Ohio has expanded its Medicaid program and the program is now taking applications

Click here to read about the expanded Medicaid program

Click here to apply online for the expanded Medicaid program

Our Annual Report

Athens County Job and Family Services has released its Annual Report for 2013.  Click here to read this year's Annual Report.

Open interviews to be held at The Work Station on Dec. 11

Elite Craft Support Staffing will be holding open interviews from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at The Work Station in The Plains.
The staffing agency is looking for area residents interested in filling positions such as welders, assemblers and electricians in the Marietta area. Most positions are for second or third shifts and pay between $11 and $15 per hour.
No appointments are needed for the open interviews. Area residents are just asked to bring copies of their resumes with them and to dress appropriately.

Now is a great time to earn your GED!

All area residents interested in taking the GED exam may want to do so before the end of the year, as the cost to take the test will increase significantly in 2014.

Currently, Ohio residents pay $40 to take the test. In January, the price of the test will increase to $120.

Citizen Circle to host reunion/open house on Nov. 13

The Athens County Citizen Circle program will host a special event at The Plains Public Library on Wednesday, Nov. 13 for all past participants and for anyone who is interested in learning more about the organization.

The reunion/open house will be held from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. and food and drinks will be served.

Food Stamps benefits to decrease in November

All U.S. residents who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will see a cut in their benefits in November.

'What Welfare to work?'

A recent Toledo Blade article examined the Ohio Works First cash assistance program and pointed out that it has been more successful at purging poor people from the rolls than helping them find work.
Click here to read the article.

Two new reports examine the huge drop in the welfare caseloads in Ohio

Two reports released in the last month both call attention to the fact that the state of Ohio has been removing welfare recipients from the caseloads in order to meet its federal work requirements.

Ohio's overall welfare caseload has dropped by more than 100,000 people since January of 2011.   The reports state that the goal was not to put people back to work or to help them live independently, but rather only to meet the statistical goals as set by the federal work requirements.

Click here to read the first report, which was commissioned by the state of Ohio and points out how Athens County handled its welfare caseload and work requirements differently from the rest of the state.

Click here to read the second report, which was completed by the Center For Community Solutions.

New report studies why the Ohio Works First cash assistance program caseload dropped by more than 100,000 since January 2011

The Center For Community Solutions recently completed a thorough study examining the Ohio Works First welfare cash assistance program in Ohio. The report, "Ohio Works First is a Flawed Model for a Workforce Program," provides some startling numbers and information.

Columbus Dispatch article examines huge drop in welfare caseload in Ohio

The Columbus Dispatch article, "Ohio's welfare focus is cutting roles, not aiding job hunts," takes a very interesting and informative look at the huge drop in the Ohio Works First cash assistance caseload in Ohio.
Click here to read the article, which was published on Sept. 21.

Budgeting and food planning workshop to be held at The Work Station

The Work Station will host a free workshop on Thursday, Sept 19. The workshop will focus on budgeting and food planning, and a free lunch will be provided to those who attend. Click here for more information.

Ohio Poverty Law Center publishes study with county fact sheets on Medicaid expansion in Ohio

The Ohio Poverty Law Center has published a new study on the proposal to expand Medicaid in Ohio. The study provides a great deal of information, including figures from each county for items such as the number of people who have no health insurance, the amount that hospitals are paying for uncompensated care each year and and the number of people who would be covered by Medicaid if the program is expanded as proposed. Click here to go to the new report.

Food Stamps cut approved by the President and Congress will hurt families

All U.S. residents who receive food assistance benefits will see a cut in their benefits beginning in November.

The cut, which will be an average of $10 per person per month, will hurt children, senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, parents, and people who are facing a wide range of challenges. The cut will also strike another blow against the economy in Athens County and around the country.

“It might not seem like a lot, but for families who are struggling every day to keep food on the table, a $10 to $20 cut is critical,” Athens County Job and Family Services Director Jack Frech said.

Two interesting articles provide additional perspective on the recent Cato commentary about welfare in America

A recent report from the Cato Institute about welfare in America has been receiving a great deal of media attention. Here are links to two very interesting articles that take a deeper look at the report, and a link to a report that Athens County Job and Family Services published.

Here is a link from Business Insider to an article titled "There's A New Study That Says Welfare Pays Better Than Work — Here's Why It's Total Nonsense"

Here is a link from the Toledo Blade to the editorial titled "Easy chair or safety net? A new study says welfare discourages work, in Ohio and across the country. It isn’t that simple or clear"

Also, here is a link to a report that our agency put together to explain the facts of what welfare spending is really like in Ohio and in America.

Unemployed area residents encouraged to apply for job training assistance program

Athens County residents who are unemployed or underemployed may be eligible for a free program that can help them find new jobs and enroll in job training courses. The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program, which is designed to help area residents move into long-term jobs, is currently looking for adult dislocated workers who would like assistance with enrolling in job training or educational programs.

Click here for more information

How the myth of the welfare queen died

The NBC News blog, "In Plain Sight, Poverty In America" is filled with great information, and the most recent post is outstanding. The most recent post is titled:

"'People think everyone who is poor gets welfare, and it's just not true'; How the myth of the welfare queen died"

Click here to read the post.

Click here to go to the home page for the blog.

CATO Versus Reality: 2013

In August, the CATO Institute will release a report based on the premise that welfare benefits are so high that recipients have little incentive to accept jobs. This is an old argument that has never been valid and is much less so now.  Both the number of cash assistance recipients and the value of their benefits have dropped dramatically. The Athens County Department of Job and Family Services has prepared a response to the CATO report.

Click here to read the news release about the report.

Click here to read the response from the Athens County Department of Job and Family Services.

Free workshop to provide tips on gardening and composting

This workshop will be held on Thursday, Aug. 15 at The Work Station in The Plains from noon until 2 p.m.
Click here for more information.

Back To School resource programs

Several local organizations are holding Back To School programs to get school supplies and clothing to local families who are preparing for the upcoming school year.

Athens County 211 has compiled a list of these local Back To School programs. Click here to see the list. If you live in Athens County, you can also call 211 for more information about these programs and other social services programs in the county.

August is Child Support Awareness Month in Ohio

Currently in Ohio, more than 1 million children are involved in the state’s child support system.

In order to recognize the importance of parents providing support for their children, August has been declared as Child Support Awareness Month in Ohio. Child support programs provide important services such as collecting child support for families, establishing the legal relationship between children and their parents, and enforcing court orders.

Open interviews at The Work Station on July 31

The iforce employment services company will be holding open interviews at The Work Station in The Plains on Wednesday, July 31 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

The company will be interviewing for manufacturing positions with The Anchor-Hocking Company in Lancaster and for health care interviewer positions in the region.

State website gives Ohio parents easy access to child support information

Ohio residents who are involved in child support cases are now able to access information on their cases online.

New driver's license reinstatement fee program in Ohio receives a great deal of media coverage

The state of Ohio recently implemented a new policy that will make it easier for eligible state residents to regain their driver's licenses while they are paying off their license suspension fees.

This new policy will have a huge impact on a large number of state residents and will make it easier for them to find and keep jobs, to make it to health care appointments and to keep up with daily responsibilities. The new policy has received a great deal of media coverage already.

Click here to read a Columbus Dispatch article about the new policy:

Click here to read an Associated Press article about the new policy. The AP article ran in newspapers all across Ohio and around the country.

New driver’s license reinstatement fee installment plan in Ohio

Beginning on July 15, Ohio residents who owe at least $150 in driver’s license reinstatement fees will be able to have their license suspensions lifted while they make payments on the fees that they owe. The drivers will have to meet several conditions in order to be eligible for the program, but this change in Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles requirements will help a large number of state residents regain their driving privileges.

Move to new location helps local food pantry expand its services, plan for even more growth

The move to a new location has been very beneficial for the Friends and Neighbors Community Choice Food Pantry and the people it serves, but the pantry still has big plans for even more improvements.

Earlier this year, Friends and Neighbors moved from its previous home in Lottridge, where it was renting space, to a new location that it owns just off of U.S. Rt. 50/Ohio Rt. 32 near Coolville.

Akron Beacon Journal article looks at large number of people being dropped from welfare programs in Ohio

The Akron Beacon Journal published a very interesting article today that looks at why such a high number of people are being dropped off of the welfare system in Ohio.
Click here to read the article.

Medicaid 'reform' would hurt Ohio's poor even more

On Sunday, June 23, The Toledo Blade published a letter to the editor from Athens County Job and Family Services Director Jack Frech about the recent debate over reforming Ohio's Medicaid system.
Click here to read the letter.

Ohio residents enrolled in the food assistance, cash assistance programs will receive new benefits cards

Ohio residents who are enrolled in the state's food assistance or cash assistance programs will soon be receiving new benefits cards.

Another perspective on the national debate over proposed cuts to Food Stamps

Here is a link to another very interesting and informative article about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is commonly known as Food Stamps. This article raises some important points about several issues that have not been discussed in many of the news stories about the proposed cuts to the food assistance program. Click here to read the article.

More than 200 area residents take part in hiring event for new JoAnn Fabric and Craft Store

When JoAnn Fabric and Craft Stores held a hiring event at The Work Station for its new store in Athens recently, the managers were hoping for a good turnout of people interested in working for the company.

The response from the community far exceeded their hopes, though, as more than 200 people showed up to apply for jobs during the two-day event, according to JoAnn Fabric and Craft Stores District Team Leader Ron Veach.

Friends and Neighbors Food Pantry to host Grand Opening for new facility

The Friends and Neighbors Community Choice Food Pantry will hold a Grand Opening luncheon on Friday, June 21 in order to celebrate the pantry’s move to a new location. The lunch will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. and all area residents are invited.

Open interviews will be held on Wednesday, June 19 at The Work Station

I-Force will be holding open interviews at The Work Station for positions with companies such as Rocky Boots and Anchor Hocking on Wednesday, June 19 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. All interested area residents are encouraged to attend.

For more information or for assistance with your job search at any time throughout the year, visit The Work Station at 70 North Plains Road in The Plains or call 797-1405.

A few facts about Food Stamps in America

The website  thinkprogress.org published a very informative article recently about the Supplemental Assistance Nutrition Program (SNAP), which is better known as the Food Stamps program. The article points out some important facts that should be considered as part of the current debate over proposed cuts to the SNAP program.

Click here to read the article.

ABLE Graduation Ceremony features outstanding speakers

The Athens County Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE) program based in The Work Station held its annual graduation ceremony on Friday, May 31 and honored all of its graduates from the last year.

The ceremony featured two outstanding speeches by graduates and was a great way to celebrate all that the students have accomplished.

Click here for more information on the ceremony and on the future plans of a few of the graduates.

Interesting article on the Food Stamps program in America

The Cincinnati Enquirer ran a very interesting article recently on the SNAP program (formerly known as Food Stamps). Here is the link to the article:
http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20130531/EDIT02/305310050/Food-stamps-do-work

New mailing address for Athens County Job and Family Services and for the Athens County Child Support Enforcement Agency

Athens County Job and Family Services is changing its mailing address effective on Monday, June 3.

The address change also applies for the Athens County Child Support Enforcement Agency, which is part of Athens County Job and Family Services.

The new mailing address will be 13183 State Route 13, Millfield, Ohio 45761-9901.

Summer Reentry Summit to be held at Hocking College on June 19

A special event for area residents working with ex-offenders will be held at Hocking College on Wednesday, June 19.

Column on SNAP program raises interesting points

The Los Angeles Times ran a very interesting column on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, recently. The article discusses the proposed cuts to the program and the importance of the program.
Click here to read the column.

Athens County ABLE Graduation Ceremony set for Friday, May 31

The Athens County Adult Basic & Literacy Education (ABLE) program based in The Work Station will hold a Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 31 for all of its GED graduates from the last year.

The ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. at The Plains Elementary School, and all area residents are invited to attend.  After the conclusion of the ceremony, a reception and dinner will be held in the building to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduates.

For more information on the graduation ceremony or on the ABLE program, contact The Work Station at 797-1405.

Columbus television news report on Medicaid transportation issue in Ohio

Channel 10 News (out of Columbus) ran a story on May 9 that looked at the issue of transportation for Medicaid clients in Ohio. Athens County Job and Family Services Director Jack Frech was one of the people interviewed for the story. To watch a video of the report, click here. To read a text version of the story, click here.

Article on modern day "debtors prisons"

The Associated Press published a very interesting news report recently that looks at how some Ohio courts are jailing people who are too poor to pay their debts. Click here to read the article, which brings up several important issues.

Large crowd attends regional Job Fair in Athens

Approximately 400 people from around the region attended a Job Fair at the Athens Community Center on Wednesday, April 17, and many of them found leads for new jobs.

At the conclusion of the Job Fair, in fact, four of the 58 employers who took part in the event reported that they had already hired people they had spoken with that day.

First Aid and CPR classes to be offered in May at The Work Station

The Work Station will be holding a CPR Class on Wednesday, May 15 and a First Aid Class on Friday, May 17  

Hear from our clients about the struggles they are facing

Over the last year, Athens County Job and Family Services has invited our clients to tell us about some of the challenges and struggles they are facing.

Comments from a few of our clients about some of the challenges they are facing

·         “I have been ill and unable to work. I am not able to provide my daughter with the things I wish she could have. I do not have money to put gas in the car that I borrow.  Always trying to catch up is depressing and causes more medical problems. I feel like I am letting my daughter down. If anyone thinks this type of life is fun or that we’re lazy, you have no idea.”

Job Fair to be held Wednesday, April 17 in Athens

A Job Fair will be held at the Athens Community Center from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17. All area residents are invited to attend the event, which will feature a wide range of employers from all across the region.

New report on the problems caused by a lack of transportation in Ohio

Lack of transportation is a major problem for many people in Athens County and around Ohio, and the problem is getting worse.

Hear from a few of our clients about the challenges they are facing

Over the last year, Athens County Job and Family Services has invited our clients to tell us about some of the challenges and struggles they are facing.

As Ohio’s leaders deliberate over the state’s next two-year budget, we are posting a few of these comments each week so that you can hear from some of our neighbors about the obstacles they face every day. We hope our leaders will look at how the budget impacts families who are just trying to survive, instead of only looking at the budget as a series of numbers and dollar signs.

We encourage you to take a few moments to read over the comments. Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.

Comments from a few of our clients

“At this point in my life I am without a job and soon I will be living at the homeless shelter with my oldest son and an increase in benefits would GREATLY help me and my son.  We would be able to get back on our feet faster and that would mean that we would not require any benefits.  But as it is now we have to use these benefits just to keep surviving.  If the benefits that we are receiving could help us make the bottom line, then we would not need to use them for a long period of time. “

Comments from a few of our clients

Over the last year, Athens County Job and Family Services has invited our clients to tell us about some of the challenges and struggles they are facing.

A chance to hear from a few of our clients

Over the last year, Athens County Job and Family Services has invited our clients to tell us about some of the challenges and struggles they are facing.

As Ohio’s leaders deliberate over the state’s next two-year budget, we will be posting a few of these comments each week so that you can hear from some of our neighbors about the obstacles they face every day. We hope our leaders will look at how the budget impacts families who are just trying to survive, instead of only looking at the budget as a series of numbers and dollar signs.

State budget testimony discusses ways to improve Ohio's public assistance programs

On Tuesday, March 12, Athens County Job and Family Services Director Jack Frech testified about the state budget proposal before the Health and Human Service Sub-Committee of the Ohio House Finance and Appropriations Committee. Here is a copy of his testimony.

Ohio Governor John Kasich has expressed his concern for the poor, elderly and disabled.  He has supported services to keep the elderly and disabled in their own homes and has expressed concern for homeless people living under bridges.  While his support of Medicaid expansion is a critical step in protecting our most vulnerable citizens, it belies the hardships that his current policies and proposed budget pose for the poorest families with children.

Comments from a few of our clients

Here are some brief comments from a few of our clients about the challenges they face.

“I am having a hard time being able to provide for my son with many things he is needs, as he is growing.  I always pay my bills first so that we do not go without any of the most important things each month, but after all my bills are paid, I feel as if we have nothing else.  I struggle every week to be able to put gas in my car, buy diapers, clothes and any other expenses that may come up.  I am happy with what assistance I receive, but I don’t believe the state understands how much my family does suffer every month while I am trying to better my life for my son and myself.”

Local employers encouraged to take part in upcoming Job Fair in Athens

A regional Job Fair will be held in Athens on Wednesday, April 17. All local employers are encouraged to take part in the event even if they don’t currently have any positions open.

 The Job Fair, which is one of the largest in southeastern Ohio, is being coordinated by The Work Station in Athens County, the Meigs County One-Stop Jobs Center, and the Perry County 1-Stop Jobs Center.

Interesting article on Ohio's welfare system

Columnist Thomas Suddes wrote a very interesting piece this week on the current state of the welfare program in Ohio. Suddes writes for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, and his columns also run in the Columbus Dispatch.

To read to the column on the Cleveland Plain Dealer website, click here.

Comments from a few of our clients

 Here are some brief comments from a few of our clients about some of the obstacles they face in their lives.

Job Fair at the Athens Community Center

We will be hosting a regional Job Fair  on  Wednesday, April 17, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Athens Community Center , 701 E. State Street. Athens, Ohio

Comments from a few of our clients

Over the last year, Athens County Job and Family Services has invited our clients to tell us about some of the challenges and struggles they are facing.

As Ohio’s leaders deliberate over the state’s next two-year budget, we will be posting a few of these comments each week so that you can hear from some of our neighbors about the obstacles they face every day. We hope our leaders will look at how the budget impacts families who are just trying to survive, instead of only looking at the budget as a series of numbers and dollar signs.

We encourage you to take a few moments to read over the comments. Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.

No more tax assistance appointments to be scheduled at The Work Station this year

Due to overwhelming demand, the Ohio Benefit Bank will not be able to schedule any more tax assistance appointments at The Work Station in The Plains for this year.

Comments from our clients about some of the challenges they face

Over the last year, Athens County Job and Family Services has invited our clients to tell us about some of the challenges and struggles they are facing.

As Ohio’s leaders deliberate over the state’s next two-year budget, we will posting a few of these comments each week so that you can hear from some of our neighbors about the obstacles they face every day. We hope our leaders will look at how the budget impacts families who are just trying to survive, instead of only looking at the budget as a series of numbers and dollar signs.

We encourage you to take a few moments to read over the comments. Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.

Open job interviews at The Work Station on Feb. 27

The Kelly Services employment agency will be holding open interviews at The Work Station on Wednesday, Feb. 27 from 9 a.m. until noon. The agency is looking for individuals to fill a variety of positions. All people interested in taking part in the open interviews are asked to bring their resumes along with their Social Security cards or a copy of their birth certificates. The Work Station is located at 70 North Plains Road in The Plains.

Comments from our clients about some of the struggles they face every day

Over the last year, Athens County Job and Family Services has invited our clients to tell us about some of the challenges and struggles they are facing.

As Ohio’s leaders deliberate over the state’s next two-year budget, we will be posting a few of these comments each week so that you can hear from some of our neighbors about the obstacles they face every day. We hope our leaders will look at how the budget impacts families who are just trying to survive, instead of only looking at the budget as a series of numbers and dollar signs.

Tax assistance for veterans at Feb. 20 event

      Local veterans will be able to receive assistance with filing their income taxes on Wednesday, Feb. 20 at The Work Station in The Plains.

This tax assistance initiative is offered by the Ohio Benefit Bank and is separate from another tax assistance program currently being held at The Work Station by the Ohio Benefit Bank. In this program, tax assistance volunteers are traveling around the region to set up activities like the Feb. 20 event in order to help local veterans with their taxes.

All local veterans who are interested in receiving assistance with filing their taxes are invited to stop by The Work Station between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 20.

Tax Assistance For Veterans

Local veterans will be able to receive assistance with filing their income taxes on Wednesday, Jan. 30 and Wednesday, Feb. 20 at The Work Station in The Plains.

This tax assistance program, which is separate from the program being offered by the Ohio Benefit Bank at The Work Station, will be held in a mobile van that will be parked outside The Work Station. 

All local veterans who are interested in receiving assistance with filing their taxes are invited to stop by the mobile van between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 30 or Wednesday, Feb. 20