Bill & Virginia Leffen Center for Autism

09/12/2025

THE DAY HAS ARRIVED! Here's where Caravan Of Hope will be today, and at what times:
• 7:30 am to 9:30 am – Joplin Greenhouse
• 10:30 am to 11:30 am – Carl Junction High School
• 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm – Webb City High School
• 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm – Missouri Southern State University (Billingsly Student Center)
• 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm – Freeman Health System West
Email dlfitzgerald@freemanhealth.com with questions, and don’t forget to like and share this page!

09/10/2025

Ozark Center will again host Walk With a Doc this Saturday, September 12 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at the Mercy Park Pavilion. In the event of inclement weather, meet us at the front entrance to the Joplin Family YMCA. This doctor-led walking group is a safe, fun, and FREE community event held the second Saturday of every month, and it’s your opportunity to learn about mental health and enjoy a walk at your own pace. All are welcome! RSVP and learn more at https://ow.ly/9kKr50WBKIx

09/10/2025

CARAVAN OF HOPE, an Ozark Center su***de awareness event, is cruising your way! Look for us Friday, September 12 as we make stops around Joplin to raise awareness. Talk with mental health professionals and learn what you can do to help save a life.
Scheduled stops and times on September 12 are:
7:30 am to 9:30 am – Joplin Greenhouse
10:30 am to 11:30 am – Carl Junction High School
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm – Webb City High School
1:30 pm to 2:30 pm – Missouri Southern State University
3:00 pm to 4:00 pm – Freeman Health System West
Please visit Caravan Of Hope’s Facebook events page to follow and share! https://ow.ly/bqhU50WRzW8

06/26/2025

Maybe you’ve seen squads of Ozark Center employees volunteering out in the community – at the Will Norton Miracle Field, for example. There, Ozark Center volunteers Melissa Moore, Jessica White, and Julie Tabb represented us and assisted where needed, as disabled children and adults enjoyed playing baseball. This year, Ozark Center celebrates 60 years of service – with more service – as part of “60 Minutes More,” wherein employee volunteers give back an additional hour beyond their usual volunteer efforts to outstanding local nonprofit organizations.

06/22/2025

Ozark Center, the region’s largest and most established provider of mental health services, now has a job opportunity well worth exploring. Learn more about the position and apply at
https://freemanhealth.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/ozarkcenterscareers/job/OC-Wills-Place/QMHP-CSS-Supervisor_JR109070
EOE M/F/H/V

06/12/2025

REMINDER FOR THIS SATURDAY! Ozark Center is excited to announce its very first event on Saturday, June 14 from 9 to 10 am. This doctor-led walking group is a safe, fun, and FREE community event held the second Saturday of every month, and it’s your opportunity to learn about a mental health and enjoy the benefits of a walk at your own pace. All are welcomed. We’ll be meeting at the Mercy Park Pavilion, 3002 St Johns Blvd. in Joplin. In the event of inclement weather, find us at the front entrance to the Joplin Family YMCA, 3404 W, McIntosh Cir Dr, Joplin, MO 64804. RSVP and learn more at https://walkwithadoc.org/join-a-walk/locations/joplin-missouri/

06/06/2025

Did you know … In 1975, Freeman Hospital moved to its current location on 32nd Street in Joplin. That year, there were 315 full and part-time employees with 70 physicians that saw nearly 6,000 patients.

06/06/2025

Congratulations to Alison Eaton – the first-ever recipient of Ozark Center’s GEM Award. Alison, center, is pictured here with Ozark Center's Jacob Hefner, left, and Vicky Mieseler. GEM stands for “greatness every minute,” and the award recognizes Ozark Center employees who have made a different in clients’ lives. Here’s what the client family member who nominated Alison said: “I have seen the difference she has made in my sister’s life and don’t know if she would be here without her.” We thank Alison for all she does!

06/03/2025

Ozark Center is excited to announce its very first Walk With A Doc event on Saturday, June 14 from 9 to 10 am. This doctor-led walking group is a safe, fun, and FREE community event held the second Saturday of every month, and it’s your opportunity to learn about a mental health and enjoy the benefits of a walk at your own pace. All are welcomed. We’ll be meeting at the Mercy Park Pavilion, 3002 St Johns Blvd. in Joplin. In the event of inclement weather, find us at the front entrance to the Joplin Family YMCA, 3404 W, McIntosh Cir Dr, Joplin, MO 64804. RSVP and learn more at https://walkwithadoc.org/join-a-walk/locations/joplin-missouri/

05/30/2025

Ozark Center's Vicky Mieseler appeared on Living Well this afternoon to talk about Ozark Center's volunteerism efforts during the month of June as part of its 60th anniversary community outreach.

On Tuesday, May 22, Ozark Center employees created a Taco Thursday for the kids and adults at Jasper County CASA in Joplin, where they decorated, cooked, and...

05/17/2025

Ozark Center, the region’s largest and most established provider of mental health services, now has a job opportunity well worth exploring. Learn more about the position and apply at
https://freemanhealth.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/ozarkcenterscareers/job/OC-Autism/Behavior-Therapist-I_JR108851
EOE M/F/H/V

05/15/2025

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS! Throughout 2025, Ozark Center celebrates 60 amazing years of providing compassionate, transformative behavioral health care and an unwavering dedication to
improving lives and building healthier communities. Stay tuned for exciting Ozark Center 60th Anniversary announcements – and join the celebration!