ODA and the Federal Stimulus
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) – more commonly known as the federal stimulus bill – included funding to benefit Ohio’s seniors and their communities’ local economies. At ODA, we are committed to making sure you know how and where these dollars are spent.
ODA and our partners in the aging network received $3.73 million ARRA funds for senior nutrition, allowed us to provide almost additional 750,000 home-delivered and congregate meals, and serve over 40,000 consumers between March 2009 and September 2010. Home-delivered meals – aka “meals on wheels” – are safe and nutritious meals delivered to the doors of older Ohioans. These meals are crucial to individuals who have limited mobility, are homebound or lack transportation. Congregate meals provide seniors opportunities for social interaction and activity. Research shows social interaction and activity can improve seniors’ health, a difference that can reduce future reliance on long-term care and the Medicaid system. Meal sites include senior centers, churches and other community focal points.
ODA also received $1.03 million in additional Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) funds to provide community service and work experience, designed to lead to unsubsidized employment for 123 individuals. By the end of the grant period (June 30, 2010) 17 individuals were placed in unsubsidized employment and 68 individuals were transferred to our regular CSCEP ODA program. SCSEP is a paid job-training and work experience program for low-income adults age 55 and older. Not-for-profit agencies and government offices may qualify to be host agency training sites for SCSEP. In hosting, these organizations provide invaluable work experience to participants that will help them secure lasting employment. Learn more.
In March 2010, ODA in partnership with the Ohio Department of Health, received $1,000,000 in ARRA funds to support statewide deployment of the Chronic Disease and Diabetes self-management programs through Ohio’s 12 area agencies on aging and local partners. Ohio has a goal of 3,000 individuals completing these six session workshops by March 2012. As of June 30, 2011, Ohio has produced 1503 completers and is well on its way to reach our goal. Named Healthy U in Ohio, these chronic disease self-management programs help adults of any age gain confidence in their ability to manage symptoms and understand how their health problems affect their lives. Individuals participate in an interactive workshop 2 1/2 hours a week for six weeks.
Thank you for interest in learning how the stimulus funds benefit Ohio’s seniors. Please visit this site on a regular basis for updates on how the monies are being used. To learn about Ohio’s other stimulus funds, visit the state’s stimulus page.
Sincerely,
Bonnie Kantor-Burman
Director
