Vets Visit Mobile Express in Youngstown

The Mobile Express Team traveled to Youngstown as requested by Mike Iberis, Director of the Second Harvest Foodbank of the Mahoning Valley to serve those visiting the Veteran's clinic there.  Social workers encouraged clients to stop by the mobile unit to see if they may be eligible for programs.  The team, with the help of local VISTAs, enrolled 25 people in 41 benefit applications.   



Mike Z.  meets with Russell to apply for benefits

 One of the many benefits offered on this day was Medicare Premium Assistance.  Folks who pay $96-$115 per month for premiums out of their Social Security checks can get them paid if they are income eligible.  That is a significant savings and can impact the budget greatly.

Another little known fact is that you can obtain the Golden Buckeye discount card if you are over the age of 18 and disabled. Many of the veterans we saw had disabilities either from active service or otherwise.  5% discounts on oil changes, hair cuts, thrift store purchases etc. may not seem like much, but every little bit counts.


Jim C. met with Erin to sign up for several benefits.
Jim was unaware that he could register to vote
after having a felony conviction. 




Many of the veterans had multiple needs-medical, financial, emotional etc.  It was clear that the people we had the pleasure of meeting were experiencing hard times. 

It always feels good when The Ohio Benefit Bank is a part of the solution--no matter how large or small.  Whether someone gets $200 in food stamps or someone registers to vote.