FROM THE CEO

Miami Valley Community Action Partnership’s (MVCAP) Domestic Violence Services program now has a 24-hour crisis line thanks to a partnership with Project Woman. The Springfield-based agency will provide 24-hour response service for MVCAP’s Preble County Domestic Violence Hotline in addition to its own existing service. “Project Woman is also a member of the Ohio Domestic Violence Network,” said MVCAP’s DVS Director Courtney Griffith. “Their staff is trauma-informed and follow

Did you know that the national minimum wage has not changed since 2009? While 34 U.S. states have higher minimum wages, the federal rate as of 2026 is still $7.25 per hour. This means today’s full-time working class cannot afford a modest two-bedroom rental home at Fair Market Rent anywhere in the country. Ohio’s minimum wage is $11.00 per hour for non-tipped employees, and $5.50 per hour for tipped employees. This adjustment represents a 2.8% increase from the 2025 rates of

According to my social media algorithm, 2025 was the year of the snake, which explains why it felt so heavy and burdensome. We faced significant challenges last year, including the federal government shutdown, state budget cuts, and threats to longstanding policies and systems supporting working families. Now, we're shedding and letting go of things that no longer serve us. Just as snakes shed their skin to remove old, damaged layers and make way for a fresh, healthy outer la

OUCAN recently joined more that 1,000 like-minded organizations in a letter urging Congress to include language in a forthcoming appropriations bill that would direct the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to renew all Continuum of Care (CoC) grants expiring in calendar year 2026 for a full year. As communities work to prevent and alleviate homelessness, this modest, no-cost extension will allow time for thoughtful policy review while preserving housing fo

How a Personal Hair Journey Reflects the Strength of Working Together in Challenging Times Even as a little girl, I have always been particular about my hair. I remember the heartbreak of discovering my mother couldn’t braid my hair—something that felt essential to fitting in with the other girls at school who wore elaborate cornrows adorned with beads and bows. My own ponytails felt unimaginative by comparison, so I taught myself how to do my hair, determined not to be left

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

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

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

If you know me, you know I’m a sucker for a good theme. Whether it’s a color-coordinated party, a viral hashtag, or a creative awareness...

In the final hour on June 30, Governor Mike DeWine signed the state budget, HB 96, with a record-breaking number of 67 vetoes, surpassing...

More than ever before, this year’s Community Action Month presents us with new opportunities to tell our story, share our success and...

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Ohio Urban Community Action Network (OUCAN), an organization dedicated to addressing poverty...

The history of poverty is not new to contemporary conversations. Regardless of the era, generations of leaders have wrestled with how to...

Last Thursday, I spent a good amount of the day preparing for inclement weather and freezing temperatures coupled with rain and snow. I...