OBB Express is Fairtastic!

The Ohio Department of Insurance invited us to join them at the Ohio State Fair. Making people aware of what insurance options may be available and anticipating changes through health care reform, we shared what we know with the general public as they visited with the 1st lady, listened to a beautiful barbershop quartet and spinned the wheel of knowledge. Fun day, lots of people and only a drizzle of rain (our awning came in handy).

Our day in pictures:

Festive venue

Lori Stewart from the Department of Insurance, mans the wheel

Ohio First Lady Frances Strickland, Ohio Department of Aging Director Barbara E. Riley

and Ohio Department of Insurance Director Mary Jo Hudson visit OBB on Senior Day

Ohio First Lady Frances Strickland and our very own Russell Allen chat about how the Ohio Benefit Bank works.

We were treated to an all lady barbershop quartet:

A fun spectacle at the fair--one among many! Tree Guy:

Put-In-Bay Here We Come!

We had the opportunity to travel across the water to the South Bass Island by ferry. We attended a resource fair for locals where they could find information about many resources including hospice, home health care, 211, child care services, as well as Benefit Bank services.

The editor of the local newspaper came by to snap pictures and tell the story of how the Benefit Bank and other organizations could help those on the island. While there, she shared that in her own experience, she did not know where to turn when her father, who has Alzheimer's, needed home health care. She expressed relief and comfort knowing there are resources available. Her story is not uncommon, we often don't think about things until we find ourselves in need.

Russell and I often talk with folks who have had jobs all of their lives and find themselves laid off or with unemployment running out. They express that they don't have a clue what benefits are available to them. Conducting Quick Checks and shepherding these folks through the enrollment process is an important support during confusing times.

The trip to Put-In-Bay was beautiful. Our van was nestled among other vehicles on the deck and we were able to sit up on the observation deck as we traveled across the lake to the island.

As we participated in the resource fair we found ourselves asking questions about food stamps and learned that none of the stores on the island accept them. Folks travel to the mainland to do their shopping. The ferry costs $6.50 one way and takes about a half hour travel time. This seems doable until you consider that in the winter, when the water is frozen, ferry service is not available. The only way to travel is by plane for $50 one way.

Given this, our Benefit Bank counsellors visited the local grocer and opened dialog about becoming a food stamp vendor. You never know what is possible.

A big thank you to Gayle Loyola for inviting us--fun times, meaningful work and good food. (I am all about the food ;-)

Tonya Bailey, Benefit Bank extraordinaire, and

newly appointed OBB Regional Coordinator

is sporting the vacation look on the deck.

Nothing but blue here......

Soul of Buckeye Parade

The OBB Mobile Express had the pleasure of parading down Buckeye Road on Cleveland's east side among community agencies, dance troupes, marching bands and other spectacles.

The area has a development corporation charged with rejuvenating the neighborhood and we were invited by them to join in the fun at their Soul of Buckeye parade.

Here is the jazz man that greeted us:

One of the spectacles--Monster Truck!!
Complete with loud funky music that makes you move to the groove. One can not help but sway to the sweet sounds.

A look at the monster truck before the parade:

Below is a video of one of the dance troupes--colorful and coordinated:

Russell manned the van, with celebratory waves while I and two awesome VISTA's worked the crowd. We talked to many people and now the Ohio Benefit Bank is well represented on refrigerators all over east Cleveland.

Many came to the van after the parade and learned about benefit eligibility; it was a sunny day, good food all around, jammin' music, local talent and lots of friendly people. Good stuff!

Gallipolis

Hey, the Mobile Express was on top of a big hill in Gallipolis.

tree line = proof

Once again we were with the Lutheran Social Services Mobile Food Pantry and we were slammed. It's obviously unnerving to see that many people in dire need, but if they're out there, it's great that they're seeing us.

I had an elderly client who was living on a fixed income of under $500 a month. She wasn't on food stamps. She didn't know about utility assistance or the summer cooling program. She was paying $96 a month in Medicare premiums that she didn't need to pay for. I mean, if you're forced to look on the bright side, she had her Golden Buckeye card and was registered to vote. But beyond that, she was horribly under served in terms of benefits. So it was nice to talk to her.

It's rare that we see someone like that. We get a lot of people who were recently laid off or have some benefits but don't know about one or two programs from an unfamiliar office. Seeing someone who was eligible for almost everything but had almost nothing was eye opening. It's not just about getting people to apply, it's still about getting people to know. (And knowledge is power!)

And we'll be back on the road with Lutheran Social Services after the State Fair. As always, we look forward to it.

Visit Mid Ohio Food Bank

A couple of weeks ago we visited Mid-Ohio Food Bank to learn more about their operation and see their new facility. Below are a few pictures from our trip. But before we take a look, I wanted to share a study that was conducted recently that puts into perspective the amazing need that this food bank and the 11 others in Ohio are addressing.

Landmark Study Reveals Large Increase in People Seeking Emergency Food

Grove City, OH – February 2, 2010 – A landmark study released by Mid-Ohio Foodbank and Feeding America – the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization – reports that more than 248,000 individuals – including 86,975 children and 17,395 seniors – receive emergency food each year through Mid-Ohio Foodbank.

These findings represent a 28 percent increase from the results reported in Hunger in America 2006. In Mid-Ohio Foodbank’s 20 county service territory, in any given week, more than 40,000 people receive emergency food assistance from a food pantry, soup kitchen, or other agency served by the Mid-Ohio Foodbank.

If you are interested, see this Columbus Dispatch article that shows that the demand for food pantries is climbing. They are seeing new faces and many pantries are showing that in some cases their numbers have doubled since 2006.

We at the Ohio Benefit Bank have noticed that with pantries as well as benefit applications , there have been many more people asking for assistance who have held jobs all their lives. When asked, "Do you know someone who..........(has lost a job or pay, needs medical insurance etc.)" there is a resounding yes. Many people take literature for a loved one, a neighbor or a coworker. All this points to the great need for supports like food assistance and we are glad that Mid-Ohio is there, as well as the other food banks, to help organize an effort for those who are in need.

Mountains of potatoes--both sweet and regular, getting ready to be distributed.

New Community Garden with cistern system for watering.

Packing Area

Poverty in the USA

Below is a graphic representation of how a person's budget in poverty adds up.
Take a look:



This video does not capture everything, but it does ask a pertinent question--if you were in this situation, what would you give up?

Tornado Victims Find Help at Open Door

The Ohio Benefit Bank hosted an Expo for those who work in Fulton County within the social services realm. Expos are a chance for social workers, medical professionals, church personnel and others to learn about becoming Benefit Bank sites. Gayle Loyola, regional coordinator for the area had a variety of folks attend and was eager to share information about the OBB Express as well.

Sixty-Eight (68) families in Fulton County were effected by the tornado that swept through on Saturday, June 5, 2010. Many had homes that were completely destroyed, while others had extensive damage. Seven people in Wood County died in this whirlwind.

Open Door of Delta is providing support to victims by helping them set up temporary households and giving gifts of clothing, food, furniture and small appliances. These items have been donated by caring neighbors from all over Ohio--with a true "neighbors helping neighbors" spirit.

Executive Director, Cherie Mercer greeted the OBB Mobile Express explaining that many of the victims did not have insurance and find themselves in need of supports that they never imagined needing.

She reported in The Delta newspaper:

"I feel supportive services will be needed for months to come, and The Open Door is committed to providing anything at our disposal for the families. We want the families to know they are not forgotten." Cherie Mercer

Cherie was a gracious host and was excited to have the Ohio Benefit Bank present. She shared that her organization has been self sufficient through sales of the thrift store and has hopes that The Open Door will provide work supports and supportive housing in the future as well as continuing to provide material assistance.

Here is a picture of a wedding dress that was found in a tree

and returned to the owner through the Open Door.

This meal was purchased at the TA Truck Stop during our travels to Delta, Ohio. The potato was gargantuan! The picture here does not do it justice. To Russell's credit he did his best to consume the monster. I have honestly not ever seen a potato so large. Speaking of potatoes, stay tuned for my next post devoted to Mid Ohio Food Bank and their potato bounty.