Know Yourself, Grow Your Wealth 11 Apr 9:02 AM (yesterday, 9:02 am)
The American College of Financial Services is offering a free state-of-the-art education and empowerment e-learning experience for those who want to improve their understanding of money and personal finance. It’s best for ages 18+, college students, adult learners, career readiness, and employee wellbeing. The class takes 4-6 hours, is gamified and along the way, participants can earn four different digital badges. This course is free for everyone who is interested. Register here.
A Message From Family Planning 9 Apr 2:28 PM (3 days ago)
The graphic below from Missouri Family Health Council, Inc. was shared on Facebook on 4/1/25. It states, “For decades, MFHC has been proud to lead the Title X family planning program, supporting a network delivering high-quality, affordable healthcare to tens of thousands of Missourians and Oklahomans every day. Withholding these critical funds, even temporarily, threatens the essential sexual and reproductive healthcare communities depend on.” -Michelle Trupiano, MFHC Executive Director.
This funding directly impacts the care provided at OACAC Family Planning and supports patient services in our communities. In addition to this funding, OACAC Family Planning relies on donations from patients, organizations and our community to ensure there is not a gap in services provided.
If you feel inclined to support our mission, visit www.oac.ac/donate and select Family Planning or come by the clinic. To all our patients, friends thinking of us during this difficult time, and supporters, our many thanks.
LIHEAP Update 4 Apr 8:48 AM (8 days ago)
(April 4, 2025) This week, all Federal staff responsible for managing the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) were laid off. Funding for LIHEAP has been appropriated and we want to assure our community we are continuing to provide these critically important services. We are staying up-to-date on developments and will share those, as necessary.
LIHEAP is a proven, results-driven initiative that helps hard-working American families afford essential heating and cooling services. The LIHEAP Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) provides utility assistance and relief for eligible households which are facing a crisis such as a disconnection. Since November 1, 2024, OACAC’s LIHEAP office has processed applications for 3,294 households. Of these, 1,919 were to households with elderly and/or disabled residents. The LIHEAP Energy Assistance Program (EA) provides a one-time payment for assistance with winter heating costs. Since November 1, 2024, OACAC’s LIHEAP office has assisted 12,589 households in Southwest Missouri with EA. Of these, 8,709 were households with elderly and/or disabled applicants.
“LIHEAP plays a critical role in supporting our community—especially seniors and families—by helping them manage the cost of essential utility services. Each year, approximately 4,000 of our customers rely on this assistance to keep their lights on, homes warm, and basic services connected. Utilities aren’t luxuries; they’re necessities,” stated Cindy Shipley with City Utilities. “No one should have to choose between paying a utility bill and putting food on the table or purchasing medication. LIHEAP ensures that during times of financial hardship, families don’t spiral further into crisis. It’s more than just help with a bill—it’s about stability, dignity, and wellbeing.”
Nationwide, in 2023, LIHEAP prevented energy disconnections or reconnected households 2.75 million times. Energy assistance helped lift 34,000 children and 68,000 older adults out of poverty. LIHEAP plays a crucial role in helping income-constrained families afford energy costs, prevention disconnections, and improving energy efficiency, ultimately impacting poverty levels and enhancing the overall well-being and safety of vulnerable households. (https://neuac.org)
LIHEAP payments go directly to local utility companies, ensuring that businesses remain stable while keeping families focused on building financial independence. Craig Huff with Southwest Electric Cooperative stated, “The relationships we have built with the team at OACAC have made it very smooth to get the correct information to them and for us to be able to refer members to them. This helps speed up the process of getting the proper paperwork filed so the member can get the assistance they need to either keep from being disconnected or getting them reconnected in a timely matter.”
To apply, visit https://oac.ac/liheap-energy-programs/ to access the 2025 application. Applicants may also pick up an application at the OACAC Central Office in Springfield, at any OACAC CSBG Neighborhood/Community Center, or call (417) 864-3460 to request one be mailed.
Early Closure Greene County Center 27 Mar 10:43 AM (16 days ago)
March 27, 2025: Due to an unexpected maintenance issue, our Greene County Center will be closed for the remainder of today and all of Friday, March 28.
Recognizing Katrina Green 27 Mar 10:37 AM (16 days ago)
We are pleased to recognize Katrina Green as our board member for March! Katrina can be found at just about any OACAC fundraiser, event, and meeting, lending a hand and actively engaged in countless ways. For more than 10 years, she has been an advocate for the clients we serve, helping connect them with resources, information, and services. She is also an advocate for our team at OACAC, supporting us in the work we do. She hardly knows a stranger and that warmth translates to her service as a board member. Katrina serves as the President of our Foster Grandparent Program Advisory Council and the Vice President of our Area Board. Thank you, Katrina!
Late Opening: Barry & Lawrence 25 Mar 1:58 PM (18 days ago)
On Wednesday, March 26, OACAC Neighborhood Centers in Barry and Lawrence counties will be closed in the morning. Both will open at 1pm.
Board Meeting Agenda: 3/25/25 21 Mar 1:43 PM (22 days ago)
The OACAC Area Board will meet at 6pm on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 via Zoom and individual locations. The meeting agenda is below.
Taney County Vehicle Giveaway 2025 21 Mar 1:22 PM (22 days ago)
Thanks to a generous donor, our Taney County Neighborhood Center has a 2006 Toyota Sienna to give away! To enter, call (417) 350-5544 to schedule an appointment. Must complete an intake and be income eligible, as well as a Taney County resident. Appointments are available through March 31. One winner will be randomly selected and notified in early April.
PEP Recruitment 13 Mar 1:48 PM (last month)
The Patient Empowerment Project (PEP) is a transformative advocacy cohort designed to equip individuals with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to become powerful advocates for healthcare change. Participants will receive comprehensive advocacy training, personalized one-on-one support, and the unique opportunity to tour the State Capitol and meet with elected officials, directly influencing policy decisions. As part of the program, individuals will also lead a grassroots initiative, fostering community involvement and raising awareness about critical healthcare issues in Southwest Missouri. With access to educational resources and financial support, the Patient Empowerment Project ensures that every participant is empowered to make a lasting impact, advocating for policies that improve care and outcomes. This initiative is a vital step toward creating a more informed, engaged, and influential communities.
Interested in joining the cohort? Participants must be 200% of the Federal Poverty Guideline. Call 417-873-3372 to find out more information.
| Household Size | 200% Poverty |
| 1 | $ 30,120 |
| 2 | $ 40,880 |
| 3 | $ 51,640 |
| 4 | $ 62,400 |
| 5 | $ 73,160 |
| 6 | $ 83,920 |
| 7 | $ 94,680 |
| 8 | $ 105,440 |
| 9 | $ 116,200 |
| 10 | $ 126,960 |
| 11 | $ 137,720 |
| 12 | $ 148,480 |
Summer Tour 13 Mar 1:46 PM (last month)
This Summer, we invite you to stop by our OACAC Central Office for a tour of our building. Meet our team, hear about our programs and successes, see our Family Planning Clinic, and more! Free and open to the community.
The tour will begin at 2pm and conclude by 3pm on Monday, June 16, 2025.
