ASHLAND — School is officially out for summer, which means vacation, summer camp, bon fires and fireworks.
But, whether we like it or not, planning for the next school year begins now, said Peter Stefaniuk, director of the Ashland County Department of Jobs and Family Services.
Stefaniuk pointed people to JFS’s annual “Ready Set Learn” program available to families in need of money to buy clothes and school supplies for the next school year. Applications for the $250 open June 19 and close June 30.
“It helps out a lot of families. It’s a fantastic program,” Stefaniuk said.
Last year, 374 children received the assistance. In 2021, that number was 305, Stefaniuk said.
Applications have to be submitted to the department either by mail, fax, email or in person. JFS is located at 15 West Fourth St. in Ashland and the fax number is 419-282-5010. The email is ashland_verification@jfs.ohio.gov.
To apply, Stefaniuk said families must fall at or below the 200% federal poverty level. Family Size Gross Monthly Income Standard:
• Families of two: $3,052
• Families of three: $3,839
• Families of four: $4,625
• Families of five: $5,412
• Families of six: $6,199
“A lot of times people might have a misconception that they may not qualify for this, so they don’t bother applying for it. But they need it and it would benefit them, but they don’t apply because they think they won’t be eligible,” he said.
Applicants have to complete an application and meet the income requirements and some other qualifications such as a work requirement. For more information, click here.
Here’s the application.
Families accepted into the program will receive $250 per child and assigned a shopping day at Walmart in August.
The money for the program comes from the county’s allocation of nearly $1 million in federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds.
“We spend as much as $90,000 at the most (on this program). But we’re able to spend even more this year. We’re prepared if it doubles,” Stefaniuk said.
