Friday May 1, 2025 Update: Due to storm-related power outages this week, our Greene County Center remains closed. The Lawrence County Neighborhood Center has reopened this morning until 1pm. Visit www.oac.ac for information and applications....
May 1, 2025 Update: Due to storm-related power outages this week, our Weatherization office, Greene County Center, and Lawrence County Neighborhood Center remain closed today. Information and applications can be found on our website....
April 29, 2025: Due to the storm that moved through this morning and caused power outages across our service area, our Lawrence and Webster County Neighborhood Centers have closed for the day. Our Weatherization office will close at Noon. We will update this post with......
Join us in saying a big thank you to Susan Flores, our board member highlight for April. Susan is an enthusiastic and giving member who has actively served on our board for several years. She is driven and works diligently to strengthen lives in SW......
If you’re looking for OACAC wearables, click here to visit the Crackerjack Shack Spirit Store. ** New in the Store ** We’ve added t’s and more with our retro logo and new 60th anniversary logo. With more than 60 options including baseball tee’s, sweatshirts, hoodies,......
Throughout the four full weeks of May 2025, it is our goal to collect 60+ items for each of the four programs below, to share with the communities we serve! May 4-10: 60 for Kiddos—Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! Help us collect 60 packages of unscented......
Calling all SW MO Advocacy Champions! Join us at The Pitch Pizza & Pub to hear about PEP – an advocacy cohort forming now. Bring a friend for free pizza, giveaways, and information on making a positive impact in our community. When: Friday, May 2,......
Grab your best corn hole buddy and join us for our Second Annual Cornhole Tournament & Silent Auction! When: Saturday, June 7, 2025 beginning at 10amWhere: OACAC Taney County Neighborhood Center, 5571 Gretna Road, Suite A in Branson, MOWhat: Team of 2 = $40 Register......
Dear Head Start Families, Since 1966, we have, in good faith and cheer, served you and generations of our brothers and sisters in Missouri. We have cared for and witnessed your children grow—bright and wonderful. We have tirelessly upheld the mission of Head Start for......
The OACAC Area Board will meet at 6pm on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 via Zoom and individual locations. The meeting agenda is below....
For Immediate ReleaseApril 16, 2025 Mayday: A Community Conversation About the Title X Funding Freeze & What It Means for OACAC Family Planning SPRINGFIELD, MO — Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) invites the public to a critical community conversation about the future of Title......
The People’s Pantry project provides freestanding pantries in multiple locations across SW MO. Filled with shelf stable food, fresh produce, hygiene items, and more, people are encouraged to take what they need and leave what they can....
Our Polk County Community Center will be closed on Thursday, April 17. Information and applications can be found on our website....
The American College of Financial Services is offering a free state-of-the-art education and empowerment e-learning experience for those who want to improve their understanding of money and personal finance. It’s best for ages 18+, college students, adult learners, career readiness, and employee wellbeing. The class......
The graphic below from Missouri Family Health Council, Inc. was shared on Facebook on 4/1/25. It states, “For decades, MFHC has been proud to lead the Title X family planning program, supporting a network delivering high-quality, affordable healthcare to tens of thousands of Missourians and......
(April 4, 2025) This week, all Federal staff responsible for managing the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) were laid off. Funding for LIHEAP has been appropriated and we want to assure our community we are continuing to provide these critically important services. We......
March 27, 2025: Due to an unexpected maintenance issue, our Greene County Center will be closed for the remainder of today and all of Friday, March 28....
We are pleased to recognize Katrina Green as our board member for March! Katrina can be found at just about any OACAC fundraiser, event, and meeting, lending a hand and actively engaged in countless ways. For more than 10 years, she has been an advocate......
On Wednesday, March 26, OACAC Neighborhood Centers in Barry and Lawrence counties will be closed in the morning. Both will open at 1pm....
The OACAC Area Board will meet at 6pm on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 via Zoom and individual locations. The meeting agenda is below....
Thanks to a generous donor, our Taney County Neighborhood Center has a 2006 Toyota Sienna to give away! To enter, call (417) 350-5544 to schedule an appointment. Must complete an intake and be income eligible, as well as a Taney County resident. Appointments are available......
The Patient Empowerment Project (PEP) is a transformative advocacy cohort designed to equip individuals with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to become powerful advocates for healthcare change. Participants will receive comprehensive advocacy training, personalized one-on-one support, and the unique opportunity to tour the State......
This Summer, we invite you to stop by our OACAC Central Office for a tour of our building. Meet our team, hear about our programs and successes, see our Family Planning Clinic, and more! Free and open to the community. The tour will begin at......
Join us at Painting With A Twist to get creative and inspired for poverty relief in Greene County. It’s fun and no creative or artistic skills are needed. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. When: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 from 6:30 – 8:30pm Where:......
This Spring, we invite you to stop by our OACAC Central Office for a tour of our building. Meet our team, hear about our programs and successes, see our Family Planning Clinic, and more! Free and open to the community. The tour will begin at......
(February 2025) Due to winter weather last week, food distributions in Dade County were cancelled. Distribution of the February Senior Boxes has been rescheduled for March 6, 2025 during the Commodity Distribution at Main Street Baptist Church in Greenfield, 9:30-11:30 am. Due to scheduling conflicts,......
We’re pleased to recognize Bob Senninger as our Board Member for February 2025 and want to thank him for being a champion for OACAC! Bob brings experience to the table for our Area Board and we appreciate the various ways he is a supporter of......
(January 13, 2025) OACAC will hold a Public Hearing on behalf of the Dallas County Public Agency (PHA) Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the OACAC Central Office, 215 South Barnes, Springfield, Missouri to discuss the draft PHA 2025 Annual Plan and draft......
UPDATE 4/22: We have cancelled this event at this time. We hope to reschedule for a date later in the year and will share information here and on our social media if a new date is set. Thank you. Join OACAC at the second annual......
The OACAC Area Board will meet at 6pm on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 via Zoom and individual locations. The meeting agenda is below....
In observance of Presidents’ Day, OACAC Centers and Offices will be closed on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025. Information and applications for services can be found at www.oac.ac....
Calling all Monopoly lovers – don’t miss the 14th Annual Ozark Mountain Monopoly Tournament on Saturday, April 12, 2025! Registration opens at 9:00am with the tournament beginning at 9:30am. The player fee includes a position for the first 90 minute elimination round and potentially a......
Due to the forecasted incoming weather, several OACAC locations will be closed on Wed., Feb. 12, including the Central Office, Greene County Center, and all Head Start Centers. Should additional locations close, we will announce that on our Facebook page....
Well, I grew up in Colorado. There’s 10 children, and I’m the fifth one of them, so I’ve always been around kids because we took care of siblings. I met my husband in Colorado, and we got married and moved to California. I have two......
We’re happy to recognize Laura Cochran of Barry County as our board member for January 2025. Laura has been on our board for 10 years and is an avid volunteer, helping organize and work in our community clothing and Walmart rooms. As in her photo,......
The OACAC Area Board will meet at 6pm on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 via Zoom and individual locations. The meeting agenda is below....
Life is a series of moments, and if you’re an older adult seeking fulfillment, new skills, and human connection, this may be your moment to volunteer. We are calling on compassionate individuals to make a meaningful impact by joining the OACAC Foster Grandparent Program. This......
Big thanks to the restaurants and groups listed here who were part of our 5th Annual MO Mac & Cheese Fest on 1/11/25, we had so much fun! The people and judges voted, and here are the results: 2025 People’s Choice Award: Mama G’s Kitchen......
Calling all Stone and Taney County expectant and new mothers! Join us in Branson at the 1st Annual Community Baby Shower on 2/1/25. Registered mothers may receive ultrasounds, clothing, diapers/wipes, books, groceries, formula, toys, and more. We will also have MANY giveaways for car seats,......
Now in its 14th year, Queen City Shout is Springfield’s largest showcase of music, film, and arts with its two-fold vision to Celebrate The Arts & Support Poverty Relief. Queen City Shout will take place March 24 – 30, 2025 at multiple venues around Springfield.......
OACAC offices and centers will be closed on Monday, January 20, 2025 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Information and applications for services can be found on the various tabs on our website....
It may be snowy outside, but we will be warm and cozy, enjoying mac & cheese on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025! The 5th Annual MO Mac & Cheese Fest IS HAPPENING! When: 11:30am – 2:30pm Where: University Plaza Convention Center, 333 S. John Q. Hammons......
OACAC Central Office, Greene County Center, and Head Start Centers will be closed on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 due to incoming inclement weather. Should additional locations closed, those will be posted on OACAC’s Facebook page. OACAC’s 5th Annual MO Mac & Cheese Fest is STILL......
Happy New Year! We’re having a Flash Sale on our Mac 4-Pack of tickets! Sale is valid 1/2/25 – 1/5/25. Click here for ticket and event details....
The following excerpt of gratitude to OACAC’s Weatherization Director, Todd Steinmann, is from Bob, Weatherization recipient. Mr. Steinmann, good morning sir! Starting around the first of December your men have been here at my home insulating, sealing cracks, and so very much more! To say......
“By partnering with the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, landlords enable over 2.3 million American families to access affordable housing opportunities nationwide.” Do you own property in SW MO? We would like to connect with you! Click here for information for property owners, or give......
We are pleased to shine the spotlight of appreciation on Chris Parker and recognize her as our board member for December 2024. Chris Parker shines among the many dedicated Board Members OACAC is privileged to partner with. Our relationship is an example of a successful collaboration. Long......
The OACAC Area Board will meet at 6pm on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 via Zoom and individual locations. The meeting agenda is below....
OACAC offices and centers will be closed for winter break between Dec. 24 – Jan 1. We’ll be back in the office on Jan. 2. Information and applications can be found on our website. www.oac.ac...
Our thanks to the Aurora Area Community Foundation for their continued support of our Lawrence County Neighborhood Center’s efforts to assist low-income individuals....
This #GivingTuesday, December 3, 2024, people are coming together across the globe and showing the power of collective generosity through gifts of financial support and time. We thoughtfully ask for you to consider a #GivingTuesday or year-end gift to poverty relief this holiday season. When......
This Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and throughout the giving season, please keep OACAC in mind when you shop online at Walmart. You can support poverty relief in SW MO by rounding up your purchase at checkout on Walmart.com. It’s easy to set-up.1. Visit walmart.com or......
The OACAC Area Board will meet at 6pm on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 via Zoom and individual locations. The meeting agenda is below....
We wish you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving! OACAC offices and centers will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in observance of Thanksgiving. We’ll open for regular hours on Monday, Dec. 2....
Give the gift of a happy, healthy smile this holiday season. Our annual OACAC Head Start Holiday Smiles campaign raises funding to provide exams, preventative care, and critically necessary dental work for the 629 Head Start children we serve. Our goal for the 2024 Holiday Smiles......
Our Lawrence County Neighborhood Center will close at 11am on Thursday, November 21, 2024 to delivery Thanksgiving Baskets...
Our Polk County Community Center will be closed until 3pm on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024 as our team will be distributing Thanksgiving baskets in the community....
On Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, OACAC offices and Neighborhood/Community Centers will be closed in observance of Veteran’s Day. OACAC Head Start Centers will be open that day. Please visit www.oac.ac for program information and applications....
Congratulations to the OACAC Housing team on receiving a 100% high rating on the SEMAP! Here they are, getting ready to enjoy a celebratory breakfast. Housing Director, Christy, told her team, “I appreciate you knowing your “stuff” and always working to do the best you......
Happy National Weatherization Day! Each year, communities nationwide mark 10/30 as National Weatherization Day. To celebrate, our Weatherization team held an event on 10/29/24, demonstrating the measures they take to improve the energy efficiency and safety of homes in SW MO. Thanks to all who......
Calling all parents and caregivers with elementary aged children in Billings! Did you know we have partnered with the Billings School District to offer after school care? Call (417) 744-2623 to secure your child’s spot....
We sincerely thank the DACO Foundation for presenting $9,000 to our Dade County Food Mobile, which was raised from their golf tournament. This is a generous gift which promotes food security in Dade County. Pictured: Renee Meents with DACO Foundation (R) presents the check to......
Congratulations to our colleague, Sam, on her completion of ROMA training. ROMA stands for Results Oriented Management and Accountability and it provides a framework for continuous growth and improvement among Community Action Agencies nationwide. Sam will use her training to assess poverty needs and conditions,......
We are pleased to shine the spotlight of appreciation on Danielle Boggs and recognize her as our board member for October 2024. Danielle has shown her support of OACAC and Webster County citizens for nearly ten years, serving as our Webster County Advisory Board Secretary......
OACAC’s 5th Annual MO Mac & Cheese Fest, presented by Schreiber Foods and Power 96.5, will be held on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 from 11:30am* – 2:30pm at the University Plaza Convention Center, 333 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway in Springfield. The MO Mac &......
OACAC Receives MHDC Funding to Help with Disaster Relief in Barry County For Immediate Release (October 16, 2024) Following a major disaster declaration, Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) has received $80,000 in disaster relief funding from Missouri Housing Development Commission. These funds are to......
From 10/15/24 – 11/1/24, in partnership with Park Crest Baptist Church, our Greene County Center is offering Thanksgiving basket sign-ups. Please visit https://oacac.itfrontdesk.com or call (417) 350-5544 to schedule an appointment. *The deadline to register was updated on 10/28/24....
The OACAC Area Board will meet at 6pm on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 via Zoom and individual locations. The meeting agenda is below....
The 2024 OACAC Toy Run in Lawrence County will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, beginning at 10am. Bring one new toy to donate to a child in Lawrence County to Aurora Baptist Temple, 1111 South Elliot Avenue in Aurora, MO. Details below....
OACAC offices and centers will be closed in observance of the holiday on Monday, October 14, 2024. Information and applications can be found at www.oac.ac....
A special board meeting will be held at 4pm on Thursday, October 10, 2024. Details are below. Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 880 1603 2143, Passcode: 794250 Dial by your location • +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) • +1 646 931 3860 US...
“I found out about OACAC through a friend that I was working with at another center, not with OACAC, she had moved here and so I followed her. I came here and it felt like a team, like a home. It felt huge, like a......
OACAC Head Start is having a sale on 10/18/24 from 9am-1pm at 510 N. Main in Springfield. Items include office furniture, classroom furniture, some classroom materials, and toys. Priced to sell. CASH ONLY. If you purchase, you must be able to take with you during......
Are you heading to the Harvest Homecoming Fest this weekend in Lockwood? Stop by our Dade County Neighborhood Center and say hi, peruse our yard sale items and find a treasure, pick-up a delicious treat – baked items, chili, soup, and doggy biscuits – and......
Our Family Planning Clinic is holding a breast cancer awareness fundraiser to support clinical services which include breast exams and cervical cancer screenings. For a $5 donation, supporters will receive: Donations can be made at the Family Planning Clinic, 215 S. Barnes in Springfield....
Stop by Wendy’s in Marshfield anytime on 10/26/24 and show this flyer to support poverty relief in Webster County. Thanks!...
Effective October 1, 2024: In an effort to have more time with our clients and serve the community, our Neighborhood/Community Centers have moved to an online scheduling system. Please visit https://oacac.itfrontdesk.com or call (417) 350-5544 to schedule. This system will allow you to choose a......
At our Area Board meeting this week, we were happy to recognize Rhonda Waide as board member for September 2024. Rhonda has served the Dallas County community for 19 years as an advocate who is compassionate, giving, and always makes people feel seen and heard.......
The public is cordially invited to stop by to watch a live demonstration of weatherization measures and learn more about OACAC’s Weatherization program. When: Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024 between 11am – 1pm Where: 4120 W. Tildens St. in Springfield, MO National Weatherization Day is an......
October is Housing America Month and a time to celebrate the critical role affordable housing programs play in building and sustaining healthy communities nationwide. In recognition of Housing America Month, the public is cordially invited to attend an Open House on Tuesday, October 22, 2024......
The OACAC Area Board will meet on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. The meeting agenda is below....
Do you like chili? And BINGO? Then you’ll love our Stone County Neighborhood Center’s Annual Chilingo event! Make plans to join us on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024 for food and fun in support of poverty relief in Stone County, MO. Doors open at 5pm. Where:......
“I’ll just start at the beginning, I was born in Dothan, Alabama. I’m a military brat and moved all over the world. We moved here from the Canal Zone in ’74 and I’ve been here ever since. Back in the middle 70’s I was a......
On Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, our 18th Annual LIHEAP vendors and partners meeting was held at OACAC. LIHEAP staff, vendors and partners from our 10-county area and from the State attended and shared updates and plans for the LIHEAP 2025 season. Mixed in with the......
El 5º Festival Annual del Mac & Cheese de OACAC se celebrará el sábado 11 de enero de 2025 de 11:30 a 14:30 en el University Plaza Convention Center, 333 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway en Springfield. El MO Festival del Mac & Cheese conecta......
Do you love mac & cheese, planning events, and making your community a better place? If so, you are invited to join the MO Mac & Cheese Fest planning team! Our next meeting will be held by Zoom on September 17, 2024, at 1:30pm. Details......
Congratulations to our colleague, Bridgette, on her completion of ROMA training. ROMA stands for Results Oriented Management and Accountability and it provides a framework for continuous growth and improvement among Community Action Agencies nationwide. Bridgette will use her training to assess poverty needs and conditions,......
“They told me out of all 10 county areas and Central Office I’ve been here longer than anybody! I am proud and I’ve loved Head Start, we’ve gone through so many changes through the years, there’s been lots of improvement, it always seems to be......
OACAC offices and centers will be closed on Monday, September 2, 2024 in observance of Labor Day. We’ll reopen for regular business hours on Tuesday....
At our 8/27/24 Area Board meeting, we recognized Tammy Gomez of Lawrence County as our Board Member of the Month for August. Tammy has served as a low-income advocate and active volunteer for several years, assisting with REALL simulations, fundraising, garnering community support, food collections......
Congratulations to our colleague and friend, Todd Steinmann, on winning first place in New Chapter Coaching’s 10th annual Make It Happen campaign. As OACAC’s Weatherization Director, Todd was nominated and received the most votes from friends, colleagues, families, and fans for his outstanding contributions to......
#DYK? You can support OACAC and poverty relief in SW MO by rounding up your purchase at checkout on Walmart.com. It’s easy to set-up. 1. Visit walmart.com or the app 2. Sign in to your account or create a new one 3. Click “Account” 4.......
The OACAC Area Board will meet on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. The meeting agenda is below....
“In 2002 my daughter went to the Head Start here with Joy Rothdiener, Penni Cole, and Jody McCrickard. Then the 2nd year when she went to Kindergarten they asked me if I wanted to sub and I started in the kitchen. When the new year......
The American College of Financial Services is offering a free state-of-the-art education and empowerment e-learning experience for those who want to improve their understanding of money and personal finance. It’s best for ages 18+, college students, adult learners, career readiness, and employee wellbeing. The class......
Do you love mac & cheese, planning events, and making your community a better place? If so, you are invited to join the MO Mac & Cheese Fest planning team! The first meeting will be held by Zoom on August 29, 2024, at 1:30pm. Details......
All OACAC locations will be closed on Monday, August 26, 2024 for All Staff Development. Information and applications can be found by navigating the tabs on our website....
August 2024: We are excited to announce a partnership with the Billings School District to offer after school care, beginning this school year! Call (417) 744-2623 to secure your child’s spot....
I worked for Head Start 8 years ago for about a year and a half and I loved it, but it was too much with my 3 boys at home. I wanted to be closer to them, so I moved to a job in our......
All OACAC Neighborhood/Community Centers will be closed on Tuesday, July 30 for staff training. Information and applications can be found at www.oac.ac....
