By 1808Delaware
In a move to provide critical support for struggling families and promote workforce development, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recently signed an Executive Order directing directs Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program funding to a wide range of community initiatives across Ohio, including Delaware County. This reallocation of funds is aimed at bolstering services for children, supporting educational programs, and fostering better opportunities for families in need.
Supporting Children with Special Needs
One of the key beneficiaries of the executive order is the Chabad Center/LifeTown. The center will receive up to $200,000 to support students with special needs across multiple counties, including Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Hocking, Jackson, Licking, Madison, Marion, Morrow, and Union counties. LifeTown provides a unique learning environment that helps children with disabilities gain practical life skills. The TANF funding will assist in furthering the center’s mission of helping these students meet their educational goals in a supportive and tailored setting.
Empowering New Ohioans
Another significant allocation of TANF funding, up to $175,000, is set aside for Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services (ETSS). The organization works across Franklin, Delaware, Fairfield, Licking, Madison, Pickaway, and Union counties to provide support services for families. ETSS plays a vital role in helping Ohio’s immigrant and refugee populations settle into their new lives by offering everything from language classes to employment assistance. The additional funds will expand ETSS’s capacity to support families as they transition into the community, providing a bridge to greater stability and economic independence.
Feeding Ohio’s Children
Food insecurity remains a pressing issue, particularly during the summer months when school meal programs are unavailable. The Ohio Association of Foodbanks will receive up to $300,000 to provide food assistance for eligible children throughout the state. This initiative will help fill the gap for countless families, ensuring that children have access to nutritious meals when school is out of session. By addressing hunger directly, Ohio aims to support the wellbeing and health of its youngest residents, promoting better educational outcomes and overall community health.
Educating and Empowering Parents
TANF funds will also be used to provide resources for new and expecting parents through Choosing Hope Adoptions. With an allocation of up to $250,000, the organization will extend its parenting education and resource programs to a wide range of counties, including Delaware, Clark, Greene, Butler, Hamilton, Warren, Montgomery, Franklin, Jefferson, Allen, Mercer, Licking, Champaign, Miami, Clinton, Pickaway, Fairfield, and Clermont. Choosing Hope Adoptions focuses on empowering parents with the knowledge and resources they need to create a safe and nurturing environment for their children, emphasizing the importance of early childhood development and positive parenting practices.
Building Stronger Communities
Governor DeWine’s executive order highlights Ohio’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and ensuring that families have access to the resources they need to thrive. By strategically investing in local agencies and services, the state aims to build stronger communities and provide meaningful opportunities for economic mobility. The TANF program funding will not only assist families in overcoming immediate hardships but also contribute to long-term solutions that empower Ohioans through education, community support, and workforce development.
Source: Office of Governor DeWine; Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay
