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OACAC SkillUP program helps provide employment aid

May 22, 2019
Vinnie Roberts
            In November 2018, the Ozark Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) was granted funding through the SkillUP program. The funding allows OACAC to help clients in the area better their employment by paying for training, supplies, attire and more.
            SkillUP makes grants available to community action groups, such as OACAC, that assist people with other basic living needs through Department of Social Services.
            Originally, programs were only in place in Greene and Christian County facilities, but as of March, OACAC expanded the service territory of the program to include all ten counties they serve: Barry, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Greene, Lawrence, Polk, Stone, Taney and Webster. However, clients in those ten counties must be able to travel to either the Greene or Christian County facilities to apply and receive assistance, as the other neighborhood centers do not have the capacity to offer the program in-house yet.
            The program can assist SNAP recipients in a variety of ways. The funding can cover short-term training classes, such as truck driving or welding classes. Funding can also be granted to applicants for various needs that surround employment, including clothing and equipment, travel expenses and limited child care expenses.  
            “It’s a really good program for people on [SNAP].” said Darla Boice, supervisor for the OACAC Christian County Neighborhood Center. “Basically, it gives them the extra support that they might need in getting a job or training.”
            Boice went on to explain that the program is designed to not only help with people interested in finding a new job but also offers assistance to clients who are already employed.
            “It can help people with training to get a job or to get a better job or even if they’re just needing a little extra financial assistance with a job that they already have. For instance, if [the client] is already a welder, we can help them get steel-toe boots or a new welding helmet.”
            To qualify for funding through the SkillUP program, clients must meet a specific set of criteria. Applicants from ages 16 to 24 can apply regardless of whether or not they are parents, but for applicants over the age of 25 must have at least partial custody of a child. They must be interested in pursuing employment with minimum projected hourly rate of at least $12 an hour. They must also receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Applicants who receive assistance through Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF) will not qualify for the program.
            To apply or inquire about the SkillUP program contact the OACAC Greene County Neighborhood Center at (417) 447-0554.
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  • Home
  • This Week's Issue
    • Cornerstone Bank purchases former Country Dodge land
    • Cassville dog issue settled: enforcement begins January 1
    • Parades spread Christmas cheer over weekend
    • Prep begins for Cassville Early Childhood Center
    • The Great Ozarks Forgive-a-thon aims at eliminating $2.7 million in medical debt
    • Stumpff Family Event Center to host Gospel sing “God’s Glory”
    • Ramos graduates from Barry County Treatment Court program
    • Basketball teams hit the court across county
    • Lady Trojans epic win highlights tournament week
    • Cassville falls to Odessa in Class 3 title game, 49-28
    • Barry County Health Department releases November Food Service Report
    • What's the buzz? Exeter ag. adds beekeeping to curriculum
    • Purdy awards responsibility medals
    • Mercy rural hospitals receive $496,349 grant
    • Table Rock Lake oversight committee created by Corps of Engineers
    • Haven of the Ozarks' Pet of the Week: Heathcliff
    • Mercy donates hats, gloves to Cassville School
    • 10,543 deer harvested during antlerless portion
    • Cassville Intermediate names November Character Kids
    • Monett blood drive slated for Dec. 19
  • Classifieds
  • Obituaries
  • Advertising
    • Advertising Rates
    • Place Ad
  • Contact us
  • Archives