USA Freedom Corps Solicits Volunteers

President George W. Bush marked the six-month anniversary of his USA Freedom Corps by launching a public service advertising campaign and redesigned and upgraded website that will help Americans answer his “Call to Service.” The campaign, titled “Everyone Can Do Something”, includes television and radio ads in English and Spanish, as well as print ads and web banners.

The redesigned website, www.usafreedomcorps.gov, includes the USA Freedom Corps Volunteer Network – the most comprehensive clearinghouse ever offered to help individuals find service opportunities in their hometowns, across the country, or around the world.

Research shows that two reasons individuals give for not volunteering are that they were never asked or didn’t know where to start. The President has asked every American to get involved, and the USA Freedom Corps Volunteer Network offers Americans millions of places to start.

The website offers opportunities to work with more than 50,000 organizations around the country and the world, with more organizations soon expected to come on board. Explore the USA Freedom Corps Volunteer Network at www.usafreedomcorps.gov and use the newly designed website as a resource to help your neighbor – and your Nation.

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School Safety Conference Planned

On January 29-31, 2003, the COPS Office will sponsor a conference entitled, “A Community Oriented Approach to School Safety: What Works,” at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee. The conference will give school safety professionals an opportunity to learn, network, and exchange ideas. The program will be organized around four themes: Administrative Concerns; Services to Students; Role of the Community in the Schools; and Promising Practices. To register for the conference, please contact the Community Policing Consortium online at: http://www.communitypolicing.org/copsconference or toll-free at 877.561.5577.

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“Mentoring Matters” to be Aired Live on the Internet

Because January is officially National Mentoring Month, a special 2-hour broadcast, “Mentoring Matters” is being aired nationwide on Friday, February 7, 2003, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., EST. It is designed for anyone interested in meeting the needs of today’s youth. To view the online cybercast, please register as an online viewer at www.trc.eku.edu/jj. Your computer will need a minimum 28K modem, Internet access and either Microsoft Media Player or Real Player software. To test your computer, visit the video archive at www.juvenilenet.org/archives.

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Food That’s In When School Is Out

Hunger doesn’t take a summer vacation. Several thousands of children in Ohio receive free or reduced-priced meals during the school year. Have you ever thought about where these same children will get enough to eat and drink when school is out for the summer?

Ohio’s children were served more than 2.5 million meals this past summer through the federal Summer Food Service Program for Children (SFSP). The State of Ohio is recognized as one of the top states in the nation for its work in providing summer meals for children who meet income guidelines.

In 2002, 140 local sponsoring agencies provided Ohio children with nutritious meals at more than 1,090 approved sites throughout the state. Now is the time for your organization to check out this important service and join the growing number of agencies who qualify to sponsor the Ohio Summer Food Service Program for Children.

SFSP is a federally funded program operated nationally by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered in Ohio by the Ohio Department of Education (ODE). As a private nonprofit organization, your agency may be reimbursed for meals served that meet USDA nutritional guidelines. Through the SFSP, sponsors serve meals (breakfast, lunch, snack, and/or supper) at qualified sites to all children, ages one through 18. Any child may participate at approved sponsored locations such as parks, community centers, churches, and schools.

As a sponsor, you will want to reach into your community to attract a winning team of staff and volunteers. You will need capable people who can provide overall coordination, supervise sites, prepare or deliver meals and handle program bookkeeping. Look around your community; where do children gather in the summer? Now is the time to begin thinking about providing a safe place for them to come and get that nutritious meal they need to learn, play and grow.

For more information about being a sponsor, site or volunteer, contact Cecelia Torok, SFSP Coordinator, Ohio Department of Education, Office of Child Nutrition Services at 800.808.MEAL.

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On Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 10 a.m., the Ohio Department of Education will release results of the 2003 State and Local Report Cards on its website. Paper copies of the 2003 Local Report Cards will be mailed to parents in March. The data will be released as downloadable files on the ODE Web site at www.ode.state.oh.us.

TO: Long-Term Care Campaign Advocates for the Elderly

FROM: Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging

“We would like to welcome the new advocates who have joined us since our last correspondence. Thank you for signing up for the Long-Term Care Choice Campaign. We now have 800 individual advocates willing to speak up so that older Ohioans and their families have community options when care needs arise.

As 2002 comes to a close, we extend our appreciation for your advocacy efforts. You worked hard for older Ohioans earlier this year when PASSPORT suffered budget cuts that placed those in need on waiting lists. Thanks to your advocacy, the PASSPORT funding cuts were restored and those waiting were quickly enrolled in the program. This accomplishment demonstrated that advocacy can make a difference, even in a difficult budget climate. It was the right thing to do and you convinced your legislators and the Governor of that fact. “ — Penny Lovett, OAAAA

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OEMA Announces MARCS System Activation

The long-sought Multi-Agency Radio Communications System (MARCS) is now up and running in eleven central Ohio counties, the Ohio Emergency Management Agency recently announced.

Local EMA offices in Fairfield, Franklin, Licking, Logan, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Perry, Pickaway, Ross and Union counties have activated the “high-frequency, interoperable” system. Next in line for implementation are the eight counties of: Crawford, Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca and Wyandot.

Beginning as a concept in 1987, MARCS equipment – more than 900 units – is already in use by prison facilities and was used by Ohio Highway Patrol officers at the Ohio State Fair in 2002. Under the long-term plan, MARCS would be used on a daily basis by state and county EMAs, but various agencies could join together in communications in case of emergencies.

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New Quarterly Anti-Drug Newsletter Available

“Update: National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign, Winter 2003” provides Media Campaign progress reports; highlights national, regional, and local success stories; and offers resources, contacts, and partnership opportunities to help tie prevention efforts and programs to the anti-drug media campaign. The Winter 2003 edition focuses on the media campaign initiative on marijuana. Access the full text at: www.mediacampaign.org/newsletter/winter03/winter03.pdf.

New Marijuana Resource Available for Parents

“Wake Up to the Risks of Marijuana: A Guide for Parents” provides parents with facts about marijuana and ideas to begin a conversation with their children about the harms associated with using the drug. Access the full text at: www.mediacampaign.org/marijuana/Talk_Brochure.pdf. Place orders at: http://puborder.ncjrs.org/.

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Bulletin Examines Trends in Juvenile Violent Offending

“Trends in Juvenile Violent Offending: An Analysis of Victim Survey Data” analyzes data from the National Crime Victimization Survey from 1980 to 1998 to offer a different perspective on juvenile violent offending than that provided by arrest-focused data from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports. Access the report at: http://ojjdp.ncjrs.org/pubs/delinq.html#191052.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA)

The Ohio Department of Agriculture has a very informative Internet site, www.state.oh.us/agr/. Not for farmers only, all Ohioans can find something of interest. ODA lists information about animal diseases, ethanol, food safety and recall notices, plant pest control, and the gypsy moth. Under “Special Information and Publications” one can find Drought 2002, the Ohio Farmer’s Market Directory, Annual Report and Statistics, The Food Safety Link (a newsletter), Specialty Crop Grants, and the Quarterly News (ODA’s newsletter).

Did you know, for example, that ODA’s Division of Amusement Ride Safety ensures the safety of all Ohio’s amusement rides? Or that the Division of Enforcement administers the Ohio Auctioneer Program?

Also, the Ohio Rural Development Partnership (ORDP) is a statewide organization which brings together citizens, federal, state, and local government officials and representatives of the private sector and community-based organizations to collectively address the needs of rural Ohio communities. ORDP provides the forum for members of the agriculture industry, health care industry, educational institutions, economic and community development organizations, for-profit and non-profit corporations, and social service agencies to cross traditional boundaries, share information, and address, in a holistic way, the special needs and opportunities.

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IRS Develops “Talking” Tax Forms

Most federal forms and many reports posted on the Internet have been inaccessible to citizens with visual impairments. However, new Internal Revenue Service (IRS) forms on its website, www.IRS.gov, allow the standard screen-reader programs to read aloud forms stored in Portable Document Format (PDF). This allows users to fill in their details sequentially. The IRS hopes to have fifty of its most common forms in “talking” format for the upcoming tax season.

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MR/DD Task Force Issues Final Report

Equal Justice for Individuals with Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, the final report to the Governor from the MR/DD Victims of Crime Task Force, is now available by visiting the Internet site, http://odmrdd.state.oh.us/Includes/VictimsTaskForce/VictimCrime_Final.pdf.

The task force has developed a number of recommendations designed to address the needs of

individuals with MR/DD who are victims of crime. Some of these recommendations will involve changes to the Ohio Revised Code and the Ohio Administrative Code, while others will involve changes to current practices. Each of these suggested changes will help to assure that citizens with MR/DD receive equal justice and the full protection of the law. Recommendations are listed under the following topics: Coordination and Communication Between Systems; Protective Services; Criminal Statutes and Accommodations in Court; MR/DD Abuser Registry; Notification to Coroners; and Training.

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Fannie Mae Increases 2003 Mortgage Loan Limit to $322,700

Looking for an affordable home loan? Fannie Mae, the nation’s largest source of financing for home mortgages, recently announced that it has increased its single-family mortgage loan limit to $322,700 for 2003.

The company noted that in 2003, the increase allows approximately 210,000 more families to take advantage of savings provided by having a Fannie Mae mortgage. For example, at the current spread between rates for a Fannie Mae mortgage and a jumbo mortgage, these families will save up to $23,500 over the life of a 30-year mortgage.

Limits for multi-unit loans also will increase for 2003 as follows: two-family loans to $413,100; three-family loans to $499,300; and four-family loans to $620,500. For further information, visit www.fanniemae.com. For information on the Fannie Mae Foundation’s 2003 funding opportunities, please refer to next Friday’s issue of Dollars & Sense.

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Site Targets Crime Victims

A new nonprofit has launched a website to serve victims of violent crimes and their families. Witness Justice says it is the first U.S. group created solely to provide information about healing, the justice system and advocacy for survivors of violent crimes.

Created by Helga West, survivor of an attempted murder, the site features virtual communities and information on recovery for victims, and plans to add resources about the criminal justice system, lawmakers and criminal law.

The website is a work in progress; visit www.witnessjustice.com for helpful information.

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Ohio’s Drug Discount Program is Delayed

The Ohio Department of Aging recently stated that it could be mid-February “or a little later” before 1.8 million prescription discount cards are mailed to seniors and the disabled under a different discount program that Governor Bob Taft championed. Mr. Taft had said last year that the program would start in January, and referred to it in advertising during his gubernatorial re-election campaign.

Steve Proctor, spokesman for the Department of Aging, said it will be four to six weeks before Golden Buckeye cards with prescription discounts would be mailed. “We set a rather ambitious goal for ourselves. We’re behind,” he said, pointing out that negotiations continue with pharmaceutical manufacturers and pharmacies.

MemberHealth, based in northeast Ohio, was hired by the state to manage the program in which cardholders are expected to receive discounts of 13% to 20% off normal cost at pharmacies, and 17% to 40% off generic drugs and mail order prescriptions.

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Sex-Ed Website Unveiled

Planned Parenthood of America has unveiled a new website for teachers, counselors, social workers, and doctors, who can use its interactive features – games, quizzes, factoids and films – to engage the teenage populations they serve. Up-to-the-minute information on sexual health, relationship issues, drugs, misuse of medications, and coping skills can be found at www.teenwire.com; it is one of the few resources online that offers sexual information in both English and Spanish. Teenwire.com reaches teens and parents with e-mail newsletters.

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“Aging In Ohio 2003” Conferences Set

The Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging (OAAAA), in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA), has offered this orientation to the aging network for over twelve years. The program is designed specifically for: Area Agency on Aging staff, ODA staff, aging services staff, human services organizations, boards and advisory councils, extended care facilities, students and interested individuals.

This day-long workshop focuses on the spectrum of aging programs available and unravels the confusing maze of policies, organizations, and funding sources. Participants learn how organizations fit together in the overall aging network. Learning objectives are: to identify characteristics of older adults in Ohio; to identify major policy, program and service trends in aging; to describe the functional framework of the aging network at the national, state & local levels; to describe the programs available at each level and how to access these resources; to describe current key issues facing professionals and volunteers in the aging network.

Continuing Education Units are available for Social Workers (5.5 hrs.), and applications have been submitted for: Nursing Home Administrators (5 hrs.), Counselors (5.5 hrs.), Dietitians (6 hrs.), Adult Services, MRDD (6 hrs.), Case Managers, MRDD (6 hrs.), and Activity Professionals (5.5 hrs.). RNs & LPNs: The Ohio Board of Nursing accepts sessions approved for Social Workers for Continuing Nurse Education (CNE).

Workshop Dates, Locations and Phone Numbers:

Thursday, February 27, 2003; Columbus; 800.637.2316

Thursday, May 22, 2003; Perrysburg (Toledo area); 419.874.3111

Wednesday, September 17, 2003; Worthington (Columbus area); 614.885.3334

Thursday, November 20, 2003; Marietta; 800.331.9336

To register, e-mail [email protected] with your name, title, organization, address, and phone number. Be sure to indicate the date for which you are registering. (Source: OAAAA)

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Homestead Exemption Changes Mean More Are Eligible

Ohio’s Homestead Property Tax Credit Program (homestead exemption) is offered to lower-income homeowners who are 65 or older, or who are permanently and totally disabled. It is also available to surviving spouses, 59 or older, whose deceased spouse received the exemption.

“If ‘every little bit helps,’ then this program helps a lot,” said Ohio Tax Commissioner Tom Zaino. “For people on low or fixed incomes, the homestead exemption can save them a considerable amount of money.”

Under the program, the State of Ohio reimburses local governments for cuts given to residents.

To find out the current eligible income limit, and to apply, contact your county auditor’s office. The County Auditor’s Association of Ohio provides a directory of offices on their website, www.caao.org. The deadline for applications is June 5th.

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State Grants Awarded to Ohio Communities

The Ohio Department of Development (ODoD) had a busy December. 1) State Development Director Bruce Johnson announced that six communities will receive $2.3 million to assist with the revitalization of their central business districts. Recipients will use the funds to renovate 99 facades and 74 building interiors; complete five major infrastructure streetscape projects; and leverage more than $10.6 million of other public and private funds.

The Comprehensive Downtown Revitalization Program assists communities in their efforts to revitalize central business districts, provide downtown housing, eliminate slum and blight and create and retain private-sector job opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents.

Grantees are: Erie County, Sandusky and Vermilion; Fayette County, Washington Courthouse; Miami County, Piqua; Portage County, Ravenna; and Wyandot County, Upper Sandusky.

2) Also, Director Johnson designated five communities as Ohio Main Street Program awardees. Benefits of this program include the renewed vitality of the downtown area along with enhanced economic performance.

New Ohio Main Street Program designees are: Amherst (Lorain County); Canal Winchester (Fairfield County); Greenville (Darke County); Sandusky (Erie County); and Wilmington (Clinton County).

3) Governor Taft announced a $66,000 economic development grant to Williams County, a $600,000 grant to Monroe County for water improvements, a $523,000 grant to Allen County for sewer improvements, and a $450,000 grant to the Village of Quaker City (Guernsey County) for water improvements.

4) The Governor also announced that Brown County will receive a $15,000 grant, and Seneca County will receive a $20,000 grant, both to increase awareness of equal housing opportunities.

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ODE Issues Budget and Policy Recommendations

The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) and the State Board of Education recently issued the 2004-2005 Budget and Policy Recommendations to Governor Taft. The report’s sixty pages may be read and downloaded from:

www.ode.state.oh.us/legislator/PDF/2004-2005_BUDGETPOLICY_BOOK%20.pdf.

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DYS Issues Annual Report

The Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS) is the juvenile corrections system for the State of Ohio. DYS is mandated to confine juvenile felony offenders, ages 10 to 21, who have been judged and committed by Ohio’s 88 county juvenile courts. DYS operates eight correctional and rehabilitation facilities and provides parole services from seven regional sites.

Under a newly simplified mission “to protect the public by reducing juvenile crime,” the Ohio Department of Youth Services recently issued a ten-page Annual Report online. To read about the Department’s challenges and accomplishments over the past year, visit www.state.oh.us/dys/ PDF/Annual%20Report%20FY%2002.pdf.

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ODJFS Report Details Employment Trends Through 2010

Over 660,000 new jobs are expected in Ohio over the next decade, according to a report released by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). The Ohio Job Outlook to 2010, a labor force analysis and projection released today by the ODJFS Bureau of Labor

Market Information, forecasts that the state’s workforce by the year 2010 will be older and more diverse with an increasing share of women and minorities.

Information on the Ohio Job Outlook to 2010, including a slide show, is available at the Labor Market Information website, http://lmi.state.oh.us. A copy also may be obtained by mail by calling LMI at 614.752.9494.

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New Medicare Rules Issued

In the December 31, 2002 Federal Register, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services published a 220-page document of newly revised rules regarding the 2003 physician fee schedule, payment policies and relative value unit adjustments for the Medicare Program. To view a copy online, visit http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/aces/aces140.html#frbrowse.

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Future Public Hearings

Date	State Agency	Hearing Time and Location	Subject	For More Information
1/29	Dept. of Job & Family Services	12:30 p.m., Lobby Hearing Room, 30 E. Broad Street	Rules to implement state hearing regulations	www.state.oh.us/odjfs/ols/pubHearings/index.stm
1/29	Dept. of Job & Family Services	1:00 p.m., Lobby Hearing Room, 30 E. Broad Street	To adopt, rescind child care rules (many)	Fax 614.752.8298
1/29	State Board of Emergency Medical Services	7:00 p.m., University Plaza Hotel, 3110 Olentangy River Rd.	To adopt, rescind rules for EMT curriculum, certification, etc.	www.state.oh.us/ odps/division/ ems/ems_local/ default.htm
1/30	Ohio Mental Retardation	9:30 a.m., Large Conf. Room, 1810 Sullivant Avenue	To amend definition of a person with a severe disability	e-mail joseph.leonard@ dmr.state.oh.us.

All hearings are in Columbus, Ohio unless stated otherwise. Written testimony is due by the hearing date, for those who cannot attend in person.

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Editorial Staff: Jeanne C. Huba, Communications & Marketing Associate Juliet Coles Rowland, President and Chief Executive Officer

Ohio United Way grants permission to reprint Administrative Report articles in whole or in part with the following credit: “Reprinted from the Ohio United Way Administrative Report ___________ (date).”

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