West Plains, Mo. – West Plains Bank and Trust Company partnered with Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Des Moines to award $368,000 in grant money to 10 recipients in local communities. West Plains Bank and Trust Company contributed $92,000 with FHLB providing $276,000 in matching dollars from the Member Impact Fund.
“This is what it looks like when a community bank recognizes that giving back helps everyone succeed,” said David M. Gohn, West Plains Bank and Trust Company President/CEO. “We see opportunity and promise throughout the communities we serve, and we’re grateful Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines trusted us to identify projects where our combined investment could make the greatest impact.”
Following is the list of recipients and the projects the funds will help make possible:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Agape House of Mountain View, $30,000 – 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. City of Willow Springs, $12,000 – This grant will be used to purchase a new sign for directing patrons to downtown Willow Springs for economic development purposes.
8. Senior Citizens Club of Willow Springs, $10,000 – The funds will directly support a variety of senior programs, enriching the lives of community members through engaging activities, as well as provide nutritious meals for seniors.
9. 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.
10. 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).
West Plains Bank and Trust Company is the oldest continually operated business in the area. The bank has grown to include seven branches in Missouri and a loan production office in Mountain Home, Ark., with assets totaling $763 Million.
For additional information regarding the West Plains Bank and Trust Company Employee Scholarship Program or bank products and services, visit www.westplainsbank.com or call the Customer Call Center at 417.256.2147.
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines is deeply committed to strengthening communities, serving 13 states and three U.S Pacific territories as a member-owned cooperative. FHLB works together with over 1,200 member institutions to support affordable housing, economic development, and community improvement.
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. For additional information about FHLB Des Moines, please visit www.fhlbdm.com.
