(November 30, 2006) New Annual Report Released

Take a look at our most recent annual report, which covers the 2005-2006 fiscal year.

(September, 2006)  CHANGES IN MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY

Effective September 25, 2006 the federal government put new requirements in place for Medicaid eligibility. To receive (or continue to receive) Medicaid coverage, U.S. citizenship must be VERIFIED by our staff. This means we must see ORIGINAL documents as proof (you can not bring us a copy).  We must have verified proof of citizenship for each person in your household that receives a Medicaid card UNLESS that person receives SSI or Medicare.

For more information on allowable documentation, click here.

(September, 2006)  New Voter Registration deadline is October 10, 2006
You may register to vote or make changes to your current registration at any Job & Family Services office. 

(August, 2006)  Changes for Families with Healthy Start/Healthy Families Medicaid
Families on Healthy Start/Healthy Families may get a letter in the mail stating they MUST pick a MCP (Managed Care Plan) by October 31, 2006 or one will be selected for them. 

Once you get a notice letter, call the Selection Services Center (SSC) 1-800-605-3040

(Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm) to help you make a choice about which plan is best for you.

(March 20, 2006)  Changes in how you get your Food Stamp benefits
Sunday, March 26, 2006 – This is the last day to use your green Ohio Direction Card.
Monday, March 27, 2006 – If you will receive benefits for April, your April benefits will be
available any time Monday using your new blue-and-silver Ohio Direction Card.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006 – If you have any benefits left on your green Ohio Direction Card,
we will automatically transfer those remaining benefits to your new card by 6:00AM. 

You must call Customer Service to select a 4-digit PIN for your new card.

Your current 5-digit PIN will not work with your new blue-and-silver card.

Direction Card Customer Service: 1-866-386-3071 (free call)

(Feb. 21, 2006) Youth Recreation Fees Waived for Low Income Children
The Athens City Parks and Recreation is offering FREE athletic programs for any children who receive benefits through Athens County Job & Family Services.  When registering for youth athletic programs, families can indicate on the registration forms that they are currently receiving benefits through Athens County Job & Family Services to have the registration fees waived.

"The Athens Parks and Recreation Department is excited about the opportunity to offer fee waivers for area youth to participate in athletic programs. We realize the value of recreation in children's lives and the importance of safe facilities and programs in which to pursue these activities. We will continue partnerships with Children's Services and Big Brothers/Big Sisters and we feel this endeavor with ACJFS will enable many area youth an opportunity to participate in rewarding sports programs" said Athens Mayor, Richard Abel.

Tracy Galway, Community Relations Coordinator for Athens County Job & Family Services, stated “on behalf of the families we serve, our agency would like to thank the City of Athens for their cooperation and generosity to open the leagues to more Athens County children that otherwise could not participate.  Sports provide such an important opportunity for children to develop gross motor skills; as well as having positive effects on their psychological, social and emotional development.”

Registration for Spring Soccer begins February 23 and ends March 31st.  Registrations are done in person at the Athens Recreation Center, 701 E. State Street.  For more information, contact the Athens Parks & Recreation, at 740-592-3325 or online at www.ci.athens.oh.us.