Our Mission
Nova Center of the Ozarks strives to make possible the potential for positive change in the quality of life for every individual.
As an agency we want the individuals we serve and our staff to have the best quality of life and to constantly grow in their daily lives so they can achieve all their personal and work goals. To better help with that we have created core values to help show what Nova represents as an agency.
Core Values: Inclusion, Choice, Achievement, Responsibility, Empowerment I.C.A.R.E
Nova Center of the Ozarks, Inc. has its roots in several key principles: the principle of providing services to persons with developmental disabilities and their families; the principle of every individual’s right to reach their highest potential and live in the least restrictive environment possible. Nova Center of the Ozarks was incorporated June 5, 1990 as a 501(C)(3) not-for-profit organization. It was established by a group of parents who had children diagnosed with autism.
There was a need for services in Southwest Missouri specific to individuals with autism. The state legislature was petitioned for funding and Nova opened a five bed group home in Springfield in June, 1992. The primary focus was for residential services, but because of changing trends, Nova has now evolved into an organization which provides various services.