Promising Practices - Ohio

Ohio – The Department of Job and Family Services adopted a web-accessible data management system called the Business Intelligent Channel (BIC), and in partnership with the Local Government Administration and Rural Development (ILGARD) trained county staff on how BIC could be used to identify underserved populations. In addition, workshops included a marketing tool kit for increasing Food Stamp Program participation. In just the first two months of this system, Washington County experienced a 2.9 percent increase in participation. For more information, contact: Ronda Kinnamon, Outcome Management Administrator, Office of Family Stability, 145 Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215, 614-995-5622.

Ohio – The egg industry offered to print free of charge Food Stamp Program information on the egg cartons distributed through Ohio food banks to low-income Ohioans in 2002 and 2003. A Food Stamp Program outreach message was printed on the outside of the carton and the FSP eligibility requirements were printed inside the carton. The eggs were purchased as part of a State-funded market clearing initiative called the Ohio Agricultural Surplus Production Alliance. For more information, contact: Marilyn Braun, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, 30 East Broad Street, 31st Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43266, 614-466-6814.

Ohio - Montgomery County employs specialized case managers to help applicants and participants meet needs for services that the county office does not offer. About 15 – 20 specialized case managers are contracted from Goodwill Industries. Through their in-depth knowledge of other community-based resources, they assist clients in obtaining needed services from these other agencies and organizations. These specialists also actively seek services available in the community that may be needed by Food Stamp Program clients. For more information, contact: Bill Imes, Montgomery County Department of Job and Family Services, 1111 S. Edwin C. Moses, Dayton, Ohio 45422, 937-496-6700.

Ohio – One-stop shopping is offered in Montgomery County with over 40 different programs and services for the public located in one large industrial building converted to office space. The collaborative effort was initiated in mid-1980 by the local agency in partnership with Dayton City officials. The building, now known as the Job Center, houses Food Stamp Program staff, TANF staff, State employment staff, clothing banks, childcare and support services, a wide variety of employment services and various educational programs. The purpose is to reduce dependency and strengthen the quality of life for low income residents For more information, contact: Bill Imes, Montgomery County Department of Job and Family Services, 111, S. Edwin C. Moses, Dayton OH 45422, 937-496-6700.

Ohio – MIS and data analysts from county agencies attend a monthly meeting (open to any county) hosted by the Trumbull County Office of Job and Family Services. Located in the far northeastern part of the State, attendance from county office staff is as far away as Butler County in the southwestern part of Ohio. Those who attend share information, share solutions to IT problems, and provide referrals on products and contractors. Attendees are aware that this coordination makes the application process easier and faster for both the workers and the applicants, and therefore may well increase the number of individuals who follow-through on their application and actually receive benefits. For more information, contact: Darrin Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, 330-675-2118.

Last modified: 04/30/2009