2012 Annual Report - Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation

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OACAC PROGRAMS LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) The mission of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is to assist low income households that have an energy related crisis. Energy Assistance (EA) The Winter Heating Energy Assistance Program (EA) provides a one-time payment for assistance with winter heating costs for low-income households (based on household size and income). The program runs from October through March. Applicants must first apply for EA before being considered for the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP). Words of Thanks... “I wonder how one says thanks for making our lives easier and more peaceful! So much pressure taken off us about heat for the winter. Your response time and return calls were most refreshing. Your department has the most competent people anywhere I've ever had the pleasure to assist me in my life of 52 years. Thank you more than words!" Robert & Christina The Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) The Energy Crisis Intervention Program provides utility assistance and relief for eligible households to alleviate energy-related crises. The Winter Program runs from October through May while the Summer Cooling Program is from June through September. Applicants must have received a notice of termination, had services terminated or be a COD propane customer to be eligible for the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP). 12 Project SHARE - A City Utilities Program in Partnership with OACAC Project SHARE primarily helps seniors and families to keep their utilities from being terminated. The program runs January through May and is administered through OACAC. Contributions for Project SHARE come from City Utilities (CU) customers. They can add a little extra to their monthly utility bill or send direct donations to the program. Last year, Project SHARE donations totaled over $105,000. Program Year: October 1 - September 30 Funding Sources for LIHEAP: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Missouri Department of Social Services, Family Support Division Budget: 10% Administration 90% Direct Services Phone: 417-864-3460 Fax: 417-864-3472
Neighborhood Centers OACAC Neighborhood Centers are “the point of entry” for those in need of services. OACAC will help with: • Case Management: A program providing support to address barriers which may be getting in the way of self-sufficiency. This program also provides long-term support focusing on achieving a specific vocational goal, such as employment or education. • Life Skills Classes: We offer a variety of classes aimed at helping overcome obstacles resulting from poverty. Workshops cover many subjects including: Finding and Keeping a Job, Budgeting, Money Management, Nutrition, Health Management, and Parenting Skills The Journey of Success Moving the Coffey's toward self-sufficiency The road starts out full of bumps and curves….the first part of 2012 found them living in Diamond, MO when Mrs. Coffey lost her job due to illness and Mr. Coffey had to address a legal situation. After serving 40 days in jail, Mr. Coffey was able to get a job in Springfield where he commuted back and forth. But the couple got behind on their rent and they lost their home in Diamond. They moved to Springfield and lived at a weekly rental until Mr. Coffey’s employment was terminated, which left them homeless. Mr. Coffey moved into the Victory Mission and Mrs. Coffey went to stay at Safe to Sleep. Every morning for two weeks, Mrs. Coffey would call the Salvation Army and Missouri Hotel to try and obtain shelter. Finally the door opened for them to reside at the Salvation Army. Through a partnership with Salvation Army, Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC)staff offered a life skills class called “Journeying to a Career.” Mr. and Mrs. Coffey attended the class and signed up for case management. The couple established goals for employment, transportation and housing. Although The Coffeys had a vehicle, it desperately needed repairs. Their goal was to use this vehicle to assist with their employment search as the bus routes OACAC PROGRAMS were limited. The OACAC Family Resource Specialist (FRS) connected the family with GearHead Ministries, which provides vehicle repairs for low-income individuals. Unfortunately, the mechanics determined the car was not able to be repaired. Instead of repairs, GearHead Ministries blessed the Coffey’s with a 1994 Oldsmobile in good working condition. Through assistance from the Greene County Center’s Emergency Funds, the Coffeys were able to obtain the vehicle and proceed with licensing and insuring it. To help with the on-going expenses of car ownership, OACAC gave them information about Bryles Research to obtain income for gasoline and other expenses. Mr. Coffey applied and participated in a paid survey for the upcoming health reform. Before obtaining dependable transportation, Mr. Coffey would apply on-line for employment. However, within a few weeks after obtaining the car, he applied in person at Northeastern Diesel Services and was hired the same day. OACAC was able to secure a gasoline voucher through the Greene County Center emergency dollars to help until Mr. Coffey obtained his first paycheck. OACAC also gave them the list of all the subsidized housing in Greene County. The couple completed the poverty simulation training and plan to volunteer soon. It is clear to see that a small donation to the Greene County Emergency Fund helped this couple move from being employment seeking to becoming fully employed. OACAC Case Management services helped to support the couple throughout their journey. Soon the Coffey’s will be self-sufficient as their successful journey continues. Neighborhood Centers Services: Case Management, Emergency Assistance, School Readiness Fairs, Life Skills Classes, Community Projects Program Year: October 1 -September 30 Funding Sources: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Missouri Department of Social Services, Family Support Division, Community Services Block Grant Phone: 417-873-3370 Fax: 417-873-3379 13
Page 1 and 2: 2012 Annual Report Ozarks Area Comm
Page 3 and 4: From the Desk of Carl Rosenkranz We
Page 5 and 6: BY THE NUMBERS 2012 Summary Here is
Page 7 and 8: Greene County Hosted Second Annual
Page 9 and 10: OACAC PROGRAMS FOSTER GRANDPARENTS
Page 11: HOUSING ASSISTANCE The OACAC Housin
Page 15 and 16: How to support OACAC Please join in
Page 17 and 18: From Sadness to Success When Cathy
Page 19 and 20: Funding Resources (October 1, 2011

2012 Annual Report - Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation

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