspkwww.Facebook.com/WomenSpkwww.Womenspeak.com/connect4good

Youth of the Ozarks Thrift Store(YOTO)2140 S CampbellSpringfield, MO 65807417-890-7283www.yotothriftstore.org

Ozarks Area CommunityAction Corporation (OACAC)215 S Barnes Ave Springfield, MO 65802417-862-4314www.oacac-caa.org

American Red Cross Southern Missouri Region1545 N West BypassSpringfield, MO 65803 417-832-9500www.redcross.org

Center for NonprofitCommunication (CNC)900 N Benton AveSpringfield, MO 65802417-873-7443www.npcomm.org

Women in Need (WIN)P.O. Box 4626 Springfield, MO 65808417-234-7338www.womeninneedoftheozarks.org

American Cancer Society3322 S Campbell Ave # GSpringfield, MO 65807417-881-4668www.cancer.org

Big Brothers Big Sisters(BBBS)3372 W Battlefield StSpringfield, MO 65807417-889-9136

Breast Cancer Foundationof the Ozarks (BCFO)330 N Jefferson AveSpringfield, MO 65806417-862-3838www.bcfo.org

Bridges for Youth1039 W NicholsSpringfield, MO 65802417-864-4167www.bridgesforyouth.net

Children’s Miracle Network3525 S National Ave Suite 203Springfield, MO 65807417-269-5437www.coxhealth.com/cmn

Community Partnership330 N Jefferson Ave.Springfield, MO 65806417-888-2020www.commpartnership.org

Court Appointed SpecialAdvocates (CASA)1111 S Glenstone AveSpringfield, MO 65804417-864-6202www.casaswmo.org

Female Leaders inPhilanthropy (FLiP)320 N Jefferson AveSpringfield, MO 65806417-863-7700www.uwozarks.com/fl ip.asp

Good Samaritan Boys Ranch424 E Norton RdSpringfield, MO 65803417-864-6698www.ranchlife.org

GYN Cancers Alliance(GYNCA)3023 S Fort, Suite BSpringfield, MO 65807417-869-2220www.gynca.org

The Humane Society3161 W Norton RdSpringfield, MO 65803417-833-2526www.swh.org

Springfield CARES would like to introducethe following Members of the magazine.Members must have non-profit statusand provide services to our community.If you are interested in becoming amember, please call Patrice Tice at 417-861-2696 for more information.

Membership Directory

Harmony House

Giving Help & Hope to Families Impacted by Breast Cancer

In God We Trust G d We Tru ust

Mission: Springfield CARES and GOiCARE.com pro-vide online and print media to the public to createawareness of charitable giving and healthy living inthe area as well as give acknowledgment to localbusinesses that give back to our community. It is ourgoal to promote local business, provide informationand savings to consumers and support the work ofthe charities where we live.

The following persons or businesses havesponsored our members: Women Speak, WilliamH Darr, Tom Slaight, ANPAC, SouthwesternWomens Health, dvLaRue Design andDevelopment

Helping you create the future you envision.

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130179MR0112

Dear Readers,

Once again, we at Springfield CARES would like to introduce you to more of our newnon-profit members. We’re excited to feature these members in future issues of themagazine.

Specifically in this issue, we welcome the American Red Cross, Ozarks Area CommunityAction Corporation (OACAC), Harmony House, Women in Need (WIN), Equi-LibriumTherapy Center (ETC), and we are welcoming back the Court Appointed SpecialAdvocates for Children (CASA).

Aside from introductions, you will also see some ads for events that our new members(and current members!) have coming up (such as the anticipated Color Run on April 6for ETC and CASA’s Superhero 5k run). Check out these events and get to know theseorganizations better if you get a chance!

In addition, this issue also features event photos from the Community Partnership ofthe Ozarks, CASA, Books for Bissett, and more. You’ll notice this month’s issue has anadditional eight pages, so check it all out! This issue has a lot to see and read.

Interested in what our membership package has to offer at Springfield CARESMagazine? Contact Membership Coordinator, Patrice Tice at patrice@goicare.com orcall 417-861-2696.

Happy reading,

Kaitlyn SchwersContributing Editor

Letter from the Editor

Letter from the PublisherHello Springfield,

It's been a busy month here at CARES and I am excited to introduce to you two newmembers of our CARES Family. Patrice Tice is our Membership Director and KristalGaines is the Director of Sales and Marketing. Between these two ladies we havegrown 30% in one month! I am so excited to be able to offer more to our nonprofitsin the community. If you have any interest in learning how the magazine works fornonprofits or from an advertising standpoint please contact them. If you're a non-profit you can reach Patrice at 417-861-2696 for more information. If you're a businessthat believes in philanthropy and are looking for an opportunity to work with a non-profit or share your business with the community please call Kristal at 417-849-2273and she will be happy to meet with you.

As we continue to grow we are always looking for volunteer photographers, freelancewriters and great stories of hope. Please send any of these to our editor, Kaitlyn ateditor@goicare.com. If you've attended an event and want to submit photos pleasesend those on as well. We love to share those with our readers!

As always, I feel privileged and honored to live in a place where there are so manypeople who care. I am constantly reminded, by working with our nonprofits, of thegiving and generous spirit our our community. Through the pages of this month’s issue,you will see evidence of this through the event coverages and stories in our pages.We hope you enjoy reading about the great things that have happened and newevents that are coming up as well as how you have made a difference in the lives ofothers.

Kindly,

Amy Michael

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The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humani-tarian aid; and supports military

members and their families.

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welcomes new memberWhat is your mission? The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

What kind of volunteer opportunities do you have? 97% of the work done by the Red Cross is done by a volunteer. We have opportunities from administrative office work and event committees to responding on disasters local and nationally.

Specifically, who/how do you help the community? The Red Cross helps those who have been affected by disaster in our community. Home fires, tornados, floods or other disasters happen an average of 3 times every day throughout our 40 county regions. Volunteers are on call 24/7/365 to answer the call for help, bringing comfort, help and hope to people in their darkest hour. As a part of working to prepare our communities Ameri-can Red Cross programs help people lead safer and healthier lives, from first-aid, CPR and AED training to swimming and lifeguarding.

Could you tell a short story of someone you have helped?We respond to an average of three house fires on a daily basis. We have so many stories of people who have been helped because the Red Cross was there. I am attaching a story that is about a local military family that we provided assistance to:Brytain Geary was a US Army soldier stationed at Fort Hood, TX when he found out he had a brain tumor. He and his wife Marla, who worked for the Post Exchange on base, have a six month old daughter, Madilyn. Brytian has a dog, named Chief who was supplied to him through America’s Vet Dogs. Chief has lived with him for a year and alerts Brytian of on-coming seizures that he suffers as a side effect of the brain tumor.

It has been a tough financial road for the Geary’s since his illness. Brytian was medically discharged from the Army and has medical bills that exceeded the Tri-Care cap. The military told them to save up at least 3 months’ worth of expenses to live on after he was medically sepa-rated from the Army but it was 6 months before they began getting his retirement pay. During that time they lived with family but even with their families help the medical bills were overwhelming them. They voluntarily let one of their vehicles go back to the dealer and continued to pay on the medical bills. The heat in Texas had a negative effect on Brytain’s health due to the metal plates attached to his skull during his brain surgery. Needing a better climate and wanting a good place to raise Madilyn, they decided to move. Knowing that they would need to be near a

Veteran’s Medical Facility and wanting to be closer to Marla’s older daughter, who lives in Michigan, they chose Springfield, Missouri as their new home. It took all of their savings to move to Springfield, and when they rented a house it was without a refrigerator or stove. Upon moving in, a gas leak was discovered in the house so they had to eat out for a few weeks while they waited for the landlord to fix the leak. Now their savings was gone and Brytian was not yet getting his medical retire-ment pay from the Army while still waiting on VA disability pay to begin.

In March, 2012, Brytian called USAA to ask for help with their finances and was referred to the American Red Cross for help. After calling the Red Cross, Military Case-work Volunteer, Dawn Tomoson, helped them out with a local grant for service members that could be used for a stove and refrigerator. The gas leak had finally been fixed so when Dawn found the used appliances at C&C Appliance, Brytian and Marla were able to cook their own meals again. In April, they were still struggling with financial prob-lems. Brytian called 877-272-7337, the American Red Cross Service to The Armed Forces (SAF) hotline, to see if they would qualify for any additional assistance. After providing the SAF team with their financial records, the Geary’s were granted a no-interest loan to help pay their rent and car payment. “If it wasn’t for the Red Cross we would still be suffering” said Brytain. The Geary’s have a positive outlook for the future. They expect the VA will begin paying them his disability payments soon, and Brytian plans to start attending college this fall with his GI Bill

Any upcoming events? Currently we are promoting our Everyday Heroes event where we honor local people in our communities that have done something heroic or who live everyday making life easier for their neighbors. The event is on March 27, 2013 here in Springfield.

redcross-ozarks.org

Membership Sponsored by:

Springfield CARES

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On January 27, 2013 at the Hickory Hills Country Club, The Community Partnership Open 2013 was the perfect opportunity for golf enthusiasts to pick up their clubs in the middle of winter while helping support the programs and services of Community Partnership of the Ozarks. Each of the 18-indoor miniature golf holes were designed around Community Partnership’s programs so that you learn exactly what they do on a daily basis. Golfers were definitely kept on their game. At one hole

you may be avoiding sand traps in hopes of making it up the stairs of financial freedom; at another you may be joining a National Night Out block party; and at others you may learn why the building blocks of early childhood could be the very things preventing you from getting a hole-in-one. Plus, there were dozens of great prizes and silent auction items up for bid. The Community Partnership Open is indoor golf like you have never experienced before.

2013

18-holes of fun in the middle of winter!

commpartnership.org

photos: James Hanson

welcomes new member

What is your mission? Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation’s (OACAC) mission is to enrich the lives of families and individuals within our communities by providing opportunities, offering assistance and empowering people to make positive change.

What kind of volunteer opportunities do you offer?Event Planning/AssistanceEducational SpeakingFundraisersTransport to medical appointmentsOffice Support/FilingReading to ChildrenSort/Organize StorageData EntryAssist with Poverty Simulations and REALL SimulationsAssist with OACAC involvement in the Price Cutter Charity Championship Golf Tournament

How can someone get involved? If you are interested in becoming an OACAC volunteer, please contact the Resource Development Office at 417.864.3448 or by email at awingo@oacac-caa.org

Specifically, who/how do you help the community? Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) is a not-for-profit agency working toward alleviating the causes and conditions of poverty in the Ozarks. OACAC serves Barry, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Greene, Lawrence, Polk, Stone, Taney and Webster Counties. OACAC offers seven programs: Family Planning, Foster Grandparents, Head Start, Housing, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP), Neighborhood Centers and Weatherization. As part of a nationwide network of Community Action Agencies, OACAC focuses available local, state, private, and federal resources to assist low-income individuals and families to acquire useful skills and knowledge, gain access to new opportunities and achieve economic self-sufficiency. Could you tell a short story of someone you have helped? James Dever, age 22, looks like any other college student at first glance. But when you get to know his story, you realize how unlikely it is that he is now attending Ozarks Technical College (OTC) and working toward an Associate Degree in Automotive Technology. Seven years ago, James dropped out of high school in Blue Eye, Missouri at the age of 15. He was unmotivated and did

worked at a string of minimum wage jobs, but never found a place to fit in. “I think I was tired of being stuck,” said James. “I knew I needed education to go on, but I did not care back then.”

In the spring of 2010, James attended a Job Club sponsored by the OACAC Stone County Neighborhood Center. Misti Clark, OACAC Family Resource Specialist, helped James learn how to prepare for a job interview, how to create a resume, how to fill out an application, and more. “This class gave me a lot of encouragement,” said James. In addition to encour-

pating in the classes. Another milestone James completed was earning his General Education Degree (GED). OACAC assisted James with gas money so he could attend Ozarks Technical Community College at Branson Meadows where he earned his degree in just three months. In the spring of 2011 James enrolled in classes at OTC in Branson where he focused on general education classes as well as automotive labs. OACAC continued to support James by providing gas money so he could attend his classes. The laptop computer he earned during Job Club was also indis-pensable in keeping up with his course work. In the fall of 2011, James transferred to Springfield OTC where he lives in an apartment provided by the Springfield Housing Authority. James attends classes and labs full time (50 hours per week). Ideally, James would like to continue his education and transfer to a university like University of Missouri or Southern Illinois to get a full engineering degree. OACAC Stone County Neighborhood Center helped James find a new purpose in life through encouragement, account-ability, and a variety of financial resources. “James responded because OACAC held him accountable. He showed up because he would have to answer to somebody,” explained Misti Clark. Now James has learned to be accountable for his own decisions. “Thanks to OACAC and OTC I am well on my way to a new life,” James said.

Any upcoming events?September 21 - OACAC Scavenger Hunt October 12- Ozark Mountain Monopoly

If you could thank one person/business in the commu-nity that has shown that they CARE, who would it be and why? We are thankful to David O’Reilly and his commitment to the OACAC Head Start dental program. OACAC is required to provide preventative dental care and treatment to 1,400 children each year, and Mr. O’Reilly has been a strong supporter of this program for several years.

Springfield CARES

oacac-caa.org9

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The Color Run 5k is going down in Springfield, MO on April 6, 2013! Who is excited? As the Springfield Color Run's Charity Partner, Equi-Librium Therapy Center will receive a portion of the proceeds to benefit its program and amazing riders! Equi-Librium Therapy Center gets to supply 200 volunteers to assist with painting Springfield "happy" on race day! Let's show The Color Run that Equi-Librium Therapy Center has the BEST volunteers around! Just think, throwing "color" on friends, family, and everyone else... It is going to be awesome! To register as a volunteer, contact etctherapy@gmail.com To register as a runner, check out http://thecolorrun.com/springfield-missouri/

04.06.13

WWW RUN.COM.THECOLOR

Equi-Librium Therapy Center, a non-profit organization in Springfield, Missouri, has been dedicated to providing equine assisted therapies to both children and adults in Southwest Missouri since 1995. Equi-Librium Therapy Center offers equine assisted therapy services to client’s over two years of age, living with various disabilities through our Therapeutic Riding, Hippotherapy and Equine Facilitated Learning programs. Our programs use the horse and its movement, to assist with devel-opment of functional abilities that lead to enhanced participa-tion in life experiences. Clients also benefit from the friendships developed with the horses, peers, and volunteers that make this program possible. Equi-Librium Therapy Center is a Premier Accredited Center through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International and is a member of the American Hippotherapy Association. For more information see http://www.etctherapy.org

Are you ready?

welcomes new memberWhat is your mission? Provide exceptional, accredited, equine therapy services improving the quality of life for those in the Ozarks. What kind of volunteer opportunities do you have? ETC has several different types of opportunities for volunteers- side walking alongside our patients who are on horseback, horse handling, intern opportunities which include, volunteer coordinator, barn manager, photographer, and secretarial duties. Anyone interested in volunteering for ETC should go to our website www.etctherapy.org and click on volunteer handbook, fill out and contact us at (417) 830-1409.

Specifically, who/how do you help the community?Equi-Librium Therapy Center (ETC) established in December of 2011 (formally known as Therapeutic Riding of the Ozarks) has been serving children and adults with disabilities since 1995. ETC is a Premier Accredited Center through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) and a member of the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA). ETC provides accred-ited equine assisted therapy services including Therapeutic Riding, Hippotherapy and Equine Facilitated Learning. Last year, ETC served 67 children and adults ages two and up with developmental disabilities and/or physical disabilities in southwest Missouri.ETC serves five counties in southwest Missouri and one in North Central Arkansas. We have also signed a contract with the Wounded Warrior Project scholarship program that will allow us to provide equine therapy services for our veterans living in SW MO at no cost to them. ETC is the only PATH Intl. Accredited Center in the area. This year ETC moved into its own facility which was graciously donated by John and Carol Courtney. This is a two-year old facility with a 21,000 sq. foot enclosed indoor arena surrounded by 22 acres. Current plans are to add 14 horse stalls to house therapy horses with a tack room, wash bay, hay storage and horse runs as well as a viewing room with kitchen, classroom, therapy room equipped with necessary therapeutic equipment, staff offices, mechanical room, storage, and bathrooms. The barn, these additions, and the land are supported by private donations.

Could you tell a short story of someone you have helped? Our son Monte is an 11-year-old enthusiastic and sneaky young man who has a long list of complicated diagnosis and challenges. To list a few, he has congenital hydrocephalus, is deaf-blind, and has very high and low tone throughout his body, making even the most basic skill difficult. We had tried many different types of therapy with him over the years, including nearly 7 years of traditional physical therapy, and a precious few short weeks of water therapy (the waiting list was so long we were only allowed to do a few weeks). In that time, he made very slow progress, constantly digressing due to breakthrough seizures, shunt revisions, and complications. It was with a bit of apprehension that we decided to try hippo-therapy, just one of three equine therapy services provided by Equi-Librium Therapy Center (ETC) in Springfield, MO. We weren't sure he would be safe on a horse, didn't know if he would tolerate the stimuli, and didn't know if he could physically do it. We were pleas-antly surprised at the confidence and expertise of Kent Crumpley and his team of therapists. They were very skilled in their abilities and knowledge of Monte's needs, and immediately calmed any of my fears. We were so impressed that we couldn't wait to begin.

Monte was so tight that they started him out by stretching his adduc-tors over a small barrel before he was even able to sit on the horse. When he began he could only hold his head up for a few minutes at a time, and either curled over the horse almost in a ball or rode with his head completely extended. We saw progress immediately! He loved the sensations of riding a very special horse named "Little Joe," and would get really excited upon entering the arena. He and I both felt confident and comfortable with the entire staff and their safety precautions and abilities. Within a few short weeks he was sitting taller and taller, and able to hold his head with more confidence. These skills transferred into more miracles at home as well. With his leg muscles strengthened and stretched, he began weight bearing for longer and longer periods of time, holding his head up almost all day, and even wanting to walk! We were also able to discontinue the Botox injections in his legs that had previously been a quarterly necessity. The last 4 years have been rather tumultuous for Monte, he has endured several intensive surgeries to keep him healthy and progress-ing. Monte's doctors have been so impressed with the changes in Monte's body through Hippotherapy that they insist that he continue riding as soon as he is healed enough to participate. They are happy to write the orders for hippotherapy, and thrilled that we have such a great program that he can participate in. Even though Monte has been a complicated patient, the staff at ETC has been carefully helping him heal, recover, and progress. Although it isn't convenient to drive the two hours round-trip weekly to participate in hippotherapy, we feel the sacrifice is more than worth it. We are so proud of Monte and the progress he has made. He is so much stronger and more capable! He runs in his walker with his peers at recess and in PE, holds his head with confidence in all situations, is able to support his weight in transfers and walking small distances, and has much more abilities and flexibil-ity in his legs and core. We've also discontinued the weekly traditional P.T. sessions, we find that Monte progresses much faster in a few weeks of Hippotherapy than in months of traditional P.T. We love Kent Crumpley's team, and can't wait for the next session to begin! Signed, a very happy parent,Claire Fogelquist

Any upcoming events?The Color Run will be coming to Springfield for the first time on April 6, 2013. The Color Run is the original 5K run/walk of its kind and helps supports not for profit organizations all around the world. ETC is very excited to have been chosen by the Color Run and we look forward to all the excitement they will bring to downtown Springfield on April 6.

If you could thank one person/business in the commu-nity that has shown that they CARE, who would it be and why?John and Carol Courtney for their generous donation toEqui-Librium Therapy Center.

etctherapy.org

Springfield CARES

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Thank you for providing Help,

Hope and Healing. Because of

your generosity, grieving hearts

will be mended, children will find

hope and families will heal.

www.lostandfoundozarks.com

Photography by Phil Dellasega

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14 Sponsor | Dr. Nancy O’Reilly PsD

Sponsor | CARES Magazine

12th Annual GYN Cancers Alliance

Teal Sponsors:

Fashion Show Sponsors:Harem & CompanyTown & CountyKricketsAshby’s

Robert and Becky BachBonnie AtteberryDr. John & Susan Mihalevich

Presenting Sponsor

Spring LuncheonFashion Show, Silent Auction and Tote Bag Raffle

Monday, April 22, 2013Ramada Oasis Convention Center

$20 donation includes Etched Riedel wine glass, sample over 120 exclusive wines and enjoy

delicious food samplings, courtesy of Florentina’s. Unique silent auction is always a big hit! GYNCA

receives 10% of all regular-priced wine sales during event! Reserve ahead by calling 869-2220 or email

jan@gynca.org

For information on events, call 869-2220, email jan@gynca.org or go to www.gynca.org/events

GYN Cancers Alliance, serving localwomen battling gynecologic cancers

benefiting GYNCA

Sunday, April 7, 2013 2-5pm

Spring Wine Tasting

417-883-90001455 East IndependenceSpringfield, MO 65804

h

Sponsor | Dr. Nancy O’Reilly PsD

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Goddard Schools raises over $300 for local RonaldMcDonald House

Last month, Goddard Schools celebrated 25years. Their "25 Cents for 25 Years" fundraisingdrive resulted in $89.56 collected for the benefitof the Ronald McDonald House Partnership. Ad-ditionally, children created a total of 287 cards atthe school. With Goddard Systems, Inc. donating$1.00 for each card, Goddard Schools has raised$376.56. The funds raised will go directly to thelocal Ronald McDonald House. Goddard Schoolswould like to thank you for your generosity andto all of their children who are learning about the

importance of giving back to the community.

As a "thank you" for the children's efforts, Goddard Schools invited RonaldMcDonald to visit the Junior Kindergarten and older preschool classroomswith a magic show, story, and song. Younger children received a greet-ing from Ronald, and a local McDonald's donated Happy Meal toys to takehome.

Goddard Schools enjoyed introducing children to service and will continueconnecting to the community. The next service event is Bowl for Kids Sake,for the benefit of Big Brothers Big Sisters on Saturday, March 9.

Springfield Com-munity LandTrust, the City ofSpringfield andCommunity Part-nership of theOzarks are hap-py to announcethe formation ofa new affordable housing program in Springfield.

Community land trusts sell homes to people whoare credit-worthy with low to moderate incomes.While buyers own the house, the land beneaththeir home belongs to the community land trustand the homeowner holds rights to the land bypaying a small fee through a leasehold agreement.

When homeowners sell their homes, the resaleprice is based on a formula designed to provide afair and reasonable rate of return on the invest-ment, homeowners regain their initial investmentplus a fair share of the appreciation of their homes,while at the same time keeping the home’s pricewithin reach for future income qualified buyers.The stable and secure housing made possible bycommunity land trusts enables many individualsand families to invest in their own future, improvetheir financial status and positively contribute tothe economic development of the community.

To learn more visit www.springfieldclt.org.

Everyday Heroes 2013 coming up in MarchThe American Red

Cross and KY3 will be

sponsoring Everyday

Heroes 2013 in Spring-

field on Wednesday,

March 27 from 12

p.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ramada Oasis Hotel and Convention Center. Lunch

will be served, and all proceeds from the event will benefit the Red Cross.

Everyday Heroes is a tribute to those who have shown courage during

disasters, volunteered during a time of need, or saved a life. The Red Cross

has asked for nominations for Heroes and will be presenting them dur-

ing the event. A table of ten guests may be sponsored for $300.

Visit redcross.org for more details.

What’s going on in your area?Spring�eld CARES o�ers a round-up of news from

your local non-pro�t organizations.

Springfield Community Land Trust, theCity of Springfield and CommunityPartnership of the Ozarks team up tocreate new affordable housing program

welcomes new member

What is your mission?

Harmony House, formerly known as the Family Violence Center, was established as a not-for-profit in 1976. Our mission is to provide shelter, advocacy, and education to survivors of domestic violence while promoting the principle that all individuals have the right to a life free of abuse. Our mission is supported by four agency goals:• To provide short-term emergency protective shelter for survivors of domestic violence;• To help survivors of domestic violence break the cycle of abuse through programs of education, support, referral, and advocacy;• To disseminate information to the community that promotes under-standing about the factors involved in domestic violence, its preva-lence, causes, patterns, and prevention;• To advocate for changes that will provide the opportunity for a lifestyle free of domestic violence for all people.

Specifically, who/how do you help the community?

Harmony House helps survivors of domestic violence transition to abuse free lives. Harmony House is the second largest shelter in the state of Missouri, and we serve 550-560 women and children per year in the shelter. We have 110 beds at Harmony House, which means throughout 2012 we provided 34,275 safe bed nights for individuals surviving domestic violence. Our SAFEline staff answered over 1,683 hotline calls, and our Outreach Program was able to assist and educate over 1,414 people in the community. Domestic Violence and abuse is definitely a community problem, and was identified as one of the red flag issues of the Community Focus Report of 2011. In Greene County alone last year the rate of domestic violence continues to grow, with a 2012 report from the Circuit Clerk’s office that 3,598 orders of protection (adult abuse Ex Parte). Harmony House encourages community engagement. We promote awareness all around the Springfield area by presenting educational workshops about domestic violence issues and prevention efforts by expert staff from Harmony House. We also provide speakers for schools, churches, and civic organizations to educate the community about domestic violence and abuse. Harmony House provides in-service programs and professional training workshops to law enforcement personnel, health care providers and also social service agencies.

Could you tell a short story of someone you have helped? Feel free to change names if necessary.

The scene is all too common for those who experience domestic violence. However, it is a perfect example of the importance of Harmony House’s mission on a daily basis for many women & children. Nancy, as we will call this survivor, became a victim of violence in her teens with a string of abusive boyfriends and then eventually marrying an abuser. Nancy found herself as the main bread-winner of the family, and with two small children, ages three & five, she was working full time and sometimes with double-shifts. When Nancy came home one evening, dead-tired from a double-shift, her abuser, still lounging on the sofa, demanded that she fix him something to eat. When Nancy didn’t reply but turned to walk away, the abuser grabbed her by the neck as he attempted to “teach her a lesson.”

Things went black as she sunk to the floor; her mind was taking her the end of her life, all while her two small children witnessed the whole disturbing event. Fortunately, Nancy came back to a conscious reality, but still being abused with kicks to the stomach. Miraculously, Nancy was able to get herself up from the floor, gather the two children, and flee to the neighbor’s house. The neighbor and friend pleaded for Nancy to reach out to Harmony House and seek secure shelter from her abuser. Nancy knew that it was the only way she was going to survive, to keep her children from harm, and to break the cycle of abuse. Nancy began a program of recovery while at the shelter. First, she recognized that the abuse was not her fault, and that she and her children deserved so much more. She obtained her GED, and through the assistance of the case managers, counselors, volunteers, and others, Nancy was able to go on to college with a desire to become a nurse. Nancy is now living a survivor’s life and as an RN has the ability to help many people.

Any upcoming events?

On Sunday, May, 5, 2013, Harmony House is partnering with Denny’s Harley-Davidson for the first annual Leather & Smoke Bike Ride and Barbecue to benefit Harmony House, Family Violence Prevention Center. The event will start at 8:30 a.m. with coffee, donuts, bagels, etc. with registration from 9-10:00 a.m. Registration fee is $25 per rider, which includes the ride and a great barbecue prepared by Enoch’s BBQ and Southern Classics as riders return from a two hour beautiful ride in the Ozarks. Additional items will be available, such as t-shirts for sale and a raffle for great prizes. For more information, call the Development Office at Harmony House at 417-837-7700, ext. 202. A rain date will be May 12.If you could thank one person/business in the community that has shown that they CARE, who would it be and why?

Rick Yanch, whose daughter was murdered as a result of domestic violence, is turning tragedy into hope. Rick was instrumental in negotiating the donation of his daughter’s house and property to Harmony House. In addition, Rick donated $50,000 to help with the operational costs of the first ever off-site transitional housing program of Harmony House. Thank you to Rick Yanch and all of our generous donors who help us provide hope to survivors of domestic violence.The entire community of Springfield has been overwhelmingly supportive and instrumental to the success of Harmony House. There are way too many businesses, organizations and individuals to attempt to list them here. Thank you, Springfield, for assisting us in this important community awareness, and to help us with our mission that everyone deserves the right to a life free of abuse!

Springfield CARES

myharmonyhouse.org

Harmony House

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®

2013SuperBowl-a-Thon2013SuperBowl-a-Thon

The Springfield West Side Optimist group teamed up with CASA of Southwest Mis-souri to hold the first ever Super Bowling event for CASA! This fundraiser benefited and supported the child victims of abuse and neglect that CASA serves right here in Greene County every day.

The event was January 26th at Enterprise Lanes, with all proceeds to benefit CASA.The evening was full ofbowling, wacky bowling, food, and prize opportu-nities!

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welcomes back member

What is your mission?

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Southwest Missouri advocates for timely placement of abused and neglected children in safe permanent homes and for the highest quality of care while they are under the court’s jurisdiction.

What kind of volunteer opportunities do you have?

Our main volunteer opportunity is to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate. More details are available on our website: casaswmo.org.

Specifically, how/who do you help the community?

We give children in foster care a voice in their future and ensure their needs are met until they find their forever home.

Could you tell a short story of someone youhave helped?

Five Greene County siblings were severely abused both physically and sexually, and they were being neglected. The four-year-old was still in diapers when they were removed from their home. A relative family took in all five so they could stay together. The CASA worked closely with the family and the school to obtain special tutoring and counseling. Three of the children had special needs, and they sorely tested the foster parents who were willing to adopt them if the parents could not ultimately get the kids back. Two of the older children had to testify against the perpetrator, and the CASA was with them in court for support. They were permanently removed from their parents, and the relative family is in the process of adopting them all.

The CASA worked with the relative family throughout the case to give support and referrals and continually encouraged them. Without this support, the family might have given up on the adoption as it certainly affected and strained their family. Because of the time and dedication spent with this family, the CASA on the case will most likely be a lifelong friend.

Any upcoming events?

April 13: Superhero 5K Run and 1K Family Walk

If you could thank one person/business in the commu-nity that has shown that they CARE, who would it be and why?

The one person we would like to thank is the CASA volunteer who stepped up to help an abused and neglected child.

Springfield CARES

casaswmo.org

®

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Offering non-routine vet assistance to dogs in need

The Killuminati Foundation501c3 non-profit

http://www.projectpuppy.org/Add us to Facebook: Killuminati Vet-Help

ng noonnn-routine vet assistance to dogs in

http://www.projectpuppy.org/Add us to Facebook: Killumina

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welcomes new member

What is your mission?

The mission of WIN is to assist working women during a temporary financial crisis to help them make ends meet after a set back. Our services are designed to give women a “hand up,” not a hand out, and to keep recipi-ents gainfully employed. WIN fills a gap in the commu-nity because these women do not fit traditional income guidelines for public assistance because they are work-ing. With a little help, the women we help will remain productive, contributing members of our community.

What kind of volunteer opportunities do you have? How can someone get involved?

WIN holds many fundraisers throughout the year to raise money for the women we assist. We have a group of highly creative WINNERS, a large networking group of supporters who meet regularly to plan various fund raising events and serve on committees to make individual events a success. Volunteers are matched with their specific interests and expertise to assist in fund raising events.

Specifically, who/how do you help the community?

Our community has a wide variety of women with needs; therefore, the list of WIN recipients is very diverse. We have helped women who are young and some not so young. Again, WIN assists women with a temporary problem but who are otherwise maintaining employment and meeting their financial obligations. These women have come to a tough place in their lives for a multitude of reasons—medical illness, divorce, or having too many challenges at one time. These women are all working full-time and trying to make it on their own, without public assistance. WIN provides a one time financial assistance—for example, rental assistance, utility assistance, car repairs, etc.

Applicants apply through the WIN website at www.womeninneedoftheozarks.org.

The Awards Committee is responsible for screening, interviewing and selecting the applicants to assist. If an applicant does not meet our criteria, they are referred to local social service organizations that may be able to assist them with their needs.

By providing services to keep women employed, WIN helps the local economy and workforce—and diverts women from relying on governmental assistance programs.

Could you tell me a short story of someone youhave helped?

A testimony:I am a single mother of two daughters; I just graduated from college in May and have worked all of my life. Upon graduating in May, I took a minimum wage job so that I could attempt to pay my bills. A single parent cannot take care of a family on minimum wage so I began to fall behind on my rent. I finally found a better paying job on the last day of July, but I did not receive pay for this position until August 31st. By this time I had fallen behind on not only rent, but other bills as well. I felt as if I would never get ahead and began to worry about becoming homeless, I really didn’t know what I was going to do.

It was at this time I learned of the organization called WIN. They helped me pay the rent that I was behind on and really saved me and my children from an imminent eviction. I am very thankful for this organization. With-out them, I would never have been able to catch up on my rent. This is a wonderful organization that can meet the needs of women like me, working women who occa-sionally need a little help.—K.E.

Any upcoming events?

Fashionista Fling April 25th at the Twin Oaks Country Club. Cocktails begin at 5:30 P.M.

If you could thank one person/business in the community that has shown they CARE, who would it be and why?

Carrie Quesenberry, Past President’s Council and one of the founders of Women in Need has been instrumental to the success of our organization. Her boundless energy and creativity has truly been the cornerstone of WIN and she is an inspiration to us all. The Springfield Business Journal has long been a loyal supporter of WIN, and we are so thankful for their help in spreading awareness of Women in Need and supporting our fundraising campaigns. We are also very appreciative of Matt Netzer and Alan Pierson, organizers of the Imagine Concert. Last year’s event was highly successful and was a sold out show.

Springfield CARES

womeninneeddoftheozarks.org23

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Cape and tights optional, but they make it m

ore fun!

Every child needs a hero, but abused children need superheroes!

Superhero

5k & Family Fun Walk

April 13, 2013

1111 S. GlenstoneSpringfield, MO 65804

For more information:Call 417.864.6202 ext 262Visit www.CASAswmo.org

5K begins at 8 amWalk begins at 9 am

Costume ContestAward Ceremony

Kid’s Zone

Over two years ago, Marge Cheesman took her love horses and education in equine therapy to the next level. In June 2010, she created Dynamic Strides, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Republic, MO that specializes in therapeutic riding and hippo-therapy for people with disabilities. The organization runs on donations to make therapy affordable to every client. Now serving as Executive Director of Dynamic Strides, Marge discusses how the program works and why it works.

Can you tell me a little bit about what Dynamic Strides is?Dynamic Strides is a therapeutic horseback riding program. We specialize in hippotherapy, which is the use of the movement of the horse to provide therapy for people with various disabilities. How did Dynamic Strides come about?I’ve been a therapeutic riding instructor since 2004. I went back to school to go into occupational therapy because I saw a lot more that I could do with a degree in therapy to help people with various disabilities using the horses.

What kinds of people come here for therapeutic riding? Children, adults?Typically, we work with children. We’re not limited to working with children—that just seems to be the way it has worked out so far. We’d be happy and willing to work with adults, but it can take a little more help from side walkers. We work with people who are dealing with many different issues – some examples are autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, chromosomal abnor-malities, and developmental delay. Also people with emotional problems, with behavioral problems, all kinds of issues.

How often do the riders come for this therapy?Typically, we’ll have a fall session, a spring session, and a summer session. Each one of those runs for eight to ten weeks. The riders come once a week and they receive a one-hour, one-on-one with a licensed physi-cal, occupational or speech therapist, who has had additional training in hippotherapy. We can also provide therapeutic riding, which is a recreational activity with a riding instructor.If it’s with a riding instructor, a lot of programs do that in a group. They’ll put three, four, five, up to six riders with one instructor per hour. We don’t do that here. We believe that each rider needs and deserves our individual attention.

Why is this type of therapy usually successful for people with disabilities? Or maybe, how does it work?Hippotherapy can be an effective treatment to help people who have problems with muscle tone, limited movement of joints, attention, arousal, coordination, balance and postural control. The horse and the barn environment are motivational in several aspects – developing relationships, gaining control, enhancing mobility and providing opportunities for risk taking. How many volunteers are involved with working these sessions and making this work?A lot—it takes a lot of help, and everybody here is a volunteer. We are trying to provide this for people who can’t necessarily afford therapy. Many insurances don’t recognize hippotherapy as a valuable therapy, so it usually isn’t paid for by insurance. So, we’re

trying to make it affordable and attainable. Therefore, the thera-pists and everyone here are volun-teering and donating their time. For each rider we have one person who is leading or driving the horse. In addition, each rider will typically have two people assisting - one on each side, called “side walkers.” Sometimes the therapist is a side walker and sometimes the therapist stands back and directs.

How has Dynamic Strides progressed as a nonprofit?It’s growing and growing. I’m hoping that we can continue and keep growing and keep things the way they are with the economy the way it is. We may need to do some fundraising.

Is there anything else you’d like to add about Dynamic Strides?Number one, we’re here to serve people and help them. As long as we can do that and feel like we are making a difference, we’re going to keep doing it. The other is it takes a lot of people and so if anyone who reads this or sees this or hears about us is inter-ested in helping, we’re always looking for volunteers. It’s really rewarding. I’ve heard a lot of volunteers who come out here say, “This is just awesome.” What we try to do is keep the same volunteer with the same rider week after week, so they form a bond and they get to know that rider. They can help us to see differ-ences in them. Volunteering out here is a fun thing.

Learn more about Dynamic Strides or make adonation at dynamicstrides.org.

Helping People with Disabilities Through Horses and Therapy

by Kaitlyn Schwers

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YOU’RE INVITED TO THE 18TH ANNUAL

Breakfast of HopeBENEFITING THE VICTIM CENTER

WHEN & WHERE

Thursday, April 18, 2013, at 7:30 a.m. in University Plaza’s Grand Ballroom (333 S John Q. Hammons Parkway, Springfield, 65806).

WHO

Join a cross-section of the community, from banks and realtors to hospitals, law firms, and colleges to positively impact the community and support The Victim Center. Anyone is invited, and all attendees receive a plated breakfast during a 1-hour program.

COST

A single attendee is $40. Table sponsorships are $320 for 8 people and $400 for 10 people. Higher sponsorship levels are available for those who wish to underwrite the event. For more information, call 417-863-7273.

WHAT IS THE VICTIM CENTER?

The Victim Center is a grassroots, nonprofit agency in Springfield that pro-vides free-of-charge counseling, crisis intervention, prevention education, court support, and advocacy to men, women, and children victims of violent or sexual crime(s). For more information, visit our website at thevictimcenter.org.

RSVP

You can RSVP for this event by contacting Brandi Bartel at 417-863-7273.

Sponsor | Dr. Nancy O’Reilly PsD

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If you have a charitable event you would like to add, please email us at events@goicare.com

c a l e n d a r

m a r c h1 | 6-10pmFirst Friday Art Walk Downtown Springfield. The first friday of each month, join the galleries of the Downtown Arts District for a multifaceted evening of art, music, food and fun in more than 25 participating venues.

1-10 | 1-5pmDiscovery Center, Chinese New Year: Year of the Snake. Visitors can learn how the New Year celebration is similar to and different from our own U.S. New Year Celebration. Hands on activities that will enhance the understanding of Chinese culture. GA applies.

7-16 | variesBig Brothers Big Sisters, join us for the 28th Annual Bowl for Kids Sake benefiting BBBS of the Ozarks. Whether you come out to bowl in session or stay home and become a virtual bowler, you will help kids get a chance to strike it big in life! For sign up and more information visit www.bbbsozarks.kintera.org

9 | 10am-6pmSpa Day to Benefit Elaine Diamond Benefit Fund and Kerigan Boswells’s Medical Funds At the First Unitarian Universalist Church on 2434 E Battlefield Springfield MO. Pamper yourself with a few hours of relaxation and rejuvenation. Pre-register, paypal payment to diamondbenefit@gmail.com and men-tion the name the tickets will be under. Or mail a check to Elaine Diamond Benefit Fun c/o Jessica Solberg, 3825 W. Sexton St, Battlefield, Mo 65619

16 | 8am5K Dash for Down Syndrome Elite Mercedez Benz, 3655 S. Campbell. Contact Joe Lomosi at jlomosi@hotmail.com for more information

16 | 8amOzark Rotary’s Race at the River 5K, OCC Ozark, MO. Contact Kaite McElvaine at drkatie@myvisionclinic.com for more information

23 | 8amPitter Pat 5K/10K/Mile at O’Reilly Center at the Drury Campus, Springfield MO. Contact Megan Johnson at meaganjohnson24@gmail.com or Jessie Tindall at 417-837-5394 for more informa-tion.

30 | 8amHighline Run for Scouting half/5K at CNH Reman, West Willard Rd, Willard MO. Contact the Boys Scouts of America at 417-881-5529 for more information.

30 | 8amLaci’s Hope 5K/10K at Panera Bread on S. Campbell, Springfield MO. Contact Jamie Bolin at bolin95@gmail.com or 417-838-1348 for more information.

30 | 9amJDRF Eggshell Shuffle 5K at the Ferrell Duncan Clinic 1001 E. Primrose, Springfield MO. Contact Jennifer Conter-Jones at jcotner-jones@jdrf.org for more information.

Our website is brand new and offers many exciting new tools! If you are a volunteer, you can create a Volunteer Profile and choose your schedule, share your skills and choose which non profits you would like to work with most! The “Social Profits” (our term for our non profit members) will get a notice that you have chosen to work with them and will reach out to you when they need your skill. You can also find information on events and can even filter the event by type, date and Non Profit.

If you would like a subscription delivered to your door, please sign up and we will add you to our next mailing. It is only 20.00 per year!

You can sign up for weekly newsletters that will keep you up to date on what is going on in the community as well. Visit goicare.com to view our past issues online. You can also check for Gift Cards for a Cause, an exciting new program that helps us continue to serve the com-munity and share CARES while saving money on things you buy already. It’s a win win!

Do you have a story to tell? Email the editor and we would love to share it!

Thank you for being a part of such a caring community! Sincerely,

Amy MichaelPublisherCARES Magazine

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SuccessionPlanning:

Between 1977 and 1997, charitable organizations doubled from 406K to835K. Today, many of the baby boomers responsible for this nonprofitgrowth are approaching retirement age. A December 2012 New York Timesarticle reports more than 200,000 boomers in the U.S. are exiting the laborforce each month through retirement.

Three national studies in the past decade have revealed that up to 75 per-cent of all nonprofit executives planned to leave their positions during thenext five to seven years. Additionally, 10 to 15 percent of all nonprofits hirea new executive director each year.

The departure of an organization's top executive presents many chal-lenges and opportunities. Preparing for this transition properly must be apriority for nonprofits.

Most who have a history in the nonprofit sector have witnessed directorswho stayed well beyond their effectiveness, no longer able to provideleadership. But because the person had devoted so many years of serviceto the cause, he was allowed to remain in the position. The board felt anobligation to honor his past accomplishments and overlook his current un-derperformance.

Or in a different scenario, a dynamic leader left abruptly, leaving the or-ganization with an uncertain future and no one in place to take the helm.

Nonprofit leaders—especially founders or those with extended longevity—become inextricably linked to an organization. The community and donorsplace trust and resources into the nonprofit, sometimes based on the cred-ibility and success of that one person.

For those organizations, the idea of replacing the well-known leader withsomeone new can be a tenuous proposition—one that is often avoided.

Why Plan?Most nonprofit organizations have a small staff, limiting their ability to in-ternally replace an administrative position. In the leader's absence, all ofthe agency's stakeholders—board, staff, volunteers, donors, and commu-nity partners—are faced with an uncertain future.

So it would seem a necessity to have a succession plan in place. Yet a 2009 studyconducted by the Kansas City Fed discovered 68 percent of nonprofit organiza-tions do not have a leadership succession plan. When asked why they did nothave a plan, some said succession planning was simply not a priority. Others be-lieved their organization was too small to implement such a plan.

Types of PlansThere are three basic types of succession plans:

1. Strategic Leader Development: The idea is simple. Recruit and hire menand women with great potential, then invest greatly into them. Every current andincoming employeeshould be viewed asa potential leader.

Provide them withtraining opportuni-ties and hands-on ex-perience to preparethem for leadershiproles.

Leadership develop-ment will not work unless those in leadership, including the executive directorand board members, make it a priority and are willing to invest sufficient re-sources.

2. Emergency Succession Planning: This plan focuses on the potential thatthe top leader could be gone suddenly, with no advance warning. The departurecould be permanent or long-term temporary (longer than three months).

Similar to a crisis plan, it clarifies who would be in charge (staff or board mem-ber), the duties of this person, how long the acting director would stay in theposition, and how a new leader would be selected.

3. Departure-Defined Succession Planning: This plan works for leaders whoestablish a definite departure date, which is usually two to three years out. Withsuch advance planning, board members can work with the current director

by Dan PraterThe Center for NonprofitCommunicationat Drury Universitydprater@drury.edu

The departure of anorganization's top executive

presents many challengesand opportunities. Preparing

for this transition properlymust be a priority for

nonprofits.

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Managing LeadershipTransitions

throughoutthe transition, clarifying the position'sduties and securing the best replacement.

Succession plans require honesty from everyoneinvolved in the process, especially the outgoing leader.Some leaders hold information that no one else knows. Fi-nancial information, system processes, and donor contacts may not beknown by other staff members (or even board members) within the organi-zation.

Withholding the institutional information may be an intentional act, believingthat the information makes him or her indispensable. But good leaders willprovide all their organizational insights to others in order for the next leaderto have a thorough understanding of the job responsibilities.

Who is Involved?Good leadership succession planning requires involvement from the board ofdirectors, the outgoing leader, and key staff members.

Board members are often reluctant to openly discuss succession plans, fear-ing they will appear disloyal to the leader. In addition, nonprofit leaders mayfear being replaced and develop an entitlement mentality - feeling the or-ganization "owes" them for all they have accomplished through the years.

Board members are ultimately responsible for the success of the organization.They are pivotal in developing and keeping the best leaders to run the non-profit, helping ensure a healthy future. Sometimes, this means making toughdecisions regarding the organization's leader.

Board member duties include providing annual reviews of the director, un-derstanding the complexities of the executive director position, and lever-aging the necessary resources to develop new leaders.

In some leadership transitions, board members must temporarily assumeextra duties during the absence of a director. This might involve financialoversight, fundraising, and human resources.

The outgoing leader can be very influential in the future of the organiza-tion. By mentoring and encouraging emerging leaders, the outgoing ex-ecutive can leave the organization in a healthy position to continue ac-complishing its mission.

An outgoing leader has the choice of paving the way for the new leader,or in an attempt to make himself look irreplaceable, he might create a dif-ficult path for the new person.

Key staff may not be as active in the recruiting of a new leader as boardmembers. But these members have the important task of ensuring programservices run smoothly throughout the transition. And once a new leaderis in place, key staff can be supportive through orientation and training

Succession planning should not be done as a stop-gap measure. It shouldbe included in the organization's broad strategic planning and considereda key to sustainability.

Remember, if the work of your nonprofit organization is important andneeded, you must take the necessary steps to ensure it will have strongleadership 10 or 15 years from now.

www.NPcomm.org 33

After 20 years as a criminal defense lawyer, Shawn Askinosie found himself tired of high-profile felony cases. It was time for a career change.

Askinosie already enjoyed baking as a hobby. While using premium baking chocolate, he realized that he had no idea how chocolate was made or where it came from. He began research-ing and experimenting with making his own chocolate. In 2005, he found himself in the Amazon taking a master class on cacao. A year later, he returned to Springfield and founded Askinosie Chocolate. On Jan. 3, Askinosie was named the top business leader of 2013 by the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade and was presented the Good Food Award on Jan. 18 in San Francisco.

Askinosie Chocolate isn’t only a small business success story– they also strive to give back. According to their mission statement, “Our goal is to make great chocolate, but our mission is to positively impact the lives of those around us in order to leave the world a better place than when we found it.”

Through Askinosie Chocolate University’s School Lunch Program, as of Jan. 9, packets of Tableya, a traditional Filipino chocolate drink from Davao, Philippines, are being sold for the second time. They are also introducing a new product, Premium Kyela Rice, which is harvested from Kyela, Tanzania. 100% of the profits from these products will fund meals for students from these areas, many of whom would otherwise suffer from malnour-ishment. The rice and cocoa is harvested by Parent-Teacher Association groups from the respective areas.

“It may sound complicated, but it isn’t,” said Shawn Askinosie. “Simply put, we are providing each PTA access to a market to sell their quality product and fund their student lunch programs, which we helped create.”

Convoy of Hope, an international non-profit based in Springfield that has global feeding initiatives, has partnered with Askinosie Choco-late to assist with project oversight. Convoy of Hope offers support in the implementation and monitoring of these programs.

“My favorite part of Askinosie Chocolate’s sustainable model,” said Kevin Rose, director of Children’s Feeding Initia-tives at Convoy of Hope, “is that it’s bringing the people that we ultimately want to serve to the table and letting them have a voice in their children’s health and educational wellbeing.”

The school lunch program at Malagos, Philip-pines, where the Tableya cocoa is harvested, has already proven s u c c e s s f u l . 185,000 meals were served to M a l a g o s

students from Tableya’s first sale season. Teachers have cited that 90% of the student body is showing an increase in weight, 84% have shown an increase in height, and 86% have an increase in arm circumference.

TABLEYA: $10 per packet

Tableya is a traditional Filipino hot chocolate drink, made from roasted cocoa beans that are ground and packed into ‘tablets.’ Simply mix with hot water and sugar to taste.

Askinosie Chocolate’s Tableya is produced and packaged by the PTA at Malagos Elementary School in Davao, Philippines. The profit from each package of Tableya provides70-meals to Malagos Elementary students.

PREMIUM KYELA RICE: $16.50 per 2.2lbs

Kyela Rice is a sweet, medium-grain white rice harvested by the PTA of the Mwaya Secondary School of Kyela, Tanzania. Each bag of ricesold provides 220-meals to students.

Great for making Champorado, a Filipino chocolate rice pudding.

By: Caleb Zimmerschied

Askinosie launchesschool lunchprogram forstudents in Philippinesand Tanzania:Local chocolate factory nowselling Tableya and Kyela Rice

askinosie.com

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MakeCoun

t!it

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