OUCAN recently joined the Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies (OACAA) and the Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development (COAD) in sending a letter to every member of Ohio's Congressional Delegation urging support for the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). The CSBG funds many Community Action activities and programs across the state enabling low-income Ohioans to gain financial footing and lift themselves out of poverty. CSBG funding is critical to the work of community action...

Ohio's community action agencies are facing a difficult fourth quarter of 2025. With the federal government shutdown, state budget cuts, and ongoing economic hardship, we need to show up and show out for each other now more than ever. OUCAN President and CEO Yvonne Cherell recorded this message of encouragement and support to remind us that advocating for low-income communities is never more important than during times of challenge and uncertainty. We've made it through tough times before,...

We are officially two weeks into the federal shutdown and with no formal negotiations on surface, some speculate hopeful discussions may be brewing behind the scenes. I am choosing to lean into the words of my amazing Board Chair Dr. Jacklyn Chisholm, “While no one can predict how long negotiations may last, our programs remain strong, and [Ohio’s urban Community Action Agencies] are confident in our ability to continue serving the community.” These are troubling times for sure. With the...