IVY BEND, Mo. — With education programs and a medical clinic in the works, The Ivy Bend Community Food Pantry is growing into more than just a resource for food in the remote Ivy Bend village.
An education center at the pantry is currently holding classes and they have several students who are ready to take their GED test. “Getting a GED is a big deal to them, and it is quite an accomplishment,” Ivy Bend Community Food Pantry Director Charlie Myrick said. “This gives them a chance to dream their dream, and be what they want to be. If we can help them along the way, then that is super.”
Pantry organizers are also in the process of scheduling discussions with the Morgan County R-I school district superintendent to obtain advice on developing an after school program for children in the bend. “We have several retired teachers who have expressed an interest in being a part of our after-school program,” Myrick reported. “If we can help one child, it only takes one to change the world.”
In a short time, donors helped the pantry meet their goal in January 2014, after only two short months of fund raising for a $308,210 Missouri Department of Economic Development Neighborhood Assistance Program grant.
The funds raised from the NAP grant are going towards the construction and furnishing of a new food pantry building.
Construction is underway on the new building, with the electric and septic connections having been installed. Once the roof and sides are on, the work on the interior will begin. Organizers hope to distribute food out of the new building by Memorial Weekend, if all goes according to plan, and the weather cooperates.
Also in the works is a new medical clinic. According to Myrick, there are many in the area that either do not have transportation to medical services, or due to their income level, they cannot afford the fuel for the 55 to 60 mile round trip several times a month. To alleviate this very serious medical crisis, the pantry is working towards opening a medical clinic in the region.
“We are in discussion with Capitol Regional and Lake Regional hospitals in regards to the medical clinic,” Myrick said. “We want the best for the people of Ivy Bend.” The clinic will be a full medical clinic located in the former food distribution center. To expedite the much-needed services they plan to start with a mobile clinic.
According to Myrick, there are many senior citizens in Ivy Bend who are on a fixed income, some whose sole resource is an inadequate social security check. Myrick is working towards obtaining funds for the purpose of equipping a senior center to meet the unique needs of the aging population.
For more information, or to give to the Ivy Bend Food Pantry, go to ivybendfoodpantry.com or call Myrick at 573-569-8693.
