Ozark Share & Care has new Leader Taking Over for Joy Prater

Holly Carson will take over for Joy Prater of Ozark Share & Care, according to Prater.

Prater and Carson appeared on KHOZ's "Around The Table" on Thursday to talk about the change and more. Prater's retirement journey has stretched into six months. "Most of the town thinks that I'm already retired, but we've been working, waiting to have to have somebody like Holly, and here she is," Prater said.

Prater has spent five to six weeks training Carson. The new leader said she feels that she has gone in the direction of something like the new role her entire life.

Carson moved to Harrison in 1980 from Colorado Springs; she has lived in Harrison for close to 40 years. She's educated in psychology.

At 38, she got back into school and earned her degree in three and a half years. That prepared her for her future work in a mental health and developmental disability nonprofit.

She has worked there for nearly 13 years. Her new role is a different nonprofit experience for her. Carson expressed gratitude for Prater.

"I feel very blessed [that] I get to be mentored by Joy Prater. She's going to downplay all of her strengths, but she is just a phenomenon."

Prater explained that Ozark Share & Care has actively served the community for 35 years. A group of local churches started it. Through the Sharing Kitchen they serve free meals four days a week to anyone hungry.

It takes money to make that possible, so donations are accepted. Anyone wanting to volunteer at Ozark Share & Care can call 870-741-3130.

Later, Prater revealed that the nonprofit will open on Saturdays again starting on May 4; they have closed on Saturdays since the pandemic. More was discussed on the broadcast.

The full interview with Prater and Carson is on the "Around The Table" Facebook Page.