LEADS Community Action

BEAT THE HEAT: free box fans at the Licking County Health Department on July 17th from 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM.

We are big fans of the Health Department and Licking County EMA!

LEADS Head Start provides services to children from birth to age 5 and pregnant people in Licking, Union, and Delaware Counties. Learn how to enroll your child in our Head Start program by visitingL https://leadscaa.org/what-we-do/head-start.html

To apply, visit:
https://www.childplus.net/apply/en-us/207C9B287EE900484FE2331EF45C8914/C2AFAC9E87626864AD991BA53F34C19F

It's still summer, but WE'RE ENROLLING FOR FALL!!!!

LEADS has Head Start centers in Newark, Utica, Pataskala, Marysville, and Delaware... perfect for children ages 3-5!

We also operate homebased services throughout Licking, Union, and Delaware Counties for birth through age 5 (and pregnant mothers).

https://www.childplus.net/apply/en-us/207C9B287EE900484FE2331EF45C8914/C2AFAC9E87626864AD991BA53F34C19F

UTILITY ASSISTANCE to keep you COOL this summer!

To apply for the program, clients are required to schedule an appointment with LEADS Community Action Agency. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 740-322-4080.

Summer Crisis Program Begins July 1
More than 44,000 Ohio households served in 2023
The Ohio Department of Development and LEADS Community Action Agency are once again offering assistance to help Ohio’s families stay cool during the hot summer months.
From July 1 through Sept. 30, income-eligible Ohioans can receive assistance in paying their electric bill, purchasing an air conditioner or fan, or making repairs to their central air conditioning unit through the Ohio Department of Development’s Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program.
The Summer Crisis Program assists low-income households or those that have a disconnection notice, have been shut off, are trying to establish new service on their electric bill, require air conditioning, or those with an elderly household member (60 years or older) who can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for their health. Qualifying medical conditions can include lung disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, asthma, and others.
To qualify for assistance, Ohioans must have a gross income at or below 175 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for a family of up to seven members, and 60 percent of the State Median Income for a family of eight or more members. For a family of four, the annual income must be at or below $54,600.
Last year, the Summer Crisis Program assisted more than 44,000 households in Ohio, providing a total of $13.4 million in benefits.
To apply for the program, clients are required to schedule an appointment with LEADS Community Action Agency. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 740-322-4080.
Clients need to bring copies of the following documents to their appointment:
• Copies of their most recent energy bills.
• A list of all household members and proof of income for the last 30 days or 12 months for each member.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members.
• Proof of disability (if applicable).
• Physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health (if there isn’t a household member over the age of 60).
Ohioans enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP) program who meet the above criteria may also be eligible for assistance towards their default PIPP payment, first PIPP payment, central air conditioning repairs, or may receive an air conditioning unit and/or fan.

For more information about the Summer Crisis Program, and what is needed to apply, contact LEADS Community Action Agency at 740-349-8606 option 1. To be connected to your local Energy Assistance Provider visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or call (800) 282-0880.

The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.

REMINDER: All LEADS locations will be closed on Thursday, July 4th, to observe Independence Day.

We will resume normal business hours on Monday, July 8th.

All LEADS locations will be closed on July 4th to observe Independence Day! We hope you have a wonderful and safe holiday.

We will resume normal business hours on Monday, July 8th.

Family fun at the Downtown Newark Association's Final Friday events this summer. LEADS will be attending several of these events, including this Friday's (6/28). See you on the square!

Canal Market District

Reminder: All LEADS locations will be closed on Wednesday, June 19th, in honor of the Juneteenth holiday. We will resume business hours on Thursday, June 20th.

LEADS is currently looking for two individuals to join the Board of Trustees. If you're interested, please contact Nathan at [email protected] for more information.

Fraud Alert: Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) Warns Ohioans about a Housing Voucher Scam

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — The Ohio Housing Finance Agency wants to warn Ohioans of a Housing Voucher scam. A fraudulent page, Ohio Housing Development Authority, is promoting a waiting list for Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher Programs.

The fraudulent page uses the Ohio Housing Finance Agency’s logo, and the flier references its offices as well as a website to register for housing vouchers. The Ohio Housing Finance Agency does not administer housing vouchers. Ohioans that need to apply for housing vouchers should contact their local public housing authority.

“We want Ohioans to be aware that the Ohio Housing Development Authority is not associated with the state of Ohio. It is promoting fraudulent information regarding Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher Programs. Ohioans should disregard any information they have received from this organization,” said Penny Martin, director of public affairs for the Ohio Housing Finance Agency. “The Ohio Housing Finance Agency does not issue Section 8/Housing Choice Vouchers. Ohioans that need a housing voucher should contact their local public housing authority.”

Ohioans that may have been a victim of fraud should take action to secure their personal information. Recommendations on next steps can be found on the Ohio Attorney General’s website. You also can report scams on their website here.

The Ohio Housing Finance Agency provides financing for the development of low- to moderate-income housing as well as discounted mortgage rates and down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers. To learn more about the Ohio Housing Finance Agency and its programs, visit ohiohome.org.

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All LEADS locations will be closed on Wednesday, June 19th, in honor of the Juneteenth holiday.

We will resume business hours on Thursday, June 20th.

ATTENTION KROGER SHOPPERS...

You can support LEADS when you shop at Kroger at no additional cost to you.

Simply link your Kroger Plus Card to LEADS through the Community Rewards Program. Then, every time you shop, a donation will be made to support your favorite LEADS programs.

https://www.kroger.com/i/community/community-rewards

Did you know LEADS has food pantries located in Buckeye Lake, Pataskala, and Utica?

These pantries are only possible because of a wonderful partnership with Food Pantry Network of Licking County. As such, it is an honor to support them each year during Operation Feed.

This year, LEADS received the Connoisseur Award for our efforts.

Thank you to the LEADS staff, volunteers, and community members who helped raise funds for the Food Pantry Network of LC.

Family fun for some of our families at a local park!

Nothing's better than muffins with loved ones!

Attention Contractors, LEADS is currently accepting bids for:

Weatherization/Insulation Services
HVAC
Electricians
Plumbers
Roofers
Suppliers of Cellulose Insulation and other Weatherization Materials

LEADS is a non-profit corporation that provides energy savings measures in an effort to reduce energy consumption in low-income households.

Small businesses and minority-owned businesses are encouraged to apply.

CONTACT: Terry Boehm at 740.258.6112 or [email protected]

Everyone goes nuts for doughnuts!

More Blue for Child Abuse Prevention Licking County Job & Family Services

Wearing blue to take a stand against child abuse.

Licking County Job & Family Services

LEADS staff wear blue to take a stand against child abuse.

We join our friends at Licking County Job & Family Services by reminding everyone that CHILD ABUSE IS PREVENTABLE!

You may be wondering what to do with your stylish eclipse glasses. Several organizations are collecting donated glasses to be sent to South America for students to use for an eclipse occurring there in the fall.

Here are a couple of options:

https://astronomerswithoutborders.org/programs/solar-glasses-distribution

https://eclipse23.com/pages/donate-eclipse-glasses

All LEADS locations will be closing at 1:00 PM today, Monday, April 8th.

This will allow staff and customers an opportunity to experience the solar eclipse, while keeping everyone safe and off the roads.

We will resume normal business hours tomorrow. THANK YOU

Holly does a great job representing LEADS, Head Start, and the children and families served! ❤️💚

Ohio had perfect🌟attendance at March's Region V Board Meeting.

(Pictured from left to right, Holly, Parent Representative from LEADS Community Action; Julie Stone, Executive Director ; Suzanne, Director Representative from Butler County Educational Service Center; Rebecca, Staff Representative from Community Action Wayne/Medina; Day, Friend Representative from Miami Valley Child Development Centers, Inc.)

LEADS is accepting bids for Managed IT Services. Interested? Visit https://leadscaa.org/contractors-bids.html to learn more (click on 2024 RFP - Information Technology Services).

Contractors / Bids / RFPs : LEADS Community Action Agency Our community thrives when we work together for good. Discover how your help furthers our cause and supports our vital programs.

Tis the season!

Just a reminder that FREE tax assistance is available for eligible community members through Licking County Coalition for Housing and Licking County Library.

Whatcha gonna do when they read to you?

Books and Badges at Utica Head Start with Licking County Sheriff's Office and Utica Ohio Police Department

Home-Based and Center-Based Services available in Licking, Union, and Delaware Counties

Click here to submit an interest form:
https://www.childplus.net/apply/en-us/207C9B287EE900484FE2331EF45C8914/C2AFAC9E87626864AD991BA53F34C19F

Ohio Head Start Association, Inc.

In Head Start, we sing out loud and dance like nobody's watching!

All LEADS locations will be closed on Monday, January 15th, 2024, to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, January 16th.