Thank you to all who joined us in celebrating our 60th anniversary this week on 11/19/25! We’re deeply grateful for our community, partners, friends, dedicated staff, and board members who make our mission possible each day. A special thank you to Mayor Schrag for honoring...
You are cordially invited to OACAC’s Anniversary Open House — a celebration of 60 years of planting hope, nurturing change, and growing strong communities. Join us for a come-and-go celebration with an opening presentation and Mayor’s proclamation at 1pm. Then visit stations throughout the building, talk...
Save the date! OACAC's 60th Anniversary Open House will take place on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 from 1-3pm at OACAC's Central Office, 215 S. Barnes in Springfield, MO. This is a come and go event with history, fun, and memorabilia through the decades. More details...
Adam Dixon, June 5, 2025 "Cardboard tube fights after wrapping presents for the kids," says Janie. I pause and ask for clarification, imagining feral three-year-olds let loose in the classroom with tube-swords in hand. Janie laughs and corrects my mental picture." The memories come rushing out, as...
We thank Peggy for telling her story below. It's one of resilience, and we are happy to be a small part of her big success. It all started two years ago. I was in an abusive situation that wasn’t getting better, I thought I could handle...
In the heart of a small town, there was a program that changed lives—The Head Start Program. For many, it was just a name, but for me, it was a lifeline. I still remember my own childhood filled with vibrant colors, laughter, and the warmth...
A Journey of Growth and Transformation with OACAC Head Start by Angie Presley OACAC Head Start has been a beacon of hope and a pillar of support for my family and me. We are a blended family, and I am a mother of 3 children and...
"Head Start is a wonderful and much needed program. The skills my children will carry on as they navigate through life are amazing and all due to the program." Marcella is a proud parent whose children learned a lot from attending Head Start. Read her full...
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,...
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,...