WHAT IS OUR NETWORK?

Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) is part of a network of private, non-profit organizations that were created by the federal government in 1964 to combat poverty. Community Action Agencies have a tripartite board structure that is designated to promote the participation of the entire community to assist low-income families. Community Action Agencies seek to involve the community, including elected public officials, private sector representatives, and especially residents who live on limited incomes, in assessing local needs and combating the causes and conditions of poverty.

OACAC is one of 19 Community Action Agencies across the state of Missouri, helping people achieve self-sufficiency.  The statewide association of all 19 Community Action Agencies is the Missouri Community Action Network – Missouri CAN.   To learn more about Missouri CAN or to find a Community Action Agency serving a specific region in the state, please visit http://www.communityaction.org/.

WHAT MAKES OACAC UNIQUE?

In November 1965, the Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) was organized as a non-profit agency designed to work toward alleviating the causes and conditions of poverty in Southwest Missouri. Today, OACAC serves the low-income population in ten counties: Barry, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Greene, Lawrence, Polk, Stone, Taney and Webster. OACAC is funded in part by the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). Throughout the years, programs have been implemented to focus on new issues, modified to meet the changing needs of the community, and have been spun off to other agencies to meet the challenges in the Ozarks area more effectively and efficiently.

PURPOSE AND MISSION

In order to reduce poverty in its community, a Community Action Agency works to better focus available local, state, private, and federal resources to assist low-income individuals and families to acquire useful skills and knowledge, gain access to new opportunities and achieve economic self-sufficiency.

STRUCTURE

A Community Action Agency:

MODE OF OPERATION

A Community Action Agency carries out its mission through a variety of means including:

Steven’s Amendment: This project/program is funded 100% at $1,867,621.00 with federal funds received from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provided by the Missouri Department of Social Services.