Multiple services available at Barry County Neighborhood Center

As of July 1, the Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Program can now serve households with an income up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

The previous allowable FPL for CSBG was 125%. OACAC is one of 19 Community Action Agencies in Missouri to welcome this increase. CSBG Neighborhood/Community Centers, located in each of the 10 counties OACAC serves, provide individualized support to help people work toward and achieve empowered economic stability. Services include case management, life skills classes, community projects, emergency assistance, and resource referrals.

At the previous limit of 125% FPL, a household of two could earn $30,800 to receive services. With the increase, CSBG staff can now serve that same household of two with an income up to $49,280.

“This change is going to be huge for our community,” said Bridgette Allen, OACAC CSBG Assistant Director. “So many of our community members run into the ‘cliff effect’ where they now make too much to use assistance but still struggle to make ends meet. This increase will better allow those folks to continue their self-sufficiency journey.”

OACAC’s mission works to create solutions to poverty for families and communities within Southwest Missouri. From Head Start, the Foster Grandparent Program, Housing Assistance and Family Planning to CSBG Neighborhood/Community Centers, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and Weatherization, OACAC programs serve people of all ages and help strengthen communities in the Ozarks.

This project/program is funded 100% at $1,887,652.00 with federal funds received from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provided by the Missouri Department of Social Services.

The Barry County Neighborhood Center is located at 10826 Farm Road 2172 in Cassville. People may reach the office at 417-847-2140.