February 2025

Photo: OACAA Board President Janice Warner and NCAF CEO and Co-Founder David Bradley presenting the inaugural Philip E. Cole Vanguard Award to Mr. Cole. Learn more in "Association Updates."

As many in Ohio may know, after 36 years as the executive director of OACAA, Mr. Cole has announced his retirement later this year. Throughout his tenure, Phil has made many contributions to Ohio’s Community Action Network, and his impact will live on for many years to come.

In honor of his legacy and commitment to Community Action’s mission, Phil was presented with the first annual Philip E. Cole Vanguard Award at the 2025 Winter Legislative Conference. The award was created to recognize individuals across Ohio's Community Action Network who advance and inspire excellence, challenge conventions, inspire bold leadership, and drive transformational changes in the pursuit of helping Ohioans achieve their greatest potential. The board and staff could think of no better person than Mr. Cole whose name should forever be attached to such accomplishments.

Also during the conference, many of the directors across Ohio shared their well wishes and thanks to Phil through a video message, which can be viewed HERE. 

Winter Crisis Program Making a Difference

(Story Source: The Daily Advocate & Early Bird News)

DAYTON — Assistance for residents who are without heat or threatened with disconnection is now making a difference throughout the Miami Valley. The Winter Crisis Program provides a one-time payment to help restore service and can also pay for up to $1,500 in furnace repairs.

Recently, a woman sought help at Miami Valley Community Action Partnership’s Greene County office. She said her 81-year-old mother was unable to stay in her home due to a broken furnace. The mother was staying with her daughter but really wanted to go home.

Thanks to the MVCAP advocate, the mother’s application for Winter Crisis was completed and her furnace was repaired the next day. Her application was also sent to MVCAP’s weatherization services for additional help.

“The turn around time on processing her application and the quick response of our vendor was amazing,” said HEAP Director Dawn Drake. “The mother and daughter were extremely happy.” >>> READ STORY

Stark County CSBG Director Earns Local Urban League Housing Pillar Award

(Story Source: Canton Repository, Story and Photo Source: Robert Wang)

CANTON ‒ The Greater Stark County Urban League honored several people active in social justice, education, housing, workforce development and health at its annual Black & White Ball on Thursday at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel.

Housing Pillar Award: Amanda Williams, the community services block grant director for Stark County Community Action Agency. The other nominees were Saprina Allen of the real estate investment group Monopoly Alliance, and Beverly Lewis, the housing director and fair housing director for the city of Massillon. Williams said: "Housing makes a difference. It's the stability of the family. It is so important that we advocate and we understand the policies ... associated with good housing." >>> LEARN MORE

Chillicothe Council Hears Data on Homeless

(Story Source: The Scioto Post; Author: Kevin Coleman)

Chillicothe — The organization that operates the city’s homeless shelter gave Chillicothe Council data on their efforts Monday.

Julie Bolen, executive director of Ross County Community Action Coalition, spoke at length to the Community Affairs Committee. They have proposed legislation named “Camping In Public Areas,” also known as the anti-camping ordinance, which is meant to handle homeless camps.

Speakers addressed the issue in a committee meeting before the council, and in the public address part of the council session. (Hear from the committee chair and two speakers in my previous story, “Defense of Homeless Again Dominates Chillicothe Council.”). >>> SEE ARTICLE