A new program to assist families stuck in poverty will be coming to Neosho next year. At their meeting Tuesday, the Neosho City Council approved a meeting place for RISE. KRPS’s Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more.

RISE stands for “Reaching Independence Through Support and Education” and the program has its roots in nearby Springfield, established by the Drew Lewis Foundation. According to the agenda item filed with the city, available at Neoshomo.org, RISE holds monthly meetings including a dinner followed by a 45-minute lesson focusing on topics such as development goals, banking, and finances.

At the meeting Tuesday night, Councilmember Charles Collingsworth questioned whether the city should allow the Lampo Community Center to be used rent-free. “It’s at council discretion, but personally am concerned. What if another organization comes, it’s nothing to the request on the table if all of a sudden Neosho is going to give free buildings if they do things for people. So let’s go do something that’s good for people and get a free building.” The measure passed by a vote of 6 to 1. The approval waived the $50 non-profit rental fee at the Lampo where RISE plans to meet starting in January of next year. For 89 9 KRPS, I’m Fred Fletcher-Fierro