Grandpa George has been serving as a Foster Grandparent volunteer since 2012. To say he is devoted to his role as a volunteer and the children he mentor and tutors is an understatement. Here are just a few samples of what his volunteer station staff......
The OACAC Area Board will meet on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. The meeting agenda is below....
4/12/24: OACAC is the administrator for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) funding in Barry, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Lawrence, Polk, Stone, Taney, and Webster counties. Currently, Barry, Lawrence, Polk, Stone, Taney, and Webster counties have been awarded funding through he Department of Homeland Security/Federal......
4/8/24: We did a thing! Did you see it? While we weren’t in the path of totality, 97% coverage was still amazing to see....
A team of our colleagues from Housing, Fiscal, and CSBG assembled outreach starter boxes for folks in our Housing DMH program who have gone from unhoused to successfully housed. Each box contains necessities including detergent, cleaning supplies, and paper products. Twenty boxes were packed on......
Do you live in Taney County? Do you need support with things to ensure success at work, such as clothing, small car repairs, etc.? Give our Taney County Neighborhood Center a call at 417 239-1882. Eligibility requirements apply....
We’re happy to welcome Skylar Walker back to OACAC as the new Director of our Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program! CSBG is a program near and dear to Skylar’s heart, having first worked as VOICE Coordinator in 2018, Assistant CSBG Director in 2019, and......
Thank you, Sandra! Sandra Adams has been a wonderful asset to our Area Board and Christian County Advisory Board for a couple of years, but her time as an advocate for the people we serve goes way back. An avid volunteer with projects and special......
Give the gift of a book to a child or teen. Our free community library, located in our Central Office lobby, needs some adventures and stories to fill the shelves. While you’re at garage or estate sales, perusing the upcoming Friends of the Library book......
Many thanks to Head Start parent, Fatima, for giving her creativity, time, and materials to make this beautiful bulletin board. It hangs in a Head Start Center and is sure to inspire all who walk by....
The MO Office of Broadband Development just announced the official opening of the BEAD Challenge Portal. Challenges will be accepted from now until April 23, 2024. The purpose of the challenge process is to finalize the eligibility of Missouri homes and businesses for funding through......
Come hang out with OACAC Family Planning and support our services in the community by playing trivia! A portion of sales for Trivia Night will benefit OACAC Family Planning directly. When: April 18, 2024 from 7-9pm Where: 4 By 4 Brewery, 2811 E. Galloway in......
On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, our Family Planning Clinic will host evening hours from 4-8pm. They will provide testing, reproductive healthcare, and more, along with drawings, music, and fun! Come see us at 215 S. Barnes in Springfield, inside the OACAC Central Office. For details,......
The VOICE project traveled to Southwest Elementary this week and had a great time with these enthusiastic students! Many thanks to all who made this possible, including educators and the folks who staffed each table. The VOICE project inspires young people to dream big about......
The OACAC Area Board will meet on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. The meeting agenda is below....
“We all love Grandma S and look forward to her coming and playing with our class. All the children and even the staff feel like she’s family. I couldn’t ask for a more positive, loving, person. Thank you!” Thank you to all the Foster Grandparent......
As participants in Empower Missouri’s Advocacy Partners program, we were charged with writing a statement which will focus OACAC’s advocacy work....
“Children need individuals from the community that will support them.” Grandpa Ritchie Would you like to share your talents, love, and encouragement with a child? Are you age 55+? We are recruiting caring adults to serve as Foster Grandparent volunteers in our 14-county service area......
Calling all Monopoly lovers – don’t miss the 13th Annual Ozark Mountain Monopoly Tournament! The tournament begins at 9:30am on Saturday, April 27, 2024. The player fee includes a position for the first 90 minute elimination round and potentially a seat in the championship round.......
Join the Eagle Riders 3948 and the OACAC Lawrence County Neighborhood Center for the first annual Tricycle Races For a Cause to alleviate poverty in Lawrence County, MO. When: Saturday, April 13 from 10am-3pm*The rain date is Saturday, April 20 from 10am – 3pm Race......
Thanks to a grant from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, our Dallas County Neighborhood Center has assistance available for Dallas County adults to pay for their High School Equivalency Test (HiSET). The HiSET exam is the first step toward college, a better job, or......
Effective January 1, 2024, OACAC Family Planning is participating in a new program called The Right Time Grant. This grants pays for contraceptive methods and visits for patients who are uninsured or under-insured. Patients do not have to meet income qualifications for this grant, anyone......
In observance of Presidents Day, OACAC Centers and Offices will be closed on Monday, Feb. 19. Information and applications for services can be found at www.oac.ac....
The OACAC Community Action Poverty Simulation consists of four 15-minute sessions, each representing a week, in which participants grapple with real-life situations faced by individuals living in poverty. The Simulation forces participants to assume the role of a low-income family and confront the realities of......
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) established the Children’s Interagency Coordinating Council (CICC) to improve coordination and transparency in child policy across federal agencies, with a focus on issues such as child poverty and wellbeing. The council was established under the Consolidated......
Volunteers are needed for a Community Action Poverty Simulation with Springfield Public Schools on March 8, 2024 from 8-11am. This is a stipend paid simulation for eligible volunteers. Details and sign-up here....
OACAC is one of six non-profit beneficiaries of Queen City Shout, a weeklong festival celebrating the arts and supporting poverty relief. Do you love music? Art? Films? Poetry? Dance? Volunteering during Queen City Shout is fun and we invite you to sign-up to help during......
Thanks to photographer, Joanna San Paolo of Snap Shot Photo, for capturing the moments of our 4th Annual MO Mac & Cheese Fest on January 13, 2024. Photos can be viewed here....
Now in its 13th 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 18-24 at multiple venues around Springfield. OACAC is pleased......
The OACAC Area Board will meet on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. The meeting agenda is below....
Volunteers are needed for our Galentine’s Gala on Friday, Feb. 2. Free admission and waffles in exchange for your generosity of time! Sign up here. Thank you!...
The 4th Annual MO Mac & Cheese Fest was so much fun! Our many thanks to all who attended and helped make the event a success. We hope everyone will attend again in 2025. Congratulations to all the vendors who showcased their delicious mac &......
Due to inclement weather, OACAC offices and centers will be closed on 1/12/24, as will the New to You Thrift Store in Buffalo. **The 4th Annual MO Mac & Cheese Fest IS HAPPENING on Saturday, Jan. 13 from 11am – 2pm at University Plaza Convention......
OACAC offices and centers will be closed on Monday, January 15, 2024 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Information and applications for services can be found on the various tabs on our website....
On January 8,1964, President Lyndon Johnson delivered a critically important speech which outlined his vision for the presidency and was the beginning of the Community Action Program. Today, Community Action Agencies across the nation continue to offer programs and emboldened strategies which help people move......
As of 12/31/23, the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) has ended. For information about the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), click here....
Take a break from cooking and order Pizza Hut online using code RY and OACAC will receive a portion of the sale in support of poverty relief. When: Tuesday, February 27, 2024 (rescheduled from 1/16/24) Where: Order online at www.pizzahut.com What: Enter code RY Participating......
Give the gift of an experience this holiday season and kick off the new year with some fun! Tickets are on sale now for OACAC’s MO Mac & Cheese Fest and Galentine’s Gala. Do you love mac & cheese? Don’t miss the 4th Annual MO......
Our Stone County Neighborhood Center will be closed on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023 until noon....
OACAC will be closed from 12/25 – 12/29 and on 1/1. Additionally, Head Start centers will be closed on 12/22 and 1/2. Please visit www.oac.ac for information and applications....
Music! Dancing! Inspired, Fun Activities! A Waffle Bar! And best of all, a night out among friends, new and old. Grab your bestie or bring yourself and make plans to join us. We can’t wait to see you! The Galentine’s Gala is a lovely night......
Are you or someone you know a High School Senior seeking scholarships? Did you attend Head Start as a child? The National Head Start Alumni Scholarship is a non-renewable merit award to celebrate Head Start student achievement in high school and support students as they......
Great news! As of December 2023, we are connected with Walmart’s Spark Good Program, giving customers the opportunity to round up their purchases made online at walmart.com or through the app. Round up amounts will be collected across all transactions and the money will be......
Our 4th Annual MO Mac & Cheese Fest, presented by Schreiber Foods and Summit Media, will be held on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024 from 11am – 2pm at the University Plaza Convention Center, 333 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway in Springfield. This event connects fan......
This holiday season, we invite you to join us in an act of generosity that can truly make a huge difference in our community. On Saturday, December 9, we’ll be at the iHeart Studios (2740 S Glenstone in the Brentwood Center) for this year’s SHARE the Light event. Swing......
OACAC’s 4th Annual MO Mac & Cheese Fest is coming up on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at the University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center from 11am – 2pm and we need your help! This is a FUN event that showcases SW MO’s best mac & cheese with......
This #GivingTuesday, November 28, 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 you......
The agenda for the November 28, 2023 OACAC Area Board meeting is below....
Give the gift of a happy, healthy smile this holiday season. The annual OACAC Head Start Holiday Smiles campaign raises funding to provide exams, preventative care, and critically needed dental work for Head Start children. Our goal for the 2023 Head Start Holiday Smiles campaign is......
Calling all creatives! What would YOU put on our MO Mac & Cheese Fest t-shirt? Enter your design for a chance to see your art on the 2024 t-shirt, two free tickets to the event, and bragging rights. Entries accepted through 12/1/23 at [email protected]....
We wish you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving! OACAC offices and centers will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 23 and Friday, Nov. 24 in observance of Thanksgiving. We’ll open for regular hours on Monday, Nov. 27....
We are thankful for the generous support of the Stanley & Elaine Ball Foundation managed by Central Trust Company. This grant supports our Foster Grandparent Program, pairing seniors & youth in a caring, mentoring environment....
Our Webster County Neighborhood Center is hosting a gift card fundraiser. Enter for your chance to win one of two gift card bundles, each valued at $250+! Purchase tickets in person or online....
OACAC offices and CSBG Neighborhood Centers will be closed on Friday, Nov. 10 in observance of Veterans Day. Head Start Centers will be open....
National Weatherization Day, held annually on October 30, is an opportunity to highlight the important work performed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program network. “Words cannot express how grateful I am for the improvements that (OACAC has) made in my home,” said......
In memory and honor of former OACAC board member, Jack Gamble, the award for perfect attendance during the 2022-2023 fiscal year goes to our Greene County Advisory Board! This award was presented at the October 24, 2023 Area Board Meeting. We appreciate the dedication to......
On Nov. 8, we’re hosting a Poverty Simulation with SGF Give 5 and there is room for YOU to join in. This is a free experience which promotes poverty awareness, increases understanding of the challenges faced by individuals living in poverty, and inspires local change......
We loved sharing the warmth with our community at our sheets and socks giveaway on October 17, 2023! From community partners, individuals, and families, we appreciate all who stopped by. We were able to distribute hundreds of sheets and more than 2,000 pairs of socks!......
The agenda for the October 24, 2023 OACAC Area Board meeting is below....
National Weatherization Day is on October 30, and an opportunity to highlight the important work performed by the Energy Department’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). “Through weatherization improvements and upgrades, these households save on average $372 or more every year according to a national evaluation of the program. Since......
Give 5 is partnering with OACAC on a Poverty Simulation and we’re seeking volunteers to help us make this a memorable experience. Volunteers will play the role of a teacher, banker, Social Services worker, police officer, utility company, and more. No special skills necessary, an......
OACAC offices and centers will be closed on Monday in observance of the holiday. Information and applications can be found at www.oac.ac....
In October, we recognize and celebrate National Energy Awareness Month (LIHEAP and Weatherization programs), Housing America Month (Housing and CSBG programs), and Head Start Awareness Month (Head Start/Early Head Start program). Follow us on Facebook as we share highlights from each of these programs throughout......
October 1, 2023 marks the start of our new fiscal year and we are accepting applications for the Energy Assistance Program. Please do not request an application if you received energy assistance last year – an app will be mailed to your last known address.......
Big news effective with the start of our new fiscal year on 10/1/23: LIHEAP applicants can call (417) 864-3460 to receive an up-to-date message on the status of their application....
Please join us in celebrating Tim Prater as our recognized Board Member for September! Tim believes in our mission and demonstrates empathy and compassion for the people we serve. He has been a loyal board member for many years, supporting efforts to connect people with......
Our friend, Nancy Masner, is retiring after 41 years at OACAC! Nancy has served SW MO in a multitude of ways over the years, most recently as our Housing Assistance Program Director. You’re invited to join us in celebration of and with Nancy on Friday,......
Our Stone County Neighborhood Center is moving! Our current location will close this Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, and we will open in our new location on Wednesday, Oct. 4. The new address is: Table Rock Plaza 16585 MO 13, Suites K & L Branson West,......
We want to share the warmth with you, our community! Thanks to the generosity of Penn Enterprises, Inc, in partnership with Our Savior Lutheran Church in Buffalo, we have received a donation of over 2,000 sets of gently recycled bed linens, sizes queen and king.......
9/22/23: Thank you for your interest in OACAC Greene County Center’s Cornhole Tournament. At this time, we are cancelling the tournament in October and may reschedule for a later date....
The agenda for the September 26, 2023 OACAC Area Board meeting is below....
Do you like chili? And bingo? Then you’ll LOVE Chilingo! Join our Stone County Neighborhood Center staff and friends for the return of Chilingo on Friday, October 13, 2023. When: 5:00pm start Where: New Testament Christian Church, 21016 Main Street in Reeds Spring, MO Entry......
UPDATE 9/22/23: Thank you for your interest in OACAC Greene County Center’s Cornhole Tournament. At this time, we are cancelling the tournament in October and may reschedule for a later date. Our Greene County Center is hosting a Cornhole Tournament and 50/50 Drawing on Saturday,......
Please join us in thanking Gary Birzer and recognizing him as our board member for August 2023. Gary is pictured below, volunteering at a Back to School event in Stone County this summer. Gary is committed to helping residents of Stone County in many ways......
All OACAC locations will be closed on Monday, Sept. 4, 2023 for Labor Day, as well as Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023 for All Staff Development. Information and applications can be found by navigating the tabs on our website....
The agenda for the August 29, 2023 OACAC Area Board meeting is below....
Are you ready to get your high school equivalency degree? Prep classes for the HiSet test are starting in Buffalo. Classes begin Aug. 22 and are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30-8:00 at the Buffalo High School Alternative Building. New this year, all students......
Great grandparents, Barbara and Estevan, recently began raising their two great grandchildren. Their large travel trailer retirement home went from comfortably housing two to snugly housing four when their great grandsons moved in. Young boys eat a lot and Barbara and Estevan found themselves purchasing......
We are pleased to welcome Christy Fields as our new Housing Assistance Program Director. Christy started with OACAC in October 2016 and has worked as a Housing Counselor, Administrative Assistant, and Portability Specialist. Christy said, “I am most excited to network with other organizations, OACAC......
Please join us in welcoming Rich Thompson as our new Taney County Neighborhood Center Supervisor. Rich is a veteran who served in the US Army for six years as a Military Police Officer along with two combat tours in Iraq. After the military, he became......
Our Lawrence County Neighborhood Center will be closed on Wednesday, Aug. 9 for repairs. Applications and information can be found by navigating the tabs on the website....
The Taney County Neighborhood Center will be closing for the day at noon on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023....
On Tues., Aug. 8, 2023, Head Start is having an indoor sale at our Fair Grove location, 103 N. Main Street in Fair Grove. While a few things may have a small cost, most items will be marked FREE and must be removed during the......
OACAC is no longer offering classes for the ShowMe Healthy Relationships program. For more information and to sign up for classes, please contact the main SMHR office at the University of Missouri. Email: [email protected] Phone: 573-882-4325....
Music! Dancing! Inspired, Fun Activities! And best of all, a night out among friends, new and old. Save the date for the return of the Galentine’s Gala. When: Friday, February 2, 2024 Where: Relics Event Center, 2015 W. Battlefield in Springfield, MO More details to......
Do you like chili? And bingo? Then you’ll LOVE Chilingo! Join our Stone County Neighborhood Center staff and friends for the return of Chilingo on Friday, October 13, 2023. When: 5:00pm start Where: New Testament Christian Church, 21016 Main Street in Reeds Spring, MO Details:......
Just in time for late summer fun and back to school, enter for your chance to win over $750 in cash and prizes! Imagine sipping delicious coffee, seeing a Branson show or exploring the Hollywood Wax Museum. You could be doing all of this while......
From the National Head Start Association website: Tell Congress Not to Cut Head Start Funding in FY24! The House Labor HHS Appropriations Subcommittee has proposed cutting Head Start by $750 million for the next fiscal year! This will result in roughly 80,000 children no longer......
On Thursday, Aug. 3, we’re hosting a Poverty Simulation in partnership with the Doula Foundation and we’re looking for volunteers who would like to help this be a powerful experience! During a simulation, participants role-play a month in poverty and experience low-income families’ lives, which......
The ACP is a Federal Communications Commission program that helps connect families and households struggling to afford internet service. This new benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on......
Who’s up for some cheesy fun? In celebration of #NationalMacAndCheeseDay, we’re giving away a Mac Two Pack of tickets to our 4th Annual MO Mac & Cheese Fest in January 2024! Visit us on Facebook to enter!...
Our Greene County Center is hosting back to school sign-up events in Bois D’Arc and Ash Grove next week! Any interested family in Greene County can attend one of those events or call (417) 447-0554 beginning this Friday, July 14, 2023, to schedule an appointment.......
(July 7, 2023) It’s #NationalMacaroniDay and a GOUDA day to announce the date of our 2024 MO Mac & Cheese Fest! Join us on Sat., Jan. 13 at the University Plaza Convention Center, beginning at 11am, for sampling of our regions most delicious mac &......
September is Sexual Health Awareness month and you’re invited to our first ever Test Fest, an event focused on destigmatizing STD testing and making it accessible and affordable for all. In addition to testing, the OACAC Family Planning team will also provide reproductive healthcare exams......
We need to hear from you! We are conducting a survey in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Economic Development to improve digital equity and inclusion. We value your input and invite you to participate in this survey, which will help guide state internet expansion......
OACAC offices and centers will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, July 3 and 4, in observance of the holiday. We wish you and yours a safe and enjoyable fourth. Information and applications can be found by navigating tabs on our website....
This summer, Neighborhood/Community Centers in Christian, Dade, Lawrence, Polk, Taney, and Webster counties are operating on adjusted hours....
On March 31, 2023, the MO Department of Economic Development’s Office of Broadband Development announced $250,000 in Digital Equity Act funds through its Digital Demonstration Projects Grant Program. OACAC is pleased to be one of 10 recipients of this grant, which will help connect Southwest......
We have been notified by our funding source that the Low Income Home Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) will end on 6/30/23. Any applications postmarked or received after that date will not be accepted. We will continue to offer our Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program......
OACAC offices and centers will be closed on Monday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. Information and applications can be found by navigating the tabs on our website....
