Kinship & Adoption Navigators
/in Assists Children, Champaign, Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, Pregnancy & Parenting Services, Professional Counseling, Shelby, Specialized Counseling /by Andrea SkrlacOhioKAN
Kinship & Adoption Navigator Program
Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley is thrilled to partner with OhioKAN, a new statewide flexible and responsive kinship and adoption navigator program designed to assist children, caregivers, and families. The first step to access the program is to call 1-844-OHIO-KAN to connect with a navigator who will talk with you to understand your situation and needs. If you and the navigator decide together that we can help you navigate and access important resources, we’ll walk through the OhioKAN BASICS overview to make sure we completely understand your family situation and can start making a plan together. We’ll use the OhioKAN Information Hub to review more than 8,000 records to find, analyze, and organize all of the resources available to you based on your exact situation, location, and needs. Based on our conversation and resource review, we’ll create a Personalized Resource Plan. This document becomes the action plan for navigating and accessing all of the local and statewide resources that fit your situation. With the support of dedicated site navigators here at CSSMV, OhioKAN’s 100% free services will help kinship and adoptive families in Champaign, Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, and Shelby Counties navigate and connect with all of the resources available locally and statewide. For more information and helpful resources, as well as a directory of other regional partners serving other areas of Ohio, you can visit the OhioKAN website at https://ohiokan.jfs.ohio.gov. To connect with a navigator from ANYWHERE in Ohio, call 1-844-OHIO-KAN.

Eligibility
While CSSMV’s Kinship Navigators serve the specific counties listed above, OhioKAN is a 100% free program available to all kinship and adoptive families in Ohio.
Contact
Call 1-844-OHIO-KAN (1-844-644-6526) to talk one-on-one with an OhioKAN Navigator. Phone lines are open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Location
CSSMV’s OhioKAN Navigators are based at our Center for Families on Brown Street in Dayton.
College Degree Support
/in Poverty Alleviation Services /by Andrea SkrlacNext Steps
Reducing barriers between you and your college degree
Sometimes, the path to a college degree isn’t as simple as a line from A to Z. Challenges not related to academics can make it difficult to complete your education as quickly as you had planned, or even force you to drop out entirely.
The Next Steps program works with students who are enrolled at Sinclair Community College and helps them reduce barriers to completing their education. Barriers may include things like housing instability, underemployment, lack of child care, healthcare concerns, and unexpected financial challenges.
As a participant in Next Steps, you will have individualized, one-on-one meetings with a Success Navigator who will work with you and your Academic Coach to support your goal of completing your degree. Your Navigator will provide connections and referrals to resources that can help address your non-academic barriers. You’ll be able to apply for direct financial assistance grants to address emergency financial challenges that create barriers to your school attendance. And you will have peer support opportunities with other Next Steps program participants who have similar goals.
If you would like to learn more about this program and find out if you meet eligibility requirements, please submit the inquiry form on this page.


Eligibility
To be eligible for this program, you must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours of classes at Sinclair Community College, and be experiencing life challenges outside of school that are making it difficult to pursue your education. For a more complete assessment of your eligibility, please complete and submit the inquiry form on this page.
Contact
For more information about the program, please submit the form on this page or send an email to nextsteps @ cssmv.org.
Location
Program management is based at:
Eckerle Administration Center
922 W. Riverview Avenue
Dayton, Ohio 45402
RideConnect Volunteer Driver Program
/in Mobility Management /by Andrea SkrlacRideConnect
Volunteer Driver Program
RideConnect is a pilot program funded in part by the Ohio Department of Transportation to expand transportation options in Auglaize, Champaign, Darke, Logan, Mercer, Preble and Shelby Counties. One of the goals is to eliminate gaps in transportation that exist because of the lack of cross-county and region-to-region transport.
This volunteer driving program is focused on transporting individuals to medical and non-medical appointments and to employment. Priority is given to older adults and individuals with disabilities as well as low-income populations who do not have access to other options. The program allows access for individuals who need transportation outside of traditional transit hours and cannot afford the high cost of private providers.
We are recruiting and training volunteer drivers who can then provide curb-to-curb transportation for passengers who need rides to medical and non-medical destinations. Drivers use their personal vehicles to transport within their county and adjoining counties. Drivers are expected to safely operate their vehicles according to State of Ohio driving laws and fill out reporting forms.
Drivers are thoroughly trained and vetted, including a required background check. They must hold valid Ohio driver’s licenses with no more than three points accrued, and must be able to read maps and follow directions.
Each volunteer driver is provided with training that includes specialized drive training, Safe Parish training, Defensive Driving, incident management and reporting expectations, and Assisted Rides software training. Training in CPR/First Aid is available but optional.
Each driver accepted into the program is encouraged to volunteer for at least two round-trip assignments per month. Although the position is volunteer, there is some compensation to account for gas allowances, insurance costs, and vehicle depreciation.

Eligibility
At this time, we are in the process of recruiting and training additional volunteer drivers. If you are interested in learning more about becoming one of our drivers, please contact Michelle Caserta-Bixler or Heather Robison at 1.833.289.0227 ext.1195.
Contact
For more information about this pilot program, please contact Michelle Caserta-Bixler or Heather Robison at 1.833.289.0227 ext.1195.
Location
Our Mobility Management team is headquartered at our Northern Counties Office:
100 S. Main Avenue, Suite 101
Sidney, Ohio 45365
Chums Program
/in Greene, Montgomery, Programs & Services, Senior Services /by Andrea SkrlacChums Program
for seniors struggling with mental health issues

The Chums program helps seniors (age 50 and older) with diagnosed mental illnesses to learn skills to help maintain independence and take back control of their lives. Life Essentials staff facilitate the program by combining the practices of education, networking and behavioral activation services. The program enhances the quality of life for program members by equipping them with tools that promote self-management of their mental illness. Participants learn common themes that contribute to their recovery including diet, exercise, goal setting, stress management and much more. They also get the opportunity to bond with people who are in similar situations.
Eligibility
Those age 50 and older with diagnosed mental illness may be eligible to participate.
This program serves residents of Montgomery and Greene Counties.
Contact
For more information, call (937) 586-0545.
Location
Program staff are based at:
922 W. Riverview Avenue
Dayton, Ohio 45402
Guardianship Services
/in Greene, Guardianship Services, Montgomery, Programs & Services, Senior Services, Top Level Program Category /by Andrea SkrlacLife Essentials
Guardianship Services

The Life Essentials guardianship program provides support for seniors who have been deemed mentally incompetent and who do not have family willing or capable of making sound decisions for them. Life Essentials cannot accept referrals from individuals such as family members or neighbors; the program only takes referrals from providers. Persons seeking to get an individual into guardianship are referred on to the Probate Court or to the Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) or to the Dayton Bar Association for information and assistance. Life Essentials cannot provide legal advice, nor can we escort applicants to court. For a guardianship referral to be warranted, the individual must be incapacitated and unable to manage his or her own financial resources and/or unable to make informed medical decisions. A referral form must be completed and there must be a Statement of Expert Evaluation signed by the proposed ward’s doctor or psychiatrist. Life Essentials staff and trained volunteers take on the critical role as guardian, working with their clients to ensure that each individual has the best possible life and lives in the least restrictive environment. Guardians become the advocate and voice for those who are unable to speak for themselves. In addition to fulfilling the role of guardian, the Life Essentials guardianship program provides support to family members and/or friends who are willing and capable of becoming the guardian for a loved one.
Guardianship Forms
Eligibility
Potential clients must have resided in Montgomery or Greene County for at least six months, and must be deemed mentally incompetent by the Probate Court Judge or Magistrate. Life Essentials cannot accept referrals from individuals such as family members or neighbors; the program only takes referrals from providers.
Unfortunately, this program cannot serve those who have assets (home, car, bank account) and need a Guardian of Estate.
Contact
For more information, call (937) 586-0545.
Location
922 W. Riverview Avenue
Dayton, Ohio 45402
Long-Term Tornado Recovery Case Management
/in Long-Term Tornado Recovery, Top Level Program Category /by Andrea SkrlacLong-Term Tornado Recovery

Numerous area organizations have been working together to provide long-term recovery services to those impacted by the Memorial Day tornadoes of 2019. The Federal Emergency Management Agency — FEMA — estimates that more than 850 area households may benefit from long-term case management services over a two to three year period. Because of Catholic Social Services’ strength and competence in the area of case management, along with having an existing service area that mirrors the impacted counties, we were asked and agreed to coordinate the local Long Term Recovery (“LTR”) Case Management group. Recovery will take time, but our LTR case navigators are here to help along the way. Navigators can assist with a variety of tornado-related challenges and needs, including:
Long Term Recovery Disaster Case Management is a time-limited process by which a skilled Navigator/Case Manager partners with a disaster affected individual or family in order to plan for and achieve realistic goals of recovery following a disaster.
— National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD)
Eligibility
If you were impacted by the Memorial Day tornadoes that struck the Greater Dayton area in 2019, you may be eligible for services. Please call to have your specific circumstances evaluated.
Contact
Starting Monday, August 3, 2020, calls for assistance should go directly to CSSMV’s long-term tornado recovery team, at (937) 223-7217.
Location
Eckerle Administraton Center
922 W. Riverview Avenue
Dayton, Ohio 45402
Resources & Information for Seniors
/in Senior Services /by Andrea SkrlacResources & Information for Seniors
COVID-19 Resources for Older Ohioans
According to the Ohio Department of Health, older Ohioans are among those most at risk for complications from COVID-19. The links below are intended to help families and providers prepare for and respond to COVID-19.
For specific health guidance, consult your local public health officials, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov, or call 1-833-427-5634.
Free, Daily Check-in By Phone
The Ohio Department of Aging has a free, daily check-in by phone service for Ohio’s older residents to ensure their well-being amid the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency and beyond. The “Staying Connected” service is open to Ohio residents age 60 or older who have a valid phone number. Those living alone in the community are encouraged to consider enrolling. Learn more or sign up at www.aging.ohio.gov/stayingconnected.
As the federally designated State Unit on Aging, the Department of Aging serves as the sole state agency to coordinate Older Americans Act programs and services, as well as other services to meet the needs of Ohio’s elders.
Serving Champaign, Clark, Darke, Greene, Logan, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, and Shelby Counties.
This statewide collaborative falls prevention initiative is supported by Ohio government and state business partners to ensure that every county, every community and every Ohioan knows how they can prevent falls, one step at a time. This website is the source in Ohio for falls prevention information, tools and other resources.
Contact for Ombudsmen:
- 1-800-395-8267
- 937-223-4613
Medicaid Hotline:
- 1-800-324-8680
- 614-466-6742
Other Resources:
Resources by County
Champaign County
Job & Family Services: 1-800-837-4290 or 937-484-1500
Social Security Office:
- Springfield: 1-877-405-1451
- Piqua: 1-866-931-2520
Darke County
Job & Family Services: 1800-501-5635 or 937-548-4132
Social Security Office:
- Piqua: 1-866-931-2520
- Richmond Ind.: 1-866-446-6190
Logan County
Job & Family Services: 937-599-5165
Social Security Office:
- Lima: 1-800-223-0288
- Marian: 1-888-475-0296
Miami County
Job & Family Services: 937-440-3471
Social Security Office:
- Piqua: 1-866-931-2520
Preble County
Job & Family Services: 937-456-6205
Social Security Office:
- Richmond Ind.: 1-866-446-6190
- Cincinnati: 1-800-772-1213
Shelby County
Job & Family Services: 937-498-4981
Social Security Office:
- Piqua: 1-866-931-2520
News for Seniors
Professional Counseling
/in Assists Children, Auglaize, Available To Residents, Champaign, Darke, Greene, Logan, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, Programs & Services, Shelby, Top Level Program Category /by Andrea SkrlacAssisted Living
/in Champaign, Darke, Logan, Miami, Preble, Programs & Services, Senior Services, Shelby /by Andrea Skrlac
Eckerle Administration Center
922 West Riverview Avenue
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 223-7217 or (800) 300-2937
General email: cssmv@cssmv.org
Navigation
Latest News
- Generations CampaignApril 27, 2022 - 7:15 pm
At Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley’s Annual Meeting on April 27, CEO Laura Roesch announced the public phase of a five-year comprehensive campaign inspired by the desire to broaden and enhance the agency’s impact as it enters its second century of service. The Generations Campaign will run through 2025, with a total fundraising goal of $10,000,000.
Become a Healthy U Leader
/0 Comments/in News, Senior News /by Andrea SkrlacHealthy U is an evidence-based program helping participants to enhance their well-being and improve everyday health by learning skills throughout a six-week workshop. No formal health education is required to be a leader, but rather the desire to help others and willingness to follow the scripted program.
ODA Launches Free Check-in Service for Older Citizens
/0 Comments/in Featured News, News, Senior News /by Andrea SkrlacThe Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) announced a free, daily check-in by phone service for Ohio’s older residents to ensure their well-being amid the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency and beyond.
Life Essentials Merges with Catholic Social Services
/0 Comments/in Featured News, News, Senior News /by Andrea Skrlac“We already serve more than a thousand low-income seniors every year to help them age in place, so adding guardianship and advocacy is well within our mission and service model,” said CSSMV CEO Laura Roesch.