tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14916660093057141872024-03-06T15:03:21.263-05:00Community Action in OhioCommunity Action Agencies work to alleviate poverty and empower low-income families in their communities. We change people's lives and improve communities. The Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies represents 50 agencies around the state serving the needs of low-income people in all of Ohio’s 88 counties. This blog will share some of the ways in which Ohio's CAAs have helped people in their community.OACAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715697840872522021noreply@blogger.comBlogger118125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1491666009305714187.post-78425895282447489422015-11-12T11:00:00.000-05:002015-11-12T11:01:31.979-05:00Effective communication<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">s a new parent, I could not wait for my son to say
his word first. As an adult, some days I
do not want to hear his next. Though as I joke, we know that maintaining open
lines of communication with not only children, but coworkers, customers, and
members of the community, is an important piece of furthering the Community
Action mission. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My friend </span><a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/communication"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Merriam
defines communication</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> as a process by which information is
exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or
behavior. I frequently hear leaders say, “We communicate all the time.”
However, I also hear their peers say, “No one ever tells us anything.” Communication must be delivered and received
which may require multiple methods and approaches. A six-page newsletter delivered twice a year
may not be as effective as a one-page memo emailed once each month. Depending
on what your audience needs and wants to receive, and the multiple audiences
seeking a variety of information, tactics may need to vary. Listening to their
spoken or unspoken feedback will help you determine the content and the best
ways to deliver it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Email, Facebook, blogs, or even inserts with
paystubs (yes—most staff still look at their paychecks even with direct
deposit) are excellent methods to communicate to staff and other publics where
appropriate. Your board of directors may request a written report though a
verbal summary of the report may help to go along with it. Other nonverbal communication
is also just as important when building and maintaining relationships with
staff, board, customers, or the community. Sharing smiles, a handshake, or even
brief encouraging remarks are just as important as inviting someone to the next
strategic planning meeting. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Take the time to walk out of your office and
communicate—most importantly, listen. After all, Merriam says it is an
exchange, a give and take; communication is interactive. And when done
effectively, your audience, like a new mom, will look forward to that next
exchange. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">_____________________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="goog_316535087"></span><span id="goog_316535088"></span>Julia
Wise is the executive director of Highland County Community Action Organization
(HCCAO). She has a master’s degree in Organizational Management and over twenty-five
years of experience in Community Action. Julia also serves as an Internal
Consultant with OACAA and Ohio Community Action Training Organization. Her
specialized trainings include Bridges Out of Poverty, board training, customer
services, Head Start Policy Council, Results Oriented Management and
Accountability (ROMA) and strategic planning. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
OACAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715697840872522021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1491666009305714187.post-90914058682785751202015-10-05T11:07:00.000-04:002015-10-05T11:07:35.882-04:00HR / Fiscal Conference: What the heck happened?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Are you paying your exempt employees at least $50,440/year?
Starting in 2016, you may have to in order to maintain their exempt status. And
that’s not all… <o:p></o:p></div>
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In mid-September, OACAA hosted a one-day Human Resources /
Fiscal Conference at the Crowne Plaza in Dublin for over sixty Community Action
professionals across the state. Scott Warrick, who specializes in human
resources and employment law and training, entertained a mix of Community
Action management, human resources, and fiscal staff as he guided us through
recent and upcoming changes to the employment laws. Just some of the morning
topics included were: off-duty duties, 50-hour exempt agreement, various legal
case reviews, and employees' rights to organize. <o:p></o:p></div>
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After lunch, Scott covered FMLA, ADA, and Workers
Compensation similarities and differences, how they work and recent changes.
Discussions included eligibility for FMLA, the importance of written essential
functions in your job descriptions and much more. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Handouts were provided to attendees and can be made
available to other OACAA members if requested. Please contact <a href="mailto:greg@oacaa.org" target="_blank">GregBollenbacher</a>, Fiscal Director, for more information. Or, to learn more about
the conference’s speaker, visit his website at <a href="http://www.scottwarrick.com/">www.scottwarrick.com</a>, where you
can find an abundance of resources on these and other topics.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyym4DWhpKy2NNI-SBWYPlzL4gi0aQ-taNNmjgCycyviUQ7aPU0lbK8qzEzmLNiJ8O70J9m8Qg5outMZ3gAgrdf17IHi9j5_Q5oWwPLrRAcSLTTOzK0KEqEbXx1n8PAaBkzrH5xrznBQ/s1600/Greg_2015.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyym4DWhpKy2NNI-SBWYPlzL4gi0aQ-taNNmjgCycyviUQ7aPU0lbK8qzEzmLNiJ8O70J9m8Qg5outMZ3gAgrdf17IHi9j5_Q5oWwPLrRAcSLTTOzK0KEqEbXx1n8PAaBkzrH5xrznBQ/s200/Greg_2015.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Greg has over 25 year's of experience in fiscal management in the Community Action Network and has worked with OACAA, since 2007, to manage all accounting and fiscal reporting. His experience also includes over six years as an accountant for local for-profit corporations. Gregn earned his bachelor's degree in economics from Ohio Wesleyan University and his master's degree in business administration from Keller School of Business.</span></div>
OACAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715697840872522021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1491666009305714187.post-83743887298972163552015-09-08T11:13:00.002-04:002015-09-08T11:14:30.414-04:00The importance of program evaluations<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6Q-bm1Dy9F1j-qZiOVQHYCXpnXwUVp8gEgF_gDi2nVyB2GmvRs-Jd-iWskv65IecUvU7KHIiFxo0JxpTFfX0iHbbjysK11WOmq03O2lKcr7aJILOszY5akzkaihVycuT21OOu-ci8A/s1600/evaluation.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6Q-bm1Dy9F1j-qZiOVQHYCXpnXwUVp8gEgF_gDi2nVyB2GmvRs-Jd-iWskv65IecUvU7KHIiFxo0JxpTFfX0iHbbjysK11WOmq03O2lKcr7aJILOszY5akzkaihVycuT21OOu-ci8A/s200/evaluation.png" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Adapted
from: <a href="http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/evaluate/evaluation/framework-for-evaluation/main" target="_blank">Community Toolbox</a> (nd). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #fafafa; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; letter-spacing: -0.55pt;">A Framework for Program Evaluation: A Gateway to Tools<b>. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">H</span>ow do you
tell your story? Why is the work that you do relevant and worthy of funding? These
are questions that all non-profits ask to be more sustainable and worthy of funding
to provide programs and services to their community. By tracking and measuring
data, each organization can have a better understanding of the populations they
serve and how to serve them, as well as help to identify areas to improve their
reach and the efficiency of their programs. We all do this through our mandated
Community Needs Assessments to receive CSBG funding. But, many Community Action
Agencies struggle with collecting data and defining what should be tracked. As
the non-profit world adopts a more data-driven model, is your agency ready? What
opportunities are you missing out on to improve your program activities? A
strong evaluation can help you answer these questions and more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To determine
an appropriate evaluation model, it is important first to understand its
purpose and definition. Program evaluation is the process of delineating,
obtaining, and providing useful information to describe and understand a
program. Evaluations also provide data to assist in making judgments and
decisions related to its operation. Also, evaluations can help identify the
underlying mec<span style="font-family: inherit;">hanism or causal processes by which the outcomes of the programs
are achieved; that is, understanding the “why” of the outcomes. To ensure that
an evaluation will yield useful information, evaluators should determine the
nature of the required information in the planning stages including Utility,
Feasibility, Propriety and Accuracy. Examples from the Community Toolbox can be
found <a href="http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/evaluate/evaluation/framework-for-evaluation/main">here</a>.</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In short, the
program evaluation process decides what information is useful, gathers that
information, and facilitates the distribution and use by key audiences and
stakeholders. The evaluation data is also an extremely effective tool to tell
your story that will enhance the likelihood that the information will be a
useful resource for others. The evaluation serves as an important tool allowing
you to better understand why the program works, why it doesn’t, in what
circumstances might it be expected to perform better, and why adjustments may
make it more effective. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For help in developing your own
program evaluation or revising a current evaluation method, contact <a href="http://www.oacaa.org/" target="_blank">OACAA</a> or
visit the <a href="http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/evaluate/evaluation/framework-for-evaluation/main">Community
Toolbox Website</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">_________________________________________________________________________________</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrlVTktraWhk6aBCiEMSbw6xk73Ud8xrA-eFJWR3OPMRxO3NaEVRrx38Fys3ObulhQZumAk0CGyEhnZQkrk5OQDu17YHqm03bBJfxe77fKqK6ami9MaWqAdCGE3fjKiM8neIS5L5Gjw/s1600/anita_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrlVTktraWhk6aBCiEMSbw6xk73Ud8xrA-eFJWR3OPMRxO3NaEVRrx38Fys3ObulhQZumAk0CGyEhnZQkrk5OQDu17YHqm03bBJfxe77fKqK6ami9MaWqAdCGE3fjKiM8neIS5L5Gjw/s200/anita_m.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anita Maldonado, Ph.D.</td></tr>
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<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Anita Maldonado serves as an internal consultant
(IC) for OACAA and is the chief operating officer for IMPACT Community Action
in Franklin County. She also serves as an adjunct faculty at Kent State
University and Franklin University. Anita has over nearly two decades of
experience in social services field and working with nonprofit organizations
managing budgets and programs in excess of $10million. She earned her master’s
degree in public administration and holds a doctorate in higher education
administration from Kent State University. Anita specializes in trainings
including strategic planning, program assessment, research and evaluations,
board training and Bridges Out of Poverty. </span></span></h4>
</div>
OACAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715697840872522021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1491666009305714187.post-82680149763814977392015-08-06T11:25:00.002-04:002015-08-06T11:30:54.402-04:00Building a strong bridge out of poverty<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxmjKXDRDuEnwUPlzrZfsA4n-WZ8TRU1SwuGrsx5VSwNW7n72L84ojlvELT31Pm5epn_NNBne9xxpAz07q9eRyT2FFbTIR8rtm3qK_fR9azVKWt-LQvkaR5uFmYSYCk1_Us0UMmK7lw/s1600/Bridges+Out+of+Povert_8.2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxmjKXDRDuEnwUPlzrZfsA4n-WZ8TRU1SwuGrsx5VSwNW7n72L84ojlvELT31Pm5epn_NNBne9xxpAz07q9eRyT2FFbTIR8rtm3qK_fR9azVKWt-LQvkaR5uFmYSYCk1_Us0UMmK7lw/s320/Bridges+Out+of+Povert_8.2015.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeffrey Diver presents Bridges Out of Poverty</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">E</span>arlier this week I joined one of OCATO’s Internal
Consultants (ICs) at a Bridges Out of Poverty training hosted by <a href="http://www.rossccac.com/" target="_blank">Ross CountyCommunity Action Commission</a> for District Four. Jeffrey Diver, IC and executive
director of <a href="http://www.selfhelps.org/" target="_blank">Supports to Encourage Low-Income Families (SELF)</a>, delivered the
training and challenged perceptions of poverty to break down stereotypes. By
the end of the day, participants had gained a deeper understanding of the
obstacles faced by those living in poverty. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Based on the book <i>Bridges Out of Poverty</i> by Ruby K. Payne,
this nationally-known concept aims to remove barriers and build stronger and
sustainable communities. Certified trainers introduce a framework that includes
mental models and Hidden Rules of Class while also discussing key concepts of
situational and generational poverty. Jeff facilitated discussions and showed
video clips throughout the day to get us all looking through a different lens.
The training served as a powerful reminder of what our customers struggle with
every day. Each path to self-sufficiency is unique, and the Bridges Out of
Poverty training is an excellent way to engage your staff, partners, and
community. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Whether you’re a case manager, head start teacher, executive
director, or any one of the over 6,000 professionals in the Ohio Community
Action Network, this one-day training may be beneficial for you! Trainings are
typically free for OACAA members. Visit our <a href="http://www.oacaa.org/members-only/ohio-community-action-training-organization-ocatoabout-ocato/about-ocato/" target="_blank">website</a> or call us today to find out more.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Z2V4oP2tCICFIPP8ZZhElBgcn41nz8eoD-NNbQa3aEZjkttG1u0pQlxfq_oUcc0sg34PpV6QgHEpTNn0RW-JaanqxJIG_yA27OPRwy2W4u3-7b7x0QCfwAXJd9HAwhgX0yDaJP2bow/s1600/kathryn_web.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Z2V4oP2tCICFIPP8ZZhElBgcn41nz8eoD-NNbQa3aEZjkttG1u0pQlxfq_oUcc0sg34PpV6QgHEpTNn0RW-JaanqxJIG_yA27OPRwy2W4u3-7b7x0QCfwAXJd9HAwhgX0yDaJP2bow/s200/kathryn_web.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Kathryn A. Clausen, OACAA Communications Director</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Kathryn has over a decade of nonprofit experience with more
than half of that time spent directly in the Community Action Network. She
earned her bachelor’s degree in communication Summa Cum Laude from Franklin
University, her associate’s degree from Ohio University and is currently
pursuing her graduate degree from Kent State University. Kathryn manages the
association’s public relations including regular communication federal and
state lawmakers, media, OACAA members and the general public. She also supports
CAs across the state as needed in their communication efforts.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
OACAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715697840872522021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1491666009305714187.post-71363255099754354472015-07-29T14:44:00.003-04:002015-07-29T14:54:01.545-04:00Another successful event: Annual Summer Conference 2015<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPRNhPG6xmedxBFBzenAB-8ahG2YRWd525wtq6wvjU7KFy9Yt8GQ4z948N6bu0KgyDdJYNnJRyV5MgoQnLqJtkrNn7LdN_tcG7cRaz2V3MryLxiHAfD4shQb54Drt0lrNxlf3myG_kQ/s1600/SummerConf152.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPRNhPG6xmedxBFBzenAB-8ahG2YRWd525wtq6wvjU7KFy9Yt8GQ4z948N6bu0KgyDdJYNnJRyV5MgoQnLqJtkrNn7LdN_tcG7cRaz2V3MryLxiHAfD4shQb54Drt0lrNxlf3myG_kQ/s320/SummerConf152.png" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">David Bradley, Co-founder and Executive director of National Community <br />Action Foundation</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">L</span>ast 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, Ohio.</div>
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Breakout sessions kicked off the conference Wednesday
morning and included four tracks: Leadership, Head Start, Fiscal/Human
Resources, and Family Development/Special Populations. Presenters from CAPLAW
and Head Start Region V discussed national and regional Community Action topics
while Family Development speakers presented tools and ideas for working with
special population groups such as Reentry, Migrant Farmers, and Veterans
populations</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZj5g1e0ih51lwWrMQtXBHuuPhzDbKM4vBoScXR5R_nKtbkQRckXBtn-oENLT9xu2_xCktCP6PH3RUB8ujgs7DhwHEdiD-MsK9EpDeMaqG-B5mTDjeYxs4igI67X-5XvxXZUY8QSbzrQ/s1600/SummerConf15.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pictured (left to right): Larry Price, Representative Alicia Reece, Philip E. Cole" border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZj5g1e0ih51lwWrMQtXBHuuPhzDbKM4vBoScXR5R_nKtbkQRckXBtn-oENLT9xu2_xCktCP6PH3RUB8ujgs7DhwHEdiD-MsK9EpDeMaqG-B5mTDjeYxs4igI67X-5XvxXZUY8QSbzrQ/s320/SummerConf15.png" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Pictured (left to right): Larry Price, Representative Alicia Reece and Philip E. Cole</span></td></tr>
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We were honored to have Ohio House Representative Alicia
Reece take the stage during Wednesday’s lunch where she spoke about her
legislative priorities in House District 33 Representative. Representative
Reece discussed an Ohio voter bill of rights and the priorities of the Ohio
Legislative Black Caucus. She also discussed the recommendations from the Ohio
Community-Police Task Force on which she was appointed by Governor John Kasich
last year and served alongside Philip Cole, executive director of OACAA. Later
that afternoon, the Office of Community Assistance (OCA) presented an update to
the network which was followed by district meetings. During the district
meetings, three board of trustee representatives from each district were
elected to serve two-year terms. On Wednesday evening, guests were invited to
attend a relaxing networking event on Lake Erie.</div>
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Thursday continued with breakout sessions followed by lunch
with guest speaker, educator, and author, Harvey Alston. A plenary session
wrapped up the day with speakers Bo Chilton of OURS, Ron Reese of COAD, and
Hugh Cathey of HealthSpot, Inc. The conference wrapped up on Friday morning
with a membership meeting and guest speaker David Bradley, co-founder and executive
director of National Community Action Foundation (NCAF).</div>
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OACAA would like to thank our sponsors, advertisers, and
exhibitors this year. With their support, we were able to provide great snacks
and beverages throughout the conference to recharge all of our guests. A
special thank you goes out to our meal sponsors <a href="http://www.appliedenergyproducts.com/">Applied Energy Products and Sales</a>,
<a href="http://www.inhealthohio.org/">InHealth Mutual</a>, <a href="http://www.wichert.com/Site/534602112/default.asp">Wichert Insurance</a>,
and <a href="http://www.selective.com/">Selective Insurance</a>.</div>
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Activity from throughout the conference can be viewed on <a href="http://on.fb.me/1xVlpes">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://bit.ly/1BE6ho9">Twitter</a>
using #OACAASummer15 and photos are now available on <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHskh5o9QW">Flickr</a>. We have already received
outstanding feedback from the network and we are glad those who attended found
it informative, relevant, and fun! We are proud of the work the Ohio network
does to help people and change lives and are happy to have completed another
successful conference in support of your efforts throughout the state.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Stay in touch with OACAA by subscribing to our blog and
following us on social media! <o:p></o:p></div>
OACAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715697840872522021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1491666009305714187.post-17286857117395455262015-06-24T10:37:00.003-04:002015-06-24T10:51:06.598-04:00What is on the table? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl05WMItldfqkMXI3vyEETRRlnrvbPtehP-aQC-SLSud13NnQO47YTm5_l8FS5YYJqakwTFkZfBwLadkoEJ8ssJfHfycOTmQ54_oDnCu8lLKKshjmtVW9ieVc_tRbye3ANC7uzX9mHQA/s1600/IMG_1850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl05WMItldfqkMXI3vyEETRRlnrvbPtehP-aQC-SLSud13NnQO47YTm5_l8FS5YYJqakwTFkZfBwLadkoEJ8ssJfHfycOTmQ54_oDnCu8lLKKshjmtVW9ieVc_tRbye3ANC7uzX9mHQA/s200/IMG_1850.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">O</span>n 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.</div>
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These toys are actually called “fidgets” and are tools to help self-regulate, calm stress and anxiety and can help you focus and retain information. You can get fidgets anywhere and they don’t have to be expensive. You’ve probably seen our baskets; they include stress balls, cars, bendable creatures and more. The fidgets promote movement and tactile input that is critical for some adult learners.</div>
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Learners that benefit from fidgets can be easy to spot when none are available to them. They may get up from their seat often, tap their foot or rummage through their purse or tote bag. They may read, re-read and flip through their program or handouts throughout the session, or they may even play with their name tag. They don’t do this on purpose, and it is not planned—many times they don’t even realize they are distracting anyone.</div>
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<a href="http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07easfo0b5014e0406&llr=cn5md6cab" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6j9Aaejdl1DK_nnCyZ7nNttdQj6fZw2HnO69AjvXkE1EhfNBeF-4Voh5euCDT8qsNu_GDjCwVIQWzCpbMhWOW44MBQC52Ub8IEuWI-BMUwQx8tRNSnPO7o6QlsS-w1wiZUbLs6hYww/s200/Summer-Register.png" width="200" /></a>Adult Learning Styles teach us that learning can be enhanced when fidgets are introduced. Learning requires us to use both the left and right hemispheres of our brain and appropriate fidgeting can increase learning reception. Movement and sensory input can help direct restless movement.</div>
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So, at the next OACAA conference you attend, when you see the little creatures, stress balls, Slinky’s or figures, go ahead—pick one up! You may find that you too benefit from a fidget.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljE_sir6Bj6Ed_i_pAFUZ1LU5Wfuzpy6f1la8arxJxdRYupAXU1QJs0piR9V1D-TzsC0G0yzCgc0Xhv7hNHUmOFccybAPZ7wUNe4bk1lCQU1Ks_a80Io_56acOvRpXGoiNZch6gdSBA/s1600/Lorie_2015.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljE_sir6Bj6Ed_i_pAFUZ1LU5Wfuzpy6f1la8arxJxdRYupAXU1QJs0piR9V1D-TzsC0G0yzCgc0Xhv7hNHUmOFccybAPZ7wUNe4bk1lCQU1Ks_a80Io_56acOvRpXGoiNZch6gdSBA/s200/Lorie_2015.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lorie McClain, Program Specialist</td></tr>
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<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14px;">Lorie is a certified trainer in the Prep® Within My Reach curriculum, and Love’s Cradle® curriculum, Family Development Specialist and Family Development Specialist Trainer, as well as a certified Personal Financial Teacher. She is directly responsible for managing all of OACAA’s Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) and other funded programs.</i></div>
OACAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715697840872522021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1491666009305714187.post-28183739540588334592015-05-15T12:21:00.001-04:002015-05-18T08:57:48.533-04:00#BeCommunityAction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWxzUIfiHccH2pNS5LwJKAKA9FswTJQ1x_wIrsnlWnQqILyRGyIDy6AIkpy-vFVBnNnHP5NuNALLpzS2F4j9NxJHmotrfWKktcI3Xr6egr4ARfpTGvS0oHIaEoOjGDICCRrSepR-x5g/s1600/BeCA.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWxzUIfiHccH2pNS5LwJKAKA9FswTJQ1x_wIrsnlWnQqILyRGyIDy6AIkpy-vFVBnNnHP5NuNALLpzS2F4j9NxJHmotrfWKktcI3Xr6egr4ARfpTGvS0oHIaEoOjGDICCRrSepR-x5g/s320/BeCA.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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The celebration of National Community Action Month is more
than spreading awareness of our programs and services; it’s about sharing the achievements
throughout our network, celebrating the successes of our customers and strengthening
our communities by helping people and changing lives. This year, agencies
across Ohio are not only celebrating our successes, achievements and stories,
but many of you are celebrating 50 years of innovative thinking and progressive
programs that have helped inspire, motivate, encourage and overcome obstacles to allow opportunities for low-income families and individuals to reach self-sufficiency. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Community Action Partnership has called on agencies and
associations to be inspired, proud, innovative, enthused, motivated, and to
#BeCommunityAction. Agencies don’t need to host a major event to do this and,
though it sounds like fun, they don’t need to host a flash mob (though if
you’re interested in hosting one, be sure to check out the <a href="http://www.communityactionpartnership.com/storage/cap/documents/ncam/ncam_final.pdf">toolkit</a>)! All you need is a few minutes and social
media to get that two-way communication going with your customers, your
community, your local elected officials, your volunteers and of course, your
staff. Keep your community engaged by asking staff, volunteers, board members
and more, to share #MissionMoments and post them on your social media pages or
website. You can also take advantage of the sample social media posts provided
by Community Action Partnership in the <a href="http://www.communityactionpartnership.com/storage/cap/documents/ncam/ncam_final.pdf">toolkit</a>.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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OACAA is proud to be part of this network and pleased to
celebrate Community Action’s achievements every day of the year. Let’s show our
community how we continue to #BeCommunityAction! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihN-lFWqNrjSWiU2bMO0EAfh5vDWqK4z31Iezs51qVOkkYm0GnQ4hQsfMz3-TdZWLcGN3s6yBKfZZpRpK5u4MMpp9JN33T8Mrg9xf3H3aUt2rY__KYo07chpc2uNRsr3NP2pzzcGq3nQ/s1600/kathryn_web.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihN-lFWqNrjSWiU2bMO0EAfh5vDWqK4z31Iezs51qVOkkYm0GnQ4hQsfMz3-TdZWLcGN3s6yBKfZZpRpK5u4MMpp9JN33T8Mrg9xf3H3aUt2rY__KYo07chpc2uNRsr3NP2pzzcGq3nQ/s200/kathryn_web.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kathryn A. Clausen, <br />
OACAA Communications Director</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Kathryn has over a decade of nonprofit experience with more than half of that time spent directly in the Community Action Network. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communication Summa Cum Laude from Franklin University, her associate’s degree from Ohio University and is currently pursuing her graduate degree from Kent State University. Kathryn manages the association’s public relations including regular communication federal and state lawmakers, media, OACAA members and the general public. She also supports CAs across the state as needed in their communication efforts. </span></span></h4>
OACAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715697840872522021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1491666009305714187.post-37307856126472303342015-04-22T11:16:00.001-04:002015-04-24T08:42:25.480-04:00Hunger Banquet: An Experience to Remember<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span>n March, Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission
(NOCAC), with the support of local businesses, caterers and partner
organizations, hosted the 2015 Hunger Banquet in Williams County. This banquet
was not your typical fundraising event but instead, it was an experience to
remember. As guests arrived, they were greeted by individuals holding cardboard
signs—not signs that directed them to the venue or the parking lot, but signs
that said, “homeless veteran,” “will work for…” and “I used to be someone you
could talk to.” A family of four stood next to their truck, with two young
teenagers huddled in blankets watching their parents politely ask nearly 200
guests if they could spare some change. Some offered help, though many did not.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A lucky, or unlucky, roll of the die directed guests to
their dining area for the evening that ranged from upper-class to poverty. The
wealthy were seated at elaborately decorated tables complete with shrimp
appetizers and steak dinners while those in poverty were greeted with tables
made of pallets and tarp table cloths. The homeless and lower-class watched the
wealthy and upper-middle class enjoy steak, chicken and even envied the
lower-middle class’s bologna sandwiches while they waited to find out if the
soup kitchen would open before the end of the evening. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Hunger Banquet did not attempt to simply explain what
poverty is like, it let guests experience it first-hand. Like a game of chance,
families were thrown from the upper-class to lower- class or further when,
during the evening, they lost their jobs, got sick, or in one case, were even
widowed.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">“My husband always took care of
everything for me. I </span>didn't<span style="font-family: inherit;"> know about insurance or that we </span>didn't<span style="font-family: inherit;"> have any…”</span><br /> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />“I worked long hours driving a
truck... I fell asleep at the wheel… (sobbing)… I didn't mean to hurt </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">anyone; I
just wanted to provide for my family.”</span><br /> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">“I invested everything in that
company. Then came the depression… then the addiction… I lost everything I had
ever worked for…”</span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Guests also heard stories of success. Stories of families
receiving intensive case-management, securing housing, overcoming their
addictions, finding help for their mental illnesses, and overcoming odds and
obstacles by getting accepted into college despite being moved from foster home
to foster home. Many stories of those helped by Northwestern Ohio Community
Action Commission (NOCAC) and The PATH Center illustrated the effectiveness of
Community Action and how creative solutions are effective in alleviating
poverty. NOCAC administers locally controlled programs, creates partnerships
and helps low-income families and individuals across six rural counties in Ohio
while on their path to self-sufficiency.
The Hunger Banquet was an event to remember and just one of the ways
NOCAC works to change the story of poverty in Ohio. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Be sure to check out our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECtZYztxu2Q">video of NOCAC’s 2015 Hunger
Banquet</a>! Are you interested in hosting your own Hunger Banquet? Contact
Angie Franklin at <a href="mailto:afranklin@nocac.org">afranklin@nocac.org</a>
for more information.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Z2V4oP2tCICFIPP8ZZhElBgcn41nz8eoD-NNbQa3aEZjkttG1u0pQlxfq_oUcc0sg34PpV6QgHEpTNn0RW-JaanqxJIG_yA27OPRwy2W4u3-7b7x0QCfwAXJd9HAwhgX0yDaJP2bow/s1600/kathryn_web.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Z2V4oP2tCICFIPP8ZZhElBgcn41nz8eoD-NNbQa3aEZjkttG1u0pQlxfq_oUcc0sg34PpV6QgHEpTNn0RW-JaanqxJIG_yA27OPRwy2W4u3-7b7x0QCfwAXJd9HAwhgX0yDaJP2bow/s1600/kathryn_web.png" height="141" width="200" /></a></div>
<i style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></i><i style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Kathryn has over a decade of nonprofit experience with nearly six years spent directly in the Community Action Network. She manages OACAA’s public relations efforts, member newsletter, webs</i><br />
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OACAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715697840872522021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1491666009305714187.post-5450037814304098712015-03-31T09:45:00.001-04:002015-03-31T09:45:26.589-04:00Family Development Certification Training<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="line-height: 16.7999992370605px;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 16.7999992370605px;">The Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies (OACAA) provides certification to Community Action Professionals across the state to become Family Development Specialists (FDS) and Trainers. Regardless of your program specialty (employment, housing, family support, etc.), Family Development certification will provide you with valuable hands-on tools to work with families across all spectrums. Certified Family Development Specialists are better able to focus resources for eligible families to achieve self-sufficiency in many areas such as housing, income and budgeting, transportation, family and social relations, recovery from alcohol and drug abuse, mental and emotion health and much more.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 16.7999992370605px;">The Family Development program consists of five core areas. They include: </span><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"><b>Joining </b>– Interviewing and dialog skills, building relationships, and cultural competency</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"><b>Assessment </b>– Assessing family strengths, challenges and resources</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"><b>Planning </b>– Develop well-formed goals and create plans to reach a family’s vision towards self-sufficiency</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"><b>Support </b>– Evaluate barriers that may prevent families from moving forward</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"><b>Linking </b>– Connecting families to community partners by providing effective referrals while continuing to support the family</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="line-height: 16.7999992370605px;">The three-day training program involves homework on the first two evenings. Participants take part in a Celebration of Knowledge at its conclusion. OACAA is proud to offer CPEs from the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker & Marriage and Family Therapist Board to graduates of the program who earn their certification as a Family Development Specialist. The program requires an annual recertification which is also offered by OACAA.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16.7999992370605px;">If you are a Community Action Professional and would like to be equipped to effect change in your area by taking part in an OACAA’s Community Action Family Development Specialist Training please contact Lorie McClain at <a href="mailto:lorie@oacaa.org">lorie@oacaa.org</a> to check for availability of FDS trainings. Classes are typically offered annually. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRqhFaEyEFRdFNzEBSEzY1ZpJ1yoYkni3us4YmaOjp1Qs7QRHk3jH5MIWbOhpJStR6XgyBmd02S5lQTe3ERgEQ8HfTrwducrFm4Ij-ZxS0-3JmhGXSdrQD7t_4af4ev2NZ6kUSPq5ow/s1600/Lorie_2015.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRqhFaEyEFRdFNzEBSEzY1ZpJ1yoYkni3us4YmaOjp1Qs7QRHk3jH5MIWbOhpJStR6XgyBmd02S5lQTe3ERgEQ8HfTrwducrFm4Ij-ZxS0-3JmhGXSdrQD7t_4af4ev2NZ6kUSPq5ow/s1600/Lorie_2015.png" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lorie McClain, Program Specialist</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Lorie is a certified trainer in the Prep® Within My Reach curriculum, and Love’s Cradle® curriculum, Family Development Specialist and Family Development Specialist Trainer, as well as a certified Personal Financial Teacher. She is directly responsible for managing all of OACAA’s Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) and other funded programs.</i></span></span><br />
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OACAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715697840872522021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1491666009305714187.post-12672239057089468252015-03-24T09:37:00.000-04:002015-03-24T09:38:36.913-04:00State of Poverty in Ohio Report 2014<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbBgmiHCk8lizPi2GL3hNmGGOjHDLdrRZatNgTOSc9CGDqd3B35NeieHrp6Fh8Zo8gpwMzRS6BEIe1q3SclxCLFakuVEqFwDH9ZXhcQdMKOo0MIqc_R1aYeNdg8_c_CNGUyAIn_p2vDQ/s1600/1_SOP2014_Release.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbBgmiHCk8lizPi2GL3hNmGGOjHDLdrRZatNgTOSc9CGDqd3B35NeieHrp6Fh8Zo8gpwMzRS6BEIe1q3SclxCLFakuVEqFwDH9ZXhcQdMKOo0MIqc_R1aYeNdg8_c_CNGUyAIn_p2vDQ/s1600/1_SOP2014_Release.png" height="212" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">In cooperation with Community Research Partners (CRP), OACAA
released the State of Poverty in Ohio Report on Tuesday, March 10, 2015. The
report, which is now <a href="http://issuu.com/oacaa/docs/sop_2014_final_low?e=6471529/11794699" target="_blank"><span id="goog_1484854292"></span>available online<span id="goog_1484854293"></span></a>, aims to illustrate the effects of
poverty in an effort to understand economic hardships today and over the last
fifty years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Throughout the report, you will learn about many of the
barriers that have kept nearly 32 percent of people in the United States
teetering on the edge of, or prevented them from escaping, poverty. You will
also learn how the Federal Poverty Measure (FPM), which was developed over
fifty years ago, is an insufficient way to measure Americans’ ability to
provide basic necessities such as housing and utilities—because the FPM was
developed to measure only the minimum food budget. And you will learn more
about the challenges people in poverty face when working to overcome the
benefits gap while learning to financially manage soaring education debt in
order to live a self-sufficient life without public or private assistance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Utilizing graphics, case studies and data, the report
dispels commonly held myths and misconceptions about poverty. The report also
illustrates how Community Action agencies utilize a holistic approach to meet
the needs of low-income families and individuals while on their unique paths to
self-sufficiency. Poverty is a complex issue and cannot be alleviated with
simple solutions. We hope this study of poverty and its effect on millions of
Ohioans will shine a light on the issues in order to develop long-term
solutions.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
OACAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715697840872522021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1491666009305714187.post-37590150703338715172015-02-25T15:42:00.000-05:002015-03-23T12:31:41.764-04:00Organizational Standards: IM 138 Released<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As many of you have seen, IM 138 was released by the U.S.
Office of Community Services (OCS) which provides guidance and responsibilities
for the establishment of Organizational Standards for the CSBG Network. These
Standards reflect more than two years of work led by the Community Action
Partnership. The goal of the Standards is to establish a set of good management
practices that every Community Action Agency should meet to demonstrate
adequate organizational capacity while delivering services to low-income persons.
The 58 Standards are divided into three thematic areas: 1) Maximum Feasible
Participation, 2) Vision and Direction, and 3) Operations and Accountability.
Together, these areas represent minimum threshold requirements that will ensure
the CSBG Network can continue to improve the lives of those we serve. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some key items to note include:</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">State CSBG lead agencies (Office of Community
Assistance/OCA) are responsible for establishing and communicating expectations
for organizational standards to eligible entities across a State, assessing the
status of Standards among all of the eligible entities annually, and reporting
to OCS on the Standards in the CSBG Annual Report</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">In cases where the eligible entity may be able
to meet the Standard in a reasonable time frame contingent on some targeted
technical assistance, </span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">the State and entity may develop a technical
assistance plan </b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">to target</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">training
and technical assistance resources and outline a time frame for the entity to
meet the Standard(s)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OCS and States do not have the authority under
the CSBG Act to bypass the process described in CSBG IM 116 in order to
re-compete CSBG funding based on failure to meet Organizational Standards</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">States must integrate the Standards into their
State Plan beginning in FY 2016, which is due to OCS on September 2, 2015</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While the IM 138 includes a large number of Standards, many
agencies throughout Ohio’s CAA network are already implementing many of them.
For others, your state T&TA provider, OCATO, can help. Below are some free
resources to get you started on Standards with which you are less familiar. For
further assistance, contact Josh Summer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">IM 138 Resources:</span></u></div>
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.communityactionpartnership.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=96&Itemid=291" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">GeneralStandards Information</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.oacaa.org/members-only/ohio-community-action-training-organization-ocatoabout-ocato/about-ocato/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">StrategicPlanning, Board Training, ROMA support</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.nonprofitrisk.org/affiliates/cap_sso.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Free Online RiskAssessment Tool</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.communityactioncna.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">FreeCommunity Needs Assessment Tool</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.virtualcap.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Online ResourceDatabase</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://caplaw.org/resources/bytopic/ResourcesByTopic.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Management andGovernance Resources</span></a></li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGxB7cguyS39c8c0xTz16ubmXTG_OfJXEahisnX9nlOFhrxhufRJTEaHwfJB_SYSIW-wYrcKUmV6GOxwsDp0TurMQsIsH1doexpKCglP8iIofX7ReCZL1D_xLJCalpv3DIpUAV4AKug/s1600/Josh-Summer_full.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGxB7cguyS39c8c0xTz16ubmXTG_OfJXEahisnX9nlOFhrxhufRJTEaHwfJB_SYSIW-wYrcKUmV6GOxwsDp0TurMQsIsH1doexpKCglP8iIofX7ReCZL1D_xLJCalpv3DIpUAV4AKug/s1600/Josh-Summer_full.png" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Josh Summer, OACAA Development Director</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Josh Summer has over a decade of experience in
organizational development and planning. He is a Certified ROMA trainer,
Technology of Participation (ToP) Certified Strategic Planner and he
facilitates board training and poverty simulations. Josh earned his bachelor’s degree from the
University of Wisconsin Madison’s School of Human Ecology where he focused his
studies on financial literacy and consumer education.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
OACAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715697840872522021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1491666009305714187.post-14380755125595596382015-02-05T10:45:00.000-05:002015-02-19T11:24:55.947-05:002015 Winter Legislative Conference #WLC2015<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">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 change lives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The conference kicked off with visits with state legislators and agencies discussed their progress, ideas, and successes while advocating for their community’s low-income population. That evening, we were joined by several cabinet members, representatives, senators and legislative aides at the Legislative Reception and discussions continued regarding our network’s programs and initiatives to alleviate poverty across Ohio. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thursday morning began with breakfast and speaker Denise Harlow, chief executive officer of Community Action Partnership, who discussed the newly released Community Action Standards. The Standards were coordinated by the Partnership over a three-year period along with 50 individuals connected to CSBG funding. Following breakfast, five breakout tracks commenced which included Leadership, Fiscal/Human Resources, Family Development, Public Relations, and Weatherization. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">During lunch, OACAA was honored to host Governor John Kasich as the keynote speaker during which he released a preview of the next state budget proposal. Included in the preview was the initiative to expand child care assistance to families and individuals at up to 300 percent of the poverty level as opposed to the current 200 percent limit. In addition, Kasich aims to coordinate state services to eliminate barriers to low-income people to increase their successful transition to self-sufficiency. Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services Director Cynthia Dungey and Office of Human Services Innovations Director Douglas Lumpkin followed the Governor’s speech with additional details. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The conference wrapped up on Friday with a discussion among members and OACAA executive director Philip E. Cole, as well as a federal policy update from speaker David Bradley. Mr. Bradley, co-founder and executive director of National Community Action Foundation, discussed NCAF’s work toward the federal reauthorization of CSBG, which he expects to accomplish in 2015. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Photos from the conference can be viewed on our new Flickr photo feed: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/129626600@N05/sets/72157650194826879/" target="_blank">OACAA Flickr</a>. OACAA would like to thank all of those throughout Ohio’s 88 counties who participated in this year’s conference. All attendees, speakers, workshop presenters, staff and members of board of trustees played a vital role in the success of the conference. We are excited to begin working on the 2015 OACAA Summer Conference and look forward to seeing you there! Stay up to date with more details for the next conference and other activities by subscribing to our blog.</span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Z2V4oP2tCICFIPP8ZZhElBgcn41nz8eoD-NNbQa3aEZjkttG1u0pQlxfq_oUcc0sg34PpV6QgHEpTNn0RW-JaanqxJIG_yA27OPRwy2W4u3-7b7x0QCfwAXJd9HAwhgX0yDaJP2bow/s1600/kathryn_web.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Z2V4oP2tCICFIPP8ZZhElBgcn41nz8eoD-NNbQa3aEZjkttG1u0pQlxfq_oUcc0sg34PpV6QgHEpTNn0RW-JaanqxJIG_yA27OPRwy2W4u3-7b7x0QCfwAXJd9HAwhgX0yDaJP2bow/s1600/kathryn_web.png" height="141" width="200" /></a></div>
<i style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></i>
<i style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Kathryn has over a decade of nonprofit experience with nearly six years spent directly in the Community Action Network. She manages OACAA’s public relations efforts, member newsletter, website, blog, and social media. </i>OACAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715697840872522021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1491666009305714187.post-53720623185606713182014-12-29T08:30:00.000-05:002014-12-29T08:30:02.040-05:00Community Action Helps People and Changes Lives<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the past 50 years, Community Action Agencies across the
country have worked tirelessly to leverage resources, develop local programs,
and administer grants to help low-income families and individuals achieve
self-sufficiency to fight the war on poverty. Over the past year, in honor of
the 50<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the signing of the Economic Opportunity
Action of 1964, we have celebrated the 50 best things about Community Action. Though
our anniversary celebration is winding down, our successes and stories of hope,
achievement and movement toward our mission, will continue. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Community Action Promise states: “<i>Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope,
improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about
the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves
and each other.” <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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For the over 6,000 staff serving all of Ohio’s 88 counties
through 48 locally controlled Community Action Agencies, this is truly the
case. From emergency services and job training and placement programs to
weatherization and housing development, people all across the state are moving toward
that mission and helping low-income Ohioans help themselves by narrowing gaps and
creating bridges and opportunities to move out of poverty. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies is proud
of the work in our network and across America. There is still work to do and we
look forward to celebrating the new and innovative programs that are created by
Ohio’s agencies to help people and change lives. <o:p></o:p></div>
OACAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715697840872522021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1491666009305714187.post-40145513113982301912014-12-18T13:42:00.000-05:002014-12-18T13:42:44.315-05:00Community Action Keeps Kids Warm<div class="MsoNormal">
For the second consecutive year, Jackson-Vinton County
Community Action, Inc. (JVCAI) has provided hundreds of brand new coats to
low-income children to keep them warm. The program, which was made possible by
the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives in partnership
with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and the Ohio Association of
Community Action Agencies (OACAA), has already provided 290 coats to area
children with more still available.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPGGRIrc95rHfqtgO88bWfzy-Unjh14uc74MlvDxKUsT6x_xzHzLtXf3B3gQlUGxiAsVdbINL5QLD1yj1Cqs4yhMfGIvTTQYWubyiLUznwWKTjre03LB8iNFQKt66E6-hk_OMwMq_Jg/s1600/Operation+Warm+2014+pic.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPGGRIrc95rHfqtgO88bWfzy-Unjh14uc74MlvDxKUsT6x_xzHzLtXf3B3gQlUGxiAsVdbINL5QLD1yj1Cqs4yhMfGIvTTQYWubyiLUznwWKTjre03LB8iNFQKt66E6-hk_OMwMq_Jg/s1600/Operation+Warm+2014+pic.jpeg" height="120" width="200" /></a>The coats are made in the USA and provided by Operation Warm. They are free to children eligible <o:p></o:p><br />
for TANF
(Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). Thanks to generous donations from
Kiwanis, JVCAI staff, Head Start, The Columbus Crew SC and other members of the
community, children received not only new coats but also received hats, scarves
and gloves. Kimberly Hettle, Brian Conrad and Allison Glasgow of the Governor’s
Office, along with community volunteers and JVCAI staff members, worked
together to sort, load, transport and unload the many boxes and bags at the
distribution events in Jackson and Vinton counties.</div>
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This program represents just one of the ways Community
Action partners with the local community and others to leverage funds and
provide the necessary supports for low-income families to keep them safe and
move toward self-sufficiency. Families served with coats, hats and gloves for
their children are now able to focus their limited resources on providing other
necessary living expenses knowing their families are able to face the cold Ohio
winter. <o:p></o:p></div>
OACAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715697840872522021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1491666009305714187.post-61865186693857744482014-12-03T08:00:00.000-05:002014-12-03T08:00:10.033-05:00Community Action Provides TrainingFred 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 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to assist homeowners with repairs to their heating systems. The couple, who had two small children, had recently purchased a home in Kent through a first-time home buyers program and the furnace wasn’t functioning properly.<br />
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CAC sent the agency’s inspector who determined that the furnace was unsafe. A new high efficiency furnace was installed in their home. The couple indicated through follow-up surveys that they were extremely happy with the reduction in the heating costs. Fred also enrolled in various utility assistance programs offered by CAC, including both the regular and winter crisis Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) after becoming unemployed. <br />
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During one of his visits to the CAC, Fred saw a flyer for the agency’s Community Technology Learning Center (CTLC). The CTLC is a proprietary school approved through the Ohio Board of Career Colleges and Schools that was developed by the Community Action Council of Portage County in 2005 in response to the growing need to provide Portage County residents with computer skills and technology training. Part economic development and part education, the goal of the CTLC is to provide students and the community with the skills necessary to compete in a 21st century labor market. Information technology continues to be one of the fastest growing occupations in Ohio, and the CAC offers a diversity of classes, ranging from beginning computer literacy to advanced networking and network administration. As a Microsoft Partner, students have access to low-cost training and globally recognized certifications enabling them to either upgrade their current skills or learn new skills for the future. With technology changing virtually every day, the CAC hopes to attract students and professionals who not only are interested in earning a living wage, but who wish to be on the cutting edge of technology. <br />
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In early 2011, Fred contacted the Community Technology Learning Center of Portage County to obtain information on the various technology classes offered by the agency. After discussing the options with CAC’s executive director and the CTLC operations manager, Fred expressed a sincere interest in computer technology, and was actually quite computer literate based on initial assessments completed at the time. He stated however, that although he was interested in attending advanced classes, he could not afford the costs, and could not start classes for at least six months due to the age of his children.<br />
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During the summer, Fred was contacted and informed that CAC had received a small grant through the local city for residents to obtain technology training leading to one or more certifications. Fred was approved for participation, and began classes almost immediately with his enrollment in the CompTIA’s A+ program. Later that year, he passed all pre-certification requirements and his A+ certification test.<br />
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Over the next year, Fred continued in classes, completing and receiving global certifications in CompTIA Network +, CompTIA Security+, and CompTIA Server + and Enterprise Administrator classes through the CTLC. In May 2012, he was hired part-time by a local public library system as a technology specialist, assisting the library system with computer repairs and related duties. He continued working for the library system for roughly ten months.<br />
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During his initial employment, Fred continued on both the HEAP and PIPP programs, but later in the year Fred and his family removed themselves from the PIPP program, and discontinued any type of public assistance.<br />
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In May 2013, Fred sent a letter to the Community Action Council’s executive director and staff informing them that he had been promoted to assistant head of Library Services and was responsible for all technology services, networking, and related functions in the entire library system. He indicated that this position paid $30 per hour, was full-time and with full benefits, including a pension plan. He has continued communicating with the staff at CTLC, and has referred several potential students to the school.<br />
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Fred represents a near ideal outcome for the Community Action Council of Portage County. As a relatively young family, he and his wife struggled with making ends meet, and both worked hard to improve themselves and make a better home for their children. He utilized the services that CAC could offer—through HEAP, weatherization, CSBG and others—and ultimately enrolled at CTLC so that he could gain the skills necessary to obtain employment. Fred persevered, took advantage of the opportunities that were made available to him and has succeeded in moving to self-sufficiency. <br />
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<i>For more information about Community Action programs in your area, visit <a href="http://www.oacaa.org/">www.oacaa.org</a>. Note, not all Community Action Agencies offer these programs.</i>
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OACAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715697840872522021noreply@blogger.com0Kent, OH, USA41.1536674 -81.35788589999998541.058010900000006 -81.519247399999983 41.2493239 -81.196524399999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1491666009305714187.post-69777605669358373412014-11-26T08:00:00.000-05:002014-11-26T08:00:10.812-05:00Community Action Helps Senior Citizens Remain in their Own Homes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hzb1_6Ult0hDYL4YEPn_m9Si7ojLIYccwJwFAE-7IcSKyEbirSVnZwE1e2DQQstP5gUc6LO4E-G_KxzTBzITb1uPBnMyypA8dw8HUK7DqPbJH1oTFH_9yv9unA-7_fT4Yw4t8B7uqw/s1600/Scioto+Pic+Before.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hzb1_6Ult0hDYL4YEPn_m9Si7ojLIYccwJwFAE-7IcSKyEbirSVnZwE1e2DQQstP5gUc6LO4E-G_KxzTBzITb1uPBnMyypA8dw8HUK7DqPbJH1oTFH_9yv9unA-7_fT4Yw4t8B7uqw/s1600/Scioto+Pic+Before.png" /></a></div>
The Scioto County Community Action Organization (CAO) Social Service Department received a call from Area Agency on Aging, District 7 on April 29. The Passport case manager stated she had a consumer that needed repairs on a block foundation for a trailer. She said the consumer was 69 years old, in a wheelchair, her trailer was an older model and the block foundation was not a permanent foundation, but stacked blocks. The foundation blocks settled or shifted over the years to the point the trailer was in danger of falling. As with most seniors, the consumer was not willing to move to an apartment or other household because the trailer and land was her home and she had lived on the property her entire life.<br />
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Later that day, the Community Action Organization received a call from Scioto County Department of Job and Family Services, Adult Protective Services, regarding the same consumer. They also asked if CAO could assist with the foundation because of the unsafe conditions. Both agencies stated the repairs needed to be made as soon as possible because the trailer was in eminent danger of falling.<br />
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The CAO told both agencies their resources were limited, but would see if they could help find a solution to the problem. The first phone calls were made to see who was certified and licensed to do such repairs, and who could give an estimate. CAO found one business that agreed to go out quickly and see what would be required to make the repairs. The estimate to make the needed repairs was $2,000. This included costs for state required trailer anchors and ABS pads for the foundation blocks. The gentleman providing the estimate stated the person living there should not be allowed to stay in the trailer because of the unsafe conditions. He said he had no idea what was currently holding the trailer and it was in danger of falling at any moment. He observed a kerosene tank that he felt was endangered if the trailer fell. He also stated an electrical fire was possible because the trailer had moved and was putting stress on the main electric line attached to it. These dangers, combined with the fact that the consumer was in a wheelchair, made this request for assistance a priority for the Social Service Staff.<br />
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The amount of the estimate was beyond any pledge CAO could make on their own, but because of the danger, the Social Service Department employees immediately began asking other agencies and churches to join in assisting with the repairs. After many phone calls, six other agencies agreed to help. Partners that assisted with the cost of the foundation repairs were Area Agency on Aging - District 7, Potters House Ministries, All Saints Episcopal Church, Second Presbyterian Church, Our Lady of Sorrow, and Catholic Social Services. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziNsBMAxuD5F4O2Yvp3edx471MdzmfcEw6f98M-bnQ2jRPC9mcBrBCuVX__732KnrpMrDyxHuKghA0FhoKi3tpW479tgTDkF5HvWhWkrWfhZbd5-vPhrRwyNDxP5CkKavkfTA0j454Q/s1600/Scioto+Pic+After.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziNsBMAxuD5F4O2Yvp3edx471MdzmfcEw6f98M-bnQ2jRPC9mcBrBCuVX__732KnrpMrDyxHuKghA0FhoKi3tpW479tgTDkF5HvWhWkrWfhZbd5-vPhrRwyNDxP5CkKavkfTA0j454Q/s1600/Scioto+Pic+After.png" /></a></div>
Work on the foundation was completed on May 18. CAO Weatherization staff assisted with door adjustments that were needed after the trailer was leveled. The Passport case manager is now working on obtaining resources to get insulated skirting for the trailer installed and the family is assisting with drainage issues around the home’s perimeter. The consumer stated she knew it was not safe to remain in the trailer, but she was determined to stay in her own home as long as she could, regardless of the consequences. She has expressed her gratitude to staff on many occasions since the repairs have been completed and she is happy that she has been able to remain at home.<br />
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<i>For more information about Community Action programs in your area, visit <a href="http://www.oacaa.org/">www.oacaa.org</a>. Note, not all Community Action Agencies offer these programs.</i>
OACAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715697840872522021noreply@blogger.com1Portsmouth, OH, USA38.7317431 -82.997674238.6326751 -83.1590357 38.830811100000005 -82.836312700000008tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1491666009305714187.post-41149148172734248642014-11-21T15:17:00.000-05:002014-11-21T15:29:50.317-05:00Will you be joining #GivingTuesday?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSgDiiyNvKqZ_TLGU8ZvQ05Tac_mSEJ8sn17tFERArlraqhGCKWJ6jyxGLmUFAvcPLI9bMcCLqMcp2PUH4sbI3Zm9umb9l4qgqGGwJqs8KT6Vfhr3j_HyzsJW6R9gOQyXzbuHJh89OQ/s1600/GivingTuesday-STD-Web-Banner_300x2501.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSgDiiyNvKqZ_TLGU8ZvQ05Tac_mSEJ8sn17tFERArlraqhGCKWJ6jyxGLmUFAvcPLI9bMcCLqMcp2PUH4sbI3Zm9umb9l4qgqGGwJqs8KT6Vfhr3j_HyzsJW6R9gOQyXzbuHJh89OQ/s1600/GivingTuesday-STD-Web-Banner_300x2501.jpeg" height="166" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#GivingTuesday</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">S</span>ocial
media has created a number of opportunities for nonprofits to increase fundraising
goals while lowering campaign costs. It has successfully launched several viral
micro-donation campaigns such as the Cold Water or ALS Ice Bucket Challenges
and it has enhanced year-end and year-round fundraising. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">You've</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> likely heard of <i>Black Friday</i> and <i>Cyber Monday</i> though have you heard of <i>Giving Tuesday? </i>The social media
campaign, founded by New York’s 92<sup>nd</sup> Street Y and the United Nations
Foundation, created an outlet encouraging others give back after they grabbed a
few holiday sales. The campaign quickly went viral and has since turned into a
global movement.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“We have two [days] for getting
deals. Now, we have #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back.”
~GivingTuesday.org<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Like the
annual sale-day traditions, Giving Tuesday follows the Thanksgiving holiday.
This year, it lands on December 2, 2014. In 2013, over $300 billion was donated
to charities across the United States with much of that being donated in
November and December. On Giving Tuesday, donations connected with the campaign
are expected to increase 90% over last year’s contributions. The campaign
continues to gain momentum with social media boosts while it creates new donor traditions.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">For more
information, news, webinars, and tools for joining the Giving Tuesday campaign,
visit </span><a href="http://www.givingtuesday.org/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">www.givingtuesday.org</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNL0UUdqYrqjJO1oAX39VdZBaKG58oyXRekdkZd2gg4xCif0rsXOVYyb_XVJjDg2OsMsN_DXLFxy8TX5ykxuaxZOe43JLPCI7aPbLdJUFQ99xwIsQ3JtzPgrTf_LMJTriCQxA-BSuqxw/s1600/kathryn_web.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNL0UUdqYrqjJO1oAX39VdZBaKG58oyXRekdkZd2gg4xCif0rsXOVYyb_XVJjDg2OsMsN_DXLFxy8TX5ykxuaxZOe43JLPCI7aPbLdJUFQ99xwIsQ3JtzPgrTf_LMJTriCQxA-BSuqxw/s1600/kathryn_web.png" height="141" width="200" /></a><i style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"></i><br />
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<i style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Kathryn has over a decade of nonprofit experience with nearly six years spent directly in the Community Action Network. She manages OACAA’s public relations efforts, member newsletter, website, blog, and social media. </i><br />
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OACAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715697840872522021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1491666009305714187.post-64165549116699135102014-11-19T08:00:00.000-05:002014-11-19T08:00:07.239-05:00Community Action Provides Help in a Time of Tragedy<br />
Danielle is a mother with three sons ages 9, 14 and 15. One morning as she and her family were getting ready for school and work, Danielle and her children experienced a tragic and life altering event. Danielle’s husband collapsed and died. She not only had to deal with the pain of losing her husband, but also with the reality of having to raise three boys on her own. When the Community Action Commission of Belmont County heard about her story, they reached out to Danielle to her to tell her about the John C. and Margareta Diest Kelsey Memorial Fund Program.<br />
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The fund was established in 1995 to provide monetary assistance to widows with dependent children living in Belmont County, Ohio. Mr. Kelsey was a native of Belmont County and was orphaned as a young child. He became a successful businessman who wished to establish a legacy to give back to the community in which he grew up. Working with the Columbus Foundation, the manager of the fund, the Community Action Commission began to administer the program at the local level. Qualifying families receive a monthly stipend to be used at the discretion of the family. <br />
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Danielle qualified for the program and enrolled December 11, 2012. During the enrollment and eligibility process, Danielle expressed a desire to buy a house for herself and her children. At the time of her husband’s death they were renting a home. Her reasons for wanting to establish a new home were twofold. Along with the desire to provide the stability for her family that home ownership provides, her children wanted to leave the house where they had experienced such heartache. With some guidance from the Community Action Commission’s Housing Office, Danielle was able to purchase a home. She has reported that the monthly stipends from the Kelsey program have enabled her to pay for the necessities of food, clothing and shelter.<br />
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Now more than a year after enrolling in the Kelsey program, Danielle has been able to stabilize her family and concentrate her energy and efforts on the hard work of being a single mother. <br />
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<i>For more information about Community Action programs in your area, visit <a href="http://www.oacaa.org/">www.oacaa.org</a>. Note, not all Community Action Agencies offer these programs.</i>
OACAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715697840872522021noreply@blogger.com0St. Clairsville, OH 43950, USA40.0803199 -80.90175999999996740.0317199 -80.982440999999966 40.1289199 -80.821078999999969tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1491666009305714187.post-67770352491526293552014-11-12T08:00:00.000-05:002014-11-12T08:00:05.018-05:00Community Action Helps People Attain Self-Sufficiency<br />
Jane had been struggling to find and maintain employment. In the summer of 2006, she began utilizing the HUD Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, which is operated by Washington Morgan Counties Community Action (WMCAP). This program is vital to the community and provides low-income residents the support they need to maintain affordable safe housing. Through the HUD Section 8 Program, participants are offered the option of participating in the Family Self Sufficiency Program (FSS). This option enables participants to obtain and grow an escrow account as an incentive to obtaining higher income and moving towards self sufficiency.<br />
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After being on the HUD program for a few years, the FSS case manager worked with Jane to enroll her in the FSS program in the summer of 2011. The FSS coordinator worked with her to verify eligibility for local community resources to ensure that Jane was receiving the support services that were vital for self sufficiency.<br />
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The case manager worked with Jane to create a stability plan and outline attainable goals for the future. FSS participants work very closely with the case managers to ensure that goals are being worked towards. Not long after enrolling in FSS, Jane was offered a job at a large department store. This was her first job that she had been able to retain for longer than a year. Due to the demands of the customers and the additional sales, her supervisor increased her hours at work. With the raise in income, she began earning a significant amount of money in her FSS escrow account. <br />
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This past winter Jane’s car began having problems with the battery and she needed new tires, but she did not have the money to pay for these extra expenses. She was having difficulty getting back and forth to work and was in danger of losing her employment due to transportation issues. Since she was an active participant in the FSS program and was earning escrow, WMCAP was able to let her borrow money from her account to help her purchase these items.<br />
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Had she not been able to fix her car, she would not have had a way to work, which would have led to her termination. By partaking in the FSS program she was able to make the necessary purchases to fix her car and sustain her employment. Jane continues to work with the FSS case manager on goal attainment and recertifying eligibility of community resources. She looks forward to the day when she can fully obtain self sufficiency and move off of the HUD Section 8 Program.<br />
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<i>For more information about Community Action programs in your area, visit <a href="http://www.oacaa.org/">www.oacaa.org</a>. Note, not all Community Action Agencies offer these programs.</i>
OACAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715697840872522021noreply@blogger.com0Marietta, OH, USA39.415352000000013 -81.454843639.31723250000001 -81.6162051 39.513471500000016 -81.2934821tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1491666009305714187.post-34047205306071981952014-11-05T08:00:00.000-05:002014-11-05T08:00:12.905-05:00Community Action Serves their Local Communities<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDi2t0seQSUVcltSQ0YtALUCfd0pZpJ2rjq6oifcbKMGCEIGCRX_zhX42LyMPkt1uKRj-eoD3fademRzL9vK0Mj5S0bQSSQy80Lox4jlp2xEFGE2zyC9dWTuhBuI-9qCFX7Z1i3ZRo8w/s1600/Ironton+Lawrence+Medical+Center.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDi2t0seQSUVcltSQ0YtALUCfd0pZpJ2rjq6oifcbKMGCEIGCRX_zhX42LyMPkt1uKRj-eoD3fademRzL9vK0Mj5S0bQSSQy80Lox4jlp2xEFGE2zyC9dWTuhBuI-9qCFX7Z1i3ZRo8w/s1600/Ironton+Lawrence+Medical+Center.jpg" height="142" width="200" /></a></div>
In 2001, Lawrence County lost the only hospital in the county, forcing 62,000 residents to seek services from hospitals across the river in West Virginia and Kentucky. Medical professionals vacated the community, $250,000 in hospital revenue disappeared from the area, and southern Ohio had a significant gap in their health care services. Upon the closure, the community called upon the Ironton Lawrence County Community Action Organization (ILCAO) to fill the void created in medical care.<br />
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In addition to the expansion of ILCAO’s primary medical care services to three locations within the county – bringing the total to seven – ILCAO built a new medical campus in Ironton.<br />
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The Ironton Medical Campus, through a partnership with the St. Mary’s regional medical center in Huntington, West Virginia, is a 45,000 square foot state-of-the-art medical facility that offers a 24/7 full-service emergency room and a full set of services including a laboratory, imaging and diagnostic services, and a 12-bed trauma center. St. Mary’s presence also brings specialty medical care through a medical clinic featuring a rotation of medical specialists onsite.<br />
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The medical campus was developed at a cost of approximately $18 million and constructed on an 18 acre campus setting that allows for the future growth of medical services for the community. The Ironton Medical Campus also represents a major redevelopment initiative of one of two primary interchanges serving the Ironton community, utilizing timeless building and site design standards established by the nearby Ohio University Southern Campus. <br />
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The ILCAO operates a healthcare program on the campus that not only offers primary care and pediatric services, but has allowed for the introduction of critically-needed dental services onsite. The ILCAO healthcare program occupies nearly 13,000 square feet of the facility. They now serve over 40,000 patients annually, and support primary care, dental, pediatrics, and behavior health services countywide.<br />
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<i>For more information about Community Action programs in your area, visit <a href="http://www.oacaa.org/">www.oacaa.org</a>. Note, not all Community Action Agencies offer these programs.</i>
OACAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715697840872522021noreply@blogger.com0Ironton, OH, USA38.5367471 -82.682940638.437372599999996 -82.8443021 38.6361216 -82.5215791tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1491666009305714187.post-2996305858581946142014-10-29T08:00:00.000-04:002014-10-29T08:00:02.213-04:00Community Action Provides SupportAfter a recent job loss, a family was struggling financially and had fallen behind in their rent payments. They came to Geauga Community Action for assistance.<br />
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The family had never asked for assistance before and they were not sure what was available. Fortunately, Geauga Community Action was able to use Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) funds to help with a past due rent payment.<br />
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During the course of the interview, the family stated that they hoped to have employment soon, but even then, it was difficult to keep up with household expenses. The staff person working with the family recommended that they attend the Financial Literacy workshop sponsored by Geauga County Job and Family Services and funded in part with CSBG dollars to learn more about budgeting and saving.<br />
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The family attended the workshop and reported after completion of the program that they were more confident about adjusting their spending to keep up with expenses, even with less household income.<br />
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<i>For more information about Community Action programs in your area, visit <a href="http://www.oacaa.org/">www.oacaa.org</a>. Note, not all Community Action Agencies offer these programs.</i>
OACAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715697840872522021noreply@blogger.com0Chardon, OH 44024, USA41.579166699999988 -81.204444441.531653699999985 -81.2851254 41.62667969999999 -81.1237634tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1491666009305714187.post-20499083496965103622014-10-23T14:17:00.002-04:002014-10-23T14:17:38.233-04:00"UGG"! Are you ready? <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKWkPUZknr1UFIDy1wz1CHI-GHimAJk7VcCWSeDaFcpM2zsLFMsjXMKyXfI64SlJ-AQ5zCxDJxlVYN0I5X9r1yvNfawkcHyBLNfxG_w0YP9mZ2YTRIWHs2VJzrH5aT3xF_4xQVX-LNg/s1600/Greg+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKWkPUZknr1UFIDy1wz1CHI-GHimAJk7VcCWSeDaFcpM2zsLFMsjXMKyXfI64SlJ-AQ5zCxDJxlVYN0I5X9r1yvNfawkcHyBLNfxG_w0YP9mZ2YTRIWHs2VJzrH5aT3xF_4xQVX-LNg/s1600/Greg+2.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greg Bollenbacher, <br />Fiscal Director</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">U</span>niform 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.</div>
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OACAA/OCATO (Ohio Community Action Training Organization) hosted
two regional trainings on September 23<sup>rd</sup> and 24<sup>th</sup> in
Jeffersonville and Huron. Mary Pockl and Michael Zeno of Zeno, Pockl, Lilly
& Copeland (ZPLC) presented information regarding the upcoming changes
included in the Super Circular.</div>
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Prior to this change there have been multiple different circulars
providing guidance for administrative requirements, cost principles and audits
depending on whether your organization was a nonprofit, local government or an
institution of higher education. The UGG provides this guidance for all of
these types of organizations in 2 CFR 200. There are six subparts and eleven appendices,
so don’t worry, there is plenty of detail included. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Mary and Michael summarized new acronyms and definitions, some
key terms, pre-award changes, post-award requirements, procurement standards, pass-through
entity (PTE) and cost principle changes as well as adjustments to audit
requirements. Some examples include:</div>
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<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><u>Acronyms and
Definitions</u>: PPI (Personally Identifiable Information) and PPII
(Protected Personally Identifiable Information<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><u>Key Terms</u>:
“Contractor” will be used to replace “Vendor” and the term “Non-Federal Entity”
(<i>that’s us!)</i> has been added. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><u>Procurement Standards</u>:
Do you know what is required for micro-purchases (<$3,000)?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><u>Audit Requirements</u>:
Will you still qualify as a low-risk auditee? <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><u>Cost Principles</u>:
Are advertising costs allowable? Do we still need activity reports? <o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
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Michael even offered to provide a copy of his searchable PDF
file on the portion of the UGG that covers cost principles. This file was sent
to all the agencies in the Fiscal Group, which is comprised of Fiscal Directors
(CFOs) from most Community Action agencies in the state. If you didn’t receive
your copy and would like to, please give our office a call. If you are not a
member of the Fiscal Group, and would like to increase communication and share
ideas with agencies in Ohio, contact me at <a href="mailto:greg@oacaa.org" target="_blank">greg@oacaa.org</a>
to join and take advantage of this membership benefit.</div>
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All in all, the trainings were very well received and
OACAA/OCATO is planning to continue and increase the number of regional
trainings provided across the state. To stay up-to-date on upcoming trainings,
subscribe to our blog and visit our website <a href="http://www.oacaa.org/">www.oacaa.org</a>. </div>
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OACAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715697840872522021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1491666009305714187.post-74516122417179666942014-10-22T08:00:00.000-04:002014-10-22T08:00:04.305-04:00Community Action Provides Direction<br />
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.<br />
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The Opportunities Industrialization Center of Clark County (OIC), the local Community Action Agency in Clark County, met with Mike in 2008 while he was serving his second sentence in prison. He was participating in OIC’s Second Chance Act program where he attended “Thinking for a Change” classes (T4C) - a cognitive behavioral training curriculum - during his incarceration. Mike shared with OIC staff that he wanted to change his life, so he was enrolled in OIC’s Re-Entry Program where he would continue attending classes at OIC’s Opportunities for New Directions (OND) program after his release, and would also learn construction skills.<br />
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Once released from his second incarceration, Mike came to OND and began continuing classes. However, Mike only attended OND for two weeks due to employment obligations that he took on to fulfill his parole. Unfortunately, Mike again became involved with drugs and alcohol, was not able to maintain his employment, and recidivated landing him another prison sentence.<br />
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OIC staff once again saw Mike attending their T4C classes in the institution. Mike again expressed to staff that he wanted to change his life. He shared that in addition to OIC’s T4C classes, he was also attending substance abuse classes. In 2012 OIC again accepted Mike into their Re-Entry Program. This time when Mike was released from prison he said he knew two things. First, he was never going to be incarcerated again. Realizing the ages of his children, he knew he had missed out on so much of their lives during his multiple incarcerations, and if he went away again it would be for a very long time. Secondly, Mike said he really wanted to use his experiences to help others. <br />
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Again, upon his release Mike began attending T4C classes through OIC’s OND program. He also joined a local Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) group and managed to stay clean and sober by staying in contact with his sponsor. This time, Mike remained engaged in the program for four months and completed all 25 Thinking for a Change Training sessions. Then he hit the ground running, and was able to quickly secure a part-time job. After two weeks of proving himself Mike was given a full-time position. This would be his first legitimate job in 13 years. Then, six week later Mike was promoted to manager!<br />
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Although his new job kept him very busy, Mike stuck with his goal of using his personal experiences to help others and also began working a part-time job as a men’s residential technician at a local alcohol and drug treatment facility. Mike now owns his own home and is working to remodel it in order to provide a clean and sober living environment for recovering addicts. He is also currently attending the local community college to earn his social work degree, and ultimately wants to run his own recovery program. Mike says he now understands how the right support can change the course of your life and wants to be able to offer that chance to others.<br />
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<i>For more information about Community Action programs in your area, visit <a href="http://www.oacaa.org/">www.oacaa.org</a>. Note, not all Community Action Agencies offer these programs.</i>
OACAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715697840872522021noreply@blogger.com0Springfield, OH, USA39.9242266 -83.808817139.826824599999995 -83.9701786 40.0216286 -83.6474556tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1491666009305714187.post-17372487413614792962014-10-15T08:00:00.000-04:002014-10-15T08:00:05.898-04:00Community Action Provides Opportunities<br />
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:<br />
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<i>While attending college in the spring of 2005 I met a wonderful lady named Joyce, and she informed me of a preschool program that I might want to put my daughter in. She asked me if I had ever heard about Head Start and I told her no. Joyce then informed me of all the benefits that Head Start offers. My daughter Elycia was able to start on her third birthday and she thought it was the greatest thing ever. </i><br />
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<i>Elycia’s first year in Head Start I was not involved in anything; not even as a volunteer in the classroom. I worked too much and could not make it in. We kept up with our “homework”, but that was all I did. Elycia’s second year was much different. I was the President of the parent meeting and then I joined the Policy Council as an alternate. This let me learn more about the program and how it worked. I volunteered in the classroom a lot more. At this point I was not working and I heard Head Start was hiring for bus escorts. I would be working a couple hours during the day and able to be home with Elycia every night and every weekend. I had to step down from Policy Council to take the position and I started in the fall of 2008. That has been the best choice I have made since becoming a mom. I was super excited. I did not know that I would enjoy working with children as much as I did—I still do!</i><br />
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<i>Since starting to work for Head Start, I feel like I have worn many hats. I have been able to work in different departments and learn more about the Community Action Agency. I feel that is a huge plus for me. I have learned the different programs that we have and how we help families. I also have been able to take the required courses to get my CDA (Child Development Associate – a nationally recognized credential for working with children). I am currently waiting to take my test. </i><br />
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<i>I have been sitting on my associates degree since the winter of 2005. I was unsure of how I was going to use it since my degree is in Criminal Justice. I found how I can use my degree. I applied for a Family Advocate position. I saw this as a great opportunity to help families and use my degree. I love being able to take my experiences as a single mom and connect with other families. </i><br />
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<i>I was given a big surprise this past year—I was offered the position of assistant teacher and family advocate for the upcoming year. I am so blessed to be working with a company that sees how much I have grown and how much I love my job. Since taking on these two positions, I have decided to go back to school to get my bachelors in Early Childhood. I will graduate in the summer of 2015. Once I complete this degree I will be able to be a lead teacher and help children get a great start to the beginning of their schooling journey.</i><br />
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<i>I am very thankful that I listened to Joyce so many years ago. I believe Head Start is one reason that my daughter is so smart. During her second year she took on the roll of being the little teacher. She took the first year students under her wing. Elycia is now in the 6th grade and extremely smart. She is an A and B student. Since she has been able to keep her grades up she is going to be going on the Honor and Builders Club trip to Washington DC this May. </i><br />
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<i>I have also had two other children come through the program. I was able to get services for my son who requires an IEP (Individualized Education Plan – developed to serve as a guideline for educational and physical developments for children with special needs). Staff members at Head Start walked me through the steps and made sure the entire family understood his rights. Now that he is in kindergarten I am able to take the knowledge that I have gained from Head Start and make sure he received the service he needs to be as productive as he can.</i><br />
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This story demonstrates how Community Action Agency programs and services provide hope to children, parents, families, and entire communities. It is the desire of Community Action to provide hope to families and resources to encourage them to pursue their dreams.<br />
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<i>For more information about Community Action programs in your area, visit <a href="http://www.oacaa.org/">www.oacaa.org</a>. Note, not all Community Action Agencies offer these programs.</i>
OACAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715697840872522021noreply@blogger.com0Lisbon, OH, USA40.7720044 -80.768133640.7239069 -80.8488146 40.8201019 -80.6874526tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1491666009305714187.post-16077526680990416342014-10-08T08:00:00.000-04:002014-10-08T08:00:00.537-04:00Community Action Helps Expectant MothersCarrie, 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 Community Action Agency for assistance.<br />
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The Help Me Grow (HMG) program provides first-time expectant parents or parents with a child that is six-months-old or younger with home visitors that teach them an evidenced-based parenting curriculum called Parents as Teachers. Children are screened to make sure they are reaching developmental milestones. The program also provides support and referrals to other community services.<br />
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Carrie started receiving bi-weekly home visits from an experienced Help Me Grow staff person who provided her with support and education on the risks of early delivery for her and her baby. She was very inquisitive. Right from the start she attended support groups and early childhood activities held by the program.<br />
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Through the screening tools used by the home visitor it was revealed that Carrie suffered from depression, anxiety and was experiencing domestic violence in her relationship. At the suggestion of the home visitor Carrie sought out counseling for herself, and she has since left the abusive relationship.<br />
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While working with the mother the home visitor made referrals for her to the local HUD housing department, and Meigs County Department of Job and Family Services for childcare assistance so she could look for a job. The home visitor also instructed Carrie on how to apply for utility assistance from Gallia-Meigs Community Action Agency.<br />
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In January of the following year, Carrie delivered a full-term healthy baby girl. Carrie continued to attend HMG support groups and early childhood activities where she blossomed into a good young mother who even now reassures other young expectant parents. In April, she secured a part-time job at the local Goodwill thrift store and in June, Carrie got a promotion to full-time manager at the store. Now, just months later, Carrie is managing two Goodwill stores.<br />
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The Help Me Grow home visitor makes bi-monthly visits and continues to encourage and reassure Carrie that she is doing a great job as a young single mother.<br />
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<i>For more information about Community Action programs in your area, visit <a href="http://www.oacaa.org/">www.oacaa.org</a>. Note, not all Community Action Agencies offer these programs.</i>
OACAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715697840872522021noreply@blogger.com0Cheshire, OH 45620, USA38.9448013 -82.11125500000002838.9201033 -82.151595500000028 38.9694993 -82.070914500000029