​

Willow Springs Community Foundation

 

The Business Spotlight for June is the Willow Springs Community Foundation (WSCF) located at 127 E Main Street.

 

33 years ago, the Willow Springs Community Foundation was founded by community leaders that had a vision of success for the community of Willow Springs.  It was founded as a Community Housing Development Organization and it still functions in that role today.  During the past 33 years they have built over 30 single-family homes, purchased a 20-unit apartment complex in West Plains, and renovated three downtown buildings that were on the brink of collapse.  Those buildings include the Star Theatre, the Ferguson Building (which currently houses the Community Foundation offices) and the most recent project is the McClellan Building.  The WSCF has also purchased blighted properties in town and cleaned them up and maintain those properties until they are able to develop them.  This is a huge asset to the beautification of Willow Springs as well as addressing the housing shortage long-term in our community.

 

The Foundation (as it has become known in town) also owns and operates the Historical Society located behind the Ferguson Building on Harris St; the Star Theatre, Star Park and the Star Annex (which currently houses the Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce).

 

In addition to housing the Foundation offices, the Ferguson Building is home to a Computer Lab with 6 computer stations which are available for public use for those unable to access computer services at home.  They offer faxing, printing and copying services for a small fee as well.  They have charging stations for use as well as Free Wifi which makes them a one-stop shop for computer-aided services.

 

They rent meeting space upstairs at the Ferguson building as well as in the Annex giving local organizations places to meet at a nominal fee.  One such organization is Ozark Action, which is on-site upstairs on Wednesdays to help anyone who might need their assistance.

 

The WSCF serves many different groups.  They act as a collection point for Rural Fire Dues.  They assist with the registration, fee collection and information on events like the Alumni Weekend and the various Willow Springs Arts Council workshops.

 

The Foundation is an important partner in multiple aspects.  If there is a project or an event going on in town, the Foundation is involved in one way or another.  They collaborate regularly with the City of Willow Springs, The Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary, the Willow Springs Arts Council, the Lions Club, the Willow Springs School District and local businesses to improve the community we live in.

 

The Willow Springs Community Foundation manages several endowments that allow them to impact areas like downtown beautification, economic development and the arts.  They do a fantastic job managing these endowments and work hard at maintaining the viability of these for long term projects.

 

The Foundation plans to continue to serve the community and grow their services through strong management and are always looking for volunteers and donations to continue their work.

 

The Foundation can be reached Monday thru Friday from 8 – 4pm at 127 E Main  or by calling 417-469-1400.  They can be reached by email at willowscf@yahoo.com

​