Single mother moves toward homeownership with financial literacy training

Sarah*, a single mother receiving social security, completed the Wealth Prep Class at West Ohio CAP in January 2015. Following the advice and teachings of the class, Sarah began applying and managing the information she learned. Not only did she learn steps to create and maintain a budget, cut back on spending, and increase her savings, but she was successful …

Highland County Community Action hosted U.S. Representative Brad Wenstrup

On October 12th, Highland County Community Action Organization hosted U.S. Representative Brad Wenstrup (R, OH-2) on a special edition of their weekly television show to discuss local anti-poverty initiatives. Topics included the Rural Impact Initiative, the House Republicans’ Better Way proposal to alleviate poverty, and other initiatives throughout the community. “Congressman Wenstrup has been very active in our community and …

ROMA Next Generation: Putting it all together

For those who have not spent a lot of time reading through ROMA Next Generation documents, an easy way to describe the proposed changes is to review the current Information Survey (IS) Annual Report. Currently, the IS requires CAAs to provide outcome data related to National Performance Indicators (NPIs) under six Results Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) goals. Under ROMA …

Quick Tips for “Fund”-raising

Is your agency in need of extra funds for a project, program or service? Are you gearing up for end-of-the-year giving? Perhaps turning fundraising into friendraising will work for you. For the sake of this blog, we are not equating fundraising with grant writing, although potential contributors—especially corporations—may need a letter or application in order to grant or donate funds …

From OACAA Executive Director Philip E. Cole

Lyndon B. Johnson coined the phrase “The War on Poverty” when he signed into law The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. It was an instantly recognized phrase that was meant to represent a national effort to eliminate poverty. After successfully reducing the national poverty rate from 26% to 15% in the first two years, the resources to fight were drastically …

Housing security helps family move forward

After living in a domestic violence shelter, and with two children to support, Daniel Durbin was unsure how he would find permanent housing. He feared he and his children would end up on the streets. Community Action Partnership Greene County came to Daniel’s assistance. He had been approved for Section 8 housing assistance, but didn’t have the funds to pay …

Wrapping up the 2016 Annual Summer Conference

Last week, OACAA held the 2016 Annual Summer Conference, which was hosted by Community Action Commission of Erie, Huron, and Richland Counties, and welcomed over 200 Community Action professionals from across the state back to Sawmill Creek Resort in Huron, Ohio. The full schedule of plenary sessions, breakout classrooms, awards, and recognitions kept attendees busy and learning throughout the conference. …

Successful tax filing assistance program brings money back to the community

Taxes can be complicated. With changing rules, guidelines, and instructions, it’s easy to understand why even professionals have a hard time keeping up. Fortunately for many Ohioans, Community Action Agencies are prepared to help low- to moderate-income households figure it all out with the Ohio Benefit Bank Tax Assistance program and trained volunteers. Funded partially with CSBG dollars, HHWP Community …