August 2026

MVCAP Staff Present at State Conference

Leaders from Miami Valley CAP were among the presenters at a statewide conference last month.

President and CEO Erin Jeffries and Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Katie O’Donoghue-Ly led two sessions together for the Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies’ (OACAA) Annual Summer Conference.

Other presenters and panelists included Chief Financial Officer Deborah Donnelly, Deputy Chief Operating Officer Karen Berry, Greene County Director Brent Robinson and Domestic Violence Services Director Courtney Griffith.

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CEO Testifies Again Against Rate Increases

Utility assistance is one of MVCAP’s best known services with multiple programs to help keep bills current or resolve crisis situations.

Low-income households are disproportionately impacted by rising energy prices. They spend more – more than three times more – of their earnings on utility costs than higher income households.

That’s why MVCAP President and CEO Erin Jeffries continues to testify at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio encouraging them to reject rate increase proposals from AES and CenterPoint.

“For the families we serve, utility affordability is not an abstract policy issue. It is a household stability issue,” Jeffries said at a July 9 hearing about AES’ proposed increases for 2027 and beyond. “A higher electric bill can mean falling behind on rent. It can mean delaying a prescription. It can mean less food in the home. It can mean the difference between staying current and facing disconnection.”

MVCAP joins the Office of the Ohio Consumers Counsel in advocating for affordable residential utility rates.

Learn how you can make your voice heard.

Donnelly Named CFO of the Year

Miami Valley CAP Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Deborah Donnelly has been named one of Dayton Business Journal’s CFOs of the Year for 2026.

Nominated by her peers on the MVCAP leadership team, Donnelly is one of 15 CFOs of both non-profit and for-profit organizations in the Greater Dayton area who will be honored at a September luncheon. The Journal honors financial visionaries who help shape the economic future of the Dayton region.

“Through Deb’s leadership, MVCAP is able to support households facing utility disconnection, housing instability, homelessness, poverty and energy burden,” said President and CEO Erin Jeffries in Donnelly’s nomination.

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Summer Crisis Program Continues

Miami Valley CAP's Summer Crisis Program continues through Sept. 30.

The annual program provides eligible households with a one-time benefit to assist with electric bills, central air conditioning repairs and air conditioning unit and/or fan purchases.

The primary qualification for the program is a gross annual income at or below 175 percent of the Federal Poverty Line ($57,750 for a family of four in 2026). Residents at that income level qualify for help if they also meet at least one of the following criteria:

• At least one household member is age 60 or over.
• A household member has a documented medical condition worsened by extreme heat.
• Their electric service has been disconnected or they have received a disconnect notice.
• They are trying to establish new service.
• They are transferring service.

Appointments are required for this program and can be made by visiting www.miamivalleycap.org.

Full Details on Summer Crisis

Refugee Successfully Housed

Four years ago, Irinia (not her real name) watched rockets fly by her apartment in Ukraine.

Today, thanks in part to assistance from Miami Valley CAP’s Greene County office, she has a safe home in which to cook and practice her English.

Irinia was a retired widow living in an apartment in Zaporizhzhia, a Russian speaking city in Ukraine, when bombs started falling.

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Darke County Partnerships Yield Service

MVCAP’s Darke County office partnered with the Salvation Army to pack and provide Boxes of Hope containing personal care and hygiene items.

The boxes include shampoo, toothpaste, toilet paper and other items not typically found at food pantries and that cannot be purchased using SNAP benefits.

“Every Hope Box we are able to provide to a family in need is more than hygiene and household essential items. It delivers dignity, and encouragement to keep pushing forward despite any challenges,” said Darke County Director Megan Campbell.

One hundred boxes are available by stopping by the Darke County office at 1469 Sweitzer St., Greenville, Monday through Thursday.

The Darke County team also gratefully accepted nearly 600 pounds of canned goods donated by the Light Foundation.

Darke County residents can receive monthly food boxes which include staples to help provide basic nutrition and eliminate food insecurity.

Call the Darke County office at 937-548-8143 to sign up for the monthly box or stop by the office.

Executive Administrator Retires

MVCAP congratulates Executive Administrator Cindy Dahlman on her retirement last month.

Dahlman served at MVCAP for five and a half years working to support the leadership team and board of trustees.

“Cindy has done so many great things for our agency that kept us moving forward even when it was hard,” said President and CEO Erin Jeffries.

Most of Dahlman’s duties are being taken over by Cherie Wetteland, Executive Assistant and HR Coordinator.

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Weatherization Director Elected to Board

Congratulations to our colleague and friend Eddie “Coop” Cooper, director of Weatherization and Housing Services.

Coop has been named to the Board of Directors for the Ohio Healthy Homes Network whose mission is to promote healthy, safe, and affordable housing for people of all ages. OHHN began as an effort to end lead poisoning and has expanded to include indoor air quality and more.

Coop also serves as Coordinator for the Southwest Hub of the Ohio Weatherization Training Center operated in partnership with the Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development.

He is Vice Chair of Ohio’s Policy Advisory Committee for the state’s energy efficiency programs and holds multiple certifications through the Building Performance Institute. 

Two Join MVCAP Board

Two experienced non-profit leaders have joined the Board of Trustees of Miami Valley CAP.

Daisy Nease represents Greater Dayton Premier Management on the low-income sector of the board. We Care Arts Executive Director Katie Neubert joins the board for a one-year term as a special program of Leadership Dayton under the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce.

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Support MVCAP While You Shop

Did you know? You can support MVCAP while you shop at Kroger!

MVCAP is among the organizations who receive funds through Kroger's Community Rewards program.

MVCAP is listed as "Community Action Partnership of Greater Dayton" and organization number HJ766. Click here to set up your account and support MVCAP while you shop!