OACAC services available to more families; Nixa choir headed to Dallas
Nixa Chamber Singers to perform in prestigious event
Nixa Chamber Singers has been accepted to perform at the 2025 National ACDA Conference in Dallas, Texas, in March of 2025.
This conference is the largest and most prestigious international choral conference in the world, the greatest achievement a choir program in this country can achieve.
The Nixa Chamber Singers will be one of a select number of choirs from across the county (usually fewer than 10), in addition to choirs from nearly every continent.
The selection process involved submitting recordings and blind audition elements.
Cardinals blood drive in Branson
Blood donors can donate in the 21st Annual St. Louis Cardinals Blood Drive at the Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Branson July 26.
The drive, which is sponsored by the. Branson Knights of Columbus, will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Our Lady of the Lake is located at 202 Vaughn Drive.
To schedule a donation, call 1-800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter OURLADY.
United Way funds community investment
Following a highly competitive seven-month process,United Way of the Ozarks is funding a new lineup of programs focused on championing children and providing pathways out of poverty. Money for the grants is provided by donations to UWO’s Community Investment fund.
UWO’s two-year grants support 20 programs operated by 15 nonprofit organizations considered UWO partners. Of the 20 funded programs, 17 champion children and provide pathways out of poverty. Three programs are focused solely on championing children. UWO received 40 grant applications.
This is the second two-year cycle of grants funded using UWO’s Community Investment process. In the first cycle — July 1, 2022-June 30, 2024 — UWO funded 21 programs provided by 14 nonprofit partner organizations. The current roster includes four new programs provided by three new partners: Child Advocacy Center, iPour Life and Ozarks Food Harvest.
OACAC agencies raise income threshold for aid
The Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation Community Services Block Grant Program can now serve households with an income up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
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. 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 with an income up to $49,280.
This $1,887,652.00 project/program is funded 100% with grants received from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and provided through the Missouri Department of Social Services.
Endowed grants announced
The Community Foundation of the Ozarks has granted a total of $19,500 from a group of endowed field-of-interest funds established by donors to support specific areas of need.
From the Lennie Cloud Fund for the Hearing Impaired Grant Program, Greenfield R-IV School District received $500 to support inclusive resources for deaf students.
From the Smith Atwell Girls Recreational Grant Program, Girls on the Run Southwest Missouri received $500 to provide high-quality running shoes to low-income girls.
From the Wounded War Veterans Grant Program, Springfield-Greene County Park Board received $3,000 to support “Operation: Recreation ReEngage.”
From the St. Francis Fund Grant Program, Eden Animal Haven received $1,250 to assist with spay-and-neuter costs and support larger-scale trap-neuter-return efforts in Greene County, and Rescue One received $1,250 to support pet vaccinations, food, and spay/neuter assistance.
Finally, from the Hearld Ambler Fund for Senior Centers Grant Program, recipients were Ash Grove Sunshine Center Inc., $3,100; Cabool Senior Center ,$3,400: Cassville Senior Center, $1,500; and Marshfield Senior Center, $5,000.