Charity spotlight: Southwest Center for Independent Living

Destiny Scott has been greatly helped in a positive way by the Southwest Center for Independent Living.
Destiny Scott has been greatly helped in a positive way by the Southwest Center for Independent Living.

To hear the success stories of the Southwest Center for Independent Living, it’s difficult not to tear up and to be proud at the same time.

For more than 25 years, the non-profit has assisted people with all types of disabilities to remain independent in the community and in their own home.

Take Stephanie’s story. She is now 23.

“I started the Your Life program when I was in the eighth grade,” she said. “SCIL has helped me become more independent, and I now live in my own place. SCIL has helped me make new friends, too.”

Or listen to Sarah, 20.

“I have muscular dystrophy, but I don’t let it stop me and I don’t take ‘no’ for an answer,” Sarah said. “I am a fighter, and I want other people with disabilities to be empowered.”

The Medina family has been aided by the center.
The Medina family has been aided by the center.

All of which are reasons the Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper is proud to partner with Southwest Center for Independent Living. The tournament, one of the PGA’s Web.com Tour stops, has gifted almost $14 million for local children’s charities in its 27-year history.

Now here’s your chance to assist Stephanie, Sarah and the many others who are aided by SCIL.

About Southwest Center for Independent Living

SCIL-Skyzone

It’s been an incredible 27-year run for Southwest Center for Independent Living, whose work is strengthened because more than half its staff and board also have disabilities themselves. Thus, it gives them a unique perspective when providing services to others with disabilities.

SCIL tries to eliminate discrimination and increase accessibility for all people with disabilities. It provides advocacy at the government level, in the community and in schools to provide inclusive social and recreational activities, peer support, youth services, transition assistance out of nursing homes and personal attendant care in the home.

PCCC’s funding provides vital funding to SCIL’s many youth programs. The organization firmly believes that our children are our future. With 1 in 15 children living with disabilities in southwest Missouri, SCIL’s youth program adds tremendous value to the lives of these children and the future of southwest Missouri.

For youth, gaining independence means gaining the necessary skills and confidence to move out on their own after high school, get a job or go to college. SCIL’s youth programs serve youths ages 10 to 24.

SCIL-Bowling

Beyond all that, Southwest Center for Independent Living dedicates staff and resources to youth in many different ways:

  • Empowering kids to embrace disability culture and pride, and to advocate on their own behalf
  • Teaching social skills to thrive in an environment of their peers
  • Setting and reaching goals for life after high school
  • Teaching independent living and job skills that are vital to the transition into adult life
  • Advocating for children with disabilities in the community and schools to promote inclusion and acceptance
  • Educating parents and families on disability related topics
  • Providing inclusive social events, such as the annual Evening of Enchantment Prom, that has attendance of more than 300 people
  • Providing inclusive recreational activities to allow children with disabilities to build relationships with their peers

SCIL recently enjoyed a successful fundraising campaign to support an expansion. The second building now allows SCIL to expand services, hiring more staff to serve people with disabilities and create more space to provide these services.

SCIL-building2

The building houses a model apartment in which youth with disabilities can learn independent living skills and prepares them for life on their own after high school graduation.

The apartment also functions as a place for people with newly acquired disabilities to come and learn how to adapt to their disability, and help them to be less dependent on others in their daily life.

The building also houses SCIL’s growing Assistive Technology department, which provides recycled medical equipment, such as power chairs and walkers, to people with disabilities at no charge.  There will also be a larger equipment demonstration room for people to try a variety of adaptive items, such as adaptive phones, magnifiers and hard of hearing equipment.

United We Stand for Kids-logo

HELP SOUTHWEST CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING: To contribute to SCIL either through the tournament or in any other way, call 417-886-1188 or email scil@swcil.org.

OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT THE PCCC

CORPORATE SKYBOXES on the 9th and 18th greens, and tents on the 18th fairway

These include covered seating and all-inclusive badges into the Jackson Brothers of the South VIP Tent (food and beverages).

Watch from the "front fow" on the 18th green
Watch from the “front fow” on the 18th green

Skybox-2

PRO-AMS: Play with a pro & enjoy top courses such as Highland Springs, Buffalo Ridge Golf Course, LedgeStone Country Club, Millwood Golf & Racquet Club & Fremont Hills Country Club. Includes a great golfer gift package, continental breakfast, lunch, on-course beverages, team photos & trophies. Check out our list of golf experiences

The Chris Hamon-led White River Valley Foundation team came decked out in camo rain gear in 2016.
The Chris Hamon-led White River Valley Foundation team came decked out in camo rain gear to the 2016 Price Cutter Pro-Am.

ON-COURSE SPONSORSHIPS

Bleachers, water coolers and much more can help generate interest in your business, and will go a long way toward helping kids in the Ozarks. See our full menu of options.

Sponsors-Your banner on a heavily trafficed walkway

DSC02050

HONORING OUR HEROES PROGRAM

Main story-courtesy photoMain story-3

A great way to support military, law enforcement and first responders as well Ozarks children’s charities — as they receive free admission as well as food and drinks thanks to your sponsorships. Follow this link

$25 TLC PROPERTIES SWEEPSTAKES TICKETS

They are only $25 each, and gives the ticket-buyer a chance to win a 2017 Ford F-150, or $10,000, plus daily prizes during the tournament. Check out the details here.

FordTruck1-2017

GOLF BALL & CHARITY AUCTION

Sponsored by Copy Products Inc. and University Plaza, this event is on Tuesday, August 8 at University Plaza Convention Center. We’ll also have electronic bidding at bidpal.net! Register at this link.

THE ULTIMATE presented by Custom Metalcraft & Ridewell Suspensions

0628171036d

Win a 2017 Corvette Stingray, as a $1,200 buy-in guarantees a 1-in-100 chance of winning the car and a 1-in-10 chance of winning $1,000. You’ll also receive many other perks, including air-conditioned seating on the 18th green during the PCCC along with clubhouse parking, a luxurious dinner on Friday, August 4 at Highland Springs Country Club as well as breakfast and lunch in the clubhouse daily during the PCCC, plus his and her shirts.

FOR ANY SPONSORSHIP, CALL 417-887-3400