US (MO): Community leaders tour EMAA greenhouse
East Missouri Action Agency (EMAA) Supporting, Empowering and Leveraging for Families (S.E.L.F.) Program Manager Rob Baker welcomed the group made up of local city, county and state officials as well as other members of the community.
“I know a lot of times you hear about what we do, but it’s better if you can go out and see it in action,” Baker said. “So that’s what we’ll be doing today.”
Community Services Director Cathy Poole said Community Services is often the first stop for people who contact the agency in search of assistance. The department assesses family needs and refers them to resources within or outside of EMAA. She said Community Services provides energy assistance, tax filing assistance, poverty simulations, leadership training, home-buying assistance and more. In addition, she mentioned that a greenhouse is now operating on EMAA property, with the hope of soon being able to provide families with fresh produce.
The tour began with those attending visiting the agency’s greenhouse, Women’s Wellness Center in Park Hills, Head Start Center in Park Hills, Outreach Office in Desloge, a home in the process of weatherization in Farmington and a SEED$-assisted business in Farmington.
Upon returning to EMAA, the attendees were invited to take part in a discussion about regional and local poverty.
Read more at the Daily Journal (Jacob Scott)