The holiday season is upon us, and we’re looking forward to getting into the Christmas spirit. For most of us, this season is one of our favorite times of the year – full of hope, joy, benevolence, and cheerfulness. For others though, this time can be lonely, desolate and heartbreaking. The “Christmas spirit” for us at Elevate is to intentionally live out what Jesus came to earth to do during this season all those years ago: to love. We’re continuing to live out our manifesto to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, and this holiday season, we’re extra attentive and sensitive to many of our neighbors who don’t feel as though all is calm, or all is bright. This December, find ways to express benevolence motivated by the love of the gospel – the reason we all celebrate this season. Read about more ways you can love our neighbors in this December edition of our newsletter. | |
Bryan Stallings
Founder, Elevate Branson
|
| |
|
Cindy, one of our neighbors who spent Thanksgiving Day with us, mentioned, “I’ve been estranged from my family for a year now, and I miss them, but the lunch was perfect – from the transportation there and back, to the volunteers who visited with me. I loved it so much. Thank you for making my Thanksgiving.”
Our annual Thanksgiving Day event was a time we’ll cherish for years to come. Several hundred of our neighbors attended, along with several hundred volunteers. Stories were shared, connections were made, and individuals who weren’t able to spend this Thanksgiving with their loved ones were able to find belonging and feel loved through newfound relationships. Thank you to our sponsors who provided all the necessary supplies and food items to make this event possible for our community, and to our volunteers who chose to spend their Thanksgiving Day serving and fellowshipping with our neighbors.
|
|
| |
|  |
|
Help provide resources to our local kids during the winter months by dropping your spare change in our coin buckets located at various local businesses around town. Your small donations can make a big difference in the lives of our area kiddos. All donations generated through Up with Kids! allow for us to continue to provide educational, social, emotional, and physical resources to children in need in the Branson community. You can also give online to our Up with Kids! campaign here. |
|
|
NEW BUSINESSES EMERGING SOON! | |
We’re celebrating our inaugural Elevate Entrepreneurs graduating class with a commencement ceremony on December 13th, at 6:30PM at the Elevate Branson campus. 14 entrepreneurs will graduate from the Community Business Academy, and continue to pursue their business start-ups by seeking funding opportunities and continued support from our network of mentors and area resources. We’re excited to be welcoming 14 new businesses to the Branson area community! | | |
Now you can donate to Elevate Branson without having to sacrifice your Christmas wish-list. Visit our website and select “Donate Now, Pay Later.” Once you enter a donation amount, you’ll then be shown flexible, interest free payment options that can be paid over time. You’ll also receive your receipt for tax deduction purposes immediately. We want to give donors the financial freedom and flexibility to be a part of our mission, with the most convenience. Donate now, and pay later today! | |
|
LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST ON SPOTIFY
AND IHEART RADIO
| | |
In Pursuit of Community with Elevate Branson is now available on Spotify and iHeart Radio, along with the Branson Podcast Network. Stream 10 episodes of our podcast now, wherever it’s convenient! In Pursuit of Community discusses how essential relational development is to empowering individuals to break the cycle of generational poverty. Listen now at the links below. | |
|
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: JODI BLACKWELL | | |
|
Jodi is a faithful and consistent volunteer who serves our Elevate Kids during our afterschool program. We’re thankful for all the ways Jodi loves our area kiddos through her commitment to serving our neighbors and their families. Jodi mentions, “I enjoy building relationships with the kids and getting to work with Elevate Branson. It has humbled me to see some of the struggles our neighbors deal with, and it helps me to understand their situation to be more patient, understanding, and empathetic.” We’re thankful for Jodi, and all of our Elevate Kids volunteers! | | |
|
|
Swing by on your morning commute or stop in for a mid-day pick-me-up! Elevate Coffee provides hand crafted espresso based drinks, refreshing smoothies, and delicious desserts.
Hours
Monday - Friday: 9:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.
| | |
|
|
Great Food For A Great Cause.
Stop by on a Friday afternoon with a friend and have a buy one, get one on us, pizza or chopped salad of your choice! Are you a local or first responder? If so, locals receive 10% off and first responders receive 25% off their entire purchase. We can’t wait to serve you!
Hours
Monday - Friday: 11:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.
| | |
|
|
Open For Business!
Come find a treasure while helping our neighbors and community prosper! All purchases support the programs at Elevate Branson.
Hours
Monday – Friday: 9:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.
Saturday: 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
| | |
|
Shop on AmazonSmile and 0.5% of the purchase price will be donated to Elevate Branson! | | | |
|
Get Involved And Make A Difference!
Call 417.335.9915 or email Info@ElevateBranson.org to learn more about volunteer opportunities where your time and talents can empower others to reach their full potential.
| | | | |
