MYCAP - Mahoning-Youngstown Community Action Partnership

06/25/2014

SUMMER CRISIS PROGRAM BEGINS JULY 1 AT MYCAP

Beginning this Tuesday, July 1, 2014 the Home Energy Assistance Program’s (HEAP) Summer Crisis Program begins at the Mahoning Youngstown Community Action Partnership offices in Youngstown and Sebring.

Mahoning County residents are eligible if their household income is at or below 175% of the 2014 Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) listed below; they meet the eligibility criteria; and they provide the necessary documentation. The program runs through August 31, 2014.

Size of Household Total Household Annual Income Past Three Months Income
1 $20,442.50 $5,105.63
2 $27,527.50 $6,881.88
3 $34,632.50 $8,658.13
4 $41,737.50 $10,434.38
5 $48,842.50 $12,210.63
6 $55,947.50 $13,986.88

For households with more than six members, add $7,105 per member for 12 months, or $1,776.25 for three months. The period to be used in determining annual income must not be more than 12 months, or less than the 90-day period immediately preceding the request for assistance by the household.


Eligible Applicants

• Individuals with a documented medical condition verifying that they have a medical illness and would benefit from an air conditioner or continued electric service
• Individuals age 60 and over

Required Documentation

• Income for the primary applicant and all household members 18 years of age and older
• Social Security Numbers for the primary applicant and all household members
• Proof of medical condition documentation signed by a licensed physician (does not apply to individuals age 60 and over)
• Both primary and electric heating bills
• Proof of disability, if disabled

Types of Benefits

• Air Conditioner
• Fan
• Utility Assistance
• Central Air Condition Repair
• Total Benefit amount cannot exceed $350 for regulated utility customers (This may include a combination of benefits)

However, a person should be aware that they may not receive all of the benefits listed above. Also, if an individual received an air conditioner or fan in 2011, 2012, or 2013, through HEAP’s Summer Crisis Program, they are not eligible to receive another air conditioning unit or fan.

All customers who meet the eligibility criteria must schedule an appointment at the MYCAP office in Youngstown by calling the toll free Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system at 1-866-223-1125, or the MYCAP Western Mahoning County office at 330-938-6166, extension 1500.

Residents should be aware that MYCAP only accepts walk-in appointments for the Summer Crisis Program for those whose service is already disconnected. All others must schedule an appointment by phone.

05/21/2014

ELECTRIC PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (EPP) HELPS RESIDENTS IN MAHONING COUNTY WITH REPLACEMENT OF LIGHT BULBS, REFRIGERATOR AND/OR FREEEZER

The Mahoning Youngstown Community Action Partnership (MYCAP) and the Ohio Development Services Agency offer the Electric Partnership Program (EPP) to help eligible residents in Mahoning County find out if their appliances are energy efficient.

If eligible, the program provides residents with new compact fluorescent light bulbs and possibly replaces a refrigerator and/or freezer with a brand new Energy Star Model that is energy efficient.

EPP has a goal to improve the electric efficiency of income eligible households who participate in or are eligible for PIPP Plus (Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus) by performing in-home audits and installing appropriate electric energy efficiency measures.

MYCAP has energy auditors who visit homes and do thorough assessments on electrical units such as televisions, lamps, air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers and other major appliances. Auditors use a kilowatt meter to determine what items are energy efficient, and which ones are not. Each assessment takes between 1 ½ - 2 hours to complete.

Upon completion, the auditor inputs the data, it’s analyzed and a detailed summary is available for the homeowner. The report then shows how much electricity each appliance uses and information on ways to reduce consumption is explained.

EPP services are available only to those residents who meet the eligibility requirements. One of the requirements is that residents must meet the income guidelines at 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines listed below.

Size of Household Total Gross Annual Household Income
1 up to $ 17,235
2 up to $ 23,265
3 up to $ 29,295
4 up to $ 35,325
5 up to $ 41,355
6 up to $ 47,385
7 up to $ 53,415
8 up to $ 59,445

Potential applicants must call MYCAP in Youngstown at 330-747-7921, ext. 1765 to see if they qualify and to schedule an electric energy assessment.

05/15/2014

Reminder

What: The Mahoning Youngstown Community Action Partnership (MYCAP) will have their 2nd annual Community Action Awareness Day Event

When: (Tomorrow) Friday, May 16, 2014

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Where: Wick Park Recreation Center, 260 Park Ave., inside of Wick Park, Youngstown, OH 44504

Who is invited: Everyone is Welcome

Cost: Free

Some of the Activities Planned:
• MYCAP and over 20 local agencies will have information about the services they provide
• Youngstown Mayor John McNally will present a Proclamation to MYCAP at Noon (Tentative)
• Free food, snacks and beverages will be available to the community beginning at 11:30 a.m.
• A variety of giveaways will be distributed
• Free Blood Pressure Screenings will be provided by Walgreens
• A Bounce House and Maze will be set up courtesy of the Stambaugh Charter Academy
• A Celebration of 50 years of Community Action Agencies in America

More Information: Call MYCAP at 330-747-7921, ext. 1738 or 1805
Day of the event contacts: Francine Jeffries or Al Stabilito, MYCAP’s Outreach & Communications

05/12/2014

We celebrate Month & say thanks to some of our nat’l partners:

05/12/2014

MYCAP’S COMMUNITY ACTION AWARENESS DAY IS THIS FRIDAY MAY 16 INSIDE WICK PARK

May is Community Action Awareness Month. The Mahoning Youngstown Community Action Partnership (MYCAP), the local community action agency in Mahoning County, will celebrate Community Action Awareness Day from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. this Friday, May 16, at the Wick Park Recreation Center, inside of Wick Park, 260 Park Avenue, Youngstown.

Besides MYCAP, there will be more than 20 other local agencies on-hand with information about their services and programs.

“The goal of this event is not only to educate the public about what we offer to the community, but to bring together other agencies so they can meet with people and distribute information about their services,” said R. Renee Walton, CEO of MYCAP. “Often, people don’t realize all of the resources available right here in our area. This event is another way MYCAP is working to reduce poverty and help the people who live in Mahoning County.”

A variety of giveaways such as miniature piggy banks, fans, water bottles, magnets, sidewalk chalk, flash cards, crayons and bubbles will be available. Also, there will be games, face painting, jump rope, hula hoops and other entertainment for children. The Stambaugh Charter Academy will have a bounce house and a maze.

Youngstown Mayor John McNally will present a proclamation to MYCAP at Noon. There will be free food beginning at 11:30 a.m. Also, some of the individuals who have benefited from MYCAP’s programs will be on hand to tell their story about how MYCAP helped.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of Community Action Agencies (CAA) across the United States. In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Economic Opportunity Act. The Act included programs to combat poverty and included the creation of Community Action Agencies.

CAA’s change people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities and makes America a better place to live. They care about the entire community and are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.

There are more than 1,100 local, private, non-profit and public Community Action Agencies that work to alleviate poverty and empower low-income families in communities throughout the United States.
There is no typical CAA. No two CAA’s are exactly alike because each is governed by the leadership and specific needs of the local community. However, one typical CAA approach is they all fight to improve the lives of those with limited resources.
MYCAP has two offices. One is located at the corner of Broadway Ave. and Fifth Ave. at 1325 Fifth Avenue in Youngstown. The other is at 305 North 15th Street in Sebring. There is also a Head Start administrative office at 1350 Fifth Avenue in Youngstown and nine Head Start sites throughout Mahoning County.
MYCAP strives to alleviate and prevent the causes of poverty. They plan and implement quality services designed to educate and empower eligible residents of Mahoning County with a goal of moving toward self-sufficiency.

For more information about MYCAP’s Community Action Awareness Day, call 330-747-7921, ext. 1738 or 1805, or visit www.my-cap.org.


Al
Al Stabilito

Mission Statement The Mahoning Youngstown Community Action Partnership (MYCAP) will strive to alleviate and prevent the causes of poverty. We will plan and implement quality services designed to educate and empower eligible residents of Mahoning County with a goal ofmoving toward self-sufficiency.

05/09/2014

SAVINGS:

1) Hot water tanks (if gas) have the setting on 110 degrees. (saving 125.00 per year).
2) Use cold water wash, only use Warm/ HOT, if badly stain clothing.
3) Use those aerators in all of your faucets (they cost 1.00 and can have a savings of 50.00 per year).
4) Keep the freezers and refrigerators full (even if you have to fill half gallon contains from milk or juice with water), they are MORE energy efficient.
5) Fill a 16 to 20 ounce water bottle with sand or pebbles, replace cap, place one in toilet tank, (can save one quart of water per flush).

GO GREEN:
1) When storing those fashion boots, use clean empty one liter bottles. Place one in each tall boot and they will not fall over and get those creases.
2) Reactivate those water-resistant items, place hair dryer on highest setting and go over the entire item, it will reactivate the coating.
3) Reuse the empty paper towel rolls, to hide and store those computer/TV/ entertainment cords. This will also keep them untangled.
4) Be the pancake chief, don’t throw away those empty squeeze containers (ketchup/ mayo/ mustard), clean and fill with the batter and you will have perfect and precise pancakes, maybe even some unique ones.
5) Can’t get that last bit of butter from the tub, throw in some veggies and microwave—voila—yummy veggies.

Sandy Thompson

05/08/2014

MYCAP Supports Google’s City Challenge to Get Your Business Online Program

MYCAP has joined with the City of Youngstown along with other local organizations to meet Google’s City Challenge to increase businesses online in the Youngstown community.

Mayor John McNally encourages Youngstown business owners and others to join him and accept the challenge. Launching a web presence has never been faster, easier, or more affordable. Get Your Business Online provides small business owners and others with a custom domain name, web hosting and access to educational resources -- all free for one year.

According to Mayor McNally, “Although 97% of internet users are now looking online to find local products and services, 58% of American businesses still do not have a website.”

MYCAP is in support of local agencies and companies going online and establishing a website because it will provide more information for their customers about resources they can use, but did not realize existed.

Together, we can build stronger businesses and a better future for Youngstown. To get started, or for more information, click on this link www.cityofyoungstown.com or call 330-744-1708.



Al
Al Stabilito
Outreach & Communications
Mahoning Youngstown Community Action Partnership
1325 Fifth Avenue
Youngstown, Ohio 44504

The City of Youngstown Ohio business directory and information. News, blog and business listings for Youngstown Ohio, USA.

05/07/2014

HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (HEAP) CONTINUES THROUGH MAY 31 AT MYCAP OFFICES IN YOUNGSTOWN AND SEBRING

Applications for the 2013-2014 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) will be accepted through May 31, 2014. Applications are available at the Mahoning Youngstown Community Action Partnership (MYCAP) offices located at 1325 Fifth Avenue in Youngstown, the Western Mahoning County office located at 305 N. 15th Street in Sebring, or online at www.energyhelp.ohio.gov.

(HEAP) is a federally funded program administered by the Ohio Development Services Agency Office of Community Assistance. It is designed to help eligible low-income Ohioans meet the high costs of home heating. For those eligible for assistance, the amount of the one-time HEAP benefit depends on federal funding levels, how many people live in the household, total household income and the primary fuel used to heat the home. In most cases, the one-time benefit will be a credit applied to an energy bill by the utility company, or fuel vendor.

Applicants for HEAP must be at or below 175 percent of the 2013 fiscal year federal poverty income guidelines listed below.

Size of Household Total Annual Income

1 $20,108
2 $27,143
3 $34,178
4 $41,213
5 $48,248
6 $55,283
7 $62,318
8 $69,353
For households with more than eight people, add $7,035 per person.

A household applying for HEAP must report total gross household income for the past 12 months for all members, except wage or salary income earned by dependent minors under 18 years old.

All income and allowed exclusions must be documented for household members 18 years of age and older regardless of relationship to the primary applicant. Heads of households and spouses may never be considered minors. Some of the types of gross household income include wages, interest, dividends, annuities and pensions.

Both homeowners and renters are eligible for HEAP assistance. However, families who live in federally subsidized housing where the heat is included in the rent are not eligible for HEAP.

For more information call the MYCAP office in Youngstown at 330-747-7921, the Western Mahoning County office at 330-938-6166.

The Home Energy Saver Calculator is designed to help consumers identify the best ways to save energy in their homes and find the resources to make that savings happen. This website was created for the US Department of Energy by the Environmental Energy Technologies Division Lawrence Berkeley Nationa…

05/05/2014

Nat’l Month in May honors our agencies’ work helping families escape poverty

05/05/2014

R E M I N D E R

MYCAP is hosting a table!

Thursday, May 8: 5pm – 8pm, Mom’s Nite Out / Indulge, Southern Park Mall,
special discounts, samples, demonstrations & more. First 125 Women to receive a
Goody Bag of coupons, samples. . .This event is “Free” and open to the public.

Francine Jeffries, MHA

05/01/2014

• Saturday, May 31: 8am – 12pm, Streetscape 2014, We Canna! Canna You? Central
Square Tent, Youngstown CityScape. Donations and Volunteers are needed.
Donation: $100 or more---payable to The Youngstown Foundation
Donation: Less than $100—payable to Youngstown CityScape
Contact: Youngstown CityScape 330-742-4040
Website: www.youngstowncityscape.com

05/01/2014

• Wednesday, May 28: 5pm - 7pm, MYCAP’s Dress Down Campaign/Second Harvest
Food Bank. Volunteers from MYCAP will be assisting with the loading and packaging
of food. Also at that time, we will present Second Harvest Food Bank with a check of
the donations collected from dress down days. Volunteers are needed.
Contact: Francine330-747-7921 x1738 or Al x1805 to take part as a Volunteer.