Additional Community Resources
Community Properties of Ohio
Franklin County Job & Family Services
Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services (FCDJFS or JFS) supports the well-being of children and the quality of life for families. FCDJFS is on-site at Columbus State Community College (CSCC) to assist students, staff and faculty in learning more about and accessing public assistance benefits and support services by completing the application/redetermination process on-site, providing direct referrals to the appropriate work units at JFS, completing updates and case changes, answering questions and concerns and making community referrals.
Franklin County Department of Job & Family Services is offering Columbus State students
the ability to schedule phone appointments online to apply for or inquire about Child
Care, SNAP, Medicaid benefits & more.
Schedule a phone appointment HERE!
Learn about these Programs and find out if you may be eligible:
This program supports a broad array of education, employment, training and supportive services for low-income youth and young adults ages 14-24. Using a case management framework, AMP participants engage in a comprehensive assessment process, develop an individualized opportunity plan (IOP), and gain access to a variety of supportive services. All services are FREE and supported by a dedicated and skilled case manager. Overall, the program seeks to improve outcomes for enrolled youth and young adults by addressing obstacles to education, training and long-term employment. Visit the AMP website.
Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) assists eligible families pay for child care expenses for children under the age of 13 and children with disabilities up to the age of 18. Participants must be engaged in a qualified activity (such as training, education or employment) to be eligible. Participants may be required to pay a co-payment based on gross monthly income and family size.
Food Assistance (SNAP) helps families and individuals stretch their food budgets to buy healthy food. The program is designed to increase nutritional levels and safeguard the health and well-being of Franklin County residents. Depending on your age, household composition and other life factors, participants may be required to participate in a work activity as a condition of their eligibility. Eligibility is complex, especially for students. Please see the onsite FCDJFS Case Manager or contact/visit FCJDFS for more information.
The Medicaid program provides eligible Franklin County residents with access to health care and medical treatment through a variety of programs depending on your family composition and income. FCDJFS Staff will assist you in determining which program is appropriate for you.
Ohio Works First (OWF) is a time-limited cash assistance program designed to help meet the financial needs of eligible families (family must contain a minor child in the home). OWF emphasizes employment, training, education and supportive services. Recipients of OWF cash benefits are required to participate in a work activity (education, work or training) as a condition of their eligibility. Recipients of this program, who are actively participating, may eligible to receive bus passes.
This program provides one-time emergency financial assistance to eligible families under predetermined categories including but not limited to shelter costs, utilities, and car repairs. There are several eligibility requirements and conditions for this program. See the onsite case manager for questions or visit the PRC website.
Helpful Information and Resources
Franklin County Children Services Resource Guide
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services - Benefit Information and Management
To find out information about the Job and Family Services Departments in other Counties: ODJFS County Directory
Home For Families
Legal Support
Legal Aid Society of Columbus (LASC)
(Source: Legal Aid Society of Columbus website)
The Legal Aid Society of Columbus (LASC) assists low income individuals in Columbus and Central Ohio with navigating
legal issues. Visit this Get Help link for more information on the wide range of legal services LASC can provide to
students.
(888) 246-4420 (Franklin, Madison)
(833) 288-2936 (Southeast Ohio)
(888) 301-2411 (Delaware, Madison, Marion, Union)
Individuals seeking representation or legal advice are encouraged to contact the LASC Intake Department at 614-241-2001 or complete an online application.
TIP: You must meet income and resource limits to qualify for services. LASC will help you determine if you are eligible and will make alternate referrals as needed.
Lutheran Social Services - Central Ohio 211
(Source: LSS Central Ohio website)
LSS 211 Central Ohio connects residents in Franklin county with comprehensive and
up-to-date information about social, health and government services.
Call 2-1-1 or visit https://lssnetworkofhope.org/211centralohio/services/database/ for community resources in Franklin County to address issues you are facing.
TIP: You can search for services by your zip code.
Stay the Course®
Do you find yourself in need of extra help as you work on your degree? The Stay the Course® Program is a FREE resource for eligible students at CSCC! You will be paired with your own personal Navigator who will provide consistent support, guidance, and access to community services and non-academic financial assistance in order to overcome life obstacles and help you graduate. If you want to learn more about participating in this program, contact Keena Watson at 614-287-5792 or staythecourse@cscc.edu. You can also apply online: www.stay-the-course.org/students.
TIP: Check out the Stay the Course Video and Stay the Course Flyer for additional information.