Ozark Action Inc. will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a Sept. 11 event in Houston.
Implemented by the Johnson Administration, community action agencies were formed. Later, Ozark Action Inc. was created to serve the counties of Douglas, Howell, Oregon, Ozark, Texas and Wright, said Bryan Adcock, executive director.
The first programs focused on needs of getting persons basic food and clothing, as well as teaching people in each community how to set up direct assistance such as food commodities. By 1968, Head Start, Neighborhood Youth Corps and Adult Basic Education were funding as part of the “War on Poverty” in this area.
Today, Ozark Action provides programs involving weatherization, housing, Head Start, community services and the Workforce Investment Opportunity Act.
The event in Houston runs from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at a state office complex at Oak Hill Drive and North U.S. 63.