Community Programs
The Office of Workforce and Community Initiatives (OWCI) offers our services completely FREE of charge! We partner with organizations, providers, community partners, and other state agencies to offer services and resources that empower all Missourians to live safe, healthy, and productive lives. We connect employers to their community's hidden, often untapped workforce and community leaders to their local organizations.
Media
- Food Assistance
Food Distribution Program
The Food Distribution Program helps people in need get USDA-donated foods from their local food pantry as part of The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). mydss.mo.gov/food-assistance/food-distribution
Food Pantries
There are six Missouri Food Banks that work together to provide hunger relief to every county (and St. Louis City) in the state. Distributing over 120 million pounds of food each year through a network of more than 1,500 community feeding programs. Find the nearest location for food assistance with the Pantry Finder. For more information visit feedingmissouri.org
SNAP-Ed
University of Missouri (MU) Extension provides nutrition education to Missouri SNAP recipients and those who are eligible. MU Extension provides direct education, indirect education, policy, systems, and environmental initiatives in all 114 counties and the City of St. Louis. Annually, the SNAP-Ed program in Missouri reaches over one million Missourians. For more information visit extension.missouri.edu/programs/fnep/snap-ed
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits
SNAP offers a monthly benefit to help those eligible buy food and food products including seeds and plants to grow food. The monthly benefit is loaded to an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card and cannot be withdrawn as cash. Monthly benefit amounts will depend on income and household size. To get help through SNAP, you will need to apply and complete an interview. For more information about SNAP visit mydss.mo.gov/food-assistance
- Safety
Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of the Elderly and Disabled
Missouri's Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline responds to reports of abuse, bullying, neglect, and financial exploitation. If you suspect someone is being abused, bullied, neglected, or exploited, call the hotline at 800-392-0210 or through the Online Reporting System at moapps.health.mo.gov/. Individuals who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or have a speech disability may use Relay Missouri by dialing: 711, (TDD) 1-800-735-2966, or (Voice) 1-800-735-2466. The hotline operates 365 days per year from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Child Abuse & Neglect
Everyone's help is needed to keep kids safe, so if you see something, say something. Report suspected child abuse, neglect, or exploitation to the Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 800-392-3738. This hotline is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are a mandated by law to report child abuse and neglect, you can also make a report online at, apps.dss.mo.gov/OnlineCanReporting/default.aspx.
Human Trafficking
If you or someone you know suspects human trafficking, report it to humantraffickinghotline.org/en or 888-373-7888. Human trafficking occurs when a trafficker uses force, fraud, or coercion to control another person for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or soliciting labor or services against his/her will. Force, fraud, or coercion need not be present if the individual engaging in commercial sex is under 18 years of age.
Physical or Mental Abuse
If you or someone you know needs help with physical or mental abuse, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233. Learn how to get help at mocadsv.org/how-to-get-help.
Sexual Abuse
If you or someone you know needs help with sexual abuse, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673. Go to mocadsv.org/how-to-get-help/ to learn how to get help.
Victims of Crime
The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) administers grant programs and services. Through collaborative partnerships with other state agencies, statewide organizations, and local service providers the OVC promotes access to information, resources, and services to protect at-risk youth, victims of crime, and their families. The OVC administers a menu of state and federal funding opportunities, initiatives, and programs. dps.mo.gov/dir/programs/cvsu/
Victims of Crime Act (VOCA)
VOCA assists states in providing high quality services that are directly related to the emotional healing and recovery of crime victims. The primary purpose is to support direct services to victims of crime, to assist victims of crime as soon as possible in order to reduce the severity of the psychological and emotional consequences of the victimization, and to demonstrate on-going support for the victim in coping with the impact of the victimization. dss.mo.gov/dfas/victims-of-crime-act/
Media
- Health
Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies
Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies is an initiative dedicated to offering resources and education to enhance a healthy journey throughout all stages of pregnancy and beyond for both mothers and babies. healthymomsbabies.mo.gov
MO HealthNet (Missouri Medicaid)
Low-income families, adults, children, pregnant women, disabled individuals and seniors may be eligible for healthcare coverage through MO HealthNet, the state Medicaid program. mydss.mo.gov/healthcare
Missouri Poison Control Center
Helps people exposed to dangerous chemicals, drugs, and other substances find the right care as soon as possible. For emergencies always call 9-1-1. For non-emergencies call 800-222-1222.
- Parenting & Child Care
Alternatives to Abortion (A2A)
A2A helps at-risk women become aware of the services available to them in their local communities. A2A provides services and counseling to pregnant women at or below 185% of the federal poverty level to assist women in carrying their unborn child to term, to assist women in caring for their child, or placing their child for adoption. dss.mo.gov/fsd/a2a
Missouri Childcare Subsidy
Increases access to early learning by helping eligible families with the cost of childcare. This allows families to focus on finding and holding steady jobs or to attend school and training programs. dese.mo.gov/childhood/child-care-subsidy/families
Missouri WIC program (WIC)
WIC provides supplemental food, health care referrals, nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion, support to eligible pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants and children up to age five. Fathers, grandparents, guardians, and foster parents may also apply for benefits for the children living in their household. health.mo.gov/living/families/wic/index.php
Office of Childhood
This new office provides a comprehensive approach to childhood care and education in Missouri. It includes programs related to childcare, home visiting, early learning, and early intervention for children birth to age five, as well as afterschool programs for school-age children. The Office of childhood is responsible for overseeing DESE's efforts to expand and improve high-quality early learning opportunities. dese.mo.gov/childhood
Safe Sleep
The primary goal is to substantially reduce and eliminate infant injuries and deaths as a result of unsafe sleep environments and practices in Missouri through increased education, awareness, practice and training. safesleep.mo.gov/
Safe Crib Programs
https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/safe-crib-programs-missouri
Tel-Link search (resources)
- Transportation
New Growth Transit
New Growth Transit is a volunteer network of drivers affiliated with West Central Missouri Community Action Agency that coordinates regional transportation services to provide rides to doctor appointments, grocery stores, banking visits, church events, and many other community resources. newgrowthmo.org/transit
Non-Emergency Medical transportation (NEMT)
NEMT provides eligible MO HealthNet participants with transportation to covered MO HealthNet services. NEMT can include public transportation, bus tokens, vans, taxi, ambulance, ride shares, gas costs, or even an airplane if needfed to get to healthcare appointment. mydss.mo.gov/mhd/transportation
- Utility Assistance
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP may be able to help eligible Missourians pay their energy bill. Visit mydss.mo.gov/utility-assistance
The Missouri Public Service Commission
Offers energy efficiency and assistance programs visit psc.mo.gov/General/Energy_Efficiency_Assistance_Programs or call 800-392-4211 (TTY 573-522-9061).
The Weatherization Assistance Program
The Weatherization Assistance Program in Missouri offers cost-effective energy-efficient home improvements to low-income households, with a focus on vulnerable groups like the elderly and children. It aims to reduce utility bills, enhance comfort, and ensure health and safety for eligible homeowners and tenants. For more information visit dnr.mo.gov/energy/weatherization.
Media
- Community Engagement
Community Services Block Grant Program (CSBG)
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is a federal block grant that helps fund a network of local Community Action Agencies that help create, coordinate, and deliver programs and services to low-income Missourians across the state. dss.mo.gov/fsd/csbg/
Employer & Community Engagement Team
Through engagement with employers and community organizations, the Employer & Community Engagement team identifies barriers to employment individuals face and helps to remove obstacles keeping them from gainful employment. OWCI helps identify training programs based on the needs of local employers, assists with promotion of hiring events, and is available to present to Human Resource staff on benefits and programs that can help retain their current workforce. dss.mo.gov/employment-training-provider-portal/community-engagement.htm
Family and Community Trust (FACT)
FACT is a non-profit corporation that governs the work of the twenty community partnerships across the state. Their mission is to promote and support effective public/private partnerships and community involvement to develop innovative solutions for improving the lives of Missouri’s Children and Families. mofact.org/
Missouri Job Events Calendar
View the Missouri Job Events calendar to find hiring events, workshops, and more near you. mydss.mo.gov/employment-training-programs/events
Missouri Community Action Network (MOCAN)
MOCAN gives people the tools to lift themselves out of poverty. Agencies provide services at the local level, because they believe people in the community know what’s best for the community. Missouri CAN advocates for people in poverty, educates the public about its effects, and helps Community Action staff grow in their careers. communityaction.org/
Nexus
Nexus is a collaboration of experienced employment service providers and local businesses who are working together to expand employment opportunities for individuals with barriers to employment. dss.mo.gov/employment-training-provider-portal/docs/StatewideNexusFlier.pdf
Success Stories
Department of Social Services collects “Success Stories” from participants and providers to share and encourage others in similar situations to take advantage of these opportunities and understand the powerful impact to lives and families. dss.mo.gov/employment-training-provider-portal/success-stories.htm
Veterans Resources
The Missouri Veterans Commission works with Missouri Military Veterans and their families to secure benefits. Visit veteranbenefits.mo.gov/ to discover free available resources for veterans.