It’s a busy time of preparation here at OVO! Head Start staff have been preparing for the upcoming school year by enrolling new students, training staff and organizing classrooms. The Energy Assistance Summer Cooling Program came to a close and staff have been preparing applications for the upcoming Winter Program. Our Weatherization staff are getting ready for the close of their program in September by inspecting, auditing and weatherizing homes before the deadline. Through all this hard work, we had some incredible successes in the month of August:

• Our agency had incredible results from our annual independent audit! We welcome monitorings and audits as it gives us the opportunity to show the good work we do for our communities!
• We helped 70 families keep their house safe and cool during the summer heat by distributing much needed air conditioners!
• The Weatherization Assistance Program received $5,000 in funds from Vectren Share the Warmth to help us with the costs of weatherizing homes.
• The Annual Head Start grant was successfully submitted.
• Thirty names were pulled from the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) waiting list!
• Energy Assistance Program staff attended training to learn about exciting changes coming to the 2018-19 program year. Among these changes is an increase in income eligibility, which will give us the opportunity to assist more households with the high cost of heating and cooling!
• We held our second annual company picnic at Ceraland Park in Columbus. Staff were able to bring their families, enjoy a delicious lunch catered by the Pines, and enjoy the many recreational activities provided.
• We had a GREAT week of Preservice! Every year, our entire Head Start team spends a week before classes begin to complete required training that prepares for them for the school year ahead. This year, Preservice was kicked off by our Executive Director, Elaina Freeman, and staff from each of our program areas as they presented on OVO history, culture, and the services we provide.
• The Weatherization Program received an additional $20,000 in LIHEAP Healthy Funds to help with the
• Energy Assistance Summer Cool Program assisted over 2,500 households!
• Energy Assistance Program staff were able to meet with vendors across our service area and received much positive feedback about our program!
• The Madison Hilltop Dollar General collected $385.75 in donated school supplies for our Head Start preschoolers! As always, we are so thankful for community support!
• Head Start and Section 8 staff attended great leadership training!
• In August, we helped five families find safe housing through the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

Be sure to check back with use next month to hear more of our awesome news and fun happenings! Go OVO!