A non-profit Community Action Agency serving Douglas, Howell, Oregon, Ozark, Texas & Wright counties. Head Start helps ALL children succeed. Mtn.
Below is a description of all our departments:
The Community Services Department serves families in need and provides referrals for services within OAI and outside of the agency. Our staff provides individual counseling to discuss our programs in privacy and with respect to our clients and families. Head Start is a Federal program for preschool children from low-income families. Services are offer
ed to meet the special needs of children with disabilities. Head Start is for the entire family. Through regular interaction with parents and guardians, Head Start works to provide information, support, referral and services to help families. Children must be three years old by the deadline to qualify for entry. Priority is given to children who are four years old before the deadline. Other eligibility criteria include family income, location, and special needs. Ozark Properties, Inc. provides affordable and quality housing for eligible persons. View and Hartville have single-family three bedroom homes. The HUD program assists very-low income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable rental housing. The Weatherization Program is a service for homeowners or renters who meet the guidelines of the program. Weatherizing can make a home warmer in the winter and cooler during the summer, in return saving heating and cooling costs. WX crews insulate and repair homes. Applicants must meet income and grant guidelines. A program for rental property is also available. Renters must have owner approval and participate to receive services. OAI staff and volunteers offer consulting assistance with Medicare questions. Eligibility screening and assistance in enrollment is available for Extra Help and Missouri RX program. We also offer a comparison of Part D plans, Advantage plans, and supplements.
01/26/2026
Good afternoon everyone! Hope you're staying warm today.
OAI and our outreach offices (except for Ava and Gainesville) will be open tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27.
Head Start and Early Head Start centers will remain closed.
01/25/2026
Due to weather and road conditions, Ozark Action’s main office, all Head Start locations, and all outreach offices will be closed Monday, January 26.
01/23/2026
01/23/2026
01/20/2026
Good afternoon!
Here are recent job listings for the region from jobs.mo.gov.
01/16/2026
Butler Park is next to the splash pad, across from the city pool. Along with the free lunch in partnership with Samaritan Outreach, Rich in Faith will also be giving out supplies for the homeless. Please spread the word!
01/15/2026
Good afternoon!
Here are some regional job listings from jobs.mo.gov
01/12/2026
Ozark Action, Inc. has immediate openings for an Early Head Start Teacher at the Ava Head Start in Ava, Missouri. Applicants may apply online at www.oaiwp.org or pick up an application at any OAI location.
Taking applications now through Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Applications on file and any received prior to closing must be able to provide verification of education and work history, background screening, fingerprint screening, drug screening, daycare physical, and TB test/Assessment. If interested in applying, please apply online at www.oaiwp.org or forward a completed employment application by the closing date listed to be considered for the position. The position is open until it is filled or by April 20, 2026.
Forward completed applications to:
Ozark Action, Inc.
Attn: Personnel
710 E. Main St.
West Plains, MO 65775
417-256-6147 Phone; 417-256-7318 Fax
Email to: [email protected]
Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. TDD—Missouri Relay Number is 1-800-735-2966 or dial 711 for assistance.
OAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
01/12/2026
OAI has an immediate opening for a Center & Kitchen Assistant at Willow Springs Head Start. Interested applicants may apply online at oaiwp.org or at any OAI location. If interested in applying, please forward a completed employment application no later than Tuesday, January 20, 2026 @ 9:00 a.m.
Interested applicants must pass a background screening and drug test screening. Closes on 1/20/2026 with posting valid for 90 days; expires April 20, 2026. Forward completed applications to:
Ozark Action, Inc.
Attn: Personnel
710 E. Main St.
West Plains, MO 65775
417-256-6147 Phone
417-256-7318 Fax [email protected]
Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. TDD—Missouri Relay Number is 1-800-735-2966 or dial 711 for assistance.
OAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
01/12/2026
Ozark Action, Inc. has an immediate opening for a Teacher at the Willow Springs Head Start Center in Willow Springs, Missouri. Interested applicants may apply online at www.oaiwp.org or pick up an application at any OAI location.
Taking applications now through Tuesday, January 20, 2026 @ 9:00 a.m. or until position filled. Interested applicants must be able to provide verification of education and work history, pass background screening, fingerprint screening, drug screening, daycare physical, and TB test/Assessment. If interested in applying, please apply online at www.oaiwp.org or forward a completed employment application by the closing date listed to be considered for the position. The position is open until it is filled or by April 20, 2026.
Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. TDD—Missouri Relay Number is 1-800-735-2966 or dial 711 for assistance.
OAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
01/12/2026
OAI has openings for Substitutes for all Head Start & Early Head Start locations.
$15 minimum per hour-could lead to a regular center position!
If interested in applying, apply online at www.oaiwp.org or forward a completed employment application, education verification, references, and any other information to qualify applicants for the positions listed above. Interested applicants must be able to pass a background screening, fingerprint screen, drug testing, TB/TB assessment, must be able to verify education and experience and obtain a Class E license if required to be considered for any position.
Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. TDD—Missouri Relay Number is 1-800-735-2966 or dial 711 for assistance.
OAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
01/07/2026
Good news! All Ozark Action county outreach offices are now back open to serve the communities.
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Ozark Action, Inc. posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Below is a brief description of what we do at Ozark Action, Inc. for more information visit our website oaiwp.org :
The Community Services Department sees families in need and sets them up with services both inside and outside of the agency. We are also engaged in local communities as advocates for low-income families and involved in local efforts to support our families with new projects and programs. Our staff strives to be resource specialists for their local community and assist in providing a number of services. Check out the Community Services page on our website to find out more oaiwp.org.
The goal of the Workforce Development is to assist customers in meeting their educational or occupational goals. We work closely with area business and industry to ensure that the interest and skills developed will meet current and future labor market needs.WIOA services provide work experience to those individuals who are new or have been out of the workforce for a number of years and assists with job search activities Training activities provide Basic Education, Occupational Classroom Training and On-the-Job Training. Adult services provided through Missouri Career Center and youth services through OAI.
The Head Start program provides a preschool learning experience for three and four-year old children from low-income families or with special needs. Head Start has a holistic approach to meeting the health, nutrition, social and developmental needs of children and their families. Full parent involvement and participation is encourages. Ninety percent of the children supported by Head Start must come from low-income families. The income guidelines are determined by the federal government and are revised annually. 10% of the children enrolled in our Head Start program must have some type of disability or special need. Check out the Head Start page on our website to find out more information oaiwp.org.
The HUD program assists very-low income families, the elderly and the disabled to afford decent, safe, sanitary and affordable rental housing. Rental Assistance provided on behalf of the family, allowing the family to select their own home. Families may choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program. Generally, the family pays 30% of their adjusted income toward housing cost (rent + utilities) with the balance in the form of rental assistance.
Weatherization (WX) Program is a service for homeowners or renters who qualify. WX crews insulate and repair home to make them more energy efficient. Weatherizing can make a home warmer and cooler during the summer, in return saving heating an cooling dollars. All applicants must meet income guidelines. Renters must have owner approval and owner participation to receive services.
