<![CDATA[Champaign County Department of Job and Family Services - News]]>Tue, 19 May 2026 03:31:38 -0400EditMySite<![CDATA[World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2026 Webinar]]>Fri, 08 May 2026 14:28:17 GMThttps://www.champaigndjfs.org/news/world-elder-abuse-awareness-day-2026-webinar
Fraud and scams can have serious and lasting effects on older adults, affecting their finances, emotional well-being, and sense of security. In a report to Congress, the Federal Trade Commission estimated that, after accounting for underreporting, older adults lost up to $81.5 billion to fraud in 2024. This webinar will highlight underlying factors and communication strategies that support recovery, rebuild trust, and help reduce the risk of repeat victimization. 
 
This webinar is co-hosted by the National Center on Elder Abuse, U.S. Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative, National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life, and National District Attorneys Association. 
 
Panelists:
  • Amy Nofziger, Director of Fraud Victim Support, AARP Fraud Watch Network
  • Jennifer Lawrence, DSW, LICSW, Director of Clinical Programs and Trauma Recovery, FightCyberCrime.org 
  • Miles McNeely, LCSW, Vice President, Elder Abuse Prevention, WISE & Healthy Aging 
  • Pete Staffell, Principal, Roll and Flow
  • Older adult with lived experience
 
Registration link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Egf950glSaKsn4MsZdQENA#/registration
]]><![CDATA[Federal Government Shutdown 2025 Questions and Answers]]>Mon, 03 Nov 2025 15:25:15 GMThttps://www.champaigndjfs.org/news/federal-government-shutdown-2025-questions-and-answersUpdated: 11/1/2025
For the most current information, go to jfs.ohio.gov

If the federal shutdown continues, will SNAP benefits be issued for November?
  • No. As of November 1, 2025, all November SNAP benefit allotments are suspended until sufficient federal funding is provided or until the federal government issues further direction. This includes fair hearing benefits for November.

Will OWF benefits be issued for November?
  • Yes. OWF benefits will be issued for November 2025.

What will happen if I apply for SNAP in November?
  • If you apply for SNAP in November, your county JFS agency will process your application normally. If you are eligible, you will receive an approval notice, but November SNAP benefit allotments are suspended until sufficient federal funding is provided or until the federal government issues further direction.

What if I applied before November but my application is still pending?
  • If you applied for SNAP prior to November but your application is pending, the county agency will process your application normally. We are waiting to hear from the federal government if benefits you are eligible for prior to November can be issued before the shutdown ends.

​How can I check my case/benefits? 
  • You can log into the Ohio Benefits self-service portal at benefits.ohio.gov or call 1-844-640-6446 to speak to someone about your case. You can also call the number on the back of your EBT card or use the Connect EBT app to get balance information.

Do I have fair hearing rights on the suspension of benefits due to the federal government shutdown?
  • No. Per the federal government, there are no fair hearing rights on the suspension of benefits.


Can I still redeem SNAP benefits received prior to November 1, 2025?
  • Yes. You may continue to use benefits issued to your EBT card prior to November 1, 2025, at any SNAP-authorized retailer. The suspension applies only to November 2025 benefits and does not impact any prior benefits. The use of benefits at eligible retailers is not impacted.

Will my county JFS office remain open?
  • At this time, county JFS offices will remain open.

Do I need to meet my requirements in November?
  • Yes. You are required to maintain all program requirements to remain eligible for any retroactive benefits that may be issued at the conclusion of the federal shutdown.

Where can I go to get help with food?
  • Your local food bank or food pantry may be able to help meet your food needs. To find your local food bank or pantry, go to ohiofoodbanks.org
]]><![CDATA[2025 Champaign County Community Christmas Sign-Ups]]>Thu, 23 Oct 2025 15:49:56 GMThttps://www.champaigndjfs.org/news/2025-champaign-county-community-christmas-sign-ups
​2025 Applications for Champaign County Community Christmas (CCCC) will be Monday, Nov. 10th and Thursday, Nov. 13th, from 9 am to 11 am / 6 pm to 8 pm. We are asking applicants to please refrain from bringing more people than necessary to apply, including children. Please note: this program is for families and seniors who qualify according to federal guidelines.

Families with children, and Senior Citizens who believe their financial need may qualify them for Champaign County Community Christmas, will need to complete an 
application form at the Champaign County Community Center, 1512 S. US Highway 68, Urbana. Please note: this program follows the national US poverty guidelines to determine eligibility. See graphic in the event discussion.

In order to apply, all applicants must bring the following items:
Family Applicants (any household with children living in the house):
  • Must reside in Champaign County. If a photo ID is not current, please provide proof of residence in the form of an utility bill, etc.
  • Must have custodial rights of children on application (All Children up to 17 years-old and only 18 year-olds who are still in high school will be eligible for gift cards.)
  • Bring all household pay stubs for the most recent 4 weeks and all income records for everyone in the household (including child support information)
  • Original Social Security Cards for everyone in the household
  • Photo ID for the person applying
Senior Applicants (age 60 and over who do not have children living with them):
  • Must reside in Champaign County. If a photo ID is not current, please provide proof of residence in the form of an utility bill, etc.
  • Must be 60 or older on date of applying. Seniors with custody of children will complete a Family application and must meet its eligibility requirements.
  • Bring all household pay stubs for the most recent 4 weeks and all income records for everyone in the household (including social security, pension, retirement, etc.)
  • Original Social Security Cards for everyone in the household
  • Photo ID for the person applying

For questions, you may call 937-969-0189. This is an automated answering service. You may leave a voice message or send a text.

Champaign County Community Christmas is privately funded by concerned citizens, businesses and churches who are committed to assist those in need at Christmastime. There is no guarantee that eligible applicants will receive help through CCCC, as the amount of funds available is unknown until the time of CCCC Distribution.
]]><![CDATA[Calling All Young Artists: Coloring Contest Open for 2027 Children's Sticker Calendar]]>Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:50:59 GMThttps://www.champaigndjfs.org/news/calling-all-young-artists-coloring-contest-open-for-2027-childrens-sticker-calendarThe Champaign County Department of Job and Family Services (DJFS) Child Support Division is proud to support creativity and connection through art—one drawing at a time. We are excited to invite local children to participate in the statewide coloring contest for the 2027 Children’s Sticker Calendar.

This annual contest offers kids across Ohio the chance to have their artwork featured in a calendar designed to help families stay organized with visitations, appointments, and other important milestones. The 2026 calendar cover, in fact, features the vibrant artwork of Eleanor Wright—one of our very own young artists right here in Champaign County.

Now, we’re looking for the next round of creative submissions!

How to Participate:
Children may submit an original, hand-drawn piece of art—or choose to color one of the attached templates. All entries must follow these guidelines:
  • Artwork must be on 8.5" x 11" white paper, landscape orientation
  • Each drawing should include the child’s first name and age
  • A photo release form (below) must be signed and submitted as a separate document (do not print it on the back of the coloring page)
  • Optional: use the blank coloring sheet or included coloring book page

Submissions may be selected for the 2027 Children’s Sticker Calendar or for other Child Support Awareness Month materials.

We look forward to seeing the imagination and talent of Champaign County’s youth shine through their artwork!

For questions or to return completed entries and signed release forms, please contact the Champaign County DJFS Child Support Division.

Together, let’s inspire creativity and celebrate the importance of family connection.
]]><![CDATA[Champaign County Transportation RFP Q & A]]>Mon, 14 Apr 2025 04:03:00 GMThttps://www.champaigndjfs.org/news/champaign-county-transportation-rfp-q-a
]]><![CDATA[Request for Proposal (RFP)]]>Mon, 14 Apr 2025 04:02:00 GMThttps://www.champaigndjfs.org/news/request-for-proposal-rfp5454448
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]]><![CDATA[Champaign County Youth RFP Q & A]]>Mon, 14 Apr 2025 04:01:00 GMThttps://www.champaigndjfs.org/news/champaign-county-youth-rfp-q-a
]]><![CDATA[Request for Proposal (RFP)]]>Mon, 14 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.champaigndjfs.org/news/request-for-proposal-rfp
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]]><![CDATA[Title XX Public Hearing Notice]]>Fri, 14 Mar 2025 13:30:00 GMThttps://www.champaigndjfs.org/news/title-xx-public-hearing-notice1240927To the Residents of Champaign County: The Champaign County Department of Job & Family Services and the Mental Health, Drug & Alcohol Services Board of Logan and Champaign Counties, will hold a Title XX Public Hearing beginning at 4:00p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 1512 S. US Hwy 68, Suite N100, Urbana. The purpose of this hearing is to provide opportunity for input as to the Social Service needs of Champaign County and review the agencies proposed plans for program years beginning October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2027.

We want to encourage citizen participation in planning for public social services and, as such, you are cordially invited to attend this public hearing. Whether you are a member for an advocacy group, an agency representative, or a Champaign County citizen, your views and comments are important to our planning process. Should you desire to give testimony at the hearing, it is requested that you contact Stacy Cox, Champaign County Department of Job & Family Services (937) 484-1500 ext. 2758 or Adam Sorensen, Mental Health, Drug & Alcohol Services board of Logan and Champaign Counties, (937) 465-1045 so we may allow time for you.

Written testimony may be sent to either of the agencies listed above – please contact them for mailing address. If you do not desire to provide testimony, you are still encouraged to attend to see how the planning process works.

As social service agencies for YOU, we are looking forward to seeing you at the Public Hearing and, hopefully through our mutual effort, we can develop a meaningful service plan for the citizens for Champaign County.

Stacy Cox, Director
Champaign County Department of Job and Family Services

Adam Sorensen, Executive Director
Mental Health, Drug & Alcohol Services Board of Logan and Champaign Counties]]><![CDATA[PUBLIC NOTICE October 10, 2024]]>Thu, 10 Oct 2024 13:10:20 GMThttps://www.champaigndjfs.org/news/public-notice-october-10-2024
PUBLIC NOTICE October 10, 2024 This notice is given to inform you that the Champaign County Department of Job and Family Services’ Prevention, Retention and Contingency (PRC) Plan is currently in the process of being amended. Once amendments are finalized and signed by the Director, the amended plan will be located on our website at http://www.champaigndjfs.org/.
This notice is given to inform you that the Champaign County Department of Job and Family Services’ Prevention, Retention and Contingency (PRC) Plan is currently in the process of being amended. Once amendments are finalized and signed by the Director, the amended plan will be located on our website at http://www.champaigndjfs.org/.
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