Don't Forget! The OBB is on the Road

One of the coolest features about the Ohio Benefit Bank is that it can be utilized anywhere you have a printer, computer, and a connection to the internet. Throughout most of Ohio finding these three items together is not a problem. However, some parts of the state do not have reliable and consistent access to internet connections. On top of this many of the people who live in smaller towns and villages outside of county seats do not have easy access to social services, let alone service providers with the technology necessary to use the OBB. Unfortunately, many of the people who live in these areas simply go without. Without the resources and supports needed to put adequate food on the table, purchase perscriptions, pay utilities, or access education and job training.

In March of 2009 The Columbus Foundation acknowledged these barriers to accessing supports and partnered with the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks to launch the OBB Mobile Express. Well, launch may not be exactly the right word, the Express doesn't have rocket boosters! But.... It does have everything needed to provide OBB services.

The OBB Mobile Express can set up virtually anywhere, and the set up includes:

• Climate-controlled workspace with two private stations
• Up to eight laptops and two printers
• Two very knowledgeable OBB Enrollment Specialists who focus on completing applications
• Marketing materials about the OBB program
• An awning, for those bright, sun shining days
• Satellite that provides internet access to the entire set up

Since March of 2009 the OBB Express team has attended about 250 events of all shapes and sizes. Maybe the OBB Mobile Express can attend your next enrollment event. Here's what you can do to make these events a success:

• Contact Russell Allen, rallen@oashf.org, as early as possible to get on the Express calendar (it fills up fast!)
• Be sure that all of your partners, staff and volunteers are aware of how the OBB can help people so that they can spread the word.
• Advertise that the OBB Express will be available to help people complete applications on your event fliers, the radio, press releases, word of mouth... heck, stand on the top of the building and shout it out.
• Consider providing a phone number that people can call to get more information INCLUDING A LIST OF DOCUMENTS TO BRING TO THE EVENT!!!!!
• Have some of your own staff or volunteers trained as OBB counselors to assist at the event and to provide follow up support.

Please consider the OBB Mobile Express as you OBB site reaches out to areas that go unserved or underserved. With some hard work and planning this tool bring resources to the people and places that need it most.
For more information contact Erin West, ewest@oashf.org, Russell Allen, rallen@oashf.org, or visit their blog - linked on the right-hand side of our blog.

"...the beginning of the end for the Refund Anticipation Loans."

Check out the story linked below for some encouraging news about the impending demise of the Refund Anticipation Loans. The report comes from Tara Lynn Wagner out of Buffalo New York.

http://buffalo.ynn.com/content/features/money_matters/514584/money-matters--changes-in-tax-refund-loans/

In sum, until this year when a tax preparer submitted a return electronically they received a 'debt indicator' that notified the preparer and filer of any amount of the refund that would be withheld. This indicator enabled preparers to complete a Refund Anticipation Loan.

This is another encouraging piece of news for free filing services. Let's work together to get the word out early this year and help as many people as possible to avoid traps like the Refund Anticipation Loan. If you need to order marketing materials click the link at the top of this page. Ad, as always, never hesitate to be in contact with your Regional Coordinator or Community Trainers with questions or concerns.

A new presentation tool - Prezi

If you clicked on the “Blog Tour” at the top of the posts and said “Wow, can I make a presentation like that for MY organization?”  The answer is a resounding: yes!

Here is a link to a tutorial on how to use Prezi to make presentations to your volunteers, funders, and community.  

http://prezi.com/learn/getting-started/

If you have any questions about Prezi or how to access things on our blog, please contact Sarah at solinger@oashf.org

County Resource Listings

Many of you have become regular viewers of this blog, THANKS!

Just like the Ohio Benefit Bank software, it is our intention that this blog is a resource for you to better serve your clients. To that end we would like to improve our 'county resources pages' linked on this blog (the red and purple map on the right hand side of this page). If you would like to be included on your county's resource page please send me an e-mail with your logo, address, contact information and a brief listing of your services. We will get the information up as quickly as possible.

E-mail: zach@oashf.org
Phone: 614-634-6458