OACAA Briefing: The latest news from OACAA and Ohio's CAAs



January 2023
Photo: Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik receiving the 2023 OACAA Don Stricker Bulldog Award from OACAA Executive Director Phil Cole at OACAA's Winter Legislative Conference. See "Network News" for more. Picture Source: Ohio Department of Development Twitter Account.
ASSOCIATION UPDATES & RESOURCES
Happy 50th, OACAA!: Watch the commemorative video for 50 years of service to Ohio's Community Action Agencies
Conference Survey: Thank you for attending #WLC2023!
A special thanks to all who joined us in Columbus last week for the 2023 Winter Legislative Conference. We are in the process of uploading session slides and handouts into the app, which will be available for 60 days. Please take a few minutes to fill out the overall conference evaluation.
2023 OACAA Don Stricker Bulldog Award Recipients
OACAA proudly honored three recipients of the 2023 OACAA Don Stricker Bulldog Award at the Winter Legislative Conference: Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik, Community Services Division Chief Megan Meadows, and Deputy Director of Program Operations Mike Fraizer. Thank you, three, for your diligent work for the Ohio Community Action Network.
NETWORK NEWS & SUCCESSES
IMPACT Executive Director recognized as CEO of the Year
(Source: IMPACT Community Action Facebook)

IMPACT Community Action's Chief Executive Officer Robert "Bo" Chilton was named CEO of the Year of a large nonprofit by Columbus CEO at an award ceremony on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. Chilton was named as one of four large nonprofit finalists for the 2021 Columbus CEO of the Year Award.

IMPACT Community Action took to Facebook to recognize Chilton for this wonderful accomplishment:

"We’re thrilled to announce that our CEO, Bo Chilton, has been named the CEO of the Year by Columbus CEO! This award recognizes their outstanding leadership and commitment to positively impacting our community. Thank you to everyone who supports our mission and makes our work possible." >>> VIEW THE POST
HAPCAP supporting panel on "Exploring the Realities of Poverty in America"

(Source: Ohio University)

On Wednesday, February 22 at 3 p.m., author Stephanie Land will share her harrowing saga as a single mom navigating the poverty trap. Her unflinching testimony exposes the physical, economic, and social brutality that domestic workers face, all while radiating a parent’s hope and dedication. Land will be speaking virtually. Two in-person viewing locations will be available followed by an in-person local panel discussion and Q&A. A virtual attendance option is also available. 

Ross County Community Action part of Chillicothe Women's Recovery Journey

(Source: Chillicothe Gazette)

CHILLICOTHE – When Vanessa Escamilla looks over the past five years, the direction of her life has seemed almost scripted for a movie, putting her in places she needed to be to make connections [...].

Vanessa called the Paint Valley Alcohol Drug Abuse and Mental Health Board seeking help which led her to a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) center, Ross County Community Action, and the Seeds of Hope shelter in Chillicothe.

“I thought as long as I was in a shelter, I could walk to treatment because I knew MAT worked for me,” she said.

>>> LEARN MORE
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