| The WSOS Press - August / September 2003 |
Modular homes give the American Dream to some
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| Workers manuever to tie the two parts of the first home together at its location in the Little Bark Creek housing development in Fremont. |
The first of four houses sold to moderate income residents was delivered August 6 to the Little Bark Creek housing development. The homes were made available to first-time homebuyers by the Ohio Housing Finance Agency's Housing Development Assistance Program through WSOS.
WSOS was contracted to offer the four modular-type homes to income-eligible residents in Sandusky County. Income eligibility is based on 50 to 65 percent of the median income of the county, which varies according to family size. However, 50 to 65 percent of the median income of a family of 4 for Sandusky County is $34,650 per year. In addition to income eligibility, residents interested in these two- to three-bedroom homes, must be able to qualify for conventional mortgages. First mortgages are issued by National City Bank, and local contractors are used for site preparation and foundation work. Also, the actual home structure is modular and is manufactured by Randall Homes. One home was scheduled to be delivered in late August and another in September.
Three of the four homes have been sold and the fourth house still needs a buyer. Buyers interested in the fourth home may also seek help from the Downpayment Assistance program (DPA) offered by WSOS. This program can help families plan and secure funding for their first home. It provides them with credit counseling, homeownership counseling, and other activities related to homeownership. It is available in Ottawa, Seneca, and Sandusky counties.
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Board Profile
Liskai seeks to maintain quality services to seniors & children
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| DAN LISKAI |
Name: Daniel Liskai
Address: Woodville
Family: Wife Sharon;son Nate; Son Heath; daughter Ericka; and 10 grandchildren
Occupation: Sandusky County commissioner. Dan is also a member of the Sandusky County Records Commission, the Community Corrections of Sandusky County, State Community Corrections Board, Workforce Investment Act Board, the Ottawa-Sandusky-Seneca Solid Waste Board of Directors and Policy Committee, the Investment Advisory Committee of Sandusky County, Sandusky County Revolving Loan Fund Board, and the Texas Migrant Council.
Board Status: He joined the WSOS Board of Directors in January 2003.
Goal as a board member: Dan wants to help maintain quality services not only to area senior citizens, but also to children and their families.
Hobbies/Interests: Dan's main interest is farming. He farms with his son Nate. However, his big passion is golfing.
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CCC camp sets tentative date for re-opening
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| Ashley Streaker, above, a youth in the WIA Youth program trims hedges at the Barney Quilter CCC Camp. WIA youths are working at the camp until funding is released to re-open the facility. |
The Barney Quilter Civilian Conservation Corps Camp in Green Springs has set a tentative date for Octover 1. SInce the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) closed the camp die to budget cuts, WSOS became involved to pursue funding to maintain this vital resource in our community. Gov. Bob Taft agreed to provide about $750,000 for this effort. However, the funds are not yet released. This means that camp participants cannot be hired yet.
Agreements with ODNR are being negotiated. Also, once the funding agreement with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is completed and signed funds should be released to begin operations. Since the camp has closed, youth enrolled in the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program, operated by WSOS, have been doing the maintenance of the grounds and buildings. They have also maintained the recycling operation the camp was contracted to do for the Solid Waste District.
The $750,000 is the result of a $927,800 request that WSOS made to ODJFS in April. WSOS is also awaiting word on a $491,625 proposal to the National Association of Service and Conservation Corps.
The funds will provide, education, employment, and training to 183 at-risk youths.
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Director's Corner
Caregiver education helps seniors families
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Robin Richter
Acting Director |
Traditionally, the older adult is viewed as the consumer of senior services and the focus of the care planning process. However, in this past year WSOS Senior Programs have been ablt to provide services to families of seniors as well.
Family caregivers are the support system that holds up the growing fragile elderly population. Statistics indicate that an extamted 80 percent of all care for older adults is provided by family members. WSOS Senior Programs began a series of workshops aimed at providing information to such familes. Information made available to help the caregiver include: workshops, support groups, and/or one-on-one home visits customized to meet the caregiver's needs.
In 2002, 492 families in Sandusky and Ottawa counties participated in the program, receiving support for the care they provide their loved ones.
WSOS partners with other organizations in our community to provide information to families.
We are excited to be able to provide ths comprehensive family development approach to senior services. We are seeking resources continually to enhance this effort.
The National Family Caregiver Support Program through the Area Office On Aging of Northwest Ohio funds the caregiver project.
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The United Way of Sandusky County provided students in the New Directions Summer/After School Program with fishing poles in July and took them fishing. This event was part of the United Way's "Hooked on Fishing - Not Drugs" campaign.
Ottawa County Senior Programs had its first summer picnic on August 27 at the Lakeview Park Pavilion in Port Clinton. The event was co-sponsored by Edgewood Manor Nursing Center and WSOS.
New Directions Summer/After School Program completed another successful summer program on August 1. The program served 300 children in the Fremont program. This is about 100 more than the goal. The Clyde program served 140, about 40 more than the goal.
Senior Programs is continuing to distribute coupons to area senior citizens to buy locally grown produce from area farmers' markets. Coupons for September and October will be distributed at WSOS Senior Centers in Ottawa and Sandusky counties from the 1st-15th of the month, or until gone, whichever comes first.
In August, the Sandusky River Watershed Coalition conducted a clean sweep of Wightman's Grove on the Sandusky River and recvoverd 40 tires from the river. |
Familiar Face
Morrison wants to create a welcome environment for staff, families
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| KATHY MORRISON |
Name: Kathy Morrison
Address: Fourth Street, Fremont
Family: Husband of 30 years, John; Sons John, Mike, Chris, & Jeff; and two lovely granddaughters Hunter & Hannah.
Occupation: Currently, Kathy is the Assistant Sandusky County Director and manager of the Fremont Family Development Center. She started at WSOS in 1990 as a Home Visitor at the Clyde center. She has served also as Head Home Visitor and Childcare Specialist.
Favoritepart of the job: Kathy said she loves interacting with the families at the Fremont center. She is especially thrilled when a child or parent accomplishes a goal. "To witness the families in the process, their struggles and setbacks, then their achievements is a privi-
Goals: Her goal is to create an environment where staff is encouraged to give their best while enjoying their work. She said she also wants families to feel welcome at the center and to always enjoy the time they spend there.
Hobbies/Interests: Kathy loves her flower garden where she has a Japanese Koi pond. She is also passionate about music and dancing and enjoys reading a good science fiction book. In her spare time, she participates in Jazzercise, which has been a 20-year commitment for her!
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