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.