Cover image: Pictured (left to right) Larry Price, Representative Alicia Reece and Philip E. Cole Last week, the Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies (OACAA) held the Annual Summer Conference, which was hosted by Community Action Commission of Erie, Huron, and Richland Counties. Together, we welcomed over 200 Community Action professionals from across the state to Sawmill Creek Resort in Huron, …
What is on the table?
On occasion, I and other OACAA staff are asked why we place toys and candy on the tables at our conferences. With the Annual Summer Conference coming up next month, now is a great time to explain their purpose. These toys are actually called “fidgets” and are tools to help self-regulate, calm stress and anxiety and can help you focus …
Family Development Certification Training
Family Development is an intense case-management program that establishes a framework to work holistically with those seeking comprehensive services at Community Action agencies. The program encourages work with the entire family with the result leading them to self-sufficiency. The Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies (OACAA) provides certification to Community Action Professionals across the state to become Family Development Specialists …
2015 Winter Legislative Conference #WLC2015
Last week, the Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies (OACAA) hosted the 2015 Winter Legislative Conference in Columbus, Ohio. Nearly 300 Community Action professionals, partners and legislators joined the OACAA board and staff to discuss, learn and inspire each other. New and innovative approaches were pursued as the Community Action Network continued to do what they do best—help people and …
Community Action Provides Training
Fred had a liberal arts degree from Kent State University and struggled to find employment. Both he and his wife were working part-time jobs and struggling financially. They were the definition of the working poor. They were first referred to the Community Action Council of Portage County (CAC) by a board member who told them about a program that utilized …
“UGG”! Are you ready?
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 …
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 Prepares People for Jobs
A client explains in their own words how Stark County Community Action Agency (SCCAA) helped them gain the skills needed to start a new career: Before I came to SCCAA I was struggling. It was over two years since I had been employed and I was getting desperate. I had to change my lifelong profession because of health issues. I …
Community Action Helps People and Changes Lives
Wendy Carter worked for several years in human resources, but decided to leave that career to spend more time raising her three daughters. She doesn’t regret that decision, which happened just as her husband Allen’s work as a self-employed contractor plummeted during the recession. For the first time, Wendy and her family needed help. “I never had to ask for help,” she …
Community Action Gives Ex-Offenders a Second Chance
Fawn was a drug addict and 12-time convicted felon when she turned to IMPACT Community Action in Columbus. “I was homeless and felt helpless in Cleveland, Ohio. I literally lived on the street with my addiction. My face was plastered as a most wanted fugitive in Cleveland,” explained Fawn. “Drug and alcohol abuse became my life and my arrest actually …