August 2025

Photo: OACAA Executive Director Philip E. Cole retires at the end of this month after advocating for low-income Ohioans and leading the Association for 36 years. See More in 'Association News.'

Longtime advocate for low-income Ohioans retires

COLUMBUS –  After more than three decades of distinguished service, Philip E. Cole, Executive Director of the Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies (OACAA), has announced his retirement at the end of August 2025. Mr. Cole has led OACAA since 1989, representing Ohio's 48 Community Action Agencies and serving as a relentless champion for individuals and families living in poverty.

Throughout his tenure, Mr. Cole played a pivotal role in raising public awareness about poverty in Ohio, building capacity across the network, and influencing public policy. Under his leadership, the association launched several cornerstone initiatives, including the State of Poverty in Ohio Report, the Ohio Community Action Training Organization, Best Practices and Exemplary Program Awards, and the development of the Ohio Self-Sufficiency Standard—each advancing the network's mission to alleviate poverty and empower communities. >>> FULL PRESS RELEASE

#SOP2025 News Coverage

The 2025 State of Poverty in Ohio report was released on August 14 during a press conference at the Ohio Statehouse. Thank you to our members who responded to local press requests.

Press coverage:

• The Statehouse News Bureau: Report: over two-thirds of Ohio counties have "deserts" with no grocery store and no pharmacy
• The Hannah Report: OACAA Cites Lack of Legislative Action in Addressing Ohio's Resource Deserts
• Ideastream Public Media: The State of Ohio Show August 15, 2025
• Ohio Capital Journal: Ohio's poverty rate ranked 15th highest in nation in 2023, according to new report

>>> READ REPORT

Upcoming Events

Community Action 2025 Leadership Training Series

The Community Action Leadership Training Series, led by Brian Cole Miller, is exclusively available to OACAA members at no cost, provided that participants commit to attending all five workshops. To be considered for this series, please register by September 12, 2025.

In southeast Ohio, local nonprofits are preparing students to meet workforce needs

(Source: WOUB Public Meeting; Author: Amanda Pirani)

VINCENT, Ohio (WOUB/Report for America) – Like many people his age, Washington State Community College student Caleb McCurdy spent some of his summer working part-time. Unlike most people, his job involved building a 3D printer to satisfy your sweet tooth. 

McCurdy is an intern with the Appalachian Ohio Manufacturer’s Coalition (AOMC). He just completed a two-year project: a table top machine that can melt and “print” chocolate by slowly building up small, thin stripes into any desired shape. To build it, he learned how to use professional design software, code and machine parts. [...]

At Hocking-Athens-Perry County Community Action, summer employment programs help youth in southeast Ohio overcome these challenges and enter the workforce, often for the first time. 

Employment Service Coordinators Scott Fisher and Jace Jackson said a key element of their work is case management, which includes helping kids through any obstacles they might encounter. >>> READ ARTICLE

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