The State Library of Ohio sponsored a webinar on September 30^th highlighting agencies and resources featured on the Find Help in Tough Times website. The goal of the webinar was to acquaint librarians with state agency resources available to patrons facing tight economic situations. Eight agency representatives, coordinated by Jay Burton, presented overviews of recommended information on job hunting, personal finance, maintaining mental health, housing options, and help for seniors.

 

The 2 ½ hour session began with Michelle Nabors of the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services and a review of the Ohio Means Jobs website. Library patrons can find updated job fair and workshop schedules, explore current job openings, or add a resume for viewing by potential employers.

 

The Ohio Treasurer of State was represented by Anika Chandler, who discussed financial help. Upcoming Smart Money Choices conferences for a variety of audiences, such as farmers, military families, women, Spanish speakers, and dads are listed on the Treasurer’s web site, as well as banks participating in the SaveNOW program. GrowNOW offers small business owners a reduction on business loan rates and creates jobs. The Treasurer’s website also features reduced-rate financing of energy efficiency home improvements and information on financial literacy topics at http://www.tos.ohio.gov/ForYou.aspx.

 

Two representatives of the Ohio Agricultural Extension spoke about consumer publications on financial security and mental health in stressful times. Sharon Seiling continued the financial help theme by pointing out their Financial Resources webpage and the Personal Finance resources at the national Extension website. Library patrons who visit the Extension.org web site can also find expert answers to commonly asked questions under the Answers tab.

 

Susan Shockey, also from the Agricultural Extension, spoke about Ohioline health and wellness resources for families under stress, such as the bulletin In Over Your Head & the communication skills information in the Family section.

 

Lori Stewart of the Ohio Department of Insurance continued the health theme with an overview of consumer affairs publications discussing how to find health insurance, how to locate a long-term care facility, & the Informational Toolkits under the Communications tab. She also pointed out the speaker request form on the website (http://www.insurance.ohio.gov/) for libraries interested in hosting a program on avoiding home improvement scams or many other topics.

 

Dana Smith of the Ohio Housing Finance Agency spoke about the many helpful homeownership publications and programs produced by the agency. Veterans, first-time home buyers, and those looking in special target areas of the state can investigate loan rate reductions, participating banks, and down payment assistance. Homebuyer education tools include a budget sheet, Homebuyer Guide, and appointment scheduling with a housing counselor.

 

Jennifer Flatter of the Ohio Department of Commerce pointed out publications & programs for foreclosure prevention at Ohio’s Save the Dream website. Many state agencies worked together to compile information and referral links to local resources in each county. The web site encourages families to contact lenders, explains how the foreclosure process works, and offers alternatives such as mediation, a hotline phone number, rescue funds, and legal assistance.

 

John Ratliff represented the Ohio Department of Aging and highlighted the money-saving Golden Buckeye program, Ohio’s Best Rx program, and the resources of the state’s twelve Area Agencies on Aging. He also pointed out the Great Depression Story Project & the Ohio Long-Term Care Consumer Guide on the agency website. He concluded by recommending another Ohio Department of Aging website, http://connectmeohio.org/, and http://benefitscheckup.org/ from the National Council on Aging.