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“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.”
– Albert Einstein
Happy New Year! If you are like me, it’s time to press “reset” for the year. I learned a lot this past year and I’m excited for what 2025 will bring. I have found that reflecting on our past experiences is crucial for personal growth and development. By learning from yesterday, we gain valuable insights and lessons that shape our decisions and actions. Our past, with its successes and failures, serves as a guide, helping us navigate the complexities of life. Embracing these lessons allows us to avoid repeating mistakes and to build on our achievements, fostering a sense of wisdom and resilience. It's through this continuous process of reflection and learning that we become better equipped to face the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Living for today means embracing the present moment with gratitude and mindfulness. It involves making the most of our current opportunities and cherishing the experiences that life offers. By focusing on the here and now, we can fully engage with our surroundings, nurture our relationships, and pursue our passions. This approach encourages us to find joy in the simple things and to appreciate the beauty of everyday life. At the same time, maintaining hope for tomorrow gives us the motivation to strive for a better future. It inspires us to set goals, dream big, and work towards creating a world filled with possibilities and positive change.
18 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?"
– Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
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Bryan Stallings
Founder, Elevate Branson
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We have crossed all hurdles, dotted the "i's," and crossed the "T's"! Flat Creek Excavating, the winning bidder, has already begun their work. Get ready for some BIG announcements about the construction timeline and an exciting groundbreaking event. We couldn't be more thrilled and grateful for this incredible New Year's gift! The future is bright, and we are filled with hope and anticipation for all the amazing things to come in 2025.
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ELEVATE RIDES SCOOTER RENTAL PROGRAM | |
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Elevate Rides is offering a special promotion on its scooter rental program, aiming to provide affordable, accessible transportation during the holiday season. During the colder months, this limited-time discount encourages both residents and visitors in the Branson area to explore local events, shopping, and festive gatherings without the hassle of parking or traffic. Elevate Rides’ scooters offer a fun, efficient alternative for getting around town and are designed to be environmentally friendly and easy to use, making them ideal for quick trips or extended rentals.
This promotion highlights Elevate Branson's commitment to providing innovative solutions that serve the community. Elevate Rides not only offers a convenient transit option but also aligns with the organization’s broader mission to improve transportation access for those in need. By providing reduced rates, the program aims to support people facing transportation challenges and foster greater connectivity across the community. This special offer makes outings more accessible and encourages locals to experience Branson’s attractions while supporting Elevate Branson’s ongoing mission.
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We welcomed a new class of Elevate Work students to our campus this January. These new students each Monday and Wednesday evening will be investing in their future selves, discovering their passions and sharpening their workforce development skills to reach their greatest potential. Each student will form a life-giving friendship with their assigned mentor and begin making strides towards gaining the confidence needed to find success in the workplace, earn a dignified income, and find freedom from the roadblocks keeping them from moving forward. You can be a part of facilitating life-change by being a part of this program – as a mentor, as a business panel participant, or by simply joining us for a class. Contact Donna McConkey, Elevate Work Director, at 417.527.1709 or Donna.McConkey@ElevateBranson.org to get involved today.
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The Elevate Entrepreneurs program at Elevate Branson is launching a new class in January, designed to provide comprehensive education and resources to aspiring business owners. This twelve-week course, held every Tuesday from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M., covers essential business topics such as budgeting, marketing, bookkeeping, and financing. Participants will also receive individualized coaching to help them connect with lenders and investors, ensuring they have the necessary capital to start and grow their businesses. By the end of the course, students will have developed a complete business plan, including a competitor analysis and financial projections, setting them up for success in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
In addition to the structured curriculum, the Elevate Entrepreneurs program offers wraparound support services through business support coaches. These coaches assist students with focusing, prioritizing, planning, and maintaining accountability, as well as connecting them to additional services that can help them achieve their business goals. The program also includes networking opportunities, such as Lunch-And-Learn sessions, where participants can meet industry experts and other entrepreneurs. This holistic approach ensures that graduates of the program are well-prepared to launch and sustain their own businesses. For more details, contact Chris Hunter, Elevate Entrepreneurs Director, at 417.294.3323 or visit ElevateBranson.org/Elevate-Entrepreneurs.
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Over the past year, the Elevate Connections program made over 6,000 meaningful connections, including John’s inspiring journey. Initially living in the woods, John came to Elevate Branson for assistance. On the same day, he received help obtaining his birth certificate and Missouri ID. The following day, he secured a job, saved diligently, and, within three weeks, transitioned into stable housing—the fastest transformation seen by the program. Today, John owns a car, has reunited with his wife, and continues to thrive, showcasing the profound impact of community support.
Amanda Peelor faced challenges with an unreliable car that was too costly to repair, making it impossible to save money or maintain full-time employment. Gaining a scooter through the program transformed her life—she secured a full-time job, completed counseling, moved into a new apartment, and is now working toward regaining custody of her child. This support was crucial in helping Amanda take the necessary steps to rebuild her life and fulfill her dream of being a mom again.
Dixie Henrichson, founder of Weave Got You and Black Beauty Supply, started the Elevate Entrepreneurs program with just a concept for her business. Through the program, she gained valuable insights into running a business, particularly from hands-on class activities that demonstrated how different strategies lead to varied outcomes. Since graduating, Dixie has been actively connecting with organizations to secure funding and prepare for her future brick-and-mortar store. She is currently working with the SBDC to conduct essential market research for her venture.
These are just a snippet of the hundreds of lives impacted in 2024 by Elevate Branson. Much was accomplished in 2024 but there’s more to do in 2025. So many in our community need freedom, freedom from oppression, freedom from poverty, and freedom from hopelessness. Thanks to your partnership we will continue to advance the mission and vision of Elevate Branson.
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The staff is currently reading Not Beyond Reach by Aaron Pierce. Those that know Amy and I, know that we are passionate about bringing the gospel to those far from God. This book explains how to do that to a younger generation. America has undergone a radical shift. Almost half of Generation Z (born 1997 through 2012) and millennials (born 1981 through 1996) mark the “none” box when it comes to claiming religious affiliation.
How can we share Jesus with the growing number of secular people who question, ignore, or reject beliefs about truth, morality, the Bible, and God that earlier generations built their lives on? It starts with being a good friend. In Not Beyond Reach, Aaron Pierce explains how discipleship relationships start even before a friend or loved one accepts Christ. There is rich meaning and purpose in your everyday interactions with nonbelievers, no matter where they are in their faith journey! As you build trust over time, you open doors to share the Gospel. You can get your copy here on Amazon and join in reading with us.
Not Beyond Reach: How to Share Jesus with the Young, the Deconstructed, and the Non-Religious
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Looking to give back to the community? We have several volunteer opportunities available this month:
- Tutors for our education programs
- Cooks for our Elevate Life program
- Landscapers for our Playground
If you're interested, please sign up on our website or contact our volunteer coordinator at Volunteer@ElevateBranson.org.
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A heartfelt thank you to our generous donors who make our work possible. Your contributions have a direct impact on the lives of many in our community. Together, we are making a difference. | |
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Thank you for being a part of the Elevate Branson family. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and continuing to make a positive impact together. | |
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Warm regards,
The Elevate Branson Team
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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. Now featuring daily lunch specials!
Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.
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Open For Business!
Come find a treasure at the Elevate Thrift Store 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.
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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.
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