2002: Getting Started

A Philadelphia-based public policy and information technology firm, Solutions for Progress, initiated The Benefit Bank (TBB) as a nationwide effort to reduce poverty by making the benefit application process easier to navigate.

In early 2006, the National Council of Churches, the Jewish Council on Public Affairs, and several other national organizations chose Ohio as a pilot state for TBB.

2006: Ohio Takes the Lead

In late 2006, the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks (OASHF) became the lead implementer of The Benefit Bank.

OASHF received a non-monetary grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service to place AmeriCorps*VISTA members as "Community Trainers" in each of Ohio's 12 regional food banks.

2007: A Lasting Partnership

The Benefit Bank became known as the Ohio Benefit Bank when Governor Ted Strickland created a director of the Ohio Benefit Bank within the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.

Currently, Shannon Teague leads the State of Ohio’s support of The Benefit Bank as Director of the Ohio Benefit Bank.

Today: Pushing Ahead

In just over three years, the OBB has provided access to over $175 million for low- and moderate-income Ohioans, assisted over 92,000 people, established over 1,000 sites statewide, and trained more than 4,400 counselors.

With your help, the OBB can do even more to reach out to Ohioans in need. Become Involved.