Big Five Community Services, Inc. in Ada, OK

Big Five Community Services, Inc. is a private, non-profit community action agency founded in 1971. It was formed by consolidating the anti-poverty efforts of five counties in Southern and Southeastern Oklahoma: Bryan, Carter, Coal, Love, and Pontotoc. The organization was established under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 with the mission to identify, address, and eliminate the root causes of poverty, rather than just treating its effects. The DDS Program mentioned in the source content is a component of a larger system of developmental disabilities Services. These services are offered to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to promote safer, healthier, and more independent lives. This program would likely fall under the umbrella of Big Five Community Services' broader mission to provide a range of social services to those in need. The organization's programs are diverse and primarily focus on serving low-income, elderly, and disabled populations. Key services include: Head Start/Early Head Start: This program prepares children from low-income families for school by providing educational skills, free meals, and medical/dental services. Transportation Program: Offers low-cost transit services for individuals to get to jobs, schools, medical appointments, and other essential places. This program operates with a fleet of ADA-equipped vehicles. Housing Assistance: Provides housing options for people with low and moderate incomes, with reduced rent for qualifying tenants. Emergency Services: Offers support such as food banks for short-term food emergencies. Family Caregiver Support: Provides assistance for individuals caring for a family member with conditions like dementia. The agency is governed by a tripartite Board of Directors and is the largest rural community action agency in Oklahoma. It is funded through the Community Services Block Grant and other sources to deliver its essential services.