(417) 862 - 4314 [email protected]

Monday, June 5, 2023: Our Christian County Neighborhood Center’s phones are down. We are working with the phone company to get this fixed asap. Thanks for understanding....

05 June, 2023 /

Head Start is having a sale on Friday, June 9, 2023. Details below. No holds, please....

05 June, 2023 /

OACAC is seeking proposals for auditing services. The award will be for a five-year period beginning with the 2023 Fiscal Year (October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023). This audit will cover all financial records of the organization, and is to be made in accordance......

01 June, 2023 /

Trivia Night at Finnegan’s Wake is back! Finnegan’s Wake will be hosting Mean Girls Trivia Night on Wednesday, June 28th at 7pm to benefit back to school efforts at our Greene County Center, ensuring children and teens have the tools they need to start the......

31 May, 2023 /

Our Greene County Center will be closing at noon for work on the building on Friday, June 2 and Friday, June 23. Thank you for understanding....

30 May, 2023 /

We’re pleased to recognize Lori Letterman as our Board Member for May! Lori has a genuine heart for people and makes a positive difference everyday. Lori supports our Webster County Neighborhood Center’s mission to relieve poverty in a myriad of ways, from giving time and......

25 May, 2023 /

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......

25 May, 2023 /

OACAC offices and centers will be closed on Monday, May 29 in observance of Memorial Day. Information and applications can be found by navigating the tabs on our website. We’ll open for regular business hours on Tuesday, May 30....

24 May, 2023 /

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......

24 May, 2023 /

Tuesday, May 23, 2023: As of 11am, our Dade County Neighborhood Center has closed temporarily for the day. We’ll post when it has reopened. For information and applications, please visit www.oac.ac. Thank you. UPDATE: The Center is open as of 1pm on May 23....

23 May, 2023 /

We are pleased to introduce Jessica Csizmesia as our new Foster Grandparent Director. Jessica has served as the Foster Grandparent Assistant Director since October of 2022, and says, “I am beyond honored and excited to become Director of a wonderful program and our Foster Grandparents.”...

23 May, 2023 /

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....

19 May, 2023 /

We are pleased to be a non-profit sponsor of Ozarks Pridefest this year. We’ll be there all day, starting with the parade in the morning, so stop by and say hi! We’ll have fun games, giveaways, and some items for sale, including mystery grab bags.......

17 May, 2023 /

We’re pleased to continue working with the Springfield-Greene County Health Department to offer a COVID-19 vaccine clinic on Tuesday, June 6. It’s free and open to the public and will be held from 1-3pm at our Central Office, 215 S. Barnes in Springfield. Find more......

16 May, 2023 /

We have adopted the stretch of road on College from Park to Chestnut Expressway, and on Wednesday, May 10, we completed our first clean up project. It was a beautiful morning to be outside and we enjoyed the work. We were surprised by the number......

10 May, 2023 /

On Friday, March 31, 2023, the Missouri Department of Economic Development’s Office of Broadband Development announced $250,000 in Digital Equity Act funds through its Digital Demonstration Projects Grant Program. The program is focused on supporting digital opportunities statewide to help extend the benefits of the......

03 May, 2023 /

We’re pleased to welcome Aimee Adams as our new OACAC Family Planning Nurse Practitioner. Aimee has been an RN for 25 years and worked in Family Practice before that. She grew up in Texas and Poplar Bluff, MO, and it was her son’s college experience......

27 April, 2023 /

On April 25, 2023, we welcomed Jennifer “Jenn” Gomez as our new ShowMe Healthy Relationships SW MO Program Manager! Jenn has completed two years of national service through AmeriCorps and has various non-profit experience including international disaster response, volunteer coordination, mental health, and child welfare.......

26 April, 2023 /

Media contacts:                                                                                                                         Betty Reno – OACAC Dade County Neighborhood Center (417) 232-8020 | [email protected] Jordan Browning – Ozarks Food Harvest (417) 865-3411 ext. 129 or (417) 844-4031 cell | [email protected] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OACAC-Dade County Neighborhood Center receives capacity building grant from Ozarks Food......

20 April, 2023 /

Please join us in welcoming Bridgette Allen as our new CSBG Assistant Director, beginning 4/24/23. Bridgette has been serving Missourians as the OACAC ShowMe Healthy Relationships Program Manager. She says, “I so look forward to returning to CSBG and working with the amazing individuals who......

20 April, 2023 /

Please join us in welcoming Bill Bell as our new Greene County Center Supervisor, beginning Monday, April 24. Bill has held various positions throughout his lifetime but says the “job of Family Resource Specialist has been the most fulfilling job I have held.” Bill has......

19 April, 2023 /

“I’m very happy to be in the OACAC Home Based Program, it’s helped me through so much. Not only with my child but myself too! ” Daisy, pictured left, met Brenda Sanchez-Acuna, OACAC Head Start Home Visitor, through a family member enrolled in the Early......

19 April, 2023 /

Our 2022 annual report is filled with highlights from the year, program information, generous donors, and more. Take a look here....

17 April, 2023 /

We’re pleased to announce Cassie Melvin as our new CSBG Director! Cassie has been with our CSBG Neighborhood/Community Centers program for six years, most recently as our Greene County Center Supervisor. Cassie says, “I enjoy how client focused OACAC is, and am excited for this......

07 April, 2023 /

OACAC Head Start is proud to receive funding from Abilities First to support full participation and inclusion of young children with special needs....

05 April, 2023 /

On Friday, March 31, 2023, the Missouri Department of Economic Development’s Office of Broadband Development announced $250,000 in Digital Equity Act funds through its Digital Demonstration Projects Grant Program. The program is focused on supporting digital opportunities statewide to help extend the benefits of the......

04 April, 2023 /

(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......

27 March, 2023 /

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......

09 March, 2023 /

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......

09 March, 2023 /

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......

09 March, 2023 /

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......

03 March, 2023 /

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......

16 February, 2023 /

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......

15 February, 2023 /

OACAC offices and centers will be closed on Monday, February 20, 2023 in observance of Presidents’ Day....

14 February, 2023 /

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......

08 February, 2023 /

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......

07 February, 2023 /

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......

07 February, 2023 /

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......

07 February, 2023 /

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......

30 January, 2023 /

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......

24 January, 2023 /

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......

24 January, 2023 /

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......

24 January, 2023 /

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)......

18 January, 2023 /

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......

17 January, 2023 /

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....

11 January, 2023 /

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......

06 January, 2023 /

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......

28 December, 2022 /

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....

28 December, 2022 /

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......

28 December, 2022 /

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....

21 December, 2022 /

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....

19 December, 2022 /

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......

15 December, 2022 /

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......

12 December, 2022 /

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....

08 December, 2022 /

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......

06 December, 2022 /

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!...

01 December, 2022 /

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......

30 November, 2022 /

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......

30 November, 2022 /

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......

30 November, 2022 /

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......

30 November, 2022 /

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......

28 November, 2022 /

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......

23 November, 2022 /

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......

23 November, 2022 /

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!...

21 November, 2022 /

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....

12 November, 2022 /

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....

10 November, 2022 /

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....

10 November, 2022 /

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......

08 November, 2022 /

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...

08 November, 2022 /

OACAC offices and Neighborhood/Community Centers will be closed on Friday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day. Head Start Centers will be open....

07 November, 2022 /

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......

27 October, 2022 /

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!...

24 October, 2022 /

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 –......

18 October, 2022 /

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......

12 October, 2022 /

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......

11 October, 2022 /

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....

05 October, 2022 /

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......

04 October, 2022 /

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......

29 September, 2022 /

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....

29 September, 2022 /

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......

28 September, 2022 /

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......

27 September, 2022 /

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....

20 September, 2022 /

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......

20 September, 2022 /

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......

16 September, 2022 /

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......

16 September, 2022 /

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......

16 September, 2022 /

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......

13 September, 2022 /