Ozark Center

04/07/2026

DID YOU KNOW? New Directions, Ozark Center’s substance use services program, began serving the community in 1979. Back then, it was based in the original Ozark Center office at 2808 Picher Ave., now the site of the Bill & Virginia Leffen Center for Autism. Later, New Directions moved to McLelland Blvd. and then to downtown Joplin at 305 S. Viriginia Ave., now our Crisis Services location. In 2023, the program moved into its current location at 3220 Wisconsin Ave.

04/04/2026

ARE YOU REGISTERED YET? The Freeman 5K and Walk for Autism will be here before we know it! Be sure to sign up for this fantastic event, set for April 18 at the Bill & Virginia Leffen Center for Autism. Visit runsignup.com/Freeman5K.

04/03/2026

Karen Donelson, a dietitian at the Bill & Virginia Leffen Center for Autism, spoke with reporter Gretchen Bolander for a “Medical Focus” segment about the Leffen Center’s Feeding Clinic. The team helps balance the dietary and nutritional needs of children with autism by working to identify barriers and help overcome them. Watch the segment here!

The Bill and Virginia Leffen Center for Autism offers a multidisciplinary feeding clinic team to help children with autism overcome barriers to eating a balanced diet.

04/03/2026

World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognized day annually on April 2, encouraging everyone to take measures to raise awareness about individuals with autism throughout the world. For more information about autism services from Freeman visit https://www.freemanhealth.com/ozarkcenter/autism-services

04/02/2026

STILL not signed up for the April 18 event? Head to runsignup.com/freeman5k.

04/01/2026

Ozark Center enjoyed sponsoring the breakfast for 70 nursing and social work students at MSSU's poverty simulation. This event puts students through realistic and detailed scenarios that give them a glimpse into the lives of community members who struggle with poverty or financial insecurity.

04/01/2026

Ozark Center, an entity of Freeman Health System, is the area’s most respected provider of behavioral healthcare. And we’re hiring! Learn more about this position and apply at
https://ow.ly/U80s50YzZ91
EOE M/F/H/V

03/31/2026

Tomorrow, April 1, is the deadline to order your T-shirt for the Freeman 5K and Autism Walk, set to roll April 18 at the Bill & Virginia Leffen Center For Autism. It’s great fun and a great way to help support local children and families affected by autism! All proceeds benefit program development and scholarship assistance for Leffen Center families. To register, zoom over to runsignup.com/freeman5k.

03/31/2026

Ozark Center, an entity of Freeman Health System, is the area’s most respected provider of behavioral healthcare. And we’re hiring! Learn more about this position and apply at
https://freemanhealth.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/ozarkcenterscareers/job/OC-Wills-Place/School-Based-Therapist---Neosho_JR110744
EOE M/F/H/V

03/31/2026

Dr. Fly’s is offering $10 blue hair extensions and $30 tiny tattoos, with ALL proceeds benefitting Leffen Center! For more information, visit drflys.com or call 417-623-6000.

03/30/2026

Ozark Center, an entity of Freeman Health System, is the area’s most respected provider of behavioral healthcare. And we’re hiring! Learn more about this position and apply at
https://ow.ly/AB0850YzZ7k
EOE M/F/H/V

03/28/2026

TAKE A LOOK at these amazing Freeman 5K and Walk for Autism raffle baskets! There’s literally something for everyone. Basket themes and retail values include: Toy Time ($350), Spic-N-Span Car Wash Kit ($160), Getaway Road Trip Bundle ($80), Birdwatcher’s Friend ($250), Family Game Night ($150), and Coffee Crush ($75). Enter for your chance to win at https://ow.ly/9z9B50YzYVu. All raffle ticket sales help support local children and families affected by autism.