Community Action: Helping Our Youth Grow

Ken was a single father, raising a five-year-old daughter when he learned that he had another infant daughter, 17-month-old Savannah, who was removed from her mother’s custody by protective services for neglect. At the time, Ken had been unemployed for nearly a year and was living in an apartment provided by a transitional housing program. He was also attending weekly Alcoholics Anonymous meetings to support his recovery. He was interested in parenting support because he was concerned about caring for such a young child and Savannah’s eating habits.

Community Action: Helping Veterans

Luther, a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, had a good job as a police officer in Florida, but he was forced to leave that position to return to Ohio to care for an ill parent and was unable to find another position.

Community Action Helps Dislocated Worker Gain New Skills and Find a Job

Michael, a 55 year-old resident of Weinland Park in Columbus, Ohio who lost his warehousing job did not know where to turn. "I lost my job in 2011 and my whole world crumbled," Michael explained. "I lost my apartment, my relationship and my freedom. I felt defeated and I had no self-esteem. I thought that I was going to be able to bounce right back and get a job, but no, that didn't happen. I would apply for jobs and I would never hear back from employers. I felt punished by society. I wondered 'what am I doing wrong?' I am over 50 years old and suddenly for the for the first time, I felt useless. I needed help."

Weatherization Leads to Safer Home

Ramona, a single mom from Lorain, Ohio had been living in strife for seven years without any heat in her home. Her nearly 100-year-old home was in desparate need of major repairs, including a new boiler, but the expenses were beyond her meager budget.

Community Action Helps Veteran Find Job

Tammy, an LPN, Navy veteran of the first Gulf War and mother of seven children lost her job while on maternity leave. Her husband was unable to work due to a back injury and was in the process of filing for disability. Consequently, the family was struggling to meet their rent and utilities payments and came to WSOS (Wood, Sandusky, Ottawa and Seneca Counties) Community Action for help.