“The OBB is offered at convenient, community-based locations, where people live, work, play and pray. I am very enthusiastic about this effort because it helps people, it makes government run better and it infuses resources into our communities. The OBB is a step toward turning programs on paper into benefits in hand. It is an acknowledgement of the fact that no government program, no matter how well-intentioned, can help a person who doesn’t know the program exists or what the program offers.”
                                                     - Governor Ted Strickland 

We at the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank are so pleased that you are interested in learning more about becoming an OBB site! Please read the information below to become familiar with what it takes to provide this service to members of your community.

What does my agency need to be an OBB site?

While the OBB software is FREE to use, sites will need:

• At least one computer with internet access.
• Volunteers or staff who have basic computer navigation skills.
• To agree never to charge clients for using the Ohio Benefit Bank.
• To agree to respect client confidentiality.

How do I bring the OBB to my agency?

Contact your local AmeriCorps VISTA Ohio Benefit Bank Community Organizer, Aaron Bartlett, to request a presentation or to register for Pre-Training Orientation. Your Community Trainer can tell you more about the OBB and the steps involved in becoming a site.  Contact Aaron at 330-777-2303, or via email at abartlett@acrfb.org. A one-on-one presentation with your agency is available to you if you're interested in learning more about your role as an OBB site.

• Pre-Training Orientation is a brief online seminar held weekly. It is only one hour long and is designed to introduce agencies to the Ohio Benefit Bank.
• Following Pre-Training Orientation, your agency will only need to submit two pieces of electronic paperwork before being trained as counselors.
• Counselor training is tailored to meet your needs and is absolutely FREE.
• After just two days, volunteers or staff at your agency can be trained and equipped to provide both benefits and tax filing services. If your agency chooses, it can be trained on only benefits or taxes, as well.