Uniform Grant Guidance (UGG) or “Super Circular” will become effective for non-federal agencies beginning December 26, 2014. Is your organization ready? Fifty five staff members at 21 of Ohio’s Community Action agencies are more prepared now than they were. OACAA/OCATO (Ohio Community Action Training Organization) hosted two regional trainings on September 23rd and 24th in Jeffersonville and Huron. Mary Pockl …
Community Action Provides Direction
Mike had a good job that he lost unexpectedly. Unfortunately, to cope with this loss he turned to drugs. For the next nine years Mike would be incarcerated three times for charges of drug possession and selling. The Opportunities Industrialization Center of Clark County (OIC), the local Community Action Agency in Clark County, met with Mike in 2008 while he …
Community Action Provides Opportunities
Many families come to a Community Action Agency’s Head Start program looking for help for their children, but in the process begin to see the resources available for their entire family. Following is the story of one such person at the Community Action Agency of Columbiana County: While attending college in the spring of 2005 I met a wonderful lady …
Community Action Helps Expectant Mothers
Carrie, a first-time expectant mother, was unemployed and did not have support from her family members. During her pregnancy, she also had complications and was told that she may have to be on bed rest and receive injections to speed up the baby’s lung function development. In October, Carrie enrolled in the Help Me Grow Home Visiting program at Gallia-Meigs …
Getting Started with Social Media: The Top 5 Sites Explained
Navigating the world of social media can be a little overwhelming with new sites gaining momentum daily. While there are similarities, each site has its strengths, weaknesses and specialties. If you’re new to the social media scene or are considering getting your agency started, below is a quick run-down of today’s top five social media sites. Facebook: Facebook is not …
Community Action Helps People Help Themselves
Robert was an unemployed 27year-old high school dropout who was badly addicted to heroin. His addiction had progressed to a point where his family felt they had to break all connections with him.Even after losing his family and friends, Robert continued on his downward spiral, eventually hitting rock bottom when he woke up in the detox center at his local …
Community Action Helps People Make Ends Meet
GD and his wife are both diabetic and with their costly bills struggle to have enough to afford healthy foods. On a regular basis, GD visits Highland County Community Action Organization’s food pantry program for help. The agency changed their intake process for the food assistance program to include a full assessment and realized they could provide more assistance to …
What is the OACAA Poverty Simulation?
Lorie McClain, Program Specialist The Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies’ (OACAA) Poverty Simulation is a walk in another person’s shoes. It’s about sharing experiences and making a connection to the conditions of those in poverty. Give yourself one time in this experience of poverty and it can lead you to a new understanding and renewed dedication to fighting against …
Community Action Helps People Save Money
Dortha is a single mother of two young children. She has a good job at a local restaurant, but she still struggles to support her family. Sometimes she needs assistance with her utility bills and she couldn’t afford a car.Without a car Dortha was forced to rely on the help of others to run errands or take her children to …
Community Action Provides Nutrition
Many low-income individuals lack the access or money for fresh, healthy food options. To help combat this problem, the Lancaster Fairfield Community Action Agency (LFCAA) started a Farmer’s Market. The Farmer’s Market provides low-income people with boxes of fresh produce, including potatoes, carrots, corn, onions, grapes, and more – as well as a loaf of bread and a peach pie.Between …