Public assistance in Clinton County has decreased over the years

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WILMINGTON — Years ago there were thousands of Clinton Countians receiving cash monies through public assistance programs, but currently less than 300 residents receive cash assistance.

And probably about 95 percent of those residents now receiving cash through government programs are comprised of those who take care of children (such as kinship providers like grandparents), the elderly, people with disabilities and children, said Kathi Spirk, director of Clinton County Job and Family Services (JFS).

Spirk and several of her JFS colleagues met with county commissioners Monday in connection with Fraud Awareness Month.

Food assistance is provided to between 6,000 to 7,000 residents per month. That number has decreased by several thousands over the years, Spirk said.

People who receive food assistance (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP) are required to work a specific number of hours based on the assistance they get, and have to meet eligibility requirements and follow the program rules.

“And most people follow those rules,” said the JFS director.

Individuals found to have intentionally violated the program rules are either sanctioned — they are removed from public assistance for a period of time or for life — or they’re criminally prosecuted.

Sometimes food cards are used in drug dealings, said Spirk and Wilmington Police Department’s Chief Detective Josh Riley.

Renea Moore, family services administrator, said she wants the community to know that all referrals to the Clinton County JFS agency about the possible fraud or misuse of public funds are investigated. She encouraged anyone in the community who may have information to call the agency at 937-382-0963 or visit jfs.ohio.gov/fraud to make a report online.

Prior to the presentation, Spirk said she wanted to begin by reporting that on Friday, April 28 the agency lost “a very special member of our team, Amanda Carter,” who was a family services case manager for a decade.

“I want to say that today by holding her high and thinking about her, we’d like to dedicate ourselves to advocating a little harder and to shining a brighter light on those in our community that do need our help,” Spirk said.

“She surely was loved, and we want to continue that kind of love in our community,” added the JFS director.

Reach Gary Huffenberger at 937-556-5768.

Clinton County commissioners proclaim May as Fraud Awareness Month in regards to the misuse of public funds that are designed to assist needy citizens in poverty. From left in the front row are Clinton County Commissioner Brenda K. Woods, Clinton County Job and Family Services (JFS) Overpayment Specialist Virginia “Kate” Reeder, JFS Family Services Administrator Renea Moore and JFS Family Services Supervisor Chris Smith; and from left in the back row are Clinton County Commissioners President Kerry R. Steed, JFS Director Kathi Spirk, JFS Deputy Director Gina Speaks-Eshler, Clinton County Deputy Jon Bailey and Wilmington Police Department’s Chief Detective Josh Riley.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2017/05/web1_jfs_p_f.jpgClinton County commissioners proclaim May as Fraud Awareness Month in regards to the misuse of public funds that are designed to assist needy citizens in poverty. From left in the front row are Clinton County Commissioner Brenda K. Woods, Clinton County Job and Family Services (JFS) Overpayment Specialist Virginia “Kate” Reeder, JFS Family Services Administrator Renea Moore and JFS Family Services Supervisor Chris Smith; and from left in the back row are Clinton County Commissioners President Kerry R. Steed, JFS Director Kathi Spirk, JFS Deputy Director Gina Speaks-Eshler, Clinton County Deputy Jon Bailey and Wilmington Police Department’s Chief Detective Josh Riley.

By Gary Huffenberger

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