Reed to Retire from Barry County OACAC
October 12, 2022
Adriana Keeton
Gail Reed, current Neighborhood Supervisor of the Barry County OACAC (Ozarks Area Community Action Cooperation) will retire on December 2, 2022, after 27 years of dedication to the Barry County community.
Things have changed drastically since she began her position with the Barry County OACAC in March of 1995; though the work has changed, her dedication to helping others and alleviating the causes and conditions of poverty has not.
When asked what she wants to be remembered for most, she said, "I hope I am remembered for always caring for the families I have served, going over and above to make sure they are taken care of; that I was an advocate for them-speaking up when they couldn't and trying to make Barry County a better place for our whole community. I like to think I made a difference."
Though it is not known who her successor will be at this time, she gave the following advice to them. Get to know your community and cultivate them. Take care of yourself. If you can't do that, you can't take care of anyone else. We have strong leadership, take advantage of their wisdom and always...always look for the joy.
In her absence, she hopes that OACAC continues to be a source of aid and hope for the people in our community. She is excited to see OACAC getting involved in Mental Health projects throughout the ten county area. One thing she will miss is being able to watch those projects grow.
Reed has no big plans after retirement. Mainly spending time with her grandchildren and especially her great-grandchildren. She is looking forward to watching Hallmark movies and working puzzles this winter. Other than that, she will see how it goes.
For more information on the Barry County OACAC, or services provided, call 417-847-2140.
Gail Reed, current Neighborhood Supervisor of the Barry County OACAC (Ozarks Area Community Action Cooperation) will retire on December 2, 2022, after 27 years of dedication to the Barry County community.
Things have changed drastically since she began her position with the Barry County OACAC in March of 1995; though the work has changed, her dedication to helping others and alleviating the causes and conditions of poverty has not.
When asked what she wants to be remembered for most, she said, "I hope I am remembered for always caring for the families I have served, going over and above to make sure they are taken care of; that I was an advocate for them-speaking up when they couldn't and trying to make Barry County a better place for our whole community. I like to think I made a difference."
Though it is not known who her successor will be at this time, she gave the following advice to them. Get to know your community and cultivate them. Take care of yourself. If you can't do that, you can't take care of anyone else. We have strong leadership, take advantage of their wisdom and always...always look for the joy.
In her absence, she hopes that OACAC continues to be a source of aid and hope for the people in our community. She is excited to see OACAC getting involved in Mental Health projects throughout the ten county area. One thing she will miss is being able to watch those projects grow.
Reed has no big plans after retirement. Mainly spending time with her grandchildren and especially her great-grandchildren. She is looking forward to watching Hallmark movies and working puzzles this winter. Other than that, she will see how it goes.
For more information on the Barry County OACAC, or services provided, call 417-847-2140.