The Lucas County Department of Planning and Development and Lucas County Job and Family Services are hosting resource and hiring events to showcase community services and employment opportunities for local residents, especially those impacted by the loss of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) emergency allotment benefits.
The events will be held Friday, March 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursday, March 16, 1 to 4 p.m., in the Lucas County Shared Services building, 3737 West Sylvania Avenue. Participants will be able to access the event at entrance B.
“Lucas County wants to bring resources to the community. The overall goal is to provide information from our community and business partners to anyone seeking assistance or employment opportunities,” said Commissioner, Pete Gerken. “We have planned these events to showcase the employers and resources for assistance that can help. This will be an excellent opportunity for people to gather information.”
The fairs are designed especially for those affected by the expiration of the federal SNAP emergency allotment benefits. The department hopes to connect individuals with companies looking for workers and all types of valuable community services.
“We know that there are many individuals and families who are struggling,” Commissioner, Tina Wozniak said. “SNAP is a critical safety net for children, working families and seniors. We are concerned that even though recipients have known this was temporary help, that doesn’t change the fact that it still might be shocking when the additional help ends.”
“While the SNAP Emergency Allotments were authorized to give extra help to people and families during the pandemic, many recipients have grown to rely on the benefits during the three years they have been distributed,” Lisa Sobecki, commissioner said. “Because this is going to negatively impact food security, we are offering assistance for residents to learn about community services and employment opportunities.”
Attendees can also receive information and assistance on housing, utilities, healthcare, childcare, food, transportation services and employment services. Local and state organizations and social service agencies participating include:
•Area Office on Aging
•Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio
•Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities
• Harbor – Wellness Initiative for Senior Education, CareerLink, Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program
•NeighborWorks Toledo
•Water for Ishmael
•PathStone
•TRIO Educational Opportunity Center
•Advocates for Basic Legal Equality
•Neighborhood Properties, Inc.
•Early Head Start Home Visiting •Ohio State University Extension— Expanded Food and Nutrition Program
•Toledo-Lucas County Health Department •Early Intervention Family Council and Help Me Grow Program •Disabled veterans outreach program
•Toledo/Lucas County CareNet
•Pathway—Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Job seekers should come dressed in business casual attire, bring copies of their resume and know their employment history, dates and references to complete employment applications. The computer lab in the Shared Services building will be available to job seekers to print their resumes.
