OHIO HAPPENIN'S - March 2010

DISCLAIMER

JUST A SHORT NOTE TO STATE THAT THE PURPOSE OF THIS PUBLICATION IS TO PASS PRECIOUS
INFORMATION ON TO THOSE OF NEED.  OCCASIONALLY, THERE WILL BE ARTICLES BY OTHER
WRITERS.    I MAY NOT NECESSARILY AGREE WITH THEIR VIEWPOINTS, HOWEVER,  I DO RESPECT
THEM.  THANK YOU

The Cleveland Orchestra
Under the leadership of Music Director Franz Welser-Möst, The Cleveland Orchestra has become one of the most sought-after
performing ensembles in the world.  In concerts at its winter home at the stunning Severance Hall and at each summer's Blossom
Festival, in residencies from Miami to Vienna, and on tour around the world, The Cleveland Orchestra sets standards of artistic
excellence, creative programming and community engagement.  



Columbus Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1951, the Columbus Symphony is the only full-time professional symphony in central Ohio.  Through an array of
innovative artistic, educational, and community outreach programming, the Columbus Symphony is reaching a growing and diverse
audience with great music.  In this, its 58th season, the Columbus Symphony will share great music with over a quarter million
people in central Ohio through concerts, radio broadcasts and special programming.  Search through the Columbus Symphony's
Calendar of Events for upcoming concerts.



Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra
Recipient of the prestigious 2009 Scripps-Corbett Award, the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra has grown in size and scope to
become one of the cultural cornerstones of the Greater Cincinnati area over the past 35 years.  The artistic goal of the Chamber
Orchestra is to perform music that is not generally heard when attending concerts presented by a large symphony orchestra, and
thereby offer a unique musical experience to the listener.  



For more information on fun Ohio getaways, follow us on Twitter @DiscoverOhio or become a fan of the Ohio Tourism Division on
Facebook at www.facebook.com/discoverohio.

*****************************

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a Federally funded program administered by the Ohio Department of Development,
Office of Community Service (OCS). It is designed to help eligible low-income Ohioans meet the high costs of home heating. HEAP
provides a one-time payment for PUCO regulated utility customers for the winter heating season. Vouchers are issued to non-
regulated utility customers, master-metered and other applicants who do not have a utility bill in their name.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Ohio, you must need financial assistance for home
energy costs and your household's annual income before taxes must not exceed $21,660 if one person lives in the household;
$29,140 if two people live in the household; $36,620 if three people live in the household; $44,100 if four people live in the household;
$51,580 if five people live in the household; $59,060 if six people live in the household; $66,540 if seven people live in the household;
and $74,020 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $7,480 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

Program Contact Information
To learn more information about Ohio HEAP, visit:
http://www.odod.state.oh.us/cdd/ocs/regheap.htm

Call HEAP toll-free during regular business hours (8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.) Monday through Friday at:
800-282-0880

For the hearing-impaired with a telecommunication device for the deaf (TTD), call toll-free at:
800-686-1557


Managing Agency
Ohio
http://ohio.gov/

***********************************************

Program Description
The Ohio Food Stamp program is designed to raise nutritional levels, to expand buying power, and to safeguard the health and well
being of individuals in low-income households in Ohio. A household may consist of an individual or a group of individuals who live
together and usually purchase, prepare, and eat their food together.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Ohio and fall into one of two groups: (1) those with
a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or (2) those with a current bank balance (savings and
checking combined) under $3,001 who share their household with a person or persons age 60 and over, or with a person with a
disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself). For either group, you must also have an annual household income of less than
$13,284 if one person lives in the household; $17,808 if two people live in the household; $22,332 if three people live in the
household; $26,856 if four people live in the household; $31,380 if five people live in the household; $35,904 if six people live in the
household; $40,428 if seven people live in the household; or $44,952 if more than seven people live in the household.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

Program Contact Information
A useful fact sheet (pdf) describing the program can be found at:
http://jfs.ohio.gov/factsheets/foodstamps.pdf

You can speak with a representative at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services regarding the program by calling:
614-466-6282

To learn more information about Ohio Food Stamp program, please visit:
http://jfs.ohio.gov/ofam/foodstamps.stm


Managing Agency
Ohio
http://ohio.gov/

*******************************************

Program Description
The School Breakfast Program provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious breakfast to students each
day. Similarly, the goal of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is to protect the health and well-being of the nation's children
by providing nutritious school meals every day. NSLP provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious school
lunch. Schools receive Federal funds for each breakfast and lunch served, provided that the meal meets established nutrition
standards.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Ohio and a parent or primary caregiver responsible
for a child(ren) who attends school (high school or under). Those who qualify must also have an annual household income before
taxes that must not exceed $26,955 if two people live in the household; $33,874 if three people live in the household; $40,793 if four
people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the household; $54,631 if six people live in the household; $61,550 if seven
people live in the household; $68,469 if eight people live in the household; and $75,388 if more than eight people live in the
household. For larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for free or reduced price meals, contact your child's school. A listing of your state's schools can be found here:
http://www.ode.state.oh.us/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEPrimary.aspx?page=2&TopicRelationID=661

Program Contact Information
Please visit the Ohio Office of Child Nutrition Services web site to learn more about the programs:
http://www.ode.state.oh.us/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEPrimary.aspx?Page=2&To...

If you would like to speak with a State representative regarding the programs, you can call the Office of the Child Nutrition Services
at:
614-466-2945


You can also contact your child's school to find out what meals are served and how to apply for free or reduced price school meals.


Managing Agency
Ohio
http://ohio.gov/

**************************************

Program Description
Ohio Healthy Start provides free or low-cost health insurance for families with children and pregnant women. This program is
designed to provide increased access to health coverage for children in families with income too high to qualify for Medicaid but too
low to afford private coverage.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Ohio, under 19 years of age, not covered by health insurance
(including Medicaid), a US national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident, or pregnant, and you must have an annual household
income before taxes of less than $29,140 if two people live in the household; $36,620 if three people live in the household; $44,100 if
four people live in the household; $51,580 if five people live in the household; $59,060 if six people live in the household; $66,540 if
seven people live in the household; $74,020 if eight people live in the household; and $81,496 if more than eight people live in the
household. For larger households, add $7,480 for each additional person in the home. Depending on your income level, you may
have to pay a premium for coverage. Please see this state's program information for details.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process


When applying for Healthy Start, proof of income, pregnancy, citizenship (if not a U.S. citizen) and other health insurance is required.
No face-to-face interview is necessary.

By calling the Consumer Hotline at 1-800-324-8680, hotline staff can provide general information or offer assistance in filling out the
application. The hotline is staffed seven days a week. Families can also find applications at their local office of job & family services.

Families can apply for Healthy Start by downloading and filling out the Combined Programs Application (CPA) - JFS Form #07216:
http://www.jfs.ohio.gov/ohp/consumers/Application.stm


Program Contact Information
Families may receive further information by visiting our website at:
http://www.jfs.ohio.gov/ohp/consumers/HealthyStart.stm


Managing Agency
Ohio
http://ohio.gov/

*****************************************

Program Description
WIC helps income eligible pregnant and breastfeeding women, women who recently had a baby, infants, and children who are at
health risk due to inadequate nutrition. The program improves pregnancy outcomes by providing or referring to support services
necessary for full-term pregnancies; reduces infant mortality by reducing the incidence of low birth weight (infants under 5 ½
pounds are at greater risk of breathing problems, brain injuries, and physical abnormalities) and provides infants and children with
a healthy start in life by improving poor or inadequate diets. The Ohio WIC program is administered by the Ohio Department of Health.

General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Ohio, pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum
woman, infant or child up to 5 years of age and: (1) are individually determined by a health professional to be at nutrition risk; and,
(2) meet an income standard, or are determined automatically income eligible. A person who participates or has family members
who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as the Food Stamp Program, Medicaid or Temporary Assistance for Needy
Families, automatically meets the income eligibility requirement.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply, set up an appointment at the WIC clinic closest to you:
http://www.odh.ohio.gov/ASSETS/046B9B8112104A73A2ADFB940857E1E4/wicclinicdir.PDF

Program Contact Information
Please see the following Web Site for the income standard or maximum income limit for WIC eligibility:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/howtoapply/incomeguidelines.htm

For more information on Ohio WIC, visit their website at:
http://www.odh.ohio.gov/odhPrograms/ns/wicn/wic1.aspx

If you have questions about the program call the Ohio Department of Health at:
614-644-8006

Or send an email to:
OHWIC@gw.odh.state.oh.us



Managing Agency
Department of Health (OH)
http://www.odh.ohio.gov/

**********************************************

Program Description
The Special Milk Program (SMP) provides milk to children in schools and childcare institutions who do not participate in other
Federal meal service programs. The program reimburses schools for the milk they serve. Schools in the National School Lunch or
School Breakfast Programs may also participate in SMP to provide milk to children in half-day pre-kindergarten and kindergarten
programs where children do not have access to the school meal programs.
General Program Requirements
Any child in a school or institution that participates in the Special Milk Program can get milk. Schools may elect to offer free milk to
low-income children. In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Ohio, your household's
annual income before taxes must not exceed $20,036 if one person lives in the household; $26,955 if two people live in the
household; $33,874 if three people live in the household; $40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the
household; $54,631 if six people live in the household; $61,550 if seven people live in the household; and $68,469 if eight people live
in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for the Special Milk program, directly contact your child’s school, camp, or child care institution to find out if it participates
in the Special Milk Program.

The Federal agency Child Nutrition Programs manages this program and provides state contact information here:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Contacts/StateDirectory.htm

Additionally, you can view further information about your state's Special Milk program here:
http://www.ode.state.oh.us/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEPrimary.aspx?page=2&TopicRelationID=485

Program Contact Information
To learn more about the Ohio Special Milk program, please visit:
www.ode.state.oh.us/GD/DocumentManagement/DocumentDownload.aspx?DocumentID=...

For more information regarding the Ohio Special Milk Program, please call the Department of Education-Office of Child and Nutrition
Services office at:
614-466-2945


You may also contact your local school district if you have other inquiries regarding the program.


Managing Agency
Ohio
http://ohio.gov/

*******************************************

Program Description
The Head Start program (for children ages 3-5) and Early Head Start program (for pregnant women, infants and toddlers) promote
school readiness for children in low-income families by providing comprehensive educational, health, nutritional, and social
services. Parents play a large role in the programs, both as primary educators of their children and as participants in administering
the programs locally. Both programs provide pre-literacy and literacy experiences in a multi-cultural environment. Parents are also
provided social services, including assistance with childcare. Services are also available to migrant and seasonal farm worker
families.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Ohio, you must be a parent or primary caregiver
responsible for a child who is too young for public school and your household's annual income before taxes must not exceed
$10,830 if one person lives in the household; $14,570 if two people live in the household; $18,310 if three people live in the
household; $22,050 if four people live in the household; $25,790 if five people live in the household; $29,530 if six people live in the
household; $33,270 if seven people live in the household; $37,010 if eight people live in the household; and $40,750 if more than eight
people live in the household. For larger households, add $3,740 for each additional person in the home.

If you do not meet these criteria, you may still qualify if you are a U.S. national, citizen or permanent resident whose financial status
is low income or very low income, who is under-employed, unemployed or about to become unemployed, facing pregnancy, less
than 19 years of age yourself, or the parent or primary caregiver for children under the age of 19 years. Other qualifications may
apply.


Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
The Head Start Locator provides a searchable database of Head Start programs. To apply for this program please visit the following
website, which will direct you to the Head Start office nearest to you:
http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/HeadStartOffices

Program Contact Information
Please visit the Ohio Head Start Association web site for more information:
http://www.ohsai.org/

To speak with a State representative regarding Head Start call the Department of Education toll-free:
877-644-6338

For further information on the Head Start program or to locate a Head Start provider in your area, please visit:
http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/HeadStartOffices


Managing Agency
Early Childhood Education (OH)
http://education.ohio.gov/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEPrimary.aspx?page=2%26TopicRelationID=467

***********************************************************

The Ohio's Home Weatherization Assistance Program is a Federally funded, low-income residential energy efficiency program. The
program reduces low-income households' energy use, thus creating more affordable housing for those in most need. Services
include attic, wall and basement insulation; blower door guided air leakage reduction; heating system repairs or replacements; and
health and safety testing and inspections. All measures are provided based on an on-site energy audit and on cost effective
guidelines developed using the NEAT computerized energy audit. Individualized client education is an important component of the
program.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Ohio, your household's annual income before
taxes must not exceed $21,600 if one person lives in the household; $29,140 if two people live in the household; $36,620 if three
people live in the household; $44,100 if four people live in the household; $51,580 if five people live in the household; $59,060 if six
people live in the household; $66,540 if seven people live in the household; $74,020 if eight people live in the household; and $81,500
if more than eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $7,480 for each additional person in the home. Depending
on your income level, you may have to pay a premium for coverage. Please see this state's program information for details.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
An application for this program can be printed from the website listed below. Please complete and mail the application with the
required documents to the address listed on the bottom of page 2 and mark Box 4 for the Weatherization program:
http://development.ohio.gov/cms/uploadedfiles/Development.ohio.gov/Div...

Program Contact Information
For more information, please visit the Ohio Home Weatherization Assistance Program at:
http://www.development.ohio.gov/cdd/ocs/hwap.htm

For additional inquiries, please contact the Office of Community Services at:
1-800-282-0880


Or e-mail at:
energyhelp@development.ohio.gov



Managing Agency
Ohio
http://ohio.gov/

********

Program Description
Unemployment Insurance is an employer-paid insurance program that helps workers who are unemployed through no fault of their
own. It provides temporary financial help to qualified individuals based on their previous earnings, while they are looking for other
work. The Bureau of Unemployment Compensation (UC) Benefits is responsible for the development of policies and procedures for
the statewide administration of the UC Benefits Program. Employer taxes and reimbursements support the Unemployment Trust
Fund. Employers cannot deduct any money from employees' paychecks to pay for this program.
The program has two main objectives:
(1) To provide temporary and partial wage replacement to involuntarily unemployed workers who were recently employed; and
(2) To help stabilize the economy during recessions.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must have worked in Ohio during the past 12 to 18 months and have earned at least
a minimum amount of wages as determined by our guidelines. You must also be able, available and actively seeking work for each
week that you are collecting benefits.

Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.


Program Contact Information
To apply for UC Benefits, an unemployed worker can telephone the toll-free number between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except holidays:
877-644-6562

For more information, access the telephone registration web site at:


http://jfs.ohio.gov/ouc/telephoneregister.pdf

For more information on the Ohio Office of Unemployment Compensation, visit our web site at:


http://jfs.ohio.gov/ouc/


Managing Agency
Ohio Bureau of UC Benefits
http://jfs.ohio.gov/ouc/ucben/who.stm

**********************************************

Program Description
Ohio Works First (OWF) is the financial assistance portion of Ohio's Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program. OWF
was established to provide time-limited assistance to eligible families. OWF provides cash benefits to eligible, needy families for up
to 36 months. After 36 months, a family cannot receive additional cash assistance unless the County Department of Job and Family
Services (CDJFS) approves an extension of benefits. There are two kinds of extensions, hardship; and good cause. A family can
receive a hardship extension any time after the 36-month time limit has ended. A family can only receive a good cause extension
after a 24-month waiting period following the 36-month limit. Each CDJFS sets its own policies for hardship and good cause
extensions. The emphasis of OWF is self-sufficiency, personal responsibility and employment.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Ohio, either pregnant or responsible for a child under 19 years
of age, a US national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident, have low or very low income, and be either under-employed
(working for very low wages), unemployed or about to become unemployed.

Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.


Program Contact Information
To phone the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) about Ohio Works First, please call:
614-466-6282


TTY/TDD users can call:
614-752-3951


Or contact your local ODJFS county office to speak with a customer service representative:


http://jfs.ohio.gov/workforce/jobseekers/onestopmap.stm


Managing Agency
Ohio
http://ohio.gov/

********************************************************************

REMEMBER NO MATTER WHAT TOWN, CITY, COUNTY OR STATE SEND US YOUR
UPCOMING EVENT INFORMATION TO BE APPLIED TO YOUR STATE'S PAGE!

BECOME ACTIVE IN YOUR COMMUNITY!

IF YOUR GROUP, ORGANIZATION, OR HOUSE OF WORSHIP HAS ANY ACTIVITIES UPCOMING SUCH AS:

MEALS FOR THE NEEDY, FOOD PANTRIES & BASKET GIVEAWAYS, CLOTHING CLOSETS, BAZAARS,
FLEA MARKETS, CAR WASHES, FREE CLASSES/SEMINARS, FILM FESTIVALS,
FIRST TIME HOME PURCHASER SEMINARS, STATE FAIRS....EVEYTHING!!!!

PLEASE CONTACT ME BY EMAIL: homelesstoindependence@yahoo.com