Bolivar, Mo. — Athletes at Southwest Baptist University constantly seek out ways to give back to the community that blesses and supports them. Serving alongside various ministries, the Bearcats grow closer to one another, develop their faith and character, and open their eyes to the needs of those in the Bolivar community.
            In September, the Women's Basketball team led by Coaches Wyketha Harrell, Lola Reed, and Jaleesa Dillard partnered with Polk County Cares (PCC) to contribute to projects at the Casebolt Apartments.
            Polk County Cares (PCC), a ministry based in Bolivar, supports those facing challenging circumstances such as addiction, crime, homelessness, or the inability to gain independence. Deanna Counts, the Program Director at PCC, shares "Our goal is to see lives transformed through caring relationships and the love of Christ." As they build relationships, the ministry meets the practical needs of struggling individuals. 
In March, PCC purchased the Casebolt Apartments from SBU, intending to transform them into housing for single women and their children. Counts describes the apartments as "a Christ-centered, transitional living environment for women who are serious about working toward independence and improving their lives."
            When the coaching staff of SBU's women's basketball team heard about the need for volunteers to complete projects at the apartments, they were immediately on board with offering their assistance. Coach Harrell, as a single mother, felt a personal connection with the project and recognized the impact her team could make in serving alongside PCC to bless women in the community. 
On September 10, the women's basketball team along with their coaches gathered together at the Casebolt Apartments to move furniture, clean, and paint. The team's efforts contributed to PCC's larger goals of painting, installing new flooring, and updating lighting in every apartment before they open their doors.
            The coaches and players all expressed gratitude in seeing their team rally together to strive towards one common goal. Coach Reed shares how in collaborating together "each person can use their own strengths to help, and the group makes a bigger impact than one person could alone…Serving as a team teaches us to be humble, to care about others, and to remember that it's not about who gets credit but about helping and serving others."
            Zaakayaa Young, one of the women's basketball players, reflects on lessons learned while working at the apartments. She says, "Service grows you as a person, builds leadership skills, and reminds you of the importance of community. It allows us to live out values of kindness and compassion while strengthening our role as leaders both on and off campus." Young encourages other SBU students and members of the Bolivar community to involve themselves with active serving, as it develops a person's character and allows them to turn their focus toward others.
            With plans to open the Casebolt apartment by the end of 2025 or early 2026, PCC relies on the help of volunteers to meet their goals. Counts shares, "We enjoyed the opportunity to meet Coach Harrell and her team. We love and so appreciate her passion for what we are doing and the support from the whole team!" She encourages anyone interested to get in touch with PCC and to volunteer a few hours of their time to bless others, as even small tasks contribute to life change for someone in need.
"I truly enjoy taking part in serving the Bolivar community," says Young. "I feel honored to give back to the people who pour into us and our school. It's a blessing to know that we can use our time and energy to make a positive difference, even in small ways."