At a recent Missouri State football game, the Maroon Minute honorees were the participants in the Northwest Project.

Poverty is cyclical. Though many struggle to overcome it, finding the resources to match all the needs can be a draining process.

That’s why the Community Foundation of the Ozarks is funding The Northwest Project, led by Missouri State University, the Drew Lewis Foundation and Drury University.

Over the next five years, those involved with the project want to help families in northwest Springfield get out of the poverty cycle and sustain success.

Led by Amy Blansit, director of the Drew Lewis Foundation and an MSU faculty member, this community-driven development model will work to bridge the gaps between people and resources.