Way to Go, Rich!

AmeriCorps*VISTA Rich Field has helped register four organizations in Shelby County as new sites for The Ohio Benefit Bank.

AmeriCorps*VISTA and Regional Coordinator Meredith Hill set up the laptop and projector at The Ohio Benefit Bank event in Darke County on July 27 at the Masonic Lodge in Greenville. Submitted by Rich Field.

His efforts have earned him high praise from Lisa Hamler-Fugitt, executive director of the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks.

"Congratulations, Rich! Your leadership, commitment and dedication is to be commended," she wrote in an e-mail Tuesday. "Keep up the great work."

Field, who is retired from a job in marketing and promotions, has utilized his experiences in marketing to make the OBB accessible and appealing to a range of people countywide.

"The fact that I've had a number of years working with major accounts has helped me a lot. Being able to hit the highlights and major areas has helped me a lot," he said Tuesday in a telephone interview. "The fact that we not only have tax benefits but personal benefits for people to important."

AmeriCorps*VISTA Rich Field addresses the attendees at July 27 OBB event at the Masonic Lodge in Greenville in Darke County. Submitted by Rich Field.

Field also works with OASHF Regional Coordinator Gayle Loyola, Community Trainer Mary Dardio and Communications Manager Charles Barber.

A more detailed write-up of Rich's accomplishments in Shelby County is forthcoming.

Again, join Lisa and me in applauding Rich and his team's efforts in successfully expanding The Ohio Benefit Bank in Shelby County.

1,000 Hits and Counting!

Just an update folks, The Ohio Benefit Bank/HealthPath blog tracker is at 1,000!

So, thank you to everyone who has stopped by and read the postings or accidentally stumbled upon the site.

Whatever your reason for spending a few minutes here, I extend a sincere THANK YOU!!!

Thought this beautiful photo with its colorful flower and butterfly showcases the point of this blog and the HealthPath VISTAs job: "Help Grow The Ohio Benefit Bank." Submitted by AmeriCorps*VISTA Sara Mraz.

OBB Events with Style!

AmeriCorps*VISTAs Sara Mraz and Rich Field have gone above and beyond in making the Capacity Building events for The Ohio Benefit Bank/HealthPath more welcoming in putting out centerpieces and decorating the "Help Grow the Ohio Benefit Bank" mugs at each place setting.

Both have taken initiative to contact local decorators about the centerpieces and cup accessories and have budgeted appropriately.

Let's give Sara and Rich some praise for all the time and effort they've put into the attention to detail at their OBB community gatherings.

Job well done, fellow VISTAs!

AmeriCorps*VISTA Rich Field makes his guests feel welcome immediately by showcasing a banner across the bottom of his check-in table and placing an eye-catching centerpiece behind the sign-in sheet. He also offers name tags and extra copies of the "Do You Know Someone Who. . ." campaign posters. Submitted by Rich Field.

Close-up photo of one of Sara Mraz's famous "butterfly cups" from her first OBB/HealthPath event June 23 in Hancock County. The burnt orange "Help GrowThe Ohio Benefit Bank" cup has a lavendar flower tied above the handle with a gold and black monarch butterfly stationed securely in its middle. Acrros the middle of the cup rim Mraz placed a copy of  a business card for OASHF Communication Manager Charles Barber. Submitted by Sara Mraz.

Say Check, Please!

In this post, I want to showcase just a few photos of leaders from our nonprofit parters in The Ohio Benefit Bank expansion events posing with the $2,500 novelty checks from Theresa Wukusick, executive director of the HealthPath Foundation of Ohio. 

The check presentation comes at the conclusion of the 90-minute OBB/HealthPath event when Wukusick addresses the group and discusses the role her foundation wants to play in improving elements of health in it.

The nonprofits receive the real $2,500 check from either the AmeriCorps*VISTA with whom they worked or another representative of the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks (OASHF) once the meeting has concluded. The funding is considered a small grant to assist the organizations in maintaining and/or expanding their involvement with The Ohio Benefit Bank .

I, and staff of OASHF and HealthPath are thrilled with the success rate of these events and all the good they are doing.

Please take a look at the pictures and feel free to put in your two cents.

(Left to Right) HARCATUS Executive Director Michele Lucas stands next to Theresa Wukusick, executive director of the HealthPath Foundation of Ohio, with a $2,500 novelty check at the first of three HARCATUS OBB events on June 15 at the organization's main office in New Philadelphia. Photo Credit: Jessica J. Burchard

Wukusick and Lucas worked together previously when the HealthPath leader had a position with Catholic Charities. The two had a friendly runion at the start of The Ohio Benefit Bank event.

(Left to Right) Erica Salisbury, case manager with HARCATUS, and  Theresa Wukusick, executive director of the HealthPath Foundation of Ohio, stand holding an oversized version of the $2,500 check that the organization received on June 17 at the OBB/HealthPath event in Carrollton. Photo Credit: Jessica J. Burchard

Salisbury acted as a substitute for HARCATUS Executive Director Michele Lucas, who was unable to attend The Ohio Benefit Bank events in Carroll and Harrison counties because of a time conflict. She is familiar with the OBB and its services because of her training as an OBB counselor.

(Left to Right) Robin Seemann, economic program development director of Trillium Family Solutions, Inc., holds the $2,500 novelty check Theresa Wukusick, executive director of the HealthPath Foundation of Ohio, presented to her at the July 20 event in the conference room of Trillium in Canton. Photo Credit: Jessica J. Burchard

Wukusick applauded the efforts of Seemann and other Trillium employees for their long-term involvement with The Ohio Benefit Bank. Trillium Family Solutions, Inc. has served as an OBB site for several years, and processes hundreds of electronic OBB applications annually.

(Left to Right) Theresa Wukusick, executive director of the HealthPath Foundation of Ohio, stands next to Kelly Weyand, site manager for The Way Station,  holding the $2,500 novelty check during the OBB event on July 22 at The Way Station's main office in Columbiana. Photo Credit: Jessica J. Burchard

Weyand manages a staff of five full-and-part-time staff at The Way Station's two locations -- Columbiana and East Liverpool. In 2009, the organization assisted more than 21,000 people, including having OBB counselors offer tax assistance and help clients fill out applications for food assistance and other programs.

(Left to Right) Theresa Wukusick, executive director of the HealthPath Foundation of Ohio, stands next to Lisa Ward, community support program administrator for Jefferson Behavioral Health System in Steubenville  on July 14 at an expansion event for The Ohio Benefit Bank at the health system's satellite office Beacon House in Steubenville . Photo Credit: Jessica J. Burchard

Ward and the other staffers with Jefferson County Behavioral Health Systems work with the often overlooked population of mentally unstable and developmentally delayed individuals who may be eligible for assistance programs, but are unable to go through the application process on their own. Beacon House and the health system's other offices have OBB Certified Counselors who can quickly walk clients through the OBB system and see that they get the benefits for which they are eligible.

People Like Our Posters

Sometimes you have to be your own cheerleader. So, without further adieu, here is a pat on the back to the hard-working folks behind the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks' "Do You Know Someone Who. . . " campaign that began in May.

When distributed at Capacity Building events for The Ohio Benefit Bank/HealthPath partnership, the posters are assembled into packets that include 10 of each size. The range of sizes allows organizations to either inset the information into pamphlets, put it on bulletin boards or post in in areas like laundry facilities and grocery stores. Photo Credit: Jessica J. Burchard

To date, the direct service office of The Ohio Benefit Bank in Columbus has received requests for 1,150 copies of the 8.5 X 11 size "Do You Know Someone Who. . . " campaign poster, which is the medium of the three posters.  The office also processed 50 requests for the 4.25 X 5.5 size (the smallest), and six for the 11 X 17 posters (the largest).

One copy of the 11 X 17 "Do You Know Someone Who. . . " campaign poster sits as a demonstration of the openness of the program. It highlights the needs of jobs, medication and food, but also mentions that The Ohio Benefit Bank can help with a variety of services. At the bottom of the poste, a black hoizontal strip showcases the toll-free 1-800-648-1176 number that people can call for assistance as well as the OBB Web site at http://www.obb.ohio.gov/. Photo Credit: Jessica J. Burchard

The biggest order for the "Do You Know Someone Who. . . " poster came from the Hartsgrove Township in Ashtabula County with 600 8.5 X 11 posters requested on July 6. Most of the other orders for posters were about 100 of the medium size with a few of the large.

Meet Our New Team Member!

Aspiring business owner Alesha Rademan has joined the AmeriCorps*VISTAs working on the Capacity Building events for The Ohio Benefit Bank/HealthPath Foundation of Ohio partnership.

Alesha, whose year-long VISTA service began just a few weeks ago as community trainer for southeast Ohio, but is far ahead of the game and will do wonderful with the events in the southwest region.

AmeriCorps*VISTA Alesha Rademan (right side, green shirt) stands next to Jessica May, southeast regional coordinator for the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks, (lavendar shirt and glasses) talking with a guest at the Belmont County OBB event Aug. 9 at Undo's Restaurant in St. Clairsville. Photo Credit: Jessica J. Burchard

The counties that Alesha will be planning events for include Adams, Scioto and Warren, among others. She will be vistiting the OBB event host sites in some of her assigned counties on Thursday with Barber.

Barber and the other HealthPath VISTAs are thrilled to have someone with Alesha's business savvy and enthusiasm for The Ohio Benefit Bank join our team.

We wish her nothing but the best as she begins meeting her event partners and planning the community meettings.

Good luck, Alesha!

The Ohio Benefit Bank sites: Profiles in Community

This posting marks the first of many to highlight the accomplishments of The Ohio Benefit Bank sites where Capacity Building events sponsored by the partnership between the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks and the HealthPath Foundation of Ohio took place.
 Each of these wonderful organizations goes above and beyond to provide those in need with access to basic services such as food, clothing, sometimes shelter and always compassion and understanding.


As such, I just wanted to summarize all the diligent and much-needed work these groups do. Please read the bullet pointed summary below and add your two-cents!

The Way Station in Columbiana County participated in an OBB expansion luncheon event on July 22 in the conference room of its main facility in Columbiana.

Jessica May, southeast regional coordinator for the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks, addresses a small group of community members, including Columbiana County Department of Job and Family Services Director Eileen Dray-Bardon and Lawrence Deidrick, president of the local Chamber of Commerce. Photo Credit: Jessica J. Burchard

• Organization: The Way Station with two locations in Columbiana County – 614 St. Clair Ave. in East Liverpool and 769 Springfield Road in Columbiana.

• Services: Existing OBB site with full-time staff and volunteers certified as counselors; monthly food distribution that serves about 100 families each time; clothing/hygiene/baby items; emergency shelter; job readiness training; tutoring; adult education/GED classes; Hispanic ministry with free English as a Second Language classes that include a free meal; Bible study groups those looking for a relationship with Jesus Christ.

An unidentified woman looks at the gently used clothing The Way Station has hung out for people to buy at reduced prices. The clothing ministry, which offers casual and dress clothing for men, women, children and infants takes up about one-third of the nonprofit's main office building. Photo Credit: Jessica J. Burchard

• Clients Helped: The Way Station’s two locations served more than 21,000 people in the 2009 calendar year, which includes a mix of people in generational poverty as well as those who recently became under-or-unemployed. The number of clients is expected to grow in 2010 with the continued downturn in the economy.

• Community Partnerships: The Way Station receives most of its food, clothing and other donations from area churches, civic groups and individuals. In particular, an East Liverpool police officer created a sports-themed food drive and last year brought in 800 pounds of nonperishable food items for the organization.

A group of volunteers sort and categorize clothing donations that have recently arrived at The Way Station's building in 769 Springfield Road, Columbiana. Photo Credit: Jessica J. Burchard

• HealthPath Grant Usage: The Way Station will likely use the $2,500 grant from the HealthPath Foundation of Ohio to pay for staffing and staff training. Nothing specific has been determined.

Theresa Wukusick, executive director of the HealthPath Foundation of Ohio, presents Kelly Weyand, site manager for The Way Station with a $2,500 novelty check at the end of the OBB expansion event on July 22 to represent the real check. Photo Credit: Jessica J. Burchard

• Staff: 5 part-and-full-time people work at both locations of The Way Station. Most of people at the sites are volunteers from RSVP, AmeriCorps, AmeriCorps*VISTA, ministries, community volunteers and other programs.

• Source: Kelly Weyand, site director for The Way Station's two locations.

Our Friends in the Media

We at the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks offices and our partner agencies completely understand all of the countless hours of diligent work that go into maintaining and expanding The Ohio Benefit Bank.

But it's nice when the press notices as well.

Please review the following media links. You will be very impressed by what you read.

Program connects citizens to assistance

By Kelly Mori, Staff Writer 5:57 PM Wednesday, August 11, 2010

SPRINGFIELD — Every year, Ohio citizens miss out on about $1.7 billion in federal assistance because they either didn’t know they were eligible for help or they didn’t know how to access it. The Ohio Benefit Bank wants to put an end to that by spreading the word about its free benefits assistance program.


The agency hosted a luncheon on Wednesday, Aug. 11, to spread awareness about the free internet program that allows individuals to find out their eligibility for state and federal programs such as food, health care and home energy assistance as well as tax credits, Medicare Part D and Medicare premium assistance. Clark County has two Benefit Bank sites: Catholic Charities of Southwest Ohio, 701 E. Columbia St., and St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 34 W. Pleasant St.

Last year Catholic Charities connected residents to nearly $500,000 in tax credits alone, Executive Director Keith Williamson told the 50 attendees at the event held at the Heritage Center of Clark County.

Since 2006, the OBB has connected Ohio residents to nearly $350 million dollars in benefits, said Charles Barber of the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks. Those dollars not only help the individuals but are put back into the local economy.

With the help of a HealthPath Foundation of Ohio grant, the OBB is launching an awareness campaign which will include billboards and television ads. On Wednesday, HealthPath awarded Catholic Charities $2,500 to expand its local Benefit Bank outreach program.

For more information about the program or how to become a OBB site, visit www.obb.ohio.gov. or call 800-648-1176.

Web site address: http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/springfield-news/program-connects-citizens-to-assistance-856096.html

**Note: This publicity comes from a Capacity Building event for The Ohio Benefit Bank put together by AmeriCorps*VISTA Rich Field in Springfield on Aug. 11. We applaud his outstanding efforts at getting a record-breaking attendance of 44 people as well as local press coverage. Excellent work, Rich!

___________________________________________________________________________________

Family Financial Fair to offer services, education

August 15, 2010

More than 20 financial and social service providers are coming together for the first Family Financial Fair Sept. 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kent State University. It will be on the second floor of White Hall, 150 Terrace Dr. in Kent.

Family & Community Services Inc. and the Strategies for Attaining Financial Empowerment have partnered with Chase Bank, Seven Seventeen Credit Union, U.S. Bank, and Record Publishing to bring this educational event to residents of Portage County and the surrounding area. Other contributing sponsors include Kent State University, United Way and PARTA.

In addition to the financial and social service providers' exhibits, there will be 12 educational breakout sessions and free on-site services for attendees. The breakout sessions will include topics like banking basics, credit management, retirement planning, financing a college education and tax savings programs.

The Ohio Benefit Bank will offer benefit screening for programs such as food assistance, medical and prescription assistance, child care assistance, home energy assistance and more.

Kent State will have staff from the financial aid office available to offer assistance to college- bound individuals and families filling out the FAFSA. Those who need help with FAFSA should bring the following: parent/student 2009 Federal Tax Return, W-2 forms, Social Security numbers, untaxed income information, child support, bank account balances, investment net worth, business records, and farm records.

The fair is free and open to the public. There is also free parking and free PARTA on Inter-Urban routes 31-34 during the event.

For more information, call Krissy Schoenfelder at 330-297-7027 ext. 351.

Web site address: http://www.fallsnewspress.com/news/article/4876903

**Note: The Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks is always grateful when newspapers and other media outlets preview our community events. Thanks to The Falls News Press for making space for this brief preview.

FREE Computerized Pre-Training Orientation Schedule

**This is the current schedule for the free computer-based Pre-Training Orientation given by the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks:

* 10-11 a.m., August 19
* 2-3 p.m.., August 30
* 10-11 a.m., September 8
* 2-3 p.m., September 14
* 2-3 p.m., September 20
* 10-11 a.m., Sepember 30

For more information, please contact the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks office at 614-221-4336.

Congrats, Richard Field!

On behalf of the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks (OASHF) and the HealthPath Foundation of Ohio, we offer congratulations to AmeriCorps*VISTA Richard Field for his successful event Wednesday, August 11 in Clark County.

Field and host nonprofit Catholic Charities had a record OBB/HealthPath event turnout of 44 attendees at the luncheon at Heritage Place in Springfield. Those in attendance included two county commissioners, representatives from the Clark County Department of Job and Family Services, Clark County United Way and an assortment of not-for-profit agencies.

Charles Barber, communications manager for OASHF, counted the luncheon among the best in terms of both attendance and interaction with the audience.  Once he returned to the downtown Columbus office, Barber expressed pleasant surprise at how many questions were asked about The Ohio Benefit Bank software, trainings and benefits to counselors and residents.

The high number of influential people at the event comes at a time of immense need in Clark County. According to an Aug. 3 Springfield News-Sun article, commercial trucking company Navistar International, Inc. is scheduled to cut up to 370 positions in early October.  The possible fall reductions in force come on the heels of Navistar eliminating 40 United Auto Workers positons on Aug. 2 because of a steady decline in the number of trucks coming through.

Field's personal dedication to direct face-to-face marketing of The Ohio Benefit Bank also played a large part in the luncheon's record-breaking attendance. With his solid background in marketing and business management, Field knows the importance of scheduling meetings with individuals and groups throughout the county to discuss the need for more OBB sites, certified counselors and the need to spread the word via posters and other materials.

Photos and more details about Field's well-attended luncheon are coming soon!

Belmont County OBB Event-- Monday, Aug. 9, 2010

This is the first-hand account of AmeriCorps*VISTA Jessica Burchard from her experiences of coordinating and attending The Ohio Benefit Bank luncheon on Monday, August 9 at Undo's Restaurant in St. Clairsville, Ohio.

I anticipated having a small gathering of mostly experienced OBB counselors at our Undo's for the OBB/HealthPath meeting. The guest list of Help Me Grow,  senior corps and St. John Food Pantry, among others did not disappoint.

The banquet room we secured for the event had 15 chairs shaped in a "U" in the middle of mid-sized room. All the chairs were full -- with one added at the very last minute-- for the meeting . 

As illustrated by this photograph, every seat at the table in the Undo's Restauarnat banquet room was full of people either learning about or advocating for The Ohio Benefit Bank. Photo Credit: Jessica J. Burchard.

While our group filled the room, Jessica May, southeast regional coordinator for the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks,  made the OBB/HealthPath presentation feel intimate by foregoing usage of a screen for a PowerPoint presentation. May, instead, summarized the PowerPoint and spoke directly to the interest and capabilities of those in attendance at the luncheon.

May repeatedly stressed how easily any eager individual could quickly become certified OBB counselors by completing an hour-long Pre-Training Orientation via a computer, register for a six-hour training session (time does include a lunch and several breaks), which are each totally free-of-charge. The face-to-face trainings are scheduled in each of Ohio's 88 counties, including the 36 HealthPath serves.

Although May's travel schedule prevents her from offering all the six-hour trainings herself, she does have Alesha Rademan, community trainer  for southeast Ohio, to assist her.

Jessica May, southeast regional coordinator for the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks, and Alesha Rademan, community trainer for all of southeast Ohio with the OASHF, speak with OBB/HealthPath luncheon event attendee at Monday, Aug. 9's event at Undo's in St. Clairsville. Photo Credit: Jessica J. Burchard

Two of the agencies represented at the OBB/HealthPath event also mentioned getting referrals from commercials -- one in a newspaper and one from TV-- about the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbank's ongoing "Do You Know Someone Who. . . " campaign.

The campaign centers on the idea that everyone knows a family member, neighbor, classmate, or friend who may have fallen on hard times and may be eligible for some type of public  benefits such as food assistance, Medicaid, or utility payment assistance. Anyone may use a free-of-charge 1-800 number to contact a hotline to be put in touch with a certified OBB counselor to see if an individual or family may be eligible for assistance.

OASHF Southeastern Regional Coordinator Jessica May presents "Do You Know Someone Who. . . " campaign materials to the group of attendees at the Capacity Building event on Monday, Aug. 9 at Undo's Restaurant in St. Clairsville. The campaign is completely free-of-charge to individuals, families and OBB sites. Photo Credit: Jessica J. Burchard

Once May ended her presentation with the group, she offered to distribute her OASHF business card with her e-mail address as well as her cell phone and office numbers. She encouraged anyone with questions, concerns or an interest in learning more about The Ohio Benefit Bank to contact her.

Both May and R___ lingered in the banquet room after the event to discuss the OBB with meet with Gary Obloy of the partnering agency, Belmont County Community Action Commission, Inc., and others who wished to talk.

Jessica May, southeast regional coordinator for the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks, discusses OBB trainings and programs with those in attendance at the OBB expansion event Aug. 9 at Undo's Restaurant in St. Clairsville. Photo Credit: Jessica J. Burchard

As people made their way to the parking lot, I offered them takeaway materials -- specially designed orange glass mugs reading "Grow The Ohio Benefit Bank," black and grey laptop computer bags and "Do You Know Someone Who. . " campaign posters in three different sizes.  The laptop bags have the HealthPath logo across a grey stripe across the middle; and are distributed to relay how easily it is to take the OBB out into communities or to clients' homes via a laptop in a secured bag.

The bags and large mugs were among the most popular items with the guests. Many attendees took a bag and mug for each of their volunteers as a means of spreading the word about the OBB and offering a small token of appreciation for the tireless and diligent efforts of volunteer OBB counselors across Belmont County.

Two of the Belmont County OBB event attendees collect takeaway items from the Aug. 9 luncheon at Undo's Restaurant in St. Clairsville. The organge mugs had hard candy and tootsie rolls in them with stacks of black, grey and white laptop bags beside them. The items were offered to all in attendance free-of-charge as a "thank you" for attending and a way to spread the word about OBB and HealthPath countywide. Photo Credit: Jessica J. Burchard

Upcoming OBB/HealthPath Events for August 2010

Here are the scheduled Capacity Building events for The Ohio Benefit Bank in conjunction with support from the HealthPath Foundation of Ohio.

*Monday, August 9: Belmont County
*Tuesday, August 10: Preeble County
*Wednesday, August 11: Clark County
*Monday, August 30: Auglaize County

Two out of Three Ain't Bad. . . As the Saying Goes

The following is a summary of the Capacity Building events for The Ohio Benefit Bank in Noble and Monroe counties. It is told from the perspective of AmeriCorps*VISTA Jessica J. Burchard.

Monroe and Noble counties in Ohio have the reputation of being quaint, beautiful and terribly hurt by the downturn in the economy. Both counties have higher than average unemployment, Monroe has 13.6 percent (ninth highest in the state) and Noble 14.4 percent (fifth highest in the state), according to the Ohio Unemployment Rates by County June 2010 released July 16 by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

For June 2010 unemployment statistics on all 88 Ohio counties, visit http://lmi.state.oh.us/laus/Ranking.pdf.

When I had the opportunity to visit the counties on July 28 and July 29 for the Capacity Building events for The Ohio Benefit Bank, which were made possible through OASHF's partnerships with the Geurnsey, Monore, Noble Tri-County Community Action Commission, Inc. (GMN Tri-County CAC, Inc.) and the HealthPath Foundation of Ohio, I saw for myself exactly how badly the lack of jobs and other resources pained the small and close-knit communities.

That experience is why I was so grateful for the strong turnout we received for our pair of OBB informational events. Both brought out prominent members of the community who asked many insightful questions about The Ohio Benefit Bank.

Jessica May, southeast regional coordinator for the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks, presents information about The Ohio Benefit Bank to attendees of the Monroe County event on July 29 at Swiss Hills Vocational School in Woodsfield. Photo Credit: Jessica J. Burchard

 Jessica May, southeast regional coordinator for the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks, explained how easily volunteers with basic computer knowledge could be trained for free to become certified counselors for The Ohio Benefit Bank. She also explained that the OBB is versatile enough that governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations and individuals of all backgrounds are able to utilize to help as many people as they feel comfortable with.

Jessica May, southeast regional coordinator for OASHF, ends her presentation by talking about the ongoing "Do You Know Someone Who. . ." campaign. She is holding a large poster with an 1-800 number that people in need can call to be referred to an OBB counselor who may offer to help them check to see if they may be eligible for a range of public assistance programs such as food assistance, Medicaid and HEAP. Photo Credit: Jessica J. Burchard

Once May completed her 30-minute presentation to the group, HealthPath Executive Director Theresa Wukusick, addressed the area's need for more dental care for youths under 18 as well as for more resources for women, children and elderly people who might be trapped in physically and/or psychologically abusive relationships. Both dental care and domestic violence prevention area areas of public safety that the HealthPath Foundation of Ohio have actively supported since being created 10 years ago.

Wukusick concluded her speech by presenting Gary Ricer, executive director of GMN Tri-County CAC, Inc., with a $2,500 check to be used to expand the organization's existing OBB services.   

HealthPath Executive Director Theresa Wukusick presents Gary Ricer, executive director of GMN Tri-County CAC, Inc. with a novelty check for $2,500 at the Monroe County OBB event on July 29, 2010 at the Swiss Hills Vocational School in Woodsfield, Ohio. Photo Credit: Jessica J. Burchard.

Ricer and his team were pleased to receive two checks -- one for Noble and one for Monroe respectively -- and said the goal was to continue to offer a range of public services for those in Geurnsey, Monroe and Noble counties.

Intro of HealthPath AmeriCorps*VISTA Albany Woods

The following post is the firsthand account of AmeriCorps*VISTA Albany Woods, who is stationed near Cincinnati, Ohio with The Norwood Service League.

My name is Albany Woods the HealthPath Vista for the South West region Of Ohio. I have 9 counties (Hamilton, Butler, Warren, Clinton, Clermont, Brown, Adams, Scioto, and Highland) within my region I responsible for planning the Ohio Benefit Bank capacity building events, also known as the “Do You know Someone Who. . . ” campaign.

My first event was in Hamilton County where I worked hand-in-hand with my host site The Norwood Service League to plan a luncheon for May 24, 2010 scheduled at Xavier University's Cintas Center. Seeing that my event was going to be the first to kick off the campaign I wanted to make sure it had a great attendance rate, so I sent invitations to everyone Lupe’ Hoyt (my Site supervisor) and I could think of. By the day of the luncheon I had sent out 70 invites to Mayors, the Norwood Fire department, the Health Department, County commissioners, local business owners and even the local library.

Photo of May 24, 2010 The Ohio Benefit Bank/HealthPath luncheon event at Xavier University's Cintas Center. At the foregrounded table are Charles Barber, communications manager with the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foobanks, Martha Rose, AmeriCorps*VISTA leader with OASHF, and two community member from the Hamilton County area. Photo Credit: Jessica J. Burchard

On the day of the event we had a great turn out with a room filled with over 25 people, including the President of HealthPath Ellen Gilligan, and Lisa Hamler-Fugitt, executive director of the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks(OASHF). The PowerPoint Presentation about The Ohio Benefit Bank (OBB) was delivered by Jason Elchert the Deputy Director of OASHF, who initiated the OBB statewide in 2006.

Jason Elchert, deputy director of the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks, presenting

information about The Ohio Benefit Bank. Elchert is credited with helping create the solid foundation that OBB has today. He and fellow AmeriCorps*VISTAs have promoted the free, internet-based program since OASHF took it over in 2006. Photo Credit: Jessica J. Burchard.

At the end of the luncheon HealthPath's Ellen Gilligan presented The Norwood Service League with a check in the amount of $2,500, which Hoyt accepted on behalf of the organization. I later found out that the one of our guests who was already an OBB site was able to receive more laptops for their site.

Over the next month I began working on my other OBB events.


My next OBB event was on July 12, 2010 in Clinton County, the host site was the Wilmington United Methodist Church. For this informational meeting, I worked closely with Annen Struckart, the churchs' AmeriCorp*VISTA and Wilmington Ohio Benefits bank Counselor, to make it a success.

Annen had many contacts within the city of Wilmington, which really came in handy when it came time for us to put our guest list together. The Wilmington United Methodist Church let us use its lovely fellowship hall for the luncheon which was just perfect. Annen and I spent many weeks trying to get the RSVPs in, which paid off in the end.

 On the day of the event we had a room filled with representatives, business owners, nonprofits and government officials. Charles Barber, communications manager of OASHF, conducted the OBB presentation. Theresa Wukusick, executive director of HealthPath, presented a check for $2,500 to the Wilmington United Methodist Church to further tthe group's good works throughout the community. This luncheon gained the interest of the community and will allow Clinton County to take hold of the benefits of the Ohio Benefit Bank.

Trumbull Co. OBB Event Aug. 5, 2010

The following is a brief summary of AmeriCorps*VISTA Jessica J. Burchard's experience at Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010's  Capacity Building breakfast meeting for The Ohio Benefit Bank at the Hippodrome Banquet Center in Warren, Ohio.

The intimate breakfast gathering went exceptionally well. Myself and the other OASHF staff member were able to interact and have in-depth conversations with those in attendance at the free informational meeting.

Among the attendees were two Trumbull County Department of Job and Family Services staffers -- Director Kim Barrell and caseworker Gladys Velez--  the United Way of Trumbull County United Way President Tom Krysiek, the McDonald Village Mayor Glenn Holmes, Kent State University Trumbull Campus Dean Jim Ritter, among others.

Seated at one table at the Hippodrome Banquet Center in Warren, Ohio were the two representatives

from the Trumbull County Department of Job and Family Services, the dean of the Kent State University Trumbull County branch, the President of the United Way of Trumbull County and two volunteers at existing OBB sites. Photo Credit: Jessica J. Burchard.

I was particularly pleased to see Charles Barber, communications manager for the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks who gave the presentation, engaged in coversation with  Mayor Holmes after the meeting. The two discussed the possibility of having an OBB Community Trainer address a group of 40-50 people at one of the village's monthly organizational meetings.

Charles Barber, communications manager for OASHF, and McDonald Village Mayor Glenn Holmes spend a few minutes exchanging information after the OBB/HealthPath breakfast meeting on Thursday, Aug. 5. Photo Credit: Jessica J. Burchard

"Thanks for inviting me. I got a lot of valuable information," Holmes said to me on his way out of the meeting.

Some other points brought up at the meeting were questions about the relationship between Job and Family Services and The Ohio Benefit Bank counselor. These were quickly and thoroughly answered with comments from both Barber and Barrell.

In fact, the conversations about The Ohio Benefit Bank and the local department of job and family services went so well that many people lingered after the meeting ended to continue their discussions.

Trumbull County Department of Job and Family Services employees stay after the OBB/HealthPath meeting to further discuss the relationship between OBB counselors and JFS. Photo Credit: Jessica J. Burchard

Reflections on July's Capacity Building Events for The Ohio Benefit Bank through the HealthPath Foundation of Ohio

Introduction to Capacity Building events for The Ohio Benefit Bank Through HealthPath


July proved a very busy successful month for spreading the word about The Ohio Benefit Bank (OBB) statewide with nine Capacity Building events completed.
The 90-minute free, no obligation informational meetings had the following schedule in July:


* July 1: Miami County at The First Place Christian Center

* July 14: Jefferson County at Jefferson Behavioral Health System's satellite office, Beacon House

* July 15: Mercer County at the Mercer County Council on Aging

* July 20: Stark County at Trillium Family Solutions, Inc.

* July 21: Hardin County at The Fame Center

* July 22: Columbiana County at The Way Station

* July 27: Washington County at Marietta Holiday Inn

* July 28: Noble County at Lori's Family Restaurant

* July 29: Monroe County at Swiss Hills Vocational School


All of The Ohio Benefit Bank events were coordinated through partnership among four AmeriCorps*VISTAs stationed with The Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks (OASHF) in different regions of Ohio, individual nonprofits serving as existing OBB sites in 36 Ohio counties and the HealthPath Foundation of Ohio.


Each AmeriCorps*VISTA is responsible for developing an attendance list in conjunction with partnering site, securing a time and location as well as catered meal for his or her assigned counties for Capacity Building events. The events are designed to promote The Ohio Benefit Bank, specifically what it does to help alleviate poverty and financial hardship for individual families as well as putting more money into the local economy.

The Dollar General Market is one of only a few stores carrying everday goods and groceries

in the most rural and isolated parts of Tuscarawas County, which limits what families can purchase. It also means that low-income households are paying more for goods and services than they otherwise would. The store has Amish and regular customers from the area. Photo Credit: Jessica J. Burchard

Therefore, the invitation list centers on local nonprofit leaders such as United Ways and Community Action Commissions/Programs; area politicians such as village councils and town mayors; colleges and universities whose students might utilize the OBB for service learning or assisting students going through hardships.


The VISTAs also touched base with government agencies like county branches of the Department of Job and Family Services (JFS), health departments and police departments. In particular, the relationship with the JFS is important for expanding The Ohio Benefit Bank because of the E-Gateway Program, which quickly sends completed OBB forms to someone at each JFS office to be processed.

This logo is from the www.odjfs.png and is a clip art found via a www.google.com search. It is connected with www.richlandcountychildrenservices.org.

Although the local Departments of Job and Family Services have suffered layoffs in staffing, many OBB events did feature attendance by at least one staff member. The JFS offices also made a point of having representation from the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program whenever possible.
The eclectic mix of invitees to each of the county's events means that the PowerPoint presentation delivered by a trained member of The Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks hits many important topics.


One surprising statistic that is sometimes addressed at the meetings is the U.S. Department of Agriculture finds that for every $5 spent on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program a total of $9.20 of economic activity is generated as grocery stores are able to hire more people and purchase more goods to sell.
For more information about this statistic, visit: http://www.agri.ohio.gov/divs/FoodCouncil/docs/OFPC%20Final%20June%2030%202009.pdf.

The Web site is a PDF of a researched short-term recommendations by the Ohio Food Policy Advisory Council from August 2009. Among the 32 members was Lisa Hamler-Fugitt, executive director of the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks, as well as Beth Kowalczyk, with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.  

Besides imparting knowledge about The Ohio Benefit Bank to those in attendance, the HealthPath Foundation has made it possible for the current OBB site partnering with the VISTAs in each county to maintain and/or expand their program by donating $2,500 at the end of each event.

Theresa Wukusick, executive director of the HealthPath Foundation of Ohio, and Michele Lucas, community services director of HARCATUS Tri-County CAO, Inc. in New Philadelphia, Ohio, embrace after Lucas (left) receives the $2,500 grant check from Wukusick. Photo Credit: Jessica J. Burchard

Theresa Wukusick, executive director of the HealthPath Foundation of Ohio, frequently presents the check to the nonprofit's representative after a brief explanation of what HealthPath's objectives area -- oral health and domestic violence prevention. Wukusick also utilizes the Health Institute of Ohio's information to show how HealthPath's objectives prove relevant to each county, specifically in terms of dental care for children and family abuse.

Theresa Wukusick, executive director of the HealthPath Foundation of Ohio, shows off some collateral materials for the "Do You Know Someone Who. . . " campaign while explaining what the HealthPath Foundation does to a group in Monroe County. Photo Credit: Jessica J. Burchard.

In the following posts, each AmeriCorps*VISTA -- Rich Field, Sara Mraz, Albany Woods and Jessica Burchard will share some of his/her experiences of coodinating, attending and doing follow-up for the OBB/HealthPath partnership events.