Family Success Network UpdateFamily Success Network (FSN) is a voluntary program designed to strengthen and support families based on their unique needs. Services include money management, financial assistance, parenting support and education, and family coaching. The Ohio Children’s Trust Fund (OCTF) awards funding to community-based organizations to provide FSN services to families in Brown, Clermont, Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Lucas, Mahoning, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, and Wood counties. OCTF presented on FSN at the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood’s Fatherhood Summit on September 25, and information about FSN was shared at the most recent Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Directors Association (ODJFSDA) meeting, in preparation for a potential FSN/Ohio Works First pilot program. OCTF holds FSN Community of Practice events to provide opportunities for collaboration, sharing of outcomes, and professional development for all FSN site staff. The most recent Community of Practice was held on October 8 in Columbus. In addition to structured collaboration activities, this full day event included presentations from the Ohio Equity Initiative and Ohio Works First to discuss potential partnerships that could allow FSN to serve more participants in need of services. Since July, FSN has served nearly 250 families. Family Coaches in Cuyahoga County have helped nearly 30 families apply for funding to help with long-term rental assistance, utilities, and furniture. FSN is launching its newest sites in Franklin and Stark counties. On September 11, Franklin County launched its FSN and has served 21 families in less than one month. In Stark County, the new FSN site is set to host a kick-off event and begin serving families soon. |