(March 27, 2023) Jennifer Olson has been named as the new Executive Director for Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC). Olson is the fourth Executive Director and first female director for the non-profit. Founded in 1965, OACAC works to create lasting solutions to poverty for......
Friday, March 24, 2023: Our Lawrence County Neighborhood Center is closing today at 3:30pm. Information and applications can be found at www.oac.ac....
Now in its 12th year, Queen City Shout is Springfield’s largest showcase of music, film and art with its two-fold vision to Celebrate The Arts & Support Poverty Relief. Take a look at this great line-up of music! Tickets are $15 per day or $30......
ShowMe Healthy Relationships (SMHR) is a free eight-week course for single adults, 18+, who wish to strengthen interpersonal relationships, build strong communication and problem-solving skills, recognize healthy and unhealthy relationship habits, understand personal goals for a committed relationship, and more. New class series begin on: March......
Join us for a round of mini golf and tasty morning treats for a great cause and chance at winning cash and other prizes! Proceeds benefit the OACAC Greene County Center’s poverty relief efforts. When: Saturday, April 8, 2023 from 9:30-11:30amChoose the round you want......
Our Taney County Neighborhood Center will be closed this afternoon, Thursday, March 9. Please find information and applications by navigating the links on our website....
Do you love Monopoly? Don’t miss the 12th Annual Ozark Mountain Monopoly Tournament on April 22, 2023. This event draws players from around the country, in benefit of the OACAC Stone County Neighborhood Center Client Emergency Fund, helping people in need. The tournament begins at......
Our 1st Annual Galentine’s Gala was held at Relics Event Center on Friday, February 3, 2023. What a blast! We had about 100 guests in attendance, who enjoyed dancing, music, a waffle bar, drinks, and a variety of inspired activities throughout the evening, all supporting......
Please take a few minutes to share your feedback on this Community Needs Assessment survey. A Community Needs Assessment is a process conducted by all Community Action Agencies every three years to determine the underlying causes and conditions of poverty within the community they serve......
OACAC offices and centers will be closed on Monday, February 20, 2023 in observance of Presidents’ Day....
Please join us in recognizing our Lawrence County board member, Scott Cloyd, for the insight and advocacy he brings to our board. Scott is instrumental in supporting our People’s Pantries project, often refurbishing, rebuilding, repairing, and restocking them. He is a champion of OACAC programs......
Now in its 12th year, Queen City Shout is Springfield’s largest showcase of music, film and art with its two-fold vision to Celebrate The Arts & Support Poverty Relief. QCS happens March 20-26 in Springfield, MO and we’re recruiting volunteers who want to hear some......
Adult Mental Health First Aid consists of 2-hours of self-paced content followed by 5.5 hours of instructor-led training between the hours of 9am-4pm. OACAC is proud to present this training free of charge to the public via Zoom. A link will be emailed after registration......
Youth Mental Health First Aid consists of 2-hours of self-paced content followed by 4.5 hours of instructor-led training between the hours of 9am-4pm. OACAC is proud to present this training free of charge to the public via Zoom. A link will be emailed after registration......
Due to winter weather, Neighborhood Centers in these counties are closed today: Barry, Dade, Dallas, Lawrence, Polk, Stone, Taney and Webster. The Christian County Neighborhood Center will close at 11am today. Our Central Office, Weatherization Office, Greene County Center, and all Head Start Centers will......
OACAC’s Galentine’s Gala is an evening of music, dancing, inspired activities, a waffle bar, and best of all, a night out among friends, new and old. When: Friday, Feb. 3 from 7-10pm Where: Relics Event Center in Springfield Link here to volunteer for a shift and your......
On Tuesday, Jan. 24, our Taney County Neighborhood Center will close at 2pm. Part-day and extended day Head Start classrooms with buses will release by 2pm. Full-day and extended day Head Start classrooms without buses will release at 3pm. The OACAC Central Office will close......
The vaccine clinic with Springfield-Greene County Health Department originally scheduled on Thursday, Jan. 26 has been rescheduled to Feb. 14 due to weather. Primary and secondary doses will be available, as will boosters. Individuals who receive the first booster (third dose) of the COVID-19 vaccine......
The agenda for the January 31, 2023 OACAC Area Board meeting is below....
We had a full house at Relics Event Center for our 3rd Annual MO Mac & Cheese Fest on 1/14/23! Thanks to the generosity of these participating vendors: (returning from 2019) Georgia Mac’s, The Pitch Pizza & Pub, Bricktown Brewery, 417 Taphouse, (new this year)......
Adult Mental Health First Aid consists of 2-hours of self-paced content followed by 5.5 hours of instructor-led training. Register here for the February 14, 2023 class Mental Health First Aid is an early intervention public education program. It teaches adults how to recognize the signs......
Our Dade County Neighborhood Center is closed today, Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, due to inclement weather....
OACAC offices and centers will be closed on Monday, January 16 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Information and applications can be found online at www.oac.ac. We invite you to stop by and visit us at the Springfield Multicultural Festival on Monday....
We are pleased to welcome Jennifer Olson as our Interim Executive Director. Jennifer is an AmeriCorps alumnus who has worked in the social services field since 1999. She has been part of the OACAC team since 2008, holding positions including Greene County Supervisor, Polk County......
In collaboration with the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, we’re hosting a COVID vaccination clinic on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023 from 1-3pm at our Central Office, 215 S. Barnes in Springfield. This clinic is free and open to the public. This is a booster only clinic......
In observance of New Year’s, OACAC offices and centers will be closed on Monday, January 2, 2023. Please visit our program tabs at www.oac.ac for information and applications....
We are saddened to hear about the passing of our friend and colleague, Tim Tuter. Tim was a valued Weatherization Crew Member for several years, and will be missed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. Visitation will be held on......
Due to inclement weather in the forecast, OACAC offices, Head Start Centers, and Neighborhood/Community Centers will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 22. The New to You thrift store in Buffalo will be closed, as well....
In observance of Christmas, OACAC offices and centers will be closed on Friday, Dec. 23 and Monday, Dec. 26. We’ll reopen on Tuesday, Dec. 27. Please visit our program tabs at 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! Get your ticket here. Ages 18+. Thanks......
All the cheesy, creamy delicious mac & cheese you can dream of will be under one roof at Relics Event Center this January. It’s sure to be a “gouda” time! From the deliciously classic to the wildly creative, there will all kinds of pairing noodles and cheese......
AND THE WINNER OF THE GIFT CARD DRAWING VALUED AT $800+ IS… KAREN WILSON! Thanks to everyone who purchased tickets, our Webster County Neighborhood Center raised over $1,850 to support poverty relief efforts....
Please join us in expressing our thanks to Christian County board member, Lynn Morris, for all he does! As you look around Christian County you will see Lynn helping out with a variety of projects and advocating for people locally and across Missouri. Lynn played......
Do you have a child or children registered with the Billings, MO school district? Today, 12/1/22, is the last day to register for the Holiday Shop, coming this Saturday!...
We wish a very happy retirement to Dani Underwood! Dani has been our Head Start Health Clerk, providing data entry of health, mental health, and nutrition information. She cared for all health files, dispensed health supplies, and so much more. Dani is dependable, efficient, a......
In memory and honor of former OACAC board member, Jack Gamble, the award for perfect attendance during the 2021-2022 fiscal year goes to our Greene County Advisory Board! We appreciate their dedication to OACAC, including the time, heart and advocacy they provide. Pictured L to......
With the retirement of Gail Reed, we are pleased to welcome Kimberly Healey as the new Supervisor of the Barry County Neighborhood Center. Kimberly says, “I am a long time Barry County resident. I am married and I have six kids. I started as a......
11/30/22: The following information was shared today from our Executive Director, Carl Rosenkranz, who is retiring on December 30. The OACAC Board of Directors approved the following recommendations of the Personnel Hiring Committee at its Board meeting on Tuesday, November 29: Board Appointments to be......
Alice 95.5, KGBX, US97, The Wolf & City Utilities of Springfield, MO have once again teamed up for Share The Light presented by Mr. Electric. Proceeds benefit Project SHARE, operated by OACAC, which helps struggling families with utility payments during winter months, one of the leading......
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 2022 Head Start Holiday Smiles campaign is to provide a dental exam for every child. There are 14 un......
All the cheesy, creamy delicious mac & cheese you can dream of will be under one roof at Relics Event Center this January. It’s sure to be a “gouda” time! From the deliciously classic to the wildly creative, there will all kinds of pairing noodles and cheese......
OACAC offices and centers will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 24 and Friday, Nov. 25 in observance of Thanksgiving. We’ll open for regular house on Monday, Nov. 28. We wish you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving!...
The agenda for the November 29, 2022 OACAC Area Board meeting is below....
On November 12, 1965, Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC), became incorporated. We’re proud to have served SW MO for 57 years and look forward to many more years ahead....
After 28 years of service, Gail Reed, Barry County Neighborhood Center Supervisor, is retiring. Join us in wishing Gail well as she begins a new chapter....
Calling all families in Ash Grove and Billings! The Holiday Shop is coming to your community on December 3. Registration by 12/1 is required. Click here to register for Ash Grove and here to register for Billings....
Over $800 in value and one winner takes all! Just in time for the holidays is your chance to win a great variety and assortment of gift cards and certificates including food, entertainment, home goods, and more! Proceeds support poverty relief through the services offered......
You are cordially invited to a retirement celebration honoring Carl Rosenkranz. Join us in person or by Zoom. Details below. Can’t make it in person? Join us on Zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86870231237?pwd=eTlkeEpSQTA0SlBqdGFCeDJhM3dZQT09 Meeting ID: 868 7023 1237Passcode: 521096Dial by your location: 1 (646) 931-3860...
OACAC offices and Neighborhood/Community Centers will be closed on Friday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day. Head Start Centers will be open....
This week we welcomed Jessica Csizmesia as our new Foster Grandparent Program Assistant Director. Jessica, whose last name is pronounced CHEZ-MEZ-E-UH, shares she was born and raised here in the Ozarks and loves our skies and little mountains. She graduated with an Associate of Arts......
A special board meeting will be held at 6pm on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at Southland Christian Church. See the attached agenda below....
OACAC Head Start is having a yard sale on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022 from 10am – 3pm. This cash only sale will be held at 2060 Airpark Road in Ozark. We hope to see you there!...
In collaboration with the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, we’re hosting a COVID vaccination clinic on November 3, 2022 from 1-3pm at our Central Office, 215 S. Barnes in Springfield. This clinic is free and open to the public. This is a booster only clinic –......
10/12/22: A ribbon cutting was held today at the Republic Senior Center -Gerry Pool Senior Friendship Center to introduce a Tower Farm to the community. This Tower Farm will serve as a source of nutrition to many, as well as offer opportunities for people to......
Join us along with Republic Parks & Recreation and the McCauley Foundation for the official ribbon cutting ceremony for the Republic Community Gardens’ Tower Farm® at the Gerry Pool Senior Friendship Center, located at 210 E. Hines. The Tower Farm® will be a valuable addition......
Our Dade County Neighborhood Center is open in their new location at 803 S. Main in Lockwood and their have a new phone number, (417) 232-8020. Food Mobile and Commodity distributions will remain in Greenfield with partner, Main Street Baptist Church....
OACAC offices and centers will be closed on Monday, Oct. 10 in observance of the holiday. For information and applications, please visit www.oac.ac....
When you dine out at Post Game Pizza in Marshfield on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022, a portion of your total will benefit poverty relief efforts in Webster County. We hope you’ll make plans to treat yourself to something delicious! When: Open to close on 10/19/22......
We are pleased to recognize the guy that is ALWAYS there for all of us. He’s the guy who is prepared to sign off on a grant, on a moment’s notice, for any program and county. He’s the guy who shows up to every board......
Congratulations to our colleague, Nancy Masner, for celebrating 40 years with OACAC! Nancy, who serves as our Housing Assistance Program Director, was recognized during our Area Board meeting on 9/27/22. Nancy is pictured below accepting her service award from Carl Rosenkranz, Executive Director....
September 28, 2022: OACAC Foster Grandparent Volunteers were recognized and celebrated today for the time and heart they put into improving the lives of children. Volunteers serve at stations in a 14-county area of Southwest Missouri. Today was also a celebration of the 50th anniversary......
Our Dade County Neighborhood Center is moving to Lockwood! The current center will be closed this Thursday and Friday, Sept. 29 and 30 for the move, with plans to open in the new location, 803 Main, on Monday, Oct. 3. Food Mobile and Commodity distributions......
The agenda for the September 27, 2022 OACAC Area Board meeting is below....
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....
Friday, October 14, 2022 from 5-8pm, the crazy antics of the OACAC Stone County board returns for a rousing night of football themed CHILINGO – don’t miss it! $25/person provides 10 BINGO cards, endless chili, a dessert and beverage, and loads of fun and chances......
Join us for a round of mini golf and tasty morning treats for a great cause and chance at winning cash and other prizes! Proceeds benefit the OACAC Greene County Center’s poverty relief efforts. When: Saturday, April 8, 2023 from 9:30-11:30amChoose the round you want......
We have partnered with the City of Republic to create a sustainable People’s Pantry which provides food to the community, as well as horticulture therapy opportunities for seniors. This pantry, along with a Tower Farm, is located at the Senior Center in Republic, MO. The......
Our Greene County Center is a partner with Generations Village, located in Willard. We had the pleasure of attending the groundbreaking this week and look forward to providing case management, life skills, and support to the foster youth, families and seniors who will be living......
Today our Executive Director, Carl Rosenkranz, celebrates 51 years with OACAC. While a lot has changed since that Monday in 1971, Carl’s dedication to serving the communities of Southwest Missouri has not. Thank you, Carl, for being a mentor, advocate, and voice for many. You......
September 12, 2022: Today we welcome Melanie Bond Willenbrock as our new Foster Grandparent Program Director. Hello, my name is Melanie and I am so excited for this new journey as the Program Director of the OACAC Foster Grandparent Program! A little about me: I......
**As of September 2022, the date has been changed from November 5, 2022 to January 14, 2023. All the cheesy, creamy delicious mac & cheese you can dream of will be under one roof at Relics Event Center this January. It’s sure to be a......
Congratulations to these OACAC staff for reaching milestones in their employment! Cathy Sells, Weatherization Data Processor, 30 years Ashley Raney, Head Start Field Staff, 20 years Missy Gould, Family Planning Clinic Assistant, 15 years Susan Peden, Polk County Community Center Supervisor, 15 years Caryn Mackie,......
We’re pleased to recognize Taney County Board Member, Carla Perry, as our board member for August 2022. Carla is authentic and compassionate, a selfless individual and tireless advocate for those we serve. Unsurprisingly, that’s been the case since long before she accepted the nomination to......
OACAC offices and centers will be closed on Monday, September 5 in observance of Labor Day. We’ll reopen for regular business hours on Tuesday....
The Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) was developed to meet a data collection requirement made by the United States Congress and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Read the HMIS Privacy and Security notice here....
The agenda for the August 30, 2022 OACAC Area Board meeting is below....
Our Dade County Neighborhood Center is moving this fall from Greenfield to Lockwood. See below for details of the move....
ShowMe Healthy Relationships (SMHR) is a free eight-week course for single adults who wish to strengthen interpersonal relationships, build strong communication and problem-solving skills, recognize healthy and unhealthy relationship habits, understand personal goals for a committed relationship, and more. A new series of classes will begin......
Join the Be Well team as we recognize National Suicide Prevention Month by coming together to experience healing connection and to continue to build lives worth living. Led by licensed psychologist Dr. Shelly Farnan and the Be Well Community team, this experience is presented in......
We’re holding a warehouse closing shopping event on Aug. 25! Those interested must register in advance with the local OACAC Neighborhood Center to get a shopping pass....
Our Polk County Community Center will be closed on Friday, Aug. 5; however, the phone will be answered. Please call 417-326-6276 for an appointment or information....
All the ooey gooey, creamy delicious mac & cheese you can dream of will be under one roof this November! This first of its kind to Springfield event will be held at Relics Event Center on November 5, 2022 from 11am – 1:30pm. This will......
We’d like to thank the Warm Line volunteers, callers, and community for supporting our partnership with NAMI in the last year and a half. August 20 will be the last day for the operation of the local Warm Line, (417) 864-3676. After August 20, people......
(July 26, 2022) Following 51 years as an employee of Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC), with 48 of those years as Executive Director, Carl Rosenkranz has announced he will be retiring in December 2022. “It has been a privilege to be a part of......
Our Stone County Neighborhood Center will be closed on Friday, July 29....
Through intentional self-care and connection, the Be Well Community brings brain science to life to help us experience hope and healing. This event is free and open to the public to attend. When: Friday, August 12, 2022 from 11am – Noon via Zoom Join Zoom......
Today we wish our Executive Director, Carl Rosenkranz, a very happy birthday! In 1970, Carl started his career at OACAC as a VISTA volunteer. All these years later, his life’s work and dedication to improving the quality of life for people in SW MO continues....
Head Start is having an indoor sale on Thursday, July 28 from 9:30am-1pm. Find all kinds of classroom items priced to sell! 637 W. Tampa in Springfield. Cash only, no holds....
It is with sadness we share the passing of our longtime friend, Judy Hargis. Judy began her career at OACAC in 1978 and retired last August. Through the years, Judy made many positive impacts in the community she loved, and she was truly a difference......
Greene County residents who are 60+ may apply for assistance by calling our Greene County Center at (417) 447-0554. Our thanks to the Greene County Senior Citizens’ Services Board for supporting the wellbeing of local seniors....
Registration for our Christian County Neighborhood Center’s Back to School Fair is open through Aug. 5. Would your family benefit from assistance purchasing school supplies? Call (417) 581-7631 to register. Eligibility requirements apply....
Are you an Amazon shopper? When you start with a smile at http://smile.amazon.com and select Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation as your charitable organization of choice, we receive a donation supporting poverty relief. AmazonSmile is available year-round, including Prime Day on July 12-13! Thanks for......
In collaboration with the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, we’re hosting a COVID vaccination clinic on Wednesday, August 17 from 1pm – 3pm at our Central Office, 215 S. Barnes in Springfield. This clinic is free and open to the public. Individuals who receive a primary......
In collaboration with the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, we’re hosting a COVID vaccination clinic on Wednesday, July 27 from Noon – 2pm at our Central Office, 215 S. Barnes in Springfield. This clinic is free and open to the public. Individuals who receive a primary......
OACAC offices and centers will be closed on Monday, July 4 for the holiday. We’ll reopen on Tuesday, July 5. Head Start Centers will remain closed on July 5. Applications and information about programs, employment, events, and more can be found by navigating our website....
Head Start is having an indoor sale on Thursday, June 23 from 9am-3pm. Find books, puzzles, games, tables, children’s rocking chairs, classroom shelving units, and more! 4765 South 131st Road in Bolivar. Cash only, no holds....
Are you an Amazon shopper? When you start with a smile at http://smile.amazon.com and select Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation as your charitable organization of choice, we receive a donation supporting poverty relief. Amazon Prime Day is coming July 12-13 but smile.amazon.com can be used......
Now Enrolling / Ahora Registrando! Monett Head Start, ages 3-5 / edad 3-5 años. Call / llamar Guadalupe Meza at (417) 235-8779....
Are you a Christian County resident, age 60+? Do you need a fan for your home? The Christian County Senior Tax Board has fans available. Call the Ozark or Nixa Senior Center for info. Ozark Senior Center, 727 N 9th, 417-581-2538 Nixa Senior Center, 404......
ShowMe Healthy Relationships (SMHR) is a free eight-week course for single adults who wish to strengthen interpersonal relationships, build strong communication and problem-solving skills, recognize healthy and unhealthy relationship habits, understand personal goals for a committed relationship, and more. A new series of classes will begin......
