Adams-Brown Counties Economic Opportunities community action assistance programs.
Assisting the low income and struggling in the region is the Adams-Brown Counties Economic Opportunities non-profit agency. The organization is one of the leading community action agencies in the region. Several resources are offered to those looking to overcome their challenges or hardships. Applicants need to work at self-sufficiency, and if they commit, there may be assistance available for needs such as energy bills, housing, rent, and government aid such as Head Start. More details on the agency are below.
Cash assistance and grants
Emergency rental assistance is available from the Housing Assistance for the Homeless Program. While the demand is high and resources are limited in Ohio, ABCAP tries to provide either financial assistance or grants for those who are facing eviction or that are currently homeless. They also work to find alternative housing, and pay any security deposits, on an emergency basis.
For homeowners that are high risk of mortgage default or foreclosure on their primary residence, the Foreclosure Prevention and Assistance Program may be able to help. Information on federal programs, counseling, and mediation may be provided to homeowners.
Adams Brown Community Action Partnership (ABCAP) Housing maintains a number of low income apartments, transitional housing and single family homes for seniors, residents with disabilities, and for other qualified low-to-moderate-income households. A list of locations is below.
- 62 and Older units include Mariaview Apartments, Erin House Apartments, Lafayette Place Apartments, as well as the Morrison Place Apartments. There are other units such as Graces Way Apartments as well as Village Garden Apartments.
- Low income housing for the disabled includes Village Garden Apartments, 1520 Dorsey Rd., Winchester, Victoria Manor, as well as the Montgomery Manor at 201 Dewey Dr., Sardinia Ohio.
To combat the high costs of heating bills and/or cooling a home, the federal funded Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) offers assistance to applicants in Brown or Adams County who meet income guidelines.
The program provides once-per-year financial assistance with paying for heating service, restoring disconnected utilities, avoiding disconnection establishing or transferring service. HEAP may also assist with replenishing a dwindling fuel supply.
Financial help is also available to offset electric costs associated with summer cooling bills or for purchasing a box fan or air conditioner. Finally, case managers from the program and the community action agency assist in negotiating extended payment arrangements with some natural gas and electric companies in Ohio.
For additional help with the costs of maintaining a home, the ABCAP Weatherization Assistance Program offers free energy saving measures that provide long term assistance. It will help homeowners by reducing their energy bills. Not only will you save money by using less energy, your home will be more healthy, comfortable and even safer to live in.
Weatherization services from Adams-Brown Counties Economic Opportunities can include Insulation or replacement of water heater, Compact fluorescent light bulbs, Furnace safety inspection, tune-up, repair, or replacement, and also sealing of windows and other air sources.
In order to obtain a Personalized Energy Management Plan from the community action agency, the Federal Government requires that preference is given to people who are 60 years and older, families with young children and those with disabilities.
Community clinics are open in Georgetown and West Union to provide confidential health and medical care for women, men, and teens. No one is denied services to medical care, regardless of ability to pay the bills. Transportation to and from medical appointments is available for those who are eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.
Clinics may offer Diagnosis and treatment of minor gynecological problems, health care (women and men), Exams and screenings, STD testing and treatment, advice on Birth control methods as well as counseling, education, and referrals, as needed.
WIC is a program that provides health and nutrition services for young children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. Available assistance from Adams-Brown Counties Economic Opportunities includes referrals for health care and immunizations, nutrition and breastfeeding support and education, and distribution of coupons for supplemental foods such as peanut butter, milk, infant formula, cereal, beans, juice, and eggs.
Food assistance and the nutritional needs of older adults are met by the ABCAP Senior Nutrition Program, which provides low cost (based on donations) hot meals at Congregate Meal Sites throughout Adams and Brown counties. Regardless of income, all seniors aged 60 and up are eligible for a nutritious hot lunch.
In addition to that, homebound seniors and the elderly with the greatest nutritional, economic, and social needs can receive free home delivery through Meals on Wheels, which is run in partnership with charities.
Adams-Brown Counties Economic Opportunities employment and social services
For those who need assistance with the process of obtaining work, the Ohio Means Jobs Office will help clients improve your chances of success. The following services and employment resources are available to all at no cost and with no eligibility requirements. Get access to phone, fax, and copier use, Internet access, free resume development advice, Job search lending library, and also access to the most powerful online Ohio job board.
Employers from Brown and other counties can also benefit. For those looking for qualified employees, they can post job orders, search local resumes and invite qualified job seekers to respond directly to you on Ohio's free online job board.
Credit counseling, debt reduction and free financial advice is offered as part of the Finance Fitness training program. This is a multiple day training session teaching knowledge and skills needed for saving money, to manage finances, setting financial goals, creating a spending plan, and managing credit.
The state of Ohio Matched Savings Program for Small Businesses provides business owners with assistance in saving money. This is accomplished by opening Individual Development Accounts (IDA). Matching grants may be issued, and funds are designated for the purpose of starting or expanding small businesses.
The state of Ohio Benefit Bank and Free Tax Preparation is a free service that helps with filing for tax credits and other benefits. In addition, a program counselor can help you determine whether you are eligible for public assistance with health coverage (Medical Card), free food (Food Stamps/SNAP), prescriptions (Medicare Rx), section 8 rent help and more.
Also for pregnant women and families with children (birth to 36 months), Early Head Start is a home-based program that offers weekly home visits and bi-weekly opportunities to socialize and interact with other parents and children. All activities are designed to enhance the children's development. Additional services include Classes and workshops for parents, infant/toddler health and dental screenings, and social services.
Head Start is an Ohio Department of Job & Family Services licensed program administered by ABCAP for pre-school aged children. As part of this, intellectual, social, and emotional growth are encouraged through a wide range of learning experiences. Head Start Programming in Ohio includes the following Language, conversation, and socialization, Educational play, Transportation, Developmental, hearing, vision, and nutrition screenings, Dental services (preventative), and Nutritious meals and snacks.
Programs are offered for the elderly. For qualified Adams and Brown County seniors in need of assistance in remaining in the comfort and security of their own homes, ABCAP offers coordinated, in-home services. To qualify for this resource, applicants must be 60 years or older, require some personal assistance, and meet income criteria.
If someone doesn't meet the programs income requirements, private-pay services are also available from Adams-Brown Counties Economic Opportunities. The first step is an in-home meeting, interview and needs assessment. Help with the application process is also provided. After approval is granted, your needs will be monitored regularly and services provided may include Respite care, Bill payment advice, Personal care, Transportation, and Meal delivery.
For further assistance with maintaining an independent lifestyle for seniors in their own homes, ABCAP provides Senior Companions. They will provide in-home assistance with tasks necessary for daily living, such as assistance with walking, hygiene, health, and nutrition, and information on social services and benefits for older Americans.
Applying to assistance from Adams-Brown Counties Economic Opportunities
The main office of the community action agency is in Georgetown. Address is 406 W. Plum Street, Georgetown, Ohio 45121, dial 800-553-7393.
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