The Salem Area Community Betterment Association (SACBA) has released a report outlining highlights from the 2022 annual report. SACBA is a non-profit organization dedicated “to do our part to enrich our community with opportunities to enrich lives and foster growth,” according to SACBA’s website.
The report lists SACBA’s key initiatives for 2022. The Salem Area Arts Council/Creative Arts Center offers themed paint parties, stained glass workshops, fiber arts workshops, and even a monthly jam session for musicians. The Salem Area Arts Council facility, thanks to volunteer Dan Lough, now has a new accessible restroom, classroom redesign, and kitchen space.
Ozark Natural & Cultural Resource Center offers hands-on workshops and free exhibits that celebrate the heritage and culture of the Ozark region. The report outlines some SACBA projects at the ONCRC this year, such as Trees and Trains, a Missouri Black Bear Exhibit, and the Thomas Hart Benton mural exhibit.
Partnering with the City of Salem, SACBA provides beautification efforts around town, creating “inviting atmospheres” and seasonal landscaping projects, such as downtown planters, Craig Plaza, the City Park entrance, and "Welcome to Salem" signs.
“We are always enhancing and creating vibrant landscapes capturing the local flora beauty of our community,” says the SACBA website.
SACBA also runs Salem’s Farmer’s Market. In addition, SACBA also partnered as a fiscal sponsor with Dent County Toy Drive and Love Thy Neighbor, a non-profit organization that renovates houses for those in need. Love Thy Neighbor’s 2022 event had 112 volunteers, 15 churches, and donations from various area organizations. Volunteers fixed roofs, power washed, fixed gutters, planted flowers, built decks and ramps, and more.
The Dent County Toy Drive served 110 families that included 218 children in December.
2022 Gift of Time Award Winners were recognized by SACBA for their volunteer efforts at a banquet at the community betterment campus in May. “Award winners contribute significantly to the Salem community!” said the report.
The organization’s newest event, SACBA Family Feud, challenged local bankers and realtors to a friendly competition. The winning proceeds of $250 were donated to local charity Riverways Pregnancy Resource Center.
The report shows over 1,700 front desk volunteer hours logged.
“We are proud of our accomplishments in 2022, and hope you see the impact of our efforts throughout our community! We welcome you to join us in 2023 – through your volunteer time, donations, and participation, we can continue to ‘Enrich our community!’”
For more information about SACBA and the organization’s initiatives, visit them on their website at www.salemcommunitybetterment.com or on Facebook @salemareacommunitybettermentassociation.
