SELF's DIRECT CLIENT PROGRAMS

• Utility Assistance – (Home Energy Assistance Program & Summer Crisis Cooling Program) SELF provides winter  and summer utility help for eligible families to ensure households of the elderly, people with disabilities and families with younger children have the resources to keep their families’ safe. SELF also assists clients with signing up for various payment plans including PIPP Plus (Percentage of Income Payment Plan). Assistance amounts vary based on utility provider.  
  

• Education & Employment Focused Program - Called Project 2 Empower and Empower One in Oxford, SELF offers a holistic employment and education program promoting self-sufficiency through goal setting and barrier removal.  Furthering education in order to obtain more gainful employment helps participants achieve their dreams.

• Home Repair Programs - SELF's partnering efforts with the Group Workcamps Foundation have grown from week-long home repair events to a full, year-round program. SELF also provides information on Weatherizaton services.

• Getting Ahead and Circles - Getting Ahead workshops allow families to build their resources and success for tomorrow by taking a look at their own resources, mindsets and actions. Participants learn to create new mental models and to navigate the hidden rules of class. They carry that knowledge forward into Circles groups to continue their progress and build relationships throughout the community.
  
  
• Individual Development Account (IDA) Program – SELF's IDA program helps low- to moderate-income families achieve home ownership, higher education, or small business ownership through matched savings accounts.

• Microenterprise and Microloan Program - This program provides intense instruction in starting and operating a small business. Participants attend classes and prepare a business plan before having an opportunity to apply to a special loan pool for startup funds.
  
  
• Tax Preparation - Free tax preparation is available for low-income Butler County residents by appointment from January through April.

• Ohio Benefit Bank - An online computer program that allows financially struggling Ohioans prepare and file state income taxes as well as check eligibility and sign up for other services for which they may be eligible (i.e. food stamps, Medicaid and child care). 

• Education-based Services – As a member of the Butler County School Supply Coalition, SELF provides help with school supplies to children on free and reduced lunch through the county’s school districts. 
  
  
• Holiday Adopt-a-Family Program – Families actively working toward self-sufficiency have a brighter holiday through SELF’s Adopt-a-Family program.