When Betty Jo first came to Supports to Encourage Low-income Families (SELF), the designated Community Action Agency for Butler County, she was a struggling single mother who was working full-time. She had been taken advantage of by others and she seriously doubted her ability to succeed. Betty Jo enrolled in SELF’s Individual Development Account (IDA) program and went back to …
Community Action Helps Rural Resident Receive Needed Medical Treatment
Roy is a diabetic living in rural Mahoning County who had a stroke that left him blind. As part of his care, his doctor recently ordered him to start receiving dialysis treatments three times per week. Unfortunately, the facility he was sent to is in Trumbull County, roughly 25 miles away from his home, and being blind he was unsure …
Legislative Update
One of the most important priorities for the Kasich Administration and the General Assembly, if not the most important priority, is to change the workforce development statutes. Below are the bills related to workforce development that OACAA continues to follow and work on: H.B.1 sponsored by Rep Derickson – OhioMeansJobs: The process of updating workforce development statutes is beginning by changing …
Community Action Helps Dayton Youth Improve Her Grades
Cierra is an 11-year-old girl living in Dayton who has been participating in the Community Action Partnership of the Greater Dayton Area’s Youth Empowerment Center. She has been flourishing in the program and was recently excited to report to the director of the program her noteworthy improvement in her school performance. The Youth Empowerment Center is a multi-dynamic support system …
Community Action Helps Stroke Victim Keep His Home
J.D. is a veteran who was working full time until he suffered a stroke and heart attack that placed him on FMLA (Family & Medical Leave Act). This ultimately led to his termination of employment when his leave extended beyond 12 weeks, leaving him and his wife in financial trouble. J.D.’s job was the only source of income for him …
Reuniting a Family and Much More
When Josh was referred to the Community Action Commission of Erie, Huron & Richland Counties’ Fathers Matter program by the child support offices, he was homeless and living in his van. The program not only helped him become a better father, but improved his life. CAC EHR taught him budgeting skills so that he could save for a home and …
Community Action Helps Homeless Woman Fulfill Her Dreams
Sandra had come from a broken home. She dropped out of school in the ninth grade, had an addictive lifestyle, had served time in prison, and was living on the streets. But thanks to Community Action, she completed her education, has a home and a great job where she says, “I am living my dream and it feels great!” While applying for …