$368k awarded to local projects

“Rising tides lift all boats,” quoted David M. Gohn, West Plains Bank and Trust Company (WPBTC) President/CEO in an August 21 interview. WPBTC announced this week they have partnered with Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Des Moines to award $368,000 in grant money to 10 recipients in local communities. This grant award will “more than likely” be a one-time award, but from the moment Gohn learned of the opportunity from FHLB, the bank was determined to secure funding for local programs while it was available.

 

Giving back to local communities is, “part of our DNA,” Gohn said, explaining that suggestions about specific applications for the grant funding came from branch employees throughout the area. WPBTC has a culture of “giving back,” Gohn said, which extends not only to monetary gifts to area organizations, but encouraging employees to volunteer and get active in their communities. 

 

“Our bankers are out there helping. Needs in our communities were easily identified,” he said. 

 

Every application the bank submitted was approved. WPBTC contributed $92,000 with FHLB providing $276,000 in matching dollars from the Member Impact Fund. 

 

In Willow Springs, the Senior Center received $10,000 to support meals and activities for seniors. The city of Willow Springs received $12,000 to purchase a new sign for directing patrons to downtown Willow Springs for economic development purposes.

 

“The welcome sign project is something the city has been trying to get done for many years and has been delayed due to finances,” commented City Administrator Beverly Hicks. “The funding from West Plains Bank solves this issue making this project financially feasible. A welcome sign creates a ‘sense of place’ and fosters local pride in the community. We are proud of historical Willow Springs, and we want travelers to have an immediate authentic connection to our small town. The bank’s generous donation amplifies the importance of community supporting community, and we are so thankful for this partnership.”

 

The single donation that meant probably the most to its recipient, according to Gohn, was the $30,000 award to Mountain View’s Agape House. This grant will help fund services to victims of domestic violence across 10+ counties in South Central Missouri, including: 24-hour crisis hotline, shelter, safety planning, case management, crisis intervention, classes, and basic needs.

 

FHLB contributed $25.9 in grant funding throughout the state supporting 720 organizations. For every one dollar given by a local bank, FHLB gave three dollars. 174 member institutions participated. 

 

In addition to the three above, these other grants were awarded to local institutions:

 

-Boys & Girls Club of the Greater West Plains Area, $30,000 - This grant will help the Club purchase much-needed HVAC equipment to keep members and staff comfortable year-round.

 

-West Plains Downtown Revitalization, Inc., $26,000 - This grant will be used to redesign and replace entrance signage and add landscaping and lighting to create a welcoming gateway into Downtown West Plains. Benefits expected include enhanced visibility and safety, and increased visitation and improved navigation resulting in support of local businesses.

 

-West Plains Area Dugout Club, $120,000 - This grant will help fund the Club’s field project, advancing community development by providing a safe, accessible space for physical activity, youth sports, and family engagement.

 

-Habitat for Humanity, $80,000 - This grant will be put toward the purchase of residential lots where homes will be constructed to help families improve their shelter conditions. Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, durable place to live in dignity and safety that is a decent shelter.

 

-Agricultural Education Department of Houston R-1 School District, $10,000 - This grant will be applied to the purchase and outfitting of a mobile welding trailer, which allows Ag Construction class to learn on the farm, welding fences and/or making repairs. Studying in a real-world setting benefits students by creating a direct pathway to employment.

 

-Ozarks Healthcare Foundation, $30,000 - This grant will go toward the replacement of existing cancer treatment equipment used in the OZH Cancer Treatment center for the treatment of multiple forms of cancer. Not having to drive 100 miles to the next closest treatment center can make a huge difference in the success of a patient’s treatment.

 

-Rotary Backpack and Charitable Fund, $20,000 -  Each week of the school year, counselors and teachers among six local schools identify 140 students in need to receive a backpack on Friday filled with enough food to get them through the weekend. Rotary packs 4,500 backpacks annually with a cost per student of approximately $250 ($35,000 total). 

 

FHLB Des Moines is one of 11 regional Banks that make up the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Members include community and commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, thrifts and community development financial institutions. FHLB Des Moines is wholly owned by its members and receives no taxpayer funding.