Programs

In 1966, OACAC began operating programs to address the causes of poverty in Southwest Missouri. Throughout the years, programs have been implemented to focus on new issues, modified to meet the changing needs of the Ozarks and have been spun off to other agencies to meet the challenges in the Ozarks area more effectively and efficiently.

Available Programs
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Family Planning
Offers reproductive health care for women including yearly exams, health screenings, birth control, STD screening and treatment on a sliding fee scale.

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Foster Grandparents
A volunteer program for low income senior citizens, who are 55 years of age or older, which provides an hourly stipend for time spent volunteering with at-risk children in the community (through local non-profit agencies and schools).
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Head Start
A pre-school experience for children, aged three to five, from income eligible families. Children are taught to have positive attitudes about themselves and their learning and also receive dental and health screenings. Full and part-time services may be available. Early Head Start services include child-care for children birth to three and services for pregnant women.
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Housing
Subsidizes rent for income-eligible households making it possible for them to live in a home which is decent, safe, sanitary and affordable. Available in the ten counties OACAC serves (except the city of Springfield.

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LIHEAP
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers two programs; Energy Assistance which provides a one-time payment for assistance with winter heating costs for income eligible households and the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) which provides relief for eligible households to alleviate an energy-related crisis during the winter and summer months.
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Neighborhood Centers
Provides community projects and activities designed to eliminate the  conditions of poverty and to help families in crisis. Emergency funds are available to be used for items such as food, clothing, prescriptions and more.

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Weatherization
Provides free services to income eligible homeowners or renters to make their home more energy efficient.