- Date published
When was the last time your entire workday felt like an adventure? In December, several MO State team members headed out on the United Way Ozarks Region’s Community Field Trip — and honestly? It was incredible.
What Is a Community Field Trip?
Picture this: a full day of exploring Springfield’s nonprofit scene, learning about the work happening in our backyard, and bonding with your teammates over something truly meaningful.
Why United Way Matters to Missouri State
United Way is woven into the very fabric of the Missouri State community. Year after year, our campus rallies around United Way through an active workplace campaign and the annual Day of Caring, where Bears across campus volunteer their time to make a tangible difference.
This field trip felt like a natural extension of that commitment, especially as we’ve recently transitioned the Community Focus Report to Missouri State, too. We believe staying connected to our community is essential. And sometimes, that means stepping away from our desks to experience firsthand the impact of the partnerships we champion.
Four Stops, Infinite Impact
Our journey took us through four amazing local organizations:
Good Dads showed us how they’re strengthening families and building better futures through engaged fatherhood. The passion in that room? Unmatched.
And here’s where it gets really special: Two of Good Dads’ now full-time employees were former student interns in the Leaders in Community Service program that our Student Employment team oversees (which is now called the Community Engagment Intern Program). Seeing early exposure to the nonprofit field turn into a career? Rewarding to witness.
The Victim Center opened our eyes to the critical support services available to survivors in our community. Their dedication to helping people through their darkest moments is remarkable.
After a networking lunch, we headed to Big Brothers Big Sisters to see firsthand how mentorship transforms young lives in Springfield. Spoiler: We all left wanting to sign up.
Our final stop was the Boys and Girls Club, where the energy was contagious and the programs were impressive. Watching kids be kids while learning and growing? That’s the good stuff.
The Real Talk
Here’s the thing about getting out of the office and into the community: it reminds you why we do what we do. We’re all about helping people be their best, and that includes being present, engaged, and connected to something bigger.
This field trip was a reminder that the strongest communities are built by people who show up. And showing up looks different for everyone. That could be volunteering, donating, spreading awareness, or simply understanding the challenges our neighbors face.
The United Way Ozarks Region absolutely nailed this program. From the classroom activities that got us thinking differently, to the hands-on experiences at each organization, to the wrap-up session where we put it all together. Every minute was purposeful and powerful.
Big shoutout to Brandon Jenson and the entire United Way Ozarks Region team for creating such an incredible experience. You can reach them at bjenson@uwozarks.org or 417-863-7700 ext. 243.
To Good Dads, The Victim Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Boys and Girls Club: Thank you for the work you do every single day. We see you, we appreciate you, and we’re proud to call Springfield home alongside organizations like yours.
Already thinking about how you can get involved? Same. Stay tuned for more ways efactory is connecting with our community in 2026. Because when Springfield thrives, we all thrive.