2012 Annual Report - Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation

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
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