OACAA Briefing: The latest news from OACAA and Ohio's CAAs
November 2020
ASSOCIATION UPDATES & RESOURCES
2020 Exemplary Program Awards Nominations
Ohio University is accepting nominations for the 2020 Exemplary Program Awards now through December 1, 2020.
To learn more about how your innovative Community Action program can be recognized by Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies and Ohio University Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs >>> CLICK HERE
SAVE THE DATE: 2021 Virtual Winter Legislative Conference
Save the date for the 2021 Virtual Winter Legislative Conference! Watch our websiteand this newsletter for more information.
January 25-29, 2021
NETWORK NEWS & SUCCESSES
Gerken retires after 45 years of service at NOCAC
Next month, Deb Gerken, Executive Director at Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission, will retire after 45 years of dedicated service to her community in northwestern Ohio and the Community Action Network.
Ms. Gerken started her career in 1975 as the senior programs director at NOCAC shortly after graduating from Adrian College. Over the following 13 years, she also served as child development director and planner before being named the executive director in January 1988.
“I’ve loved my job… it’s been a great ride,” Gerken shared with Ron Osburn of Bryant Times. “[Though] it’s time to let someone else expand their wings.” >>> READ MORE
HCCAO assists local health department with COVID-19 testing
HIGHLAND COUNTY— Local health departments across Ohio have been working hard to expand COVID-19 testing access as the pandemic continues throughout the state. When the Highland County Health Department needed help with their drive-through testing site earlier this month, the Highland County Community Action Organization was there to answer their call.
“We were very fortunate to have support from six staff at HCCAO,” said Health Commissioner Jared Warner on Facebook. “When I can call at 6 pm the night before and have workers show the next morning, that is a special partnership.” >>> READ MORE
Ross County study for local and affordable housing
ROSS COUNTY— Ross County Community Action and the Hope Partnership Project are seeking a consultant to study Chillicothe and Ross County’s inventory of affordable and special housing.
With a grant managed by Adena Health System, they want to know the population’s housing needs, housing gaps, inclusionary housing laws, the climate for expansions in targeted housing platforms - as well as recommendations to improve areas of need such as laws, zoning, programs, and processes.
