After nearly 25 years at Ozark Independent Living (OIL) Cindy Moore is retiring as executive director, effective Dec. 31. Moore was the first director and only employee when OIL was founded in 1996 as a not-for-profit organization, one of 22 centers for independent living in Missouri. Through the years she has over-seen the growth of the agency which now has a staff of 22.
In addition to its role as a disability resource center, OIL has a Consumer Directed Services (CDS) department which allows individuals with disabilities to live as independently as possible in their own homes, with the freedom to choose their own caregivers which can include family members and friends. There are currently approximately 300 individuals with disabilities using the CDS program throughout OIL’s coverage area of Howell, Douglas, Oregon, Ozark, Shannon, Texas and Wright counties.
Due to restrictions related to Covid-19 there is uncertainty about a formal retirement party, but the OIL board of directors is asking those in the community who know her to send cards of congratulations to Moore at: Ozark Independent Living, 109 Aid Ave., West Plains, MO 65775. All are encouraged to also like and follow “Ozark Independent Living” on Facebook and leave a message for her there.
