OZARKS AREA COMMUNITY ACTION CORPORATION
OACAC is a nonprofit agency working to alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty in the Ozarks.
As part of a nationwide network of Community Action Agencies, OACAC continues the fight against poverty with innovative programs and expanded services for children through Head Start and Early Head Start.
From developing programs for families to initiating community projects, OACAC is committed to making the Ozarks a better place to live and work for all residents.
COMMUNITY CARE
OACAC’s Community Care initiatives empower individuals and families to make smart choices and attain self-sufficiency. Services include Family Planning, Foster Grandparents, Neighborhood Centers, and Head Start.
Family Planning
OACAC provides quality reproductive health care and resources to help families determine the number and spacing of children.
Foster Grandparent
Volunteers 55 and older share their time, talents, and encouragement with children throughout Southwest Missouri.
Neighborhood Centers
From Life Skills Classes to Emergency Assistance, OACAC helps residents with long- and short-term needs.
Head Start
Head Start prepares children for a lifetime of learning success and fosters healthy development for kids and families.
HOUSING & UTILITIES
Need help with rent? Housing provides assistance with monthly rental payments. Looking for assistance paying your utility bill? LIHEAP provides assistance with winter heating and summer cooling. Weatherization boosts the energy-efficiency of your home and saves you money on electricity and gas. Contact your local OACAC office to apply.
Housing Assistance
OACAC helps low-income residents with rental payments so that they may have access to safe, sanitary, and affordable housing.
LIHEAP Energy Programs
OACAC helps you stay warm all winter long. Qualified residents may receive assistance with winter heating bills.
Weatherization
Insulation and repairs improve the energy efficiency of your home, keep you warm, and reduce your heating costs.
COMMUNITY PROJECTS
In addition to direct assistance to our low-income neighbors, OACAC fights poverty through hands-on learning experiences that raise awareness and empathy, and help young people to make wise choices in life. Community projects include our Poverty Simulation, REALL Simulation, and VOICE Experience.
Poverty Simulation
What do you do when the cost of living outstrips income? OACAC brings to life the difficult choices low-income residents have to make every day.
REALL Simulation
OACAC challenges teens to think critically about how the choices they make today will impact their lives for years to come.
VOICE Experience
Through a hands-on introduction to a variety of career fields, OACAC encourages elementary students to dream big!
SHOP AND DONATE
Shop at Amazon. Fight local poverty. It’s that simple! Whenever you shop through Amazon Smile, 0.5% of your purchase goes to OACAC. It’s an easy and convenient way to support educational programs, healthcare, affordable housing, and other community projects that make Southwest Missouri an even better place to live.
VOLUNTEER TODAY
When you help a neighbor, you’re building a stronger community for all of us!
DONATE TODAY
Your gift is an investment in the success of communities throughout Southwest Missouri.