Nova Center of the Ozarks

News

Success Stories

Nova Center of the Ozarks strives to make possible the potential for positive change in the quality of life for every individual with a developmental disability.

Camp Wonderland!

Tayler was able to go to Camp Wonderland for the first time ever! She had a great time and was able to participate in activities and interaction with new people.

Zach ....

Over the course of the past year, Zachary has demonstrated remarkable growth and achievement, particularly in the initiation of employment services and his role at Bug Zero. Zachary's personal and professional development, and the progress he has made is truly inspiring.

In his position at Bug Zero, Zachary showcases impressive fine motor skills as he efficiently replaces bait in traps. His journey from initially sitting for 20 minutes, handling 3/4 of a bucket of traps, to now sitting for two hours and managing over 200 traps within a year is a testament to his dedication and progress. This increased speed and productivity not only reflects Zachary's work ethic but also highlight his continuous improvement and adaptability.

Beyond his work responsibilities, Zachary has accomplished significant milestones in his personal life, such as the ability to independently put on his own shoes and socks. Engaging in household chores like unloading the dishwasher and taking out the trash, with support from staff, reflects a commitment to enhancing life skills and daily independence.

A notable development in Zachary's communication abilities is the recent acquisition of an ACC device. This technology has empowered Zachary to communicate his thoughts and needs effectively. Within just a few weeks, he has demonstrated impressive progress by typing sentences, showcasing a newfound ability to express himself independently.

Zachary's story is one of determination, progress, and accomplishment.

Crawford…

Crawford's commitment to his part-time work and active participation in community activities showcases his dedication to contributing meaningfully to society. His passion for the basketball and football teams in Nixa, reflected in the recognition of being their #1 fan with an award named after him.

A key factor in Crawford's success is his strong support system, which plays a pivotal role in helping him achieve his goals and foster independence. Collaborative efforts with staff on essential life skills such as budgeting, household tasks, and meal planning demonstrate his commitment to personal development and self-sufficiency.

Crawford's participation in community outings, as well as engagement in Nova's clubs and groups, reflects his social involvement. These activities not only contribute to skill improvement but also provide opportunities for exercise and the exploration of new interests, enriching his overall quality of life.

The nomination of Crawford for the Mental Health Award in 2024 is a significant recognition of his resilience and accomplishments. It highlights his positive impact on mental health, emphasizing the importance of well-being in his journey towards success.

In conclusion, Crawford's success story is a compelling example of how a combination of personal motivation, a supportive network, and active engagement in various activities can lead to personal and professional achievements. His story serves as an inspiration to others seeking to overcome challenges and pursue a fulfilling life.

Nova Center of the Ozarks Clubs and Groups

The significance of Nova's clubs and groups, including the Cooking, Drama, Photography, Art, Garden, and Fitness classes just to mention a few, cannot be overstated in the pursuit of our clients' holistic development. These classes, designed to cater to diverse interests and needs, have proven to be instrumental in fostering a range of positive outcomes and personal achievement.

The Cooking class provides not just culinary skills but serves as a platform for individuals to work on essential life skills, promoting independence and self-sufficiency. Drama class not only encourages creativity but also allows clients to build confidence through collaborative efforts, as witnessed in the creation of plays.

Photography class goes beyond capturing images; it offers an avenue for self-expression and has resulted in noteworthy achievements, such as entries into the Showcase for Mental Health Awards. These recognitions celebrate the artistic talents of our clients.

Engaging in the Garden class provides clients with a hands-on experience that goes beyond horticulture, fostering a connection with nature and promoting overall well-being. The Fitness class, focusing on exercise, not only contributes to physical health but also serves as a means for clients to develop discipline and resilience.

Stop by our office to see some of the photography work on display!

Krissy...

She continues to show interest in creative outlets such as making jewelry, key chains, T-shirts and anything you can think of using resin and including autism awareness’s signature puzzle piece. She has her own Etsy store where she sells these items. She is proud of the customers she has had since opening her store. She is currently working with Nova Employment services to work on pre-employment skills.

Employee News

Employee of the Year 2023

Jake Twigg
Jake is an impressive employee! He won manager of the mOnth in April of 2023 and Employee of the year in December 2023. Jake goes above and beyond to ensure his consumers needs are met. He is a great example of the kind of employee Nova Center strives to employ.

Shootout for Autism 20th Anniversary

When? Saturday, June 7th , 2025
Where? Ozark Shooters Sports Complex
759 US Hwy 65 | Walnut Shade, MO
Entry Fee: $100
**Includes 100 sporting clays, t-shirt and lunch

To register, contact Ozark Shooters Sports Complex at (417) 443-3093

Schedule:
Registration: 8 am - 9 am
Safety Meeting: 9:15 am
SHOOTING STARTS: 9:30 am

Lunch, raffles and awards following the shoot!

About Shoot Out For Autism

The Shoot Out for Autism is a sporting clays tournament held each spring at Ozarks Shooters. Participants enjoy a fun filled day of shooting, raffles, music, and food. The Shoot Out was started by the Woodring Family, also known as “Zach’s Pack”, and during their 13 years of hosting the tournament, they raised nearly $180,000 for Nova Center of the Ozarks and Autism Speaks. Nova proudly hosts the Shoot Out now and has continued the fundraiser to raise money for Nova’s individuals with autism and other development disabilities. 2024 will be the 19th year for this event. Between the Autism Speaks program and Nova Center over the years, have raised over a total of $376,655.

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*Please indicate the donation is for the Shoot Out and/or raffle item(s)

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Why We Shoot

Nova Center of the Ozarks provides services to adults and children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Many of our clients require 24-hour care, and many have little or no family involvement. While we are able to bill Medicaid for all of their direct services and administrative costs, their limited income doesn’t allow for basic needs such as dental care, healthcare items, housewares, clothing, bedding, or transportation to medical appointments. Nor simple luxuries we all take for granted such as a birthday gift, dinner & camp; a movie, or a summer camp which may be the only time they have a chance to get away for a few days. 100% of the donations we receive make all of this possible and is why we depend on the success of this fundraiser.