OACAA Briefing: The latest news from OACAA and Ohio's CAAs


February 2026

Photo: Frequent TRIPS rider Jay shares his experience with GLCAP's transportation program. See More in 'Network News.' Picture source: GLCAP Website.

 

OACAA #WLC2026 Photos


Thank you to our #WLC2026 attendees for a great conference supported by quality advocacy, training, and connection.


We've captured conference moments and made them available to you, so you can share your conference experience. We hope to see you at the next one.

 

Upcoming Events

2026 OACAA Comms Conference


OACAA is hosting a hybrid communications conference in late spring. Please watch our website and social media for the date announcements.

NETWORK NEWS & SUCCESSES

A daily ride, a lasting impact: Jay's story with (GLCAP's) TRIPS

(Story and photos source: GLCAP Website and Facebook)


For 25 years, TRIPS Public Transportation (Great Lakes Community Action Partnership's Transportation Program) has been more than just a way to get from point A to point B. It has been a connection to independence, opportunity, and community. Few stories capture that impact better than Jay’s.

If you’ve spent time around town, chances are you’ve seen Jay, famously referred to by many as “Mr. Fremont.” He is cheering at high school sporting events, visiting the farmers' market, enjoying local restaurants, and greeting people everywhere he goes. Jay knows his community, and his community knows him.


Jay has worked at Fremont’s 818 Club for 36 years, a milestone that reflects his dedication, consistency, and pride in his work. Just as steady has been his relationship with TRIPS Public Transportation. Jay says he has been riding TRIPS for as long as he can remember, using the service daily to get to work and to stay connected to the places and people he enjoys most. >>> READ STORY

LCCAA's Lorain County Pathways HUB (LCPHUB) Adds Doula

(Story and photo source: LCCAA Website)



The first doula contracted with LCCAA’s Lorain County Pathways HUB (LCPHUB) is an expert on a particular population of at-risk mother–teens.


LCPHUB expanded into doula services this year thanks to a new grant from the Ohio Commission on Minority Health. Doulas are teamed with Community Health Workers to provide emotional and physical support at the end of pregnancy and during birth.



Latanisha Walker-White founded The Teen Parent Plug to meet the unique challenges young parents face and provide the support she herself once needed.


“Latanisha brings a calm, supportive presence and a strong commitment to empowering young women throughout pregnancy, labor and the postpartum period,” said LCPHUB Director Melissa Carroll. “As our program grows, her example will help set the standard for doula support within the HUB model.” >>> READ ARTICLE

MVCAP and Project Woman team up for 24/7 crisis line

(Source: WDTN; By: LeAnne Marie McPherson)



DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – There is now a 24-hour crisis hotline for victims of domestic violence in Preble County: if you ever need help, call 937-456-6891.


The Miami Valley Community Action Partnership’s (MVCAP’s) Domestic Violence Services program now has a 24-hour crisis line through a partnership with Project Woman, a Springfield-based agency.

Project Woman has added the response service for the MVCAP’s Preble County Domestic Violence Hotline to its existing services.


“Project Woman is excited about the partnership with MVCAP,” said Executive Director Emily Kulow. “Our hope is to ensure survivors get the access they need to services throughout our region.”

The MVCAP’s DVS Director, Courtney Griffith, shared excitement for the partnership.


“Project Woman is also a member of the Ohio Domestic Violence Network,” said Griffith. “Their staff are trauma-informed and follow best practices for serving survivors and their children.” >>> READ ARTICLE

 
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