Community Action Commission of Erie, Huron, & Richland Counties, Inc.

The Summer 2024 issue of the Empowered Newsletter is out now. Take a look!
https://conta.cc/3WPWNp6

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Empowered 👊 Conferences, Crisis, and Voting... Oh My!   Empowered Summer Quarter 2024 July - September Celebrating 60 Years of Community Action! Pictured Top Left: Amy Crow, David Harris, Janice Warner, David Br

2024 is an election year and it is important to make your priorities known to our leaders. Make sure you register to vote and make sure you GET OUT THE VOTE!

#2024

Bo Chilton on the Importance of Voting in 2024 Robert "Bo" Chilton, CEO of IMPACT Community Action Agency in Columbus, Ohio, marks the anniversary of the Voting Rights Act and encourages voting this fall.

Head Start is NOW ENROLLING for both Head Start and Early Head Start!

The Benefits of Our Program:

• We promote school readiness of children 6 weeks to 5 years
• We serve foster children, homeless families, and families
receiving SNAP
• We serve children with disabilities
• Highly qualified staff and classroom ratios meet ODJFS and
Head Start Standards
• Individualized plans are created to meet each child's unique
learning style and needs
• Children are screened to ensure they are on target
developmentally
• A safe environment allows children to learn, relax, and have
fun
• Parents receive information, referrals, support, and advocacy
from knowledgeable and compassionate staff

Multiple Locations:

Sandusky - 908 Seavers Way, Sandusky, OH 44870
419-625-2214

1215 Pierce Street, Sandusk, OH 44870
567-283-5164

Norwalk - 11 E. League Street, Norwalk, OH 44857
419-663-2623

92 N. Prospect Street, Norwalk, OH 44857
419-668-9823

Willard - 1530 S. Conwell Street, Willard, OH 44890
419-935-6481

Contact your local center today for more information on enrollment, available programs, and eligibility requirements!

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The conversation is always interesting when David Bradley of NCAF is in the house! After a tour of our main facility, CACEHR staff had the honor of sitting together with David in our office to discuss the upcoming election, the state of politics, CSBG, and other issues facing Community Action. David always makes things clear and easy to understand. We appreciate all of your hard work and dedication to the cause and know that we couldn't do it without your advocacy and support!

OACAA Summer Conference 2024 was a great experience for everyone. Especially the relaxation and team building. Viola and Camilla had a blast playing co****le!

Summer Crisis is still on, call the appointment line now to schedule your appointment at 419-901-9539.

Appointments fill fast, but we do take the first four walk-in customers each day who have a termination notice within 48 hours or who are already disconnected.

Contact your local office for more information:
Erie County - 419-626-4320
Huron County - 419-668-9823
Richland County - 419-589-2520

Let us help you beat the summer heat and stay cool this summer!

It's Cedar Point Time!!! Roller Coasters and Ferris Wheels! Food and Water Park Fun for all! CACEHR will be distributing Cedar Point tickets at the following locations on Friday, July 19, 2024 beginning at 8:00am.

Sandusky - 908 Seavers Way, Sandusky, Ohio 44870
Norwalk - 92 N. Prospect St., Norwalk, Ohio 44857
Willard - 1530 S. Conwell St., Willard, Ohio 44890

We will only be handing out tickets on this one day ONLY, don't miss out! Please do not visit more than one site as you will only receive tickets at one location.

Please bring the following documentation with you in order to receive tickets for your household:

* Verification of Income (i.e. check stubs)
* Verification of Number of People in Household (medical cards can be used)
* If you are involved in a guardianship situation, bring custody papers
* Verification of Residence (i.e. current utility bill)
* Social Security Cards
* Picture ID

Need Help Paying Your Summer Electric Bills?

The Summer Crisis Program May be Able to Help!

The Summer Crisis Program is available July 1 through September 30 to households at, or below, 175% of the federal income guidelines that also meet the following requirements:

* A household member is 60 or older; OR
* A member of the household has a medically necessary condition certified by a qualified medical professional;
* The household has an electricity disconnection notice, has been shut off, or new electric service is being established.

Eligible PIPP Plus customers may get help with a default PIPP Plus payment. The program is also available to electric customers of investor-owned utilities, municipal utilities, and rural electric co-ops.

Call the appointment line today to schedule an appointment, spots are filling fast!!

Appointment Line: 419-901-9539

Contact us today for more information at:

Erie County: 419-626-4320
Huron County: 419-668-9823
Richland County: 419-589-2520

As always you can apply for regular HEAP and/or PIPP Plus online by visiting www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or your can contact the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel at www.occ.ohio.gov/utilityassistance for more utility assistance information.

All CACEHR offices and Head Start are CLOSED today in observance of Independence Day. We will re-open on Friday, July 5, 2024 at 8am.

Have a safe and happy holiday!

CLOSED:
CACEHR offices and Head Start will be closed in celebration of the Juneteenth Holiday on:

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

We will re-open on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 8:00am.

Thank you for your patience and understanding!

Here is some information on Juneteenth from the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History & Culture:

On “Freedom’s Eve,” or the eve of January 1, 1863, the first Watch Night services took place. On that night, enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches and private homes all across the country awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. At the stroke of midnight, prayers were answered as all enslaved people in Confederate States were declared legally free. Union soldiers, many of whom were black, marched onto plantations and across cities in the south reading small copies of the Emancipation Proclamation spreading the news of freedom in Confederate States. Only through the Thirteenth Amendment did emancipation end slavery throughout the United States.

But not everyone in Confederate territory would immediately be free. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as "Juneteenth," by the newly freed people in Texas.

The post-emancipation period known as Reconstruction (1865-1877) marked an era of great hope, uncertainty, and struggle for the nation as a whole. Formerly enslaved people immediately sought to reunify families, establish schools, run for political office, push radical legislation and even sue slaveholders for compensation. Given the 200+ years of enslavement, such changes were nothing short of amazing. Not even a generation out of slavery, African Americans were inspired and empowered to transform their lives and their country.

Juneteenth marks our country’s second independence day. Although it has long celebrated in the African American community, this monumental event remains largely unknown to most Americans.

The historical legacy of Juneteenth shows the value of never giving up hope in uncertain times. The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a community space where this spirit of hope lives on. A place where historical events like Juneteenth are shared and new stories with equal urgency are told.


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CACEHR Social Service and Head Start offices will be CLOSED on Monday, May 27, 2024 for the Memorial Day holiday. We will re-open on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 8am.


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CACEHR Social Service and Head Start offices will be CLOSED on Friday, May 24, 2024 for Staff Development. We will re-open on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 8am.


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CACEHR Social Service offices will be CLOSED on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 from 10 am to 4pm for Staff Development. We will re-open on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 8am.


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: JANICE W. WARNER, CCAP
PRESIDENT/CEO
[email protected]
419-626-4320; ext. 200

May 15, 2024

Community Action Celebrates 60 Years of Helping People

MANSFIELD - Since the signing of the Economic Opportunity Act in 1964, the nation's Community Action Network has inspired a spirit of hope and helped millions of people change their lives and improve communities. In ERIE, HURON, & RICHLAND COUNTIES, Community Action Commission of Erie, Huron, & Richland Counties, Inc. (CACEHR) has served local residents by providing opportunities to overcome poverty and become self sufficient. May is Community Action Month, and this year the network is celebrating 60 years of helping people and changing lives.

The Community Action vision remains clear: believe in a nation that creates opportunities for all people to thrive, build strong and resilient communities, and ensure a more equitable society. In Erie County, 38 out of a total 76; and in Huron County 31 out of a total 76 employees at CACEHR work every day to "promote self-sufficiency and improve the quality of life of those in need." Last year, in Erie County 5,324 customers and in Huron County 3,227 customers were assisted with necessities such as food and housing, and opportunities to improve their financial stability through job training, education, and community initiatives.

"Community Action is truly an innovative network," said Janice W. Warner, CCAP, President/CEO at CACEHR. "Our strength comes not only from the thousands of people who work to help people every day, but from our local community members who volunteer time to the mission. Together, we are making a difference in people's lives."

CACEHR offers a variety of services aimed at creating opportunities and does in a holistic way. When customers are in need, the agency goes beyond what brought them through the door and works with them to find long-term solutions.

As the community and individual needs change, so do the strategies and solutions. Community Action co-designs programs with individuals who have lived the poverty experience to continue advancing the mission and helping people reach self-sufficiency.
"Celebrating Community Action celebrates our customers who are working to overcome their barriers, the staff who have committed their careers to helping people, and the community as a whole who care about their neighbors," said Warner. "We're proud to be part of this mission."

CACEHR is dedicated to maintaining the promise of Community Action: Community Action changes people's lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other. Community Action Agencies work to alleviate poverty and empower low-income families in their communities. The Community Action Commission of Erie, Huron, and Richland Counties, Inc. serves Erie, Huron, and Richland Counties and assisted 20,000 plus low-income residents in 2023.


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: JANICE W. WARNER, CCAP
PRESIDENT/CEO
[email protected]
419-626-4320; ext. 200

May 15, 2024

Community Action Celebrates 60 Years of Helping People

SANDUSKY - Since the signing of the Economic Opportunity Act in 1964, the nation's Community Action Network has inspired a spirit of hope and helped millions of people change their lives and improve communities. In ERIE, HURON, & RICHLAND COUNTIES, Community Action Commission of Erie, Huron, & Richland Counties, Inc. (CACEHR) has served local residents by providing opportunities to overcome poverty and become self sufficient. May is Community Action Month, and this year the network is celebrating 60 years of helping people and changing lives.

The Community Action vision remains clear: believe in a nation that creates opportunities for all people to thrive, build strong and resilient communities, and ensure a more equitable society. In Erie County, 38 out of a total 76; and in Huron County 31 out of a total 76 employees at CACEHR work every day to "promote self-sufficiency and improve the quality of life of those in need." Last year, in Erie County 5,324 customers and in Huron County 3,227 customers were assisted with necessities such as food and housing, and opportunities to improve their financial stability through job training, education, and community initiatives.

Additionally, in Erie and Huron Counties, CACEHR assisted over 248 Head Start and 24 Early Head Start children and families (cumulatively) last year. Head Start is a program of the United States Department of Health and Human Services that provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and families. All Head Start programs continually work toward our mission; as well as helping children get ready to succeed in school and life, through experiences tailored to their changing needs and abilities.

"Community Action is truly an innovative network," said Janice W. Warner, CCAP, President/CEO at CACEHR. "Our strength comes not only from the thousands of people who work to help people every day, but from our local community members who volunteer time to the mission. Together, we are making a difference in people's lives."

CACEHR offers a variety of services aimed at creating opportunities and does in a holistic way. When customers are in need, the agency goes beyond what brought them through the door and works with them to find long-term solutions.

As the community and individual needs change, so do the strategies and solutions. Community Action co-designs programs with individuals who have lived the poverty experience to continue advancing the mission and helping people reach self-sufficiency.

"Celebrating Community Action celebrates our customers who are working to overcome their barriers, the staff who have committed their careers to helping people, and the community as a whole who care about their neighbors," said Warner. "We're proud to be part of this mission."

CACEHR is dedicated to maintaining the promise of Community Action: Community Action changes people's lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other. Community Action Agencies work to alleviate poverty and empower low-income families in their communities. The Community Action Commission of Erie, Huron, and Richland Counties, Inc. serves Erie, Huron, and Richland Counties and assisted 20,000 plus low-income residents in 2023.


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Success
When you help others can be defined as the positive impact you have on someone else's life or the community as a whole. It's not just about achieving personal goals, but also about making a difference in the lives of others and contributing to the greater good.

Making a difference is what we do at CACEHR. Helping others and improving lives. Our mission is clear - "To promote self sufficiency and improve the quality of life of those in need." Whether it is via our social service programming or our Head Start programming, we are working hard to make a difference!



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Continuing Teacher Appreciation Week 2024. Head Start is celebrating teachers all around with cookies and markers!

Mark their words, the teachers are Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice!!


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What do teachers do best? Share smiles of course! That's just what they did today, popped in with lots of smiles and lots of popcorn on this sunny Wednesday! Popping in to say Thanks for all that you do on Share a Smile Day!

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What would the world be without Teachers? Thank you to our fabulous teachers in all of the Head Start centers. You definitely change the world!

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BEWARE!! OCC Cautions Consumers as Door-to-Door Energy Marketing Heats Up!

As temperatures rise this time of year, consumers may see more energy marketers at their doors. Unfortunately, some of these warm-weather pitches may be deceptive and should be carefully reviewed before signing up.

Consumers who fear they may have encountered deceptive energy marketing, or high pressure sales tactics should contact the PUCO Consumer Call Center online at https://puco.ohio.gov/help-center/contact-us or by calling (800) 686-7826.

Other helpful links are below:

How to Make Wise Energy Choices:
https://www.occ.ohio.gov/factsheet/wise-energy-choices

The Basics of Governmental Energy Aggregation:
https://www.occ.ohio.gov/factsheet/aggregation

Block the Knock:
https://www.occ.ohio.gov/content/block-knock

How to Spot a Bad Apple:
https://www.occ.ohio.gov/content/how-spot-bad-apple


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CACEHR Social Service offices will be closed on Thursday, May 9, 2024 from 10a-4p for Professional Development Training. You may stop in from 8a-10a that morning or we will re-open on Friday, May 10, 2024. Thank you for your patience and understanding! If you need assistance during these hours:

Apply online at: www.energyhelp.ohio.gov
Or you can send an e-mail to: [email protected] and someone will contact you within 48 hours.

Thank you!

Dear Teachers: You're Cereal-sly Glad you're on our Team and we just want to say Thank you to the best stank member around, hands down!

Thank you So Much:
I just wanted to say a really big thank you for being such an awesome teacher. You've taught me so much and made learning super fun. Thanks for helping me grow and for always encouraging me to reach for the stars. You're the best teacher ever!
You're like a star in my life, guiding me through this journey of learning and growing. I can't thank you enough for all the smiles, the laughter, and the knowledge you've shared with us. You've made a big difference in my life, and I feel lucky to have had you as my teacher. With lots of thanks! ~Claudia Alves

thankyousomuch
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The Sandusky Head Start Center continued their Earth Week learning with a Garden Study. Bre from Erie Soil & Water Conservation District lent them a soil painting kit for their study. Look at the amazing soil paintings the children made with the kit!

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The Sandusky Head Start Center was busy making Mud Pies with the children. Learning about the soil dirt during Earth Week! Take a look at the pictures from Mrs Michelle's class! Way to get your hands dirty!
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Sandusky Head Start Center:
Mrs Michelle & Miss Amanda's full day classroom conducted a Garden Study last week celebrating Earth Day & Arbor Day by planting together in the classroom!
The children plated seeds inside the classroom in their "flower shop" on April 24 including radishes, beans, potatoes, zinnias, cosmos, dill, cilantro, and chives. On May 1, Tre'ion S. said, "Look Mrs. Michelle! My radishes are groWING1" The children spritzed them every day in their plastic organizers that act as greenhouses in front of the North classroom windows and were surprised that the zinnias, beans, radishes, and cantaloupe sprouted since they didn't water it during the conference weekend and the room was chilly. Nature finds a way!
They also noticed that a few bird species visited the feeders. Michelle donated 21 varieties of native plate species from her garden and previous collaborative garden projects. They planted them outside and reused plastic mil jugs. The jugs act as a greenhouse for the plants. They experimented with planting potato eyes from the store after buying mini potatoes. They were amazed that without being watered, and in plastic reused sheet bag, they are growing long roots; as you see Zoe-Sandra Knight holding at her playground.
For Arbor Day, the children planted 24 red bud tree seeds. They are the pretty trees blooming now with pinkish-purple buds. The children have been using fine motor skills to break open seed pods and separate then sort the pods. These were also donated by Mrs. Michelle. The children are making amazing connections about bees and other insects that need plants for survival; interconnectedness. The children look forward to continuing our observations and caring for plants as we finish the study on May 10 and dive into Kindergarten readiness.
A guest from Patina Porch will be bringing miniature succulents for each child to choose and plant at the end of the study for Mother's/Special Lady Day.

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The Promise of Community Action:
Community Action changes people's lives,
embodies the spirit of hope,
improves communities,
and makes America a better place to live.

We care about the entire community,
and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.

What is Community Action?
Community Action Agencies can be public or private non-profit organizations created by the federal government to combat poverty in geographically designated areas, started in 1964, with status of CAA resulting from explicit designation by State government. A CAA should have a tripartite board in order to promote inclusion of the entire community in the reduction of poverty. (This means public, private, and clientele sectors.) Through targeted outreach and programming, CAA's develop partnerships that are designed to have a measurable impact on poverty. This is achieved with available local, state, private, and federal resources to assist low-income individuals and families to make it possible for them to gain access to new opportunities for achievement of economic self-sufficiency and empowerment.

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May 1 marks Community Action Month and tomorrow we celebrate 60 years of Community Action! 60 years of helping, 60 years of community, 60 years of making a difference, 60 years of training, 60 years of Head Start, 60 years of family, 60 years of impact, 60 years of empowerment! Celebrate with CACEHR the entire month of May as we kick off Community Action Month 2024 with our Mission "To promote self-sufficiency & improve the quality of life of those in need."
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We know we are a little late with this one, but we still want to show our appreciation to our bus driver Kate Pfingsten. School Bus Driver Appreciation Day 2024 was on April 23 this year and she works hard during the school year to make sure all of our Head Start lovelies get back and forth from home to school and back safely! Thank you so much for everything you do Kate, we appreciate you today, and every day, you are the best school bus driver around!
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