Usually, Erin and I are wary about having the Mobile Express be the focal point of an event. The van is great at events of any size. But the van by itself doesn't always draw a crowd. So driving two-and-a-half hours to park the van in front of the town library...I had my doubts.
My pessimism was unfounded. It didn't hurt that the town was wonderful. We found Windham to be incredibly welcoming. People stopped by to show support, check their eligibility for important programs, or just to chat. It seemed like the entire backdrop was pulled from The Andy Griffith Show.
We met with Toni Brown-Harris, a VISTA from the area. She hit the pavement hard to attract pedestrians and passers-by to the Mobile Express and she was quite successful. We ran through one enrollment and half a dozen quick checks. We even got a visit from the Director of Portage County Job and Family Services, Anita Herington.
Unfortunately, Windham doesn't have a Benefit Bank site. The closest ones were in the county seat, Ravenna. That's a fifteen minute drive. Unfortunately, when dealing with people in poverty, that sort of time commitment isn't always possible.
Ms. Brown-Harris told us she was working tirelessly to create a Benefit Bank site in Windham. Here's hoping that she's successful. The people of Windham certainly need and deserve one.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Daisies from the Concrete
We park the van at a lot where there is good security, ample space and friendly people. The atmosphere is lacking in that it is gravelled over, miscellaneous objects are strewn about and it is a very utilitarian place--more industrial than esthetically pleasing. However we dutifully put the van to bed at night and find that our spot is a good one.
*
The other day as I drove up to the spot around 7:00 pm in the evening after a long trip on the road I came upon this beautiful sight-daisies growing up out of the concrete. And, this picture served as a metaphor for me. Even though all around may appear dull or depressing, there is beauty in our midst; hope in the cracks; surprises when least expected.
*
I think as the economy continues to struggle, folks continue to lose jobs, people feel the pang of hunger and worry the picture can be bleak and depressing. These daisies remind me that we can look for the good around us, appreciate beauty, and be grateful for what we do have while we work to address the hardships we face.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
National News
The Mobile Express was featured on National Public Radio's Marketplace. Jeff Tyler did a good job capturing our purpose and did a nice piece that reflected how we provide support to folks.
You can listen to the story here.
You can listen to the story here.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Senior Safety Day in Franklin
Last Monday, Erin and I woke up at 5am to be on the road bright and early. Erin called it "bright and ugly," which was funny before I got my caffeine fix.
That morning, Franklin was hosting a senior safety day. Many of us have had grandparents hurt in falls, so an event like this was much appreciated.
With the Mobile Express outside the front door, Franklin residents were free to check their eligibility for state and federal benefits and many took us up on it. There was an interest in programs that would help pay for the Medicare deductions taken out of Social Security checks so we helped prepare those applications.
On a more disappointing note, on a gas station on I-70, I dealt with my first person who was totally opposed to our efforts. According to this woman, food stamps and Medicare assistance were handouts that were taking money out of her pockets. I tried the usual retorts. This assistance is an investment in Ohio. The money that our clients receive is spent on local businesses and is injected into the local economy. People need us right now more than ever.
She wasn't having it. I paid for the gas and left. I know you can't win 'em all, and that sometimes there are people that just can't be reasoned with. But I hope if she is ever in a situation where she needs the help, she's not too proud to ask.
That morning, Franklin was hosting a senior safety day. Many of us have had grandparents hurt in falls, so an event like this was much appreciated.
With the Mobile Express outside the front door, Franklin residents were free to check their eligibility for state and federal benefits and many took us up on it. There was an interest in programs that would help pay for the Medicare deductions taken out of Social Security checks so we helped prepare those applications.
On a more disappointing note, on a gas station on I-70, I dealt with my first person who was totally opposed to our efforts. According to this woman, food stamps and Medicare assistance were handouts that were taking money out of her pockets. I tried the usual retorts. This assistance is an investment in Ohio. The money that our clients receive is spent on local businesses and is injected into the local economy. People need us right now more than ever.
She wasn't having it. I paid for the gas and left. I know you can't win 'em all, and that sometimes there are people that just can't be reasoned with. But I hope if she is ever in a situation where she needs the help, she's not too proud to ask.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Applying for Food Stamps in our Back Yard
The OBB Mobile Express currently calls North Linden, Columbus, Ohio home. From its parking spot, the van can travel to all parts of Ohio. Youngstown, Cleveland, Ironton, Toledo, you name it. But sometimes travel can make us roadworn and weary. So it's always nice to drive to an event in North Linden, Columbus, Ohio.
The Mobile Express made the half mile journey to Grace Apostolic Church. They were hosting a street fair where parents could sign their children up for summer lunch programs. In between free sno-cones and basketball games, parents could mosey up to the Mobile Express and check their eligibility for other programs.
The event, in no small part due to the efforts of the many Benefit Bank employees who came to help, was a total success. We had three Ohioans go through the entire application process and apply for food assistance. These clients appear to be eligible for hundreds of dollars per month. Now, this is only an estimate. But if that estimate turns out to be accurate, the lives of these Ohioans are about to be changed in an extreme way. And for the better.
So, yeah, it was a great event.
The Mobile Express made the half mile journey to Grace Apostolic Church. They were hosting a street fair where parents could sign their children up for summer lunch programs. In between free sno-cones and basketball games, parents could mosey up to the Mobile Express and check their eligibility for other programs.
The event, in no small part due to the efforts of the many Benefit Bank employees who came to help, was a total success. We had three Ohioans go through the entire application process and apply for food assistance. These clients appear to be eligible for hundreds of dollars per month. Now, this is only an estimate. But if that estimate turns out to be accurate, the lives of these Ohioans are about to be changed in an extreme way. And for the better.
So, yeah, it was a great event.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Weekend on the Highways
Erin and I think weekends are so overrated, so we eschewed time off in exchange for two weekend events in Ohio.
The first was held on Saturday morning in Richwood at the town's First United Methodist Church. The church is one of two Benefit Bank sites in the village and we were invited to their food pantry to help get spread the word. We spoke to a few community members who had questions about health insurance and Medicare subsidies. We also performed some quick checks for people who appeared to be eligible for utility benefits.
We returned from Richwood early enough to enjoy some down time. That was a good thing since we were up and at 'em the next morning for an event in Medina. The city was celebrating the opening of a new park that featured three baseball/softball fields. The event was heavily attended. For obvious reasons, the Benefit Bank Mobile Express didn't have the same panache to it as the free hamburgers and sno-cones. Despite competing with free food, we still had dozens of people stop by the van to see what benefits we offered.
The event in Medina was so much more than free food and benefit eligibility. It also features a home run derby. I took part. The top three won a trophy. I was not in the top three. Although I left Medina empty-handed (save for some burgers), Erin and I felt that the trip was a roaring success.
The first was held on Saturday morning in Richwood at the town's First United Methodist Church. The church is one of two Benefit Bank sites in the village and we were invited to their food pantry to help get spread the word. We spoke to a few community members who had questions about health insurance and Medicare subsidies. We also performed some quick checks for people who appeared to be eligible for utility benefits.
We returned from Richwood early enough to enjoy some down time. That was a good thing since we were up and at 'em the next morning for an event in Medina. The city was celebrating the opening of a new park that featured three baseball/softball fields. The event was heavily attended. For obvious reasons, the Benefit Bank Mobile Express didn't have the same panache to it as the free hamburgers and sno-cones. Despite competing with free food, we still had dozens of people stop by the van to see what benefits we offered.
The event in Medina was so much more than free food and benefit eligibility. It also features a home run derby. I took part. The top three won a trophy. I was not in the top three. Although I left Medina empty-handed (save for some burgers), Erin and I felt that the trip was a roaring success.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
LSS in Ironton- 10 TV Video about Food Crisis
Lutheran Social Services piece about hard economic times in Ironton. Check it out.
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