Helpful Links & Resources

Community Resource Guide

A general overview guide to community services throughout Athens County.   Prepared by United Appeal for Athens County 2-1-1-.

Athens County Family & Children First Council

The Council evaluates and prioritizes services and builds community assets to achieve better results for families and their children in Athens County. The Council is established by statue to plan, develop and coordinate services. It seeks ongoing participation from families receiving services.

Athens County Profile
A wide range of statistics for Athens County from the Ohio Department of Development.


Athens County Profile

Poverty information, as well as statistical information on many of our agencies programs and services in Athens County. This report is compiled by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

Athens County Quick Facts
This link will take you to the latest United States Census Bureau facts regarding Athens County. Find out population, household information, median income, poverty level, business facts and geographic facts and other information. The Quick Fact site also allows you to compare Athens County to the State of Ohio's data facts.  

Athens County Telelog 
Quick point of reference to Athens County community services and programs.  


CaptionCall

CaptionCall offers caption telephones designed to help people with hearing loss use the phone to stay socially connected with loved ones, conduct important business, and best of all, maintain confident communications for a longer, happier, healthier life.

CapTel 
CapTel is designed for people with hearing loss.  It works like other amplified telephones, with an important addition: Every word your caller says is displayed on the CapTel screen to read.  Similar to closed captioning for TV, at no cost.  CapTel is a part of a federally-funded program regulated by the FCC and is exclusively designed for individuals with hearing loss, under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  No contracts, no hidden fees.  

Cell Phone Service
Through the Safelink wireless program. This program provides free phones and a limited number of free minutes each month to eligible customers.

Children's Defense Fund (CDF)
CDF provides a strong, effective voice for all the children of America who cannot vote, lobby, or speak for themselves. The organization pays particular attention to the needs of poor and minority children and those with disabilities. CDF educates the nation about the needs of children and encourages preventive investment before they get sick or into trouble, drop out of school, or suffer family breakdown.

Children’s Hunger Alliance
The organization's mission is to break the cycle of childhood hunger in Ohio through education, leadership, advocacy and service. For a complete set of profiles outlining the impact of federal nutrition programs in every Ohio County visit the site.  


DisabilityInfo.gov

This page is designed to answer frequently asked  questions on the housing rights of people with disabilities and the responsibilities of housing providers and building and design professionals under federal law. 

Guide to Requesting Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications Under the Fair Housing Act

What is a reasonable accommodation or reasonable modification?
Under the Fair Housing Act, a reasonable accommodation is a change or exception to any rule, policy, procedure or service needed in order for a person with a disability to be able to have equal access to and full enjoyment of their home, such as allowing an assistance animal where there is a “no pet” policy, or allowing a live-in caregiver when a housing policy states “no over-night guests”. A reasonable modification is a structural change made to existing premises, occupied or to be occupied by a person with a disability, in order to afford them full enjoyment of the premises, such as the installation of a ramp, grab bar or handrail. Reasonable accommodations and modifications enable independent living and equal access to housing for people with disabilities.  
If you feel you need a reasonable accommodation or modification to your home or apartment based on a disability, there is a process you will need to go through to work with your housing provider. These requests should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.


FirstGov.gov.

FirstGov.gov is the U.S. government's official web portal to all federal, state and local government web resources and services. It is the catalyst for a growing electronic government, helping citizens navigate through the bureaucracy of government red tape. At FirstGov.gov you can apply for benefits online, contact a government agency, or use the Internet's most comprehensive search of government web sites–all from one easy location.

Food Assistance Resource Guide

Prepared by United Appeal for Athens County 2-1-1.

GovBenefits.gov

GovBenefits.gov helps citizens access government benefit eligibility information through a free, confidential, and easy-to-use online screening tool. After answering some basic questions, the user receives a customized report listing the benefit programs for which the user, or person for whom he or she is entering information, may be eligible.

Guidebook for Ohio Legislative Process
The Guidebook summarizes the Ohio lawmaking process, the role of legislators, the staff assistance available to members of the Ohio General Assembly, and the role of other participants in the legislative process in Ohio. While the Guidebook is intended for use as a reference for members of the General Assembly, it should be useful to persons generally interested in the Ohio legislative process.  

Healthcare Rankings for Ohio Counties

The County Health Rankings & Road maps web site provides healthcare information for all counties in Ohio.

Healthcare Resource Guide - Hotlines/Helplines

Prepared by United Appeal for Athens County 2-1-1. 

Healthcare Resource Guide - Medical Health Programs and Resources

Prepared by United Appeal for Athens County 2-1-1. 

Healthcare Resource Guide - Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services

Prepared by United Appeal for Athens County 2-1-1.  

Healthcare Resource Guide - Travel Assistance, Prescription Cards, Education

Prepared by United Appeal for Athens County 2-1-1.

Hocking-Athens-Perry Community Action

Hocking-Athens-Perry Community Action Agency is a nonprofit corporation that develops, manages, and provides services and support to individuals and families who lack sufficient financial resources to meet their basic needs or to provide the kind of quality life they desire.

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
With one Combined Energy Assistance Programs application, you may apply for several federally or state-funded energy assistance programs administered by the Office of Community Services: the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (E-HEAP), and the Percentage of Income Payment Plan for (PIPP).  The Combined Energy Assistance Program application can also be used to apply for the Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP) administered by the Office of Energy Efficiency.

2016 Housing and Self-Sufficiency Resource Guide

Prepared by United Appeal for Athens County 2-1-1.

Institute for Research on Poverty

Through the IRP a broad spectrum of research information can be found at this site.

IRS homepage
Get tax information, forms, FAQs and much more.

Local support groups

Prepared by United Appeal for Athens County 2-1-1. 

Medicaid: Ohio Department of Medicaid

Provides information and overview of the Medicaid program, including the program's impact, enrollment, services covered, expenditures, financing and key policy challenges.

Medicare
The federal health insurance program for people 65 years of age or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure with dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD).

mymoney.gov
The Federal Government's web site dedicated to helping Americans understand more about their money – how to save it, invest it, and manage it to meet your personal goals.  With information to help you choose and use credit cards, get out of debt, protect your credit record, understand your Social Security benefits, insure your bank deposits, and start a savings and investing plan - - and much more!

Needy Meds
This site is designed to provide information about patient assistance programs which provide no cost prescription medications to eligible participants.

Nursing Home Comparison Tool
This nursing home comparison tool, provided by Medicare, allows you to view detailed information about the past performance of every Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing home in the United States! Also included are other resources, including the Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home and Nursing Home Checklist. Use these tools, along with the information you gather during your visits to the nursing homes you are interested in to make your best choice. The Medicare web site also includes other information on the Medicare program.

Ohio Consumers' Counsel
The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the residential utility advocate, represents the interests of 4.5 million consumers in proceedings before state and federal regulators and in the courts. The state agency also educates consumers about electric, natural gas, telephone and water issues and resolves complaints from individuals.  Includes extensive information and assistance on utility assistance programs for low-income households.

Ohio Development Services Agency

The Ohio Development Services Agency is committed to creating jobs and building strong communities, while ensuring accountability and transparency of taxpayer money and exceptional customer service.

 
Ohio Department of Job & Family Services

The site features information about programs, services, facts, statistics and current news concerning ODJFS.

Ohio Labor Market Information
Your Source for Labor Market Information for the State of Ohio.  Whether you are an employer, job seeker, student, researcher or economic analyst, this dynamic, interactive site provides the labor and economic information you need to make informed decisions.

Ohio: Living in Ohio Consumer Protection

Offering protections information in the area of Consumer Protection.  Includes:  Children, Consumer Protection, Environment, Health, Housing, Justice & Law, Money & Finance, Motor Vehicles, Aircrafts & Watercraft, New Residents, Public Safety, Seniors, Taxes, Veterans, Vital Records, Voting & Elections and Weather. 

 OhioMeansJobs 

Information for job seekers and employers. This web site from the State of Ohio allows people to search for jobs, post resumes, learn about training opportunities, find out when job fairs will be held and find a wide range of information.

Ohio Medicaid Basics
From the Health Policy Institute of Ohio, Ohio Medicaid Basics provides an overview of Ohio Medicaid, including eligibility, key programs, and financing and expenditures. Originally published in 2003, this new edition is completely updated with the most recent data, statistics, and information about the state's Medicaid program. The link will take you to the Health Policy Institute of Ohio home page, where you can click on a link to download the full Ohio Medicaid Basics report or the executive summary.

Ohio Workforce Investment Opportunity Act
For information on Ohio's Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA).

Ohio's "Best Rx"
Ohio's "Best Rx" is a prescription drug discount card program designed to lower the cost of prescriptions for Ohio residents without prescription drug insurance coverage who are either aged 60 and over or any age with incomes less than 250% of the federal poverty level.

Ohio's Medicaid Information 
For Ohio Medicaid Consumers, this web site provides a wide range of information about Medicaid and the health care services you may be able to receive.

Ohio Secretary of State - Business Services Division
 Business services offered by the Ohio Secretary of State. 

Overview of Medicaid from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
The following are brief summaries of complex subjects. They should be used only as overviews and general guides to the Medicare and Medicaid programs. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the policies or legal positions of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). These summaries do not render any legal, accounting, or other professional advice, nor are they intended to explain fully all of the provisions or exclusions of the relevant laws, regulations, and rulings of the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Original sources of authority should be researched and utilized.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance
The Partnership for Prescription Assistance brings together America’s pharmaceutical companies, doctors, other health care providers, patient advocacy organizations and community groups to help qualifying patients who lack prescription coverage get the medicines they need through the public or private program that’s right for them. Many will get them free or nearly free. Its mission is to increase awareness of patient assistance programs and boost enrollment of those who are eligible. Through this site, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance offers a single point of access to more than 275 public and private patient assistance programs, including more than 150 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies. To access the Partnership for Prescription Assistance by phone, you can call toll-free, 1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669).

Reentry Resource Guide

Prepared by United Appeal for Athens County 2-1-1.

Reentry Resource Manual
This resource manual, created by the Ohio Dept. of Rehabilitation and Correction, is intended to assist reentry service providers with accessing information about services available across Ohio for people returning home from a period of incarceration.


SHARE - State Hearing Access to Records Electronically
In Ohio, if you believe you have been mistakenly denied benefits or services for any Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) programs - - or if you disagree with a decision about your case - - you can ask for a hearing from the ODJFS Bureau of State Hearings. 
State Hearing Access to Records Electronically (SHARE) makes it easier than ever to request a state hearing or access your state hearing information.  You can use SHARE to: Request a state hearing; Withdraw a state hearing; Find out the status of a hearing; Access scheduling information; Request a different day or time; Access hearing documents and Upload documents that you want to present at the hearing.  

Unemployment  - How To Videos
The videos below were created to help make navigating Ohio's Unemployment system a little easier. 

RHI Hub 

The Rural Health Information Hub was established in 2002 as a rural health and human services "information portal" to help rural communities and other rural stakeholders access the full range of available programs, funding, and research that can enable them to provide quality health and human services to rural residents. To accomplish this, RHI Hub gathers and streamlines information from myriad sources and provides easy access to that information.

Rx Assist 
Rx Assist is a new Patient Assistance Program developed by Express Scripts Specialty Distribution Services, Inc. (ESSDS). The program provides qualified low-income individuals and families with access to generic versions of brand name medications.

State of Ohio Job Search 
Do a job search for state positions throughout Ohio, the site offers job search by agency, job title, or county.  This service is provided by OhioMeansJobs.com.
Be sure to visit our local OhioMeansJobs - Athens Countyat 70 N. Plains Road, Suite C, The Plains, Ohio for additional information and career development services. 


Unemployment, How to Videos
These videos were created to help make navigating Ohio's Unemployment system a little easier.   

U.S. Census Bureau
The Census Bureau is to serve as the leading source of quality data about the nation's people and the economy. 

U.S. Department of Agriculture
Food (Food Stamp information), Nutrition and Consumer Services are the focus of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
The Department of Health and Human Services is the United States government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.

U.S. Poverty Information
Poverty Guidelines, Research and Measurement from the United States Department of Health and Human Services.