Ohio's poverty crisis

       If all of the children living in extreme poverty in Ohio lined up and held hands, the line of children would stretch all of the way from Cleveland to Columbus.

Living in extreme poverty means that your household income is at or below 50 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.  According to figures from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, more than nearly 275,000 children are living in extreme poverty in Ohio. That number is shocking and disappointing.

Homeless area residents explain the challenges they are facing

Throughout the last year, many of our clients at Athens County Job and Family Services have filled out surveys discussing the hardships they are facing. Following are several of the comments from clients who are currently homeless or are in danger of becoming homeless:

“Currently, my hardships are that I have no job and am having a hard time finding work. As a result, I have no home, I just have to bounce around from place to place and stay with my friends. I also have no money to pay for groceries or food at all. I won’t need help for long, but at the moment I would really appreciate it.”

“I have no money or income. I have been living out of my car and I am seeking help with food. I have been looking for work, but no luck. Please help. I would also appreciate medical, too, but food is what I need. Thanks for your time.”

November is Open Enrollment Month for Medicaid clients in Athens County

November is the Open Enrollment Month for all Medicaid clients in southeast Ohio, including Athens County.

November is the only month of the year that southeast Ohio residents can switch between the three managed care plans providing Medicaid coverage. All area residents who are eligible for Medicaid are strongly encouraged to look closely at the benefits of each of the plans.

Special event to raise money for Friends and Neighbors food pantry

A special event featuring bands, great food, a costume contest, a haunted hayride and other activities will be held this Saturday near Coolville in order to raise money for the Friends and Neighbors Community Choice Food Center.

The event is being held to raise money for the center’s new food pantry facility, and will be held at the location of the new center.

Budget cuts force Child Support Enforcement Agency to alter its schedule for processing cases

      Due to a state budget cuts, it is now taking longer for the Athens County Child Support Enforcement Agency to process cases.

The agency is part of Athens County Job and Family Services, which lost more than $1.2 million in funding in the new state budget and had to scale back programs and lay off staff. This most recent budget cut was on top of several other state and federal budget cuts in recent years. In response to the funding cuts, the Athens County Child Support Enforcement Agency has now altered its schedule for processing cases.