Your kids need school clothes, but money’s tight? Check out the back-to-school clothing vouchers available through Job and Family Services of Portage County.
Each $100 voucher can be used at Burlington Coat Factory (there’s one in Cuyahoga Falls) or at Gabe’s in Kent. To receive a voucher, parents or guardians must receive SNAP or TANF (cash assistance) benefits. The vouchers are limited to one per child, as long as the child is enrolled in school or actively attending school and is in grades K-12.
Applications will be accepted through Aug. 5, and voucher pickups will continue until Aug. 30. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ohio Means Jobs at 253 S. Chestnut St. in Ravenna.
JFS clothing vouchers helped 1,400 families last year.
“It’s a good program. We’re happy to help families, and we’re seeing an uptick in families this year,” JFS Director Kellijo Jeffries said.
Click here for a voucher, or you can pick up and drop off applications at the JFS public assistance lobby, 449 S. Meridian St. (2nd floor), or at the Ohio Means Jobs location in Ravenna.
JFS will review applications and contact families to arrange voucher pickup. Vouchers will not be mailed. If transportation is a challenge, call JFS to arrange personal delivery.
Funds are being awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants will be notified of approval by mail. Questions? Call 330-296-2841.
Free school supplies at July 21 wellness fair
For more back-to-school goodies, check out the JFS Health and Wellness Fair, set for 4-7 p.m. July 21 at NEOMED in Rootstown. School-aged children will receive free school supplies and backpacks.
Multiple organizations will have booths set up, each one meant to help support general health and wellness. Look for Humana Health Plan of Ohio, Children’s Advocacy Center, Portage Learning Center, Simply Amazing Family Environment, WIC, Jackman Dental, I’MPOWER Fitness, Portage Health District, Mental Health and Recovery Board, Catholic Charities, Townhall II, Ravenna Nutrition, Akron Children’s Hospital, Portage Library, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and more.
The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank’s mobile pantry, which visits NEOMED on a monthly basis, will also be on site, with enough fresh produce to distribute to about 350 people.
Planning partners for the event are NEOMED, Portage Health District and Firm Foundation of Ravenna, which will present demonstrations throughout the day on topics such as yoga, Zumba, line dancing and a magic act.
Wendy DiAlesandro is a former Record Publishing Co. reporter and contributing writer for The Portager.