Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) is a nonprofit agency dedicated to fighting poverty in the Ozarks. As part of a nationwide network of Community Action Agencies, OACAC offers innovative programs and expanded services to alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty. OACAC's initiatives focus on empowering individuals and families to make positive choices and attain self-sufficiency.

Their services include Family Planning, where they provide quality reproductive health care and resources for families, and Foster Grandparents, where volunteers 55 and older share their time and talents with children in Southwest Missouri. OACAC also operates Neighborhood Centers that offer a range of assistance, from Life Skills Classes to Emergency Aid. One of OACAC's key programs is Head Start, which prepares children for success in their education and supports healthy development for both kids and families.

Additionally, OACAC provides support in the areas of Housing and Utilities. They offer assistance with rental payments, winter heating bills through their LIHEAP Energy Programs, and weatherization services to improve home energy efficiency and reduce costs. OACAC is committed to fighting poverty through community projects that raise awareness and foster empathy.

These projects include the Poverty Simulation, which brings to life the daily challenges faced by low-income residents, the REALL Simulation that encourages teens to consider the long-term impacts of their choices, and the VOICE Experience, which introduces elementary students to various career fields. You can also support OACAC by shopping through Amazon Smile, where 0. 5% of your purchase goes towards their educational programs, healthcare initiatives, affordable housing projects, and other community endeavors.

Whether you're looking to apply for assistance, volunteer, or make a donation, OACAC invites you to join them in their mission to create a better quality of life for all residents of Southwest Missouri. Contact them today to get involved!