Due to the tough economic circumstances currently affecting our nation, Arvest would like to provide contact information for various assistance agencies in our regions. Below, you’ll find listings for various assistance programs, including employment, housing, energy, food and child-care assistance agencies. We value each and every one of our customers and will continue to offer support and information during these difficult times.
Emergency Assistance
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) provides states with funds to help alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty in communities. CSBG funded Neighborhood Centers work to serve communities as “one stop shops”, by providing information and a variety of emergency assistance programs.
To contact your local CSBG or Neighborhood Center, please visit one of the websites below:
Employment Assistance
The Development of Workforce Services provides job training, resume building, interview classes and other services for job seekers, as well as employers. Since the introduction of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, Career Centers have been established in local communities to help displaced workers find new jobs.
For information about the services provided by the agency, or to find your local career center, please visit your local Department’s website:
Career One Stop: provides electronic tools to assist workers with finding a job, utilizing available training opportunities or conducting career planning. There is no cost to businesses or workers who use this service. Visit http://www.careeronestop.org for more information or visit http://www.servicelocator.org/ to locate the career center nearest you.
Housing Assistance
Through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) two major housing assistance programs exist to help with housing and emergency shelter needs.
Section 8 Rental Voucher Program- This program increases affordable housing choices for eligible households by allowing families to choose privately owned rental housing by using vouchers.
Public Housing Program- this program provides income eligible families with safe and decent rental housing units. Public Housing is available in many styles, from scattered single family homes to high-rise apartments.
For more information about both programs, please visit your state’s HUD office or call (800)-955-2232.
Food Assistance
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the new name for the Federal Food Stamp Program. SNAP helps families and individuals buy the food they need for good health. You can apply by completing a State application form, and benefits are provided on an electronic card that is used like an ATM card and accepted at most grocery stores.
Feeding America (formerly America’s Second Harvest):
Feeding America works with food banks across the country. Please visit their website, http://www.feedingamerica.org or call (800)-771-2303 to find the food bank nearest you.
Energy Assistance
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) was established to assist households meet their immediate home energy needs.
Different states offer different assistance programs, some of which include financial assistance with a household's energy bill, emergency assistance if a household's home energy service is shut off or about to be shut off, weatherization improvements, and utility equipment repair and replacement.
For more information, please call or contact your state’s agency using the information below:
Arkansas
Office of Community Services
Department of Human Services
Phone: (800)-482-8988
Web Site: www.arkansas.gov/dhs/dco/ocs/ or http://www.acaaa.org/ex/agencies.htm
Missouri
Family Support Division
Department of Social Services
Web Site: www.dss.mo.gov/fsd/liheap.htm
Kansas
Social & Rehabilitation Services
Phone: (800)-432-0043
Web Site: http://www.srskansas.org/ISD/ees/lieap.htm
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Department of Human Services
FSSD/LIHEAP
Phone: (866)-411-1877
Web Site: www.okdhs.org/programsandservices/liheap
Childcare Assistance
Head Start:
Since 1966, Head Start has been providing quality childcare and early childhood education to children across the country. In 1995, the additional of childcare and early intervention services for children birth to three was added to assist working parents in their search for a quality childcare facility.
To find a Head Start Center nearest you, please visit
Child Care Subsidies:
Through the Federal Child Care and Development Block Grant, child care assistance, (for children under 13), is available to help working families pay for childcare services. These funds are paid directly to the childcare provider and in some cases families may be required to make a co-payment based on household income and family size.
For more information, please contact your state’s Department of Human Services Child Care Division.
Arkansas
Missouri
Department of Social Services
Children's Division
Early Childhood and Prevention Services Section
Phone: (573)-751-6793
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Department of Human Services
Phone: (405)-521-3561
Toll Free: (800)-347-2276
Kansas
Kansas Dept. of Social and Rehabilitation Services
Phone: (785)-291-3149
Toll Free: (888)-369-4777