Reflection from our Executive Director, Michael Calabrese on the passing of Senator Orrin Hatch, the longest-serving GOP senator in US history:
In 1997 I was asked to present to a congressional subcommittee for the new Workforce Investment Act (WIA). While nervously awaiting my turn to present, I sat on a bench outside the chamber. The very well dressed Senator Orrin Hatch sat down next to me (I recognized him right away) and asked me if I was presenting. He then explained how the proceedings would unfold, gave me a few words of encouragement and thanked me for my work and for testimony.
Senator Hatch was a class act and a true statesman that worked across the isle and got things done. His passing last week puts a huge dent in the senate’s ability to learn from former members.
Mike Calabrese
Welcome to Opportunities for Individual Change (OIC) of Clark County
"Helping Others Help Themselves"
Believe in Yourself...
Believe you can do anything anyone else can do, but you must Believe it.
You’re like a balloon...
It’s Not Your Color that makes you Rise...but what you have Inside of You.
-Rev. Dr. Leon H. Sullivan, Founder of OIC
Our Mission
OIC of Clark County provides services designed to reduce poverty and to promote employment and education.
Our Vision
Providing hope, opportunities and skills for a better life.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) & Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LI-HWAP):
If you need assistance with your heating source and water bill, applications are located at 920 W. Main St., in the OIC's Administrative building lobby, Monday-Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. except for holidays.
LI-HWAP PSA: Started October 27, 2021 and goes through September 30, 2022 or until funds run out.
HEAP Winter Crisis Program (WCP) PSA: Started November 1, 2021 and goes through March 31, 2022.
Application Packet
Self Declaration of Income Form
To schedule an appointment: 937-342-3186
COVID-19 Emergency Housing Assistance:
Rent and Trash
If you have been effected by COVID-19 and need help with your Rent, Trash or Heating Source bills, you may qualify for assistance.
(Our Mortgage and Property Taxes funding has been depleted.)
Assistances packets can be picked up at 920 W. Main St, in the OIC's Administrative building lobby, Monday-Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. except for holidays.
Client Application Packet
Landlord Packet
What will you be doing in 2022???
Vocational Training Classes-Could this be you???
Looking for a career that pays well and offers opportunities for growth and advancement?
Changes in technology and consumer behavior continue to increase demand for jobs in supply chain management, warehouse distribution and delivery.
With just 6 weeks training, you can earn credentials to help you start a career in the industry of supply chain logistics.
Call: 937-631-1868 or 937-244-2849 for information
OIC is partnering with several businesses in the area for employment opportunities!
Need Additional Information or Help?
Take this brief survey to help us understand your needs and an OIC representative will contact you: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q5GDRNP
Questions about the status of your Rent, Trash, HEAP, PIPP or Water Application???
If you have questions on the status of your Rent, Mortgage, Water or HEAP application:
email: [email protected] or call: 937-325-8366
If you have dropped off your HEAP paperwork, please call 937.342.3186 to schedule your appointment.
COMMUNITY SERVICE BLOCK GRANT (CSBG)
OIC of Clark County, Inc. has prepared its 2022-2023 Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) plan for Clark County.
The plan will be available for review by appointment at OIC of Clark County’s main office located at 10 S. Yellow Springs Street in Springfield, Ohio.
Please call 937-323-6461 to schedule an appointment to review the plan.
History of OIC of Clark County
OIC of Clark County (OIC) is a private, not-for-profit, community based organization with 501(c) 3 status. OIC of Clark County has been in business in the Springfield/ Clark County Community for nearly fifty (50) years. OIC was established locally in 1971 and is an affiliate of the National OIC’s of America which was founded by Reverend Leon H. Sullivan in Philadelphia in 1964.
For the past 29 years, OIC has been the designated Community Action Agency (CAA) for Clark County. CAA's are designated by the State of Ohio, Development Services Agency, Office of Community Assistance and are responsible for addressing the needs of the economically disadvantaged youth and adult populations in their community.
OIC's goal is to assist the disadvantaged residents of Clark County in transitioning from dependence to self-reliance by providing them with the hope, opportunities, and skills for a better life. Throughout its history, OIC has served as a beacon of hope by providing counseling, youth programing, vocational training, referral services, job placement assistance and emergency utility services to assist low-income Clark County residents in becoming self-sufficient.
OIC also seeks to proactively address the vicious cycles of poverty through our alternative high school by partnering with local schools and government agencies. Our collaborative efforts provide youth career awareness and readiness.
As part of our new services, OIC is assisting families in Springfield and Clark County that have been impacted by COVID-19 with Rent, Mortgage, Property Tax and Utility assistance. OIC is also providing Vocational Training to assist those that have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through all of its programs and services, OIC serves over 5,000 low-income, disadvantaged Clark County residents annually assisting them in becoming more self-sufficient through personal, academic, vocational and occupational skill development.
A Message from our Executive Director, Michael Calabrese:
The spread of COVID has all of our attention. Please know OIC of Clark County is doing everything possible to keep our employees, clients, and community members, safe while delivering essential services.
What we are doing: We are monitoring and following all guidance from: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Governor Mike DeWine's guidance to include taking the steps necessary to reduce the threat of COVID exposure to employees, students and clients.
POVERTY: The Challenge, The Solution
THE CHALLENGE: The U.S. is one of the richest countries in the world, yet 43.1 million Americans live in poverty and 19.4 million live in "deep" poverty, which often persists across generations. Family members may remain unemployed or "stuck" in low wage jobs, lacking education and skills needed in an increasingly competitive job market.
For information on the State of Poverty in Ohio, visit:
State of Poverty in Ohio 2020
State of Ohio 2020 Poverty Report pdf
For information on the impact of poverty visit:
The Impact of Poverty, Food Insecurity, and
Poor Nutrition on Health and Well-Being
To see the Poverty Lifecycle and Poverty Facts visit:
Poverty Lifecycle
THE SOLUTION: OIC provides quality education and training services. We offer high quality skill development opportunities that enable economically disadvantaged and unemployed people of all races and backgrounds to become productive, more fulfilled members of society.
Utility Assistance
Over 4,700 Individuals Helped Yearly
Alternative High School for Credit Deficient students - call 937-325-0694 for more information
- Monday - Friday08:00am - 05:00pm
- Saturday - SundayClosed