Special Programs

Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP)

Home weatherization services are no longer provided through Geauga County Job & Family Services. However, Geauga residents may apply for Weatherization through the Ashtabula County Community Action Agency.

For details call: 1-800-252-5249

Volunteer Programs

Your volunteer services are welcomed and necessary for the well-being of our Geauga communities.

Geauga County Job and Family Services has several programs that operate with the services of trained volunteers. Depending on your interests, we have activities that are either short-term or ongoing, and involve either direct contact or behind-the-scenes work.

Children's Awareness Training (CAT) volunteers help present personal Safety Program in Geauga Schools; Empower children to say NO to uncomfortable situations; and make a difference in the lives of children by teaching prevention of sexual abuse. Six days per school semester is the commitment needed for this program.

Parent Aide volunteers act as a supportive friend to a family under stress and act as a role model in sharing skills such as parenting, home management, grocery shopping, etc. Supervision is provided by a Social Worker and a one-half day per week with the client is suggested.

Friends mentorship program matching volunteers with children and teens ages 10-16yrs.

Budget Counselors are needed to support a family under financial stress. Volunteers help a client work out a payment plan with creditors, set up a budget and help them to seek possible additional resources. Approximately 4 hours of commitment a month as needed.

Volunteers in the Sunshine Shop would sort and display clothes and household items at the Shop and spend time in the Shop during open hours. Time commitment is every Wednesday for sorting, and one Friday or Saturday a month in sales.

Please call Sara Shininger toll-free at: 1-800-209-7590 for additional information. Call between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

HEAP can help you with your utility bills if:

	It is between November 1st and March 31st
	You have an Emergency need for fuel or electricity
	Your income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guideline and can be verified as such

HEAP is used solely for the payment of gas, oil, electric, or wood. HEAP is used when you have a disconnect notice or a significant lack of fuel.

Community Service Block Grant (CSBG)

Community Service Block Grants are available to low-income families or persons who need emergency help with:

Fuel/Electric

	Electric must be in a state of disconnect or there is a lack of bulk fuel
	Payment can not exceed $500

Emergency Health Needs

	Pays for prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs not covered by Medicaid or insurance, emergency medical or dental assistance
	Payment can not exceed $300 over one program year

Emergency Food

	Used when a family is placed under Emergency Shelter
	Consists of McDonald's Coupons
	Further assistance is available through the Hunger Task Force

Emergency Transportation

	Transportation to medical, public assistance, job interview, or counseling appointment.
	Consists of $25 gasoline vouchers or Geauga Transit vouchers (Good for 10 rides)

Emergency Shelter

	A family can be placed at a local motel for a maximum of five (5) nights
	This is available through the 24-hour COPELINE* as well* *1-888-285-5665*

Late Rent Assistance

Provides up to $400 towards rent that is 30 or more days late, as long as the payment will guarantee them at least another 30 days in the dwelling

First Month's Rent/Security Deposit

Provides a maximum of $500 to be applied to first month's rent or security deposit to secure housing in Geauga County

Prevention, Retention and Contingency (PRC)

The Prevention, Retention and Contingency Program is designed to provide benefits and services to needy families and low-income employed families who are in need of help with essential supports to move out of poverty and become self-sufficient. These supports include non-recurrent, short-term, crisis-oriented benefits and ongoing services that are related to self-sufficiency. The PRC plan provides the following types of services and benefits:

	Job preparation Services
	Job preparation Benefits
	Job Support/Retention Services
	Job Support/Retention Benefits
	Transportation Benefits
	Contingency Benefits (to meet an emergent need that threatens health, safety or decent living arrangements to the extent that it prohibits children from being cared for in their own home or inhibits job preparation, work or marriage).
	Child Welfare Services
	Family Disaster Services
	Non-Custodial Developmental Services
	Developmental Services

For further information about this program or to make application for these services contact your case manager or a coordinator.