Information and Referral Service – Primary Service of First Call For Help
Free, confidential to all Tiffin and Seneca County residents
Resource information given to answer questions about
Financial needs
Housing
Food
Substance Abuse/Mental Health Issues
Transportation
Utility Assistance
Recreation
And many other needs or questions
Direction for solving most of life’s problems
Compute
rized database written for Information and Referral services contains over 290 local, state, and national agencies to give help to people seeking assistance with a variety of needs. Consultation for community agencies with client referrals and assistance. Average of 650 per month
Volunteer Link
Goal is to promote volunteerism in the community through a series of projects. o Volunteer Link – monthly classified ad style media feature where agencies may advertise for volunteer help
o Helps potential volunteers find the right placement for their interests and talents. Disaster Services
o Volunteer Reception Center for staffing spontaneous volunteers in the event of a disaster in Seneca County. o Information and Referral Services for community agencies and individuals in times of disaster. Direct Assistance Programs
Eligibility determined for most programs at face-to-face interview
Programs funded by donations and grants from the community
School Supplies
Brand new school supplies for children grades K-8 enrolled in Tiffin/Seneca County schools
Family income eligible for Federal Reduced Lunch Program or extreme financial hardship. Applications taken in June – distribution in August
Funded by donations from individuals and organizations in the community. Approximately 300 children per year return to school equipped and ready to learn
Seneca County Emergency Heating Fund
Help of $175 maximum payment once per household Dec. – April to prevent loss of home heating due to inability to pay
Funded by community churches and organizations, individual donations, National Machinery Foundation, Meshech Frost Foundation, B.A. Seitz Fund, Allen Eiry Fund
100 Tiffin/Seneca households helped per year
Christmas Corner
Links people to the appropriate agencies for help with holiday gifts and food for underprivileged households. Gift Certificates to Tiffin merchants for teen members (ages 12-17) of families receiving help for holidays. Around 125 teens per year have a happier Christmas because of this program
Allen Eiry Fund
Help for income eligible senior citizens (ages 60+) with rent, utilities and prescription costs once per program period. Funding is provided by the Allen Eiry Fund.
35 senior households assisted in each year
H2O Fund
Water bill assistance of $30 for Tiffin city households. Help given once per year
Funded by Meshech Frost Foundation and Ohio American Water Company
33-50 Tiffin households helped each year
