In the past two years OIC has confronted and addressed some of the most important and challenging human service issues our county has faced in more than twenty years. As rental assistance funding from COVID went away, the homeless crisis in Clark County grew. OIC addressed these challenges by seeking funds approved directly from Governor Dewine. The results from this advocacy gave hundreds homeless families with children, veterans, and
returning citizens from incarceration a warm shelter at our county's only homeless Shelter. During this same time, the dedicated staff helped over 10,000 low-income county residents with funds to save them from having their utilities disconnected. Next year, OIC will
celebrate its 25th anniversary of its alternative High School. Over the years it has served more than 1000 students who were able to receive their high school diplomas from their home school. And most recently, OIC and other organizations initiated funding and strategic planning to reduce youth Gun Violence in our community by submitting and receiving a 1.6-million-dollar department of justice grant.  All of these efforts allow OIC to advocate on behalf of the disadvantaged, the struggling, and those who just want a hand up not a handout. During this month and in the months ahead,
please remember our work and speak to those that will listen about how important all of these programs are to our community and the individuals we serve.