Kathy is a diabetic who takes two types of insulin to manage her condition and tests her blood sugar three times a day, but after being injured in 2010 she had to switch from full-time to part-time work and was struggling to pay for her expensive medications after the decrease in income. At 60 years old, Kathy doesn’t qualify for …
Giving an Ex-Offender a Fresh Start
Brett had spent 18 of the past 35 years behind bars. Released for what he expects will be the last time, Brett began trying to get his life together. Although Brett wanted to turn over a new leaf and contribute to society, finding a steady job with five felonies on his record proved extremely difficult. After countless applications and interviews, …
Community Action Helps a Struggling Veteran
A veteran from the war in Iraq and Afghanistan (Gulf War-era II) was sentenced to attend the Fathers Matter program at the Community Action Commission of Erie, Huron and Richland Counties as part of an alternative sentence after violating his probation for his charge of failing to pay child support. During the sessions that provide parenting skills and encourage increased …
Community Action Agencies Help Struggling Families After Severe Storms Hit Ohio
When severe storms hit Ohio on June 29 it left hundreds of thousands of Ohioans without power, causing many low-income families to struggle to survive. Community Action Agencies throughout the state stepped in to offer assistance with anything from gas for generators to help paying for prescription medication, food and other necessities. Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission The Northwestern Ohio …
Single Mom Gets Assistance She Needs from Community Action
This past winter, Veronica found herself a newly single mom struggling to make ends meet and keep the heat on for her and her son. She turned to the Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization (ILCAO) for assistance. ILCAO signed Veronica up for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP), a special payment plan that allows elgible customers to a pay …
Highland County Community Action Organization Helps Injured Worker Keep A Roof Over His Head
After 15 years of working, a Highland County resident lost his job due to a life-changing back injury. With the loss of income, he also lost his house and car. Highland County Community Action Organization helped this injured worker get back on his feet. Highland County CAO offered him rental assistance and heating assistance. “They helped my family have a …
Community Action Helps Cancer Patient Keep Her Home
Victoria held a steady job and had a stable home to raise her four children, but when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer that stability was at risk. She had to undergo surgery and treatment for her cancer. To do so she needed to take a medical leave from her job without pay. Although she was able to receive temporary …
Computer Training Helps Lorain County Resident Succeed
Linda, a 60-year-old disabled resident of Lorain County was unemployed and struggling to make ends meet. She turned to Lorain County Community Action Agency for help with her utilities through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and while there learned about their Community Learning and Technology Center’s (CLTC) computer classes. Linda decided to take the computer classes and improve her knowledge …
Community Action Helps Single Mom Get Finances Back on Track
After a recent divorce, Marie, a stay-at-home mother of four, was left with poor credit and was having trouble finding a job with her limited employment skills. She realized she had a lack of knowledge regarding her finances or how to fix her credit problems. She turned to Lima Allen Council on Community Affairs (LACCA) for help. Marie enrolled in LACCA’s …
Community Action Helps Family Keep Their Home
Frank and Jennifer were working hard to provide for their two children. Frank had a good teaching position, but his job was eliminated and the only work he could find was as a part-time pizza delivery man. Jennifer was also working irregular hours demonstrating products in stores. But with the decrease in income they were falling behind in their mortgage …