2024 Annual Report to the Community
Partnering to Fight Poverty
To Our Community,
With great pride we present Miami Valley Community Action Partnership’s 2024 Annual Report — our first in many years — highlighting the meaningful progress made by our agency, our dedicated team, and our valued partners. This past year has reaffirmed what we’ve always known: Community Action matters—now more than ever.
In every corner of our region, families are working hard to build brighter futures. Our role is to walk alongside them by assisting in moments of crisis, investing in long-term solutions, and helping create pathways to self-sufficiency. We do this through trusted local partnerships, innovative programs, and a commitment to quality service. Every action we take is rooted in the belief that local residents know best what their communities need.
As a proud member of the national Community Action network, our agency is accountable not only to the people we serve but also to the taxpayers whose investment makes this work possible. We are consistently recognized for our low administrative costs and our ability to leverage public and private dollars to achieve the greatest possible impact. We remain focused on being efficient, effective, and responsive while adapting quickly to emerging needs and seizing new opportunities to serve.
Our work is driven by hard-working staff and guided by a vision of equity, dignity, and opportunity. Together, we are helping individuals and families overcome barriers, access essential services, and thrive. Through our commitment to excellence, we are proving that Community Action doesn’t just respond to poverty — it fights it, in all its forms, with persistence and purpose.
Thank you for your continued support, partnership, and belief in the mission we share. We are honored to be your trusted stewards and look forward to the work ahead.
With gratitude,
Erin M. Jeffries, MPA President & CEO Missy Frost Board Chair
‘Every action we take is rooted in the belief that local residents know best what their communities need.’ - CEO Erin Jeffries
A Long History of Community Service
Miami Valley Community Action Partnership has been helping people and changing lives for 60 years.
MVCAP works in partnership with local communities to eliminate the causes and conditions of poverty and to promote individual independence and self-sufficiency.
The agency operates a wide range of programs to both help with emergencies and improve economic security for families and individuals.
Originally chartered as the Supporting Council of Preventive Effort (SCOPE), the agency has a long history of serving the entire region. Programs have included workforce development, senior nutrition, utility assistance, weatherization and much more. The agency has long had a reputation for sound fiscal practices and strong customer service.
In the 1980s, when the Community Services Block Grant was created, Community Action Agencies like SCOPE took on a more intense role in their communities. As the landscape of social services changed throughout the remainder of the 20th century, SCOPE adapted to maintain services to those most in need while navigating the variety of communities in the Miami Valley. Local representation on the agency’s board and partnerships with key stakeholders remain hallmarks of MVCAP operations.
Services in Nine Counties
MVCAP provides emergency and empowerment services to four core counties in the Dayton, Ohio area: Darke, Greene, Montgomery and Preble.
Additionally, MVCAP provides weatherization and other limited services to five more counties: Auglaize, Butler, Mercer, Miami and Warren. In the nine counties, MVCAP serves a population of approximately 200,000 low-income families.
MVCAP is funded primarily by federal grants including the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), the Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP), and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
MVCAP is also known for adapting to changing needs. In the 1990s, multiple projects created housing opportunities for low-income families in Darke, Greene and Preble counties. Programs such as legal assistance and micro enterprise were introduced to reduce the barriers individuals encounter when seeking stable employment. Longtime CEO Tim Donnellan ably represented the Miami Valley as president of the National Community Action Partnership’s Board.
Weathering economic downturns, housing bubbles, natural disasters and global pandemics, MVCAP maintains critical partnerships in all parts of its service area. During upheavals, MVCAP is where residents and leaders turn for help and support. Dedicated staff and a clear mission keep the agency focused on solutions. Many programs have received local, state and even national recognition.
In the past three years, MVCAP has been a keystone in rebuilding and renewing lives in the Miami Valley. The community had barely moved past a series of devastating Memorial Day tornadoes in 2019 when COVID-19 upended virtually every aspect of daily life. MVCAP remained open distributing more than $20 million in Emergency Rental Assistance, preventing evictions and maintaining utilities for hundreds of residents.
MVCAP’s long history and strategically positioned regional offices allow it to meet the unique local needs of its diverse service area. All programs are designed to help people of all ages secure the opportunities they need to obtain and maintain economic security.
Programs in All Core Counties
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)
Summer Crisis Program
Winter Crisis Program
Home Weatherization Assistance Program
Emergency Home Repair
Homebuyer and Financial Counseling
Legal Clinic
Programs Unique to Darke County
Metropolitan Housing Authority
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing
Tenant Based Rental Assistance
Emergency Homeless Shelter
Food Pantry
Commodity Boxes for Seniors
Clothing Bank
Programs Unique to Greene County
Donnellan Emergency and Transitional Shelter
Harding Place Transitional Housing
Programs Unique to Montgomery County
Prevention, Retention and Contingency Program
Programs Unique to Preble County
Metropolitan Housing Authority
Senior Apartments
Food Pantry
Commodity Boxes for Seniors
Transportation Services
Remaining Ready to Assist
The 60-year history of MVCAP includes countless highlights for individuals, families, communities and the agency as a whole. From stepping up during emergencies to steadily providing life-changing support, MVCAP continues to reach and assist the most vulnerable in our region.
President and CEO Erin Jeffries, appointed at the end of 2023, seamlessly transitioned into her new role and MVCAP continued to provide compassionate help. When 2025 began with uncertainty and swirling rhetoric, CEO Jeffries leveraged the agency’s existing relationships to ensure key lawmakers understand the critical role MVCAP plays in the community. She and her team met with Senator Bernie Moreno and with staff members for Senator Jon Husted and Reps. Mike Turner and Bob Latta.
How MVCAP Helped in Crisis
MVCAP never closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dedicated employees worked tirelessly to keep services flowing, although in-person encounters had to be suspended.
Existing Emergency Services staff saw their budget balloon from $137,000 in 2019 to more than $20 million when the State of Ohio entrusted MVCAP with the Home Relief Grant and Emergency Rent Assistance.
During the pandemic, MVCAP continued to provide help to victims of the 2019 Memorial Day tornadoes. Families received help purchasing, constructing or repairing their primary residence through several partnerships. More than 200 homes were impacted.
Setting Records in Record Heat
Utility assistance programs at MVCAP help residents cope with record high and low temperatures throughout the Miami Valley. In 2024, the programs set records themselves. In all, $322,113 was distributed during the Summer Crisis Program. That’s $68,000 more than in 2023 and $140,500 more than in 2022.
Residents qualify for Summer Crisis (a subprogram of HEAP) if they are living at or below 175% of the federal poverty level. They must also be 60 or older, have a medical need for cooling or have a disconnect notice. Central air system repairs are also covered up to $1,500.
Showcasing Service and Training
MVCAP welcomed Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik in May 2024 for a tour of the Ohio Weatherization Training Center’s Southwest Hub.
The Hub, operated in partnership with the Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development’s Ohio Weatherization Training Center, includes a single-family, 1920s era home where trainees can practice weatherization tasks.
The celebration of Community Action’s 60th Anniversary coincided with In Demand Jobs Week. Director Mihalik toured the center, heard from weatherization clients and spoke with trainers and trainees.
Dedication to Excellence
MVCAP’s Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP) impacts hundreds of homes every year and the dedication to excellence begins with the program’s leadership.
Housing Services Director Barry Strahorn (2024) and Assistant Director Eddie Cooper (2023) have both received the Dave Rinebolt Community Service Award from Ohio Partners for Affordable Energy.
Rinebolt served as the founding director of Ohio Partners for Affordable Energy until he passed away in 2021. The award is given to weatherization staff who display his passion for helping low-income families.
MVCAP HWAP team is always learning. Please turn to page 35 for a full list of credentials recently earned by the team.
Partnering to Build Community
Advocates for Basic Legal Equality (ABLE)
Andrew Casey Electric
Applied Energy Solutions
Area Agency on Aging
Bridges of Hope (Xenia)
Carroll-Wuertz Tire Company
Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley
CenterPoint Energy
CityHeart
City of Dayton
City of Eaton
City of Greenville
City of Kettering
CityWide Development Corp.
Community Unity (Greenville)
Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development (COAD)
County Corp
D&D Driving School
Darke County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Darke County Board of Commissioners
Darke County General Health District
Darke County Job and Family Services
Darke County United Way
Darke County Veterans Services
Dayton Avenue Baptist Church (Xenia)
Dayton Energy Collaborative
Dayton Home Repair Network
Dayton Municipal Court
Dayton Veterans Affairs Medical Center
DeCoach Recovery Centre
East End Community Services Corporation
Eastway Behavioral Healthcare
Eaton Community Schools
Emerge Recovery and Trade Initiative
Fairborn Municipal Court - Probation
Fairborn Senior Center
Family Promise of Greene County
FISH Choice Pantry (Greenville)
Gem City Market
Grace Crossing Church (Beavercreek)
Grace Hope Church (Xenia)
Greater Dayton Volunteer Lawyers Project
Greater Ohio Workforce Board, Inc.
Greene County Board of Commissioners
Greene County Common Pleas Court
Greene County Dept. of Job and Family Services
MVCAP’s mission statement doesn’t include the words “work in partnership” by accident. We can all do more together than we can separately.
We are proud of every single one of our partnerships and grateful for the continuous commitment to our community.
Thank you for your support!
Greene County Sheriff’s Office
Greene County Office of the Treasurer
Greene Metropolitan Housing Authority
The Greentree Group
Greenville Transit System
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton
Henny Penny Corporation
Homefull
Home Is The (H.I.T.) Foundation (Eaton)
HomeOwnership Center of Greater Dayton
The Hope Spot (Xenia)
Housing Solutions of Greene County
Huntington Bank
Jeremiah Tree (Xenia)
Lead Safe Ohio
Legal Aid of Western Ohio (LAWO)
Lebanon Citizens National Bank (LCNB)
Liberty High School (Dayton)
Mad River Local Schools
Mathile Family Foundation
Miami Valley Fair Housing Center, Inc.
Middle Run Baptist Church (Xenia)
Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Montgomery County Dept. of Community and Economic Development
Montgomery County Dept. of Human Services
Planning and Development
Montgomery County Law Office of the Public Defender
Montgomery County Treasurer’s Office
Montgomery County Veterans Services Commission
Ohio Attorney General’s Office
Ohio Department of Development
Ohio Department of Health
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
Ohio Domestic Violence Network
Ohio Healthy Homes Network
Ohio Housing Finance Agency
Ohio Office of Workforce
Transformation
Ohio Partners for Affordable Energy (OPAE)
Omega CDC
One Bistro (Xenia)
Park National Bank
PATH Behavioral Healthcare (Xenia)
Preble County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Preble County Continuum of Care
Preble County Council on Aging
Preble County Emergency Management Agency
Preble County Job and Family Services
Preble County Mental Health and Recovery Board
Preble County Veterans Services
Radiant Lighthouse (Greenville)
Rebuilding Together Dayton
Reverent Church (Greenville)
Road Hogg Motorcycle Club (Greenville)
SafeHaven, Inc. (Greenville)
Salvation Army
Senior Resource Connection
Shared Harvest Foodbank
Shelter from Violence, Inc. (Greenville)
Sheltered Inc.
Sinclair Community College
Snap Fitness (Xenia)
St. Vincent de Paul Dayton
Supports to Encourage Low-Income Families (SELF)
TCN Behavioral Health
United Way of Greater Dayton
University of Dayton
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Violence Free Futures (Xenia)
Western Ohio Community Action Partnership (WOCAP)
Whirlpool Corporation
Women’s Recovery Center (Xenia)
Yancey’s Insurance and Business Center
Xenia Community Schools
Xenia Grace Chapel
Xenia Municipal Court - Probation
Xenia Police Department
Xenia Senior Center
YWCA Dayton
Darke County
6HomesRepaired
Darke County has been part of the MVCAP service area from the beginning of the community action movement. Like all communities it has unique strengths and challenges. The 600-square-mile county is one of the few counties in the U.S. to border eight other counties and is known for its large number of historic places and as the home of
Annie Oakley.
MVCAP’s Darke County office has been led by director Julie Lecklider since 2016. In addition to five staff members she has a large number of connections from growing up in the area, centered around Greenville.
“The partnerships are great, we are all here to help any way we can,” Lecklider said.
Challenges in Darke County include a struggle to overcome the isolation necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many residents are still inclined to stay home which challenges their lives in a variety of ways, including their income.
Darke County staff work to make sure all of the approximately 51,000 residents know all about MVCAP’s services, partnering whenever they can to spread the word and serve the community.
Director Julie Lecklider
Unique projects and partnerships include an annual Christmas toy drive with the Road Hogg Motorcycle Club, food drives sponsored by Greenville High School and projects with the Darke County United Way and Salvation Army.
One special project involved Lecklider’s daughter, Kiera, a junior at Greenville High School. Kiera and her friend Libby Harter created a project for the Family, Career and Commercial Leaders of America (FCCLA). They collected either $1 or a pair of socks as admission to a volleyball tournament. They gathered 80 pairs of socks to provide to MVCAP clients. The students will be taking their project to the FCCLA’s state competition.
Darke County’s unique clothing bank supports emergency shelter clients and is open to the public weekly.
Greene County
Greene County was one the first counties created when Ohio became a state in 1803. Known for both its history and major events like the 1974 Xenia tornado, the county includes large rural areas and suburbs that serve as communities for active military and contractors employed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
The seven member team at MVCAP’s Greene County office is led by Brent Robinson, who became director in 2024. Much of the office’s work is focused on housing, a need created by one of the communities’ biggest challenges.
“We know that drug and alcohol addiction is hand in hand with homelessness,” Robinson said. “If you come from generational addiction, you come from generational homelessness.”
MVCAP works to break those cycles with emergency and transitional housing paired with case management that makes a difference.
“It’s important to care about what you are doing with the people you serve,” Robinson said. “They aren’t bad people, they either made bad decisions or just the wrong decision.”
Robinson prides himself on the fact that he and his staff treat everyone with dignity and respect.
Director Brent Robinson
“I’m extremely proud of my team and the time they pour into every individual and family that comes into our programs,” he said.
Shelter clients’ needs are met with the many connections and partnerships the agency has cultivated throughout the county. Staff works to make them comfortable and provide special events like an Easter egg hunt and Christmas gifts with the help of local churches.
“Any service you need in Greene County, you can call us first,” Robinson said.
Montgomery County
Montgomery County is the largest county in MVCAP’s service area and contains the most diverse array of communities and households. In addition to the downtown Dayton area, the county includes northern suburbs near Dayton International Airport and southern suburbs with larger homes and lot sizes. The county is rich in history and resources. MVCAP’s headquarters is located on South Main Street and its Weatherization and Housing Services Department warehouse and offices are located in Moraine. The larger population also means many organizations and businesses
call Montgomery County home, providing nearly endless opportunities for partnership.
Organizations came together to rebuild homes and rehouse people after the 2019 Memorial Day tornado outbreak, provide stability after the August 2019 shooting in the Oregon District, and help maintain households throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2023, the agency received the Peacekeeper Award from the Artemis Center, for taking special care with Artemis clients who needed assistance from MVCAP.
“Working together we can accomplish so much more than any of us could on our own,” said MVCAP CEO Erin Jeffries. “That’s true at the individual level, the organizational level and the community level. We have to continue to partner and progress in eradicating poverty and the related issues that impact our residents’ quality of life.”
MVCAP is uniquely positioned to administer programs like the Prevention, Retention, and Contingency Program funded through the Montgomery County Department of Job and Family Services. Programs like the Legal Clinic and Emergency Home Repair achieve success for clients thanks to a large number of partners who provide funding and cooperation.
“Lives change when we work together,” Jeffries added.
MVCAP’s administrative headquarters is located in downtown Dayton.
Preble County
Nearly three-quarters of Preble County is farmland with many quiet places to live and work. MVCAP’s Preble County office – and staff of eight – is led by Janelle Caron, director since 2018.
“As small as the county is, we have a lot of benefits, services and jobs,” Caron said.
In addition to administering the Metropolitan Housing Authority for the county, MVCAP owns and manages two apartment complexes for seniors and provides transportation under contracts with partner agencies. Housing is a serious issue, Caron said.
“Small communities grow slower,” she noted, adding that a new hotel currently under construction is much needed for large employers such as Henny Penny.
Preble County will also be the first site of MVCAP’s newest program, Domestic Violence Services. The agency will transition the area’s domestic violence transitional shelter to emergency domestic violence housing.
The program will be directed by Courtney Griffith who has extensive experience with domestic violence issues in Preble County. Griffith most recently represented Preble County on MVCAP’s Board of Directors. The program is supported by a grant from the Ohio Attorney General’s office and local funders.
In Preble County, MVCAP is also known for its annual Thanksgiving Dinner. In 2024, approximately 100 volunteers made and served nearly 300 meals and packed another 300 for delivery, Caron said. After a COVIDrelated hiatus, the dinner was a great success and just one example of how MVCAP is active in the Eaton and Preble County community.
Caron participates as a local celebrity in the annual Special Olympics fund-raising basketball game. The game, hosted at a local high school, also raises awareness during Developmental Disabilities Month each March.
Director Janelle Caron
Utility Assistance Helps Year Round
Utility Assistance is one of MVCAP’s best known services. Multiple programs help residents keep bills current or resolve crisis situations. Low-income households are disproportionately impacted by rising energy prices. They spend more than three times as much of their earnings on utility costs as higher income households.
Our compassionate advocates help alleviate shivering in the winter and suffering in the summer by helping with gas and electric bills. Water assistance was introduced during the pandemic and brought new benefits to hundreds of new clients. All payments go directly to local utility companies.
Eligibility: Must be living at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Level. Some programs have additional criteria.
Location: Darke, Greene, Montgomery and Preble counties
Funding: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services via the Ohio Department of Development
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP also known as LI-HEAP) is a federal block grant program that provides funding to help low-income households meet their home energy needs. HEAP provides an annual benefit to keep low-income homes warm in the winter. Residents can apply for HEAP as early as July 1 before the winter season or as late as May 31 after the season. All Ohioans can visit energyhelp.ohio.gov to start or track an application.
The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) reduces utility bills to a percentage of the household’s income. Benefits of the program include forgiveness of arrearages. To remain on PIPP, households must reverify their income annually. All-electric households pay 10% of their income to their electric company. Those who have both electric and gas, pay 5% to each company. Enrolling in PIPP helps Ohioans avoid crisis situations. Once enrolled, PIPP customers must make their payments on time and in full to enjoy all the benefits. The program also includes variations for residents whose income increases and those who move.
Comingin2025!Allstate-runsystemswillrequireanOhio-ID.ThisincludesHEAP andPIPP.Learnmoreabouthowtocreatethisdigitalidentityonourwebsite.
Heating, Cooling, Manageable Payments
The Winter Crisis Program is for households who have had their primary heating source disconnected or who have received a disconnect notice. Bulk fuel users are considered in crisis if they have less than a 10-day supply of wood, propane or oil. Some repairs to central heating systems are also available. Residents who have received a disconnect notice can have their disconnection held if they have made an appointment with MVCAP. Winter Crisis operates between Nov. 1 and March 31.
The Summer Crisis Program operates between July 1 and Sept. 30 to help households stay cool in the summer. The program is primarily geared toward seniors (60 or older) and residents who have a documented health condition worsened by extreme heat. In addition to help with electric bills, Summer Crisis benefits can include free window air conditioner units or fans. Limited central air conditioning repairs are also available.
The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program began during the COVID-19 pandemic. With frequent hand-washing necessary to keep the virus from spreading, keeping water flowing was critical.
In the beginning days of the program, assistance was provided to those who had no active water service. As the community reopened, program requirements were adjusted and those who had past due water bills could receive up to $1,500 in help.
Welcome Home ... There’s No Place Like It
Housing remains a critical need in the Miami Valley. Without an address, getting a job is nearly impossible. Without a safe place to sleep, remaining motivated to make necessary changes is tremendously difficult.
MVCAP offers a variety of programs to help keep area residents safely housed.
Rent and eviction assistance programs ballooned during the COVID-19 pandemic when staying safe at home was critical. However, MVCAP has a long history of housing support.
MVCAP housing programs provide much more than a roof over clients’ heads. With supports built in to most programs, clients overcome challenges including mental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence, justice involvement and more.
Once they have a stable and safe place to live, clients can apply for additional forms of assistance and improve their employment to become self-sufficient. Many clients report that safe housing is instrumental in maintaining their sobriety or mental health.
This “housing first” model provides prioritized help to those who need it most. People are considered homeless if they have no permanent address. However, if they have a safe place to stay, such as a friend’s couch, they may wait longer than someone living in their car or in a park.
Emergency Rental Assistance funds entrusted to Ohio’s community action agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic kept thousands of families safely housed. Funding for these programs ended in 2024. Some tenant-based rental assistance remains available in parts of MVCAP’s service area.
Emergency and Transitional Housing Programs
Eligibility: 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, Priority given to greater needs
Location: Darke and Greene counties
Funding: Ohio Housing Trust Fund, Community Services Block Grant, local United Way Chapters
Metropolitan Housing Authority Programs
Eligibility: Must be living at or below 80% of the Area Median Income
Location: Darke and Preble counties
Funding: U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, Community Services Block Grant, local sources
256DarkeCountyVouchers
360 PrebleCountyVouchers
In Darke and Preble counties, MVCAP administers the Metropolitan Housing Authority. Clients receive a voucher to subsidize rent with a landlord who agrees to accept the program. Units must be inspected for compliance with Housing Quality Standards. Eligibility is based on income and family size.
Emergency shelters operate in both Darke and Greene counties. Supportive housing – which includes wrap around services to meet basic needs – is available in both Darke and Preble counties. Greene County offers robust case management in transitional housing.
MVCAP’s Darke County office also manages two income-eligible apartment complexes, one of which is for seniors. In Preble County, MVCAP manages two senior complexes which are not subsidized.
Parentsworkingtomaintaintheirsobrietyspentafewmonths
inGreeneCounty’semergencyshelter.Afterobtainingahousing voucherandqualifyingforcashassistance,thefamilywas stabilized.Themotherstoppedintotheofficetothankstaff sayingtheirsupportandencouragementkeptherfromspiraling backintoadarkplace.
ADarkeCountywomanreceivingrentalassistancewanted to work full-time but needed her high school diploma. Thanks to stabilizing help with housing, she was able to complete herdiploma and received afull-time offerfrom a local hospital. She quickly moved into unsubsidized housingandisnowself-sufficient.
Homebuyer and Financial Services
MVCAP helps homebuyers with down payments and financial planning. Other agency financial services help solve pressing problems and can also support ambitious goals.
Eligibility: Varies by Program
Location: Darke, Greene, Montgomery and Preble counties
Funding: U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, Community Services Block Grant through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Home Assistance Grant Program through the Ohio Department of Development
Homebuyer and Financial Counseling is offered in MVCAP’s four core counties. Participants receive individualized counseling that can help repair credit or create budgets.
Advice is offered for those who are about to buy or those who have just bought homes. We can also help with foreclosure prevention. In partnership with the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, this service is available in more than 100 languages. In 2024, the housing staff also wrapped up the COVID-era Utility Assistance Program. UAP provided $736,900 in help with HOA/COA fees, property taxes and utility bills.
Down Payment Assistance is available for families and individuals living at or below 65% of the Area Median Income. To qualify, clients must complete pre-purchase counseling and education.
As needed, participants may be referred to other organizations for additional down payment assistance, intensive credit repair assistance or legal assistance not offered in-house. Counseling is offered on an individual basis, with financial literacy workshops offered on an ongoing basis to further develop participants’ skill sets as they desire.
Emergency help is available in Darke County through the Bridge the Gap partnership with United Way. This one-time assistance is designed for those whose income is too high for other MVCAP programs or those who need unique services.
Greene County residents also have access to some emergency help through MVCAP. The agency also operates the PRC program in Montgomery County (see page 25).
Safer, More Efficient Homes
Maintaining a safe home can be a struggle for low-income families. Older homes often present challenges that can create dangerous situations and broken appliances can impact a family’s next meal. MVCAP’s Emergency Home Repair Program gives priority to health and safety issues and the Electric Partnership Program with Ohio Partners for Affordable Energy replaces broken and inefficient appliances. These programs often work together to improve clients’ lives.
Services May Include:
• Correcting a lack of running water
• Solving heating or cooling issues
• Repairing exposed or hazardous electrical wiring
• Repairing defective sewage systems
• Repairing defective or failing structural systems
• Installing HVAC
• Making accessibility improvements
• Updating plumbing or electrical to correct code violations
• Repairing or replacing septic systems
• Installing insulation or other energy efficiency measures
• Repairing flooring, ceiling or walls
Eligibility:
Varies by program
Location: Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery and Preble counties
Funding: Federal, state and local grants
MVCAP leverages federal, state and local grants to provide as much help as possible. In addition to obvious safety issues, our home repair programs can correct substandard, unsanitary or deteriorated conditions. Accessibility improvements can also be accomplished.
To qualify for repairs, homeowners must be using the home as their primary residence and have active homeowner’s insurance. They must also be current on property taxes or on a payment plan and have occupied the property for at least a year. Counseling sessions are also required.
Home repair and weatherization clients may also be eligible to have broken or inefficient appliances replaced.
20 Warmer, More Comfortable Homes
MVCAP’s Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP) lowers energy costs while making homes safer and more comfortable. MVCAP also partners with CenterPoint Energy to extend HWAP services to their customers living above the income limits.
Crews work in nine counties in Ohio serving both homeowners and renters. Customers report the free program lowers utility bills by as much as 30 percent as their energy consumption is reduced. For every dollar invested in weatherization, four dollars in benefits are realized.
By lowering their bills, clients are also less likely to need help from MVCAP’s utility assistance programs. All materials for the program are purchased locally and the work also helps preserve the local stock of affordable housing.
Eligibility: Must be living at or below 200% of the FPL, or 300% if a CenterPoint Energy customer
Location: Auglaize, Butler, Darke, Greene, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Preble and Warren counties
Funding: U.S. Department of Energy via the Ohio Department of Development, Lead Safe Ohio via the Ohio Department of Health
MVCAP crews are trained to work safely around lead that may be found in older homes, and the HWAP program receives funding from a Lead Safe Ohio grant. HWAP services are often combined with the Emergency Home Repair Program. When a household needs extensive repairs, the Weatherization and Housing Services Department reaches out to one of many contractors or partners in its network.
MVCAP HWAP crews are well known for being professional, thorough and kind. Customers also frequently note that crews are great at cleaning up after jobs.
677HomesWeatherized
Crewsin9Counties
30%AverageSavings
For every $1 in weatherization services, as much as $4 in benefits are realized.
Benefits include savings on utility bills, improved safety in use of furnaces and hot water heaters, and greater comfort at home.
Both homeowners and renters, with the cooperation of their landlord, can receive weatherization services.
All HWAP services begin with a full home inspection and energy audit. Services may include:
• Insulation of attics, sidewalls, floors and foundation perimeter;
• Sealing of heating ducts, holes and cracks, and addition of weatherstripping;
• Tune-up, repair or upgrade to heating system and/or water heater;
• Installation of a programmable thermostat;
• Consumer education on energy use.
AfterNorma’s*leakingfueloiltankwasremovedfrom herButlerCountymobilehome,winterbecamehorribly uncomfortableforthe73-year-old.TheHWAPteamwas abletoupgradeherelectricpanelandinstallanelectric heatpump.Insulationunderherhomeandsealingcracks leftherwarmandnolongerusingunsafespaceheaters. She was ecstatic.
*Namechangedforprivacy.
Quality Workers, Stable Jobs
The Ohio Weatherization Training Center provides classroom, lab and field training to weatherization providers throughout Ohio.
MVCAP is proud to be the site of a full learning lab that also provides testing in accordance with BPI standards and which is accredited by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.
Weatherization training leads to a wide variety of career opportunities to fill high-paying, in-demand jobs that make a difference.
Since 2022, MVCAP has partnered with the Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development (COAD) to train crew members at the Southwest Ohio Training Hub in downtown Dayton.
Students learn how to evaluate a home’s energy use, abate lead and other hazards, repair or replace furnaces and improve insulation. MVCAP operates a “prop house” where students can practice skills and techniques in a unique, hands-on environment.
The 1927 home was donated to the agency many years ago and provides a way for trainees to view the house as a system. The training center also includes the most common household appliances so crews can practice conducting tests in a controlled environment. One wall in the basement shows examples of what might be found inside walls when crews drill to add insulation.
OWTC also teaches trainees how to remediate lead in homes, creating greater access to safe and affordable housing for low-income Ohioans. Trainers are employed by COAD and students travel across the state from community action agencies and other weatherization or home repair providers.
24 Legal Clinic Reinstates Licenses
Not being allowed to drive is a huge barrier to gainful employment in the Miami Valley. MVCAP’s Legal Clinic is a unique program that helps area residents apply for reinstatement of their driving privileges.
Legal Clinic clients often have lost their license due to excessive fines or fees from traffic or other violations. The Legal Clinic can negotiate with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to lower fines or the clinic can pay the fines off. Clients can also receive help paying for car insurance.
Eligibility: Must be living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
Location: Darke, Greene, Montgomery and Preble counties
Funding: Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, grants from Huntington Bank and the City of Kettering
The Legal Clinic employs two lawyers and two paralegals to assist residents with individual plans for restoration of driving privileges, removing barriers to employment, education and family responsibilities. Staff prioritizes underserved populations, offering accessible legal support to those most impacted by poverty and debt-related suspensions.
In 2024, the clinic staff collaborated with the Montgomery County Law Office of the Public Defender to host license reinstatement clinics at Dayton Metro Library branches and at MVCAP’s downtown Dayton office. The clinic partners with Legal Aid of Ohio, Miami Valley Fair Housing Center, Yancey’s Insurance, D&D Driving School and area courts.
Clients are assisted with paying reinstatement fees, fines and insurance costs through targeted funding and grants. As needed, one-on-one legal advocacy is provided including direct negotiations with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and documents for those representing themselves in court.
Reinstating licenses and driving privileges lead to improved job access, housing stability and overall community participation.
New Ohio Law Changes Landscape
A new Ohio law has eliminated some debt-related driver’s license suspensions. House Bill 29 removes license suspensions for failure to pay court fines or fees. Affected drivers will still owe the fees, but will no longer lose their license for that reason.
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles was required to examine suspensions and determine who should have their license reinstated immediately.
According to the ACLU of Ohio, approximately 60% of the license suspensions in the state are for reasons other than poor driving habits.
Help for Unexpected Expenses
Eligibility: Must be living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level with a minor child in the home
Location: Montgomery County
Funding: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services
Many Miami Valley residents are one unexpected expense away from poverty. Ohio’s Prevention, Retention, and Contingency Program (PRC) is designed to provide short-term help for temporary situations. MVCAP has partnered with the Montgomery County Department of Job and Family Services to provide the PRC program in Montgomery County.
PRC can help with non-cosmetic car repairs for an applicant’s sole means of transportation; license and vehicle registration; school fees, clothing and supplies; help after a disaster with clothing, home supplies, repairs, emergency shelter; and much more.
Each covered service has slightly different requirements and a monetary cap. Applicants may request multiple services, but services may not exceed $3,000 in a 12-month period. Each service can only be paid once every 12 months.
MVCAP’s Emergency Services team is working to streamline its process and expand capacity. They expect to process 175 applications each month in 2025.
Covered Services
• Utility Assistance
• Rent Assistance
• Mortgage Assistance
• Property Taxes
• Disaster Assistance
• Car Repairs
• Transportation
• License Reinstatement
• Legal Fees
• Student Enrollment Incentive
• GED Fees
In just the first four months of operating the program, MVCAP PRC specialists helped:
A custodial grandmother with funds for school clothes and shoes.
A family who lost one of their two incomes with rent, school supplies and clothes.
A woman in danger of losing her job due to calling off with repairs to her car.
Emergency food items are available in Darke and Preble counties at MVCAP offices.
Both the Darke County and Preble County offices are also distribution points for Shared Harvest’s Senior Commodity boxes. Boxes are available for income-eligible seniors, age 60 or older in the respective counties.
Meeting Basic Needs
Eligibility: Must be living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
Location: Darke and Preble counties
Funding: Community Services Block Grant, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Shared Harvest
Making ends meet has become difficult for a number of Miami Valley residents. In Darke and Preble counties, MVCAP offices are hubs for assistance. In Greene and Montgomery counties, we are fortunate to work with a myriad of partners.
Emergency food items are available at MVCAP’s Darke and Preble County offices. Darke County also offers vouchers to shop for clothing in its unique resale shop.
Both Darke and Preble counties are distribution points for Shared Harvest’s Senior Commodity boxes. Boxes are available for incomeeligible seniors, age 60 or older in the respective counties.
At Darke County‘s Clothing Bank in the basement of its office in Greenville, tax deductible donations are accepted and offered for resale. Items include clothing of all sizes, household items and more. The shop also receives donations of household appliances from the Whirlpool Corporation in Greenville.
In addition to clients shopping, the clothing bank is also open to the public on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
by Hope
Eligibility: Must be a client of Veterans Services or Mental Health and Recovery
Location: Preble County
Funding: Contracts with partners
Transportation services are offered in Preble County under multiple contracts with partners.
Veterans can receive transportation by contacting Preble County Veterans Services to schedule for medical appointments.
Clients of the Preble County Mental Health and Recovery Board may be eligible for transportation to one of the five treatment facilities in the county. Clients can schedule directly with the MVCAP Preble County office.
Clients enrolled in Preble County’s Prevention, Retention, and Contingency program may also receive help with transportation to work.
Training Tomorrow’s Workforce
MVCAP refers interested customers to the QUEST program. This initiative aims to connect job seekers with quality opportunities, specifically by building Ohio’s broadband and 5G workforce.
MVCAP ia a partner in the Dayton Development Coalition JobsOhio Region’s hub along with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, the Greater Ohio Workforce Board, Inc., Sinclair Community College and the University of Dayton. By engaging in community events, hosting informational meetings, and interacting with MVCAP customers, MVCAP staff were able to refer 68 interested individuals to the program.
Success Stories Happen Every Day
Helping the Homeless Maintain Dignity
After growing up in Indiana, Lisa Goff built a life in Oklahoma. When her mother died in 2020, she made big changes that led her back to her hometown. In 2021, she found herself homeless.
“I got tired of couch surfing and sleeping in my car,” she said. She knew about a homeless shelter in Indiana but felt it was unsafe. After searching and calling, she found MVCAP’s emergency shelter in Greenville. She stabilized and worked at the Whirlpool factory in assembly. A brief return to Indiana left her in need of shelter again and she returned to Greenville.
“They helped me out a lot,” Goff said. “It’s very tough to be homeless. You don’t know where you’re going to sleep one night to the next.”
Shelter stays are limited to 90 days and as Goff’s time was ending, she got an unexpected opportunity. In March 2024, she became the resident manager at the shelter.
“I was overwhelmed that they gave me the opportunity,” she said. “I enjoy what I’m doing. I’m helping other people out.”
Goff’s duties include lawn care at the single-family home that serves as the shelter, as well as doing the residents’ laundry and picking up donated food from area partners. In exchange, she lives in the lower level of the home in a private apartment.
“She relates to the people,” said Darke County Deputy Director Tonya Estell. “She knows where they’re coming from.”
The shelter can accommodate two men, two women and one family at its full capacity. Most people stay the full 90 days while they find stable housing and a job. Sleeping quarters are private but there is a shared kitchen and living space.
Goff plans to continue her work as manager and was recently approved for Social Security Disability. After knee replacement surgery, she plans to look for a part-time job.
“I tell the people upstairs ‘you’ll get on your feet again,’” she said. “I tell them not to give up and to walk with their heads held high.”
30 Assistance Leads to New Career
Brent Robinson connects Greene County residents with the resources they need but his knowledge doesn’t only come from serving as MVCAP’s Greene County Director. Robinson, who was appointed director last summer, has a unique understanding of the clients that enter emergency and transitional housing in the county. He was once a resident himself.
“I understand the people. I’ve lived it.” he said. “And I’m not that far removed from it. I never knew anything like this existed before I needed it.”
After graduating from Yellow Springs High School, Robinson played college basketball but an injury brought a quick end to his career on the court.
“When I couldn’t do basketball anymore, I needed to recreate my life,” he said, admitting that he had many false starts before finding himself at MVCAP’s Harding Place transitional housing in 2011.
Transitional housing includes case management which Robinson credits with his rapid change. “They bought me my first tie and they were working with me on getting a job,” he said, adding that he also did any needed work around the complex. “I just liked what MVCAP did.”
As soon as he was able to move into permanent housing, he gained custody of his 4-year-old daughter, Ariana (pictured above in 2015). Her needs solidified Robinson’s desire to keep improving his life and the lives of others.
“We did a lot of growing up together,” he said. “She has no idea how much she’s given me and played a part in saving my life. The person I am now is so different from who I was then.”
In 2014, he went to MVCAP to reverify his income for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) and learned they were hiring. He started as a PIPP intake worker and then became a case manager for residents of Harding Place before being promoted to his current position.
“I’ve literally done every program that we offer,”
he said, adding that, for him, case management is a two-way street. “I can’t count how many times I’ve case-managed someone into housing and I get something out of it.”
Today, Robinson has gone from needing housing himself to being a generous landlord. His daughter is a high school junior and volleyball player. Meanwhile, he and his team assist people in need every day by simply finding ways to relate to them as people.
“We’re all family,” Robinson said. “We’re all connected in some way.”
31 Lowering Bills, Eliminating Hazards
MVCAP Home Weatherization Program crews work on an average of 700 homes every year.
The program not only makes homes more comfortable and energy efficient, it truly changes lives. MVCAP regularly receives notes from clients about the difference HWAP work has made for them. Multiple clients were excited to share their stories last spring when Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik visited the agency.
Rosalind Leininger of Huber Heights described her experience saying the crews were very respectful of her home. Since receiving a new furnace, she no longer needs to use a space heater to make part of her home more comfortable and she has seen a dramatic reduction in her utility bills.
Tim Maddox of Trotwood had his home insulated by a “very professional” crew, he said.
“A couple of nights when it was cold, my furnace didn’t run all night,” Maddox added. “I knew right then it was a savings.”
“Everybody I worked with was marvelous,” added Washington Township resident Malcolm Laurie, whose heat pump broke down shortly after he applied for the program. “They explained everything. They were very, very professional. I can’t tell you how grateful I am.”
Mihalik also toured the Ohio Weatherization Training Center’s Southwest Hub operated in partnership with the Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development (COAD).
“These projects not only improve someone’s quality of life, but they also take major steps in supporting economic and workforce development,” she said. “Your efforts are going to help build a safer and healthier
future for all Ohioans.”
Weatherization is often braided with MVCAP’s Emergency Home Repair Program and the Electric Partnership Program to solve all the issues clients are experiencing.
An elderly Kettering homeowner received help from the Emergency Home Repair Program. Electrical outlets were replaced and leaks were stopped. Water had been collecting in the walls creating potential electrical and mold hazards. In addition to eliminating the safety hazard, the crew replaced the deteriorating wood and raised a window to stop the leaks.
Every time Montgomery County resident Phil* used his stove, furnace or washer, he would blow a circuit breaker. Living on a fixed income with disabilities, he was unable to cook, heat his home or do laundry. The Emergency Home Repair Program was able to replace the panel and main switch gear to solve the problem. *
Finding Stability Through Homeownership
After leaving her long-term job as a dispatcher to care for her aging mother, Ann found herself unexpectedly in need of help.
A flyer at Preble County Job and Family Services’ Job Center pointed her to the Senior Community Service Employment Program which also gave her access to all types of assistance available through MVCAP.
“I’m used to being able to carry my own load,” she said. “My goal has been to get off this roller coaster.”
The job she found through the JFS program has been “comfortable from the start.” It gave her the confidence to make a big financial decision. Her long-time landlord wanted to sell the home Ann was living in and gave her an opportunity to buy it. Since she qualified for assistance through the Preble County Metropolitan Housing Authority, administered by MVCAP, she was able to save more of her salary for a down-payment.
A
Her landlord sold the house for what she had paid for it, making it an incredible bargain for Ann.
Becoming a homeowner was scary but has been worth it, she added. She’s been touched by all the support she has received from her church and others.
“It’s people looking out for me,” she said. “It has truly been a village.”
client was on the verge of eviction after a reduction in hours left her behind on rent and utilities. Thanks to assistance from MVCAP, the family was able to stay in their home.
A Greene County native returned home to care for her aging father leaving behind a high-paying job in Louisville. Although she didn’t seem to have the common issues seen among shelter residents, she found herself in need of help and hope.
After her father died, she moved into a house with some friends and conflict resulted in a sudden move. Homeless and unemployed, she sought refuge at Bridges of Hope in Xenia and reached out to MVCAP resulting in placement
Caregiver Stabilized
on the waiting list for the Harding Place Transitional Housing program.
The client was very communicative with the case manager and took all suggestions to help improve her current situation. She received SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and medical benefits. She was able to find a job but it paid a fraction of what she had left behind in Louisville and wasn’t sustainable.
The case manager helped her revamp her resume, emphasizing her certification in operating fork lifts and other strong experience. She had several promising interviews, but nothing seemed to be working out.
33 Legal Clinic Gets People Moving Again
Teresa Romano had accumulated multiple fees that led to having her driver’s license suspended.
When she moved to Dayton in January 2023, she worked with Joshua Recovery Ministry to maintain her sobriety. MVCAP’s Legal Clinic worked with Teresa to get proper documentation and get her fines waived.
She applied for a driving permit and, thanks to help from the Legal Clinic with insurance, she was able to get her license and a car. In early 2025, she moved into independent private housing.
She knows she is on the right track in life and is grateful to have her independence back.
The Legal Clinic regularly helps people whose lack of a valid license creates a barrier to employment. Some have conditional job offers and are able to start work soon after their license is reinstated. Others aspire to driving careers, such as earning a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
One mother of eight was limited in the home health aide jobs she could accept due to her lack of license.
“Thank you all so much,” she said. “I’ve missed out on so many jobs because I didn’t have a license. This really means a lot to me.”
Other Legal Clinic clients need their licenses to care for their children or even reconnect with them. A woman living in transitional housing had accumulated large fines over 10 years and wanted to regain custody of her children. After negotiations, her fines were reduced and the clinic also helped with car insurance.
By Wrap-Around Help
While at Harding Place, the client experienced life on life’s terms. Despite her lack of acknowledgement during the intake process, the client was battling an alcohol addiction that she was trying to keep a secret. She had to have emergency surgery at one point, lost another family member, and at one point was assaulted by her roommate who ended up going to jail for the assault. She was especially thankful that her case manager helped her with a flat tire during this rough patch.
Finally, nine months after coming to Harding Place the client found a position that was close to the hourly rate she had been making
in Louisville. She was offered a job at Xylem in Yellow Springs and was willing to work third shift so she would begin making the shift differential. She also kept working shifts at her other job and began saving her money while looking for a place to live.
The case manager was able to find an apartment for her in Cedarville and facilitated help with the deposit and first month’s rent. This client was patient and used all wrap-around services that were available to her and went from complete homelessness and hopelessness to living on her own again and establishing her own path in life.
34 Leading with Purpose
Katie
O’Donoghue-Ly
Chief Operating Officer
Deputy Chief Operating Officer
Cindy Dahlman Executive Administrator
Manager
MVCAP’s dedicated staff applies compassion and kindness to every interaction. Many of our employees draw on their own lived experiences as they counsel and assist clients. We are grateful every day for their commitment to our mission, our partnerships and, most of all, our clients.
Special recognition is given at MVCAP’s annual training each December. Employees exhibiting extraordinary effort, skill or empathy were nominated by colleagues or clients reflecting the “profound difference” staff members make in the lives of others every day. In 2024, the following awards were given:
Guiding Light Award for Outstanding Leadership
Keelie Andringa, Chief Policy Officer
Brian Terell, Weatherization and Housing Services
Impact Multiplier Award for Creating Positive Ripples
Caroline Christian, Montgomery County CSBG and HEAP
Tonya Estell, Darke County Deputy Director
Cynthia Porter, Greene County Housing
Pinnacle Performance Award for Exceptional Achievement
Carmen McCorry-Ward, Fiscal
Jillian Porter, Preble County HEAP
Safety Excellence Award
Vicki Rish, Housing and Financial Counseling Director
Michael Shropshire, Weatherization and Housing Services
Customer Service Excellence Awards
Frank Branson, Weatherization and Housing Services
Rhonda Moody, Montgomery County HEAP
Charmaine Wilkerson, Montgomery County HEAP
Happy Retirement
Linda Bynum retired in 2024 after serving as Human Resources Director since 2017. Linda worked with the American Red Cross in Greene County and helped create its Greene County Housing Program. The program merged with MVCAP in 2017 and Linda joined the agency’s leadership team.
“Linda is one of a kind,” said CEO Erin Jeffries. “Her instincts for hiring qualified, mission-driven candidates were well honed. With her skills, she helped so many Miami Valley residents by bringing the right staff members into the right positions. We miss her!”
Karen Berry
Keianna Young Human Resources
Dedicated Service
Agency Promotions and Community Awards
Brent Robinson was promoted to Greene County Director.
Dawn Drake was promoted to Utility Assistance Director.
Tonya Estell was promoted to Deputy Director in Darke County from HEAP intake specialist.
Nick Trimbach, Case Manager in Greene County, was recognized by The Hope Spot.
Years of Service Recognized
25 Years: Don Waymire, left, Weatherization and Housing Services
15 Years: Mick Day, Weatherization and Housing Services
Nate Jones, Weatherization and Housing Services
Rhonda Moody, Montgomery County HEAP
10 Years: Audrey Foster, Montgomery County HEAP
Continuing Education and Credentials
Continuous learning remains a core part of our commitment to providing high-quality, responsive services across all programs.
In addition to these highlights, many other talented team members participated in trainings throughout the year that sharpened their skills, expanded their knowledge, and strengthened our collective ability to serve the community with excellence.
Vicki Rish, Director of Financial Counseling, earned certification in Post-Purchase Homeownership Education from the NeighborWorks Center for Homeownership Education and Counseling (NCHEC). This certification aligns with National Industry Standards for Homeownership Education and Counseling and strengthens our agency’s ability to support homeowners as they navigate long-term housing stability.
Janelle Caron, Preble County Director; Scott Lopez, Property Manager for Fox Run and Willow Place; and Marion Upton, Preble County Support Services Coordinator and Property Manager, earned certification for National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE). The new method used to inspect HUD-assisted housing, the NSPIRE protocol, aims to improve consistency and accuracy in inspections.
Brent Robinson, Greene County Director; Nick
Trimbach, Harding Place Case Manager; and Cynthia Porter, Donnellan Shelter Case Manager, completed numerous trainings related to homelessness case management from the Coalition on Housing and Homelessness in Ohio (COHHIO). These trainings enhance our team’s ability to provide trauma-informed, housing-focused support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Barry Strahorn, Eddie Cooper, and Bobby Johnson from the Weatherization and Housing Services team completed Electric Partnership Program (EPP) Auditor Training offered by the Ohio Weatherization Training Center (OWTC). This program helps eligible residents reduce energy usage in their home.
Eddie Cooper, Gene Bourne, Frank Branson, Nate Jones, Amos Harris, Ben Cydrus, Bobby Johnson, Mark Logan, Brandon Gordon, LaMont Spentz, Josh Taylor, Rodney Robbins, and Rudy Bailey from the Weatherization and Housing Services team earned the U.S. EPA Lead RRP Certification and the Lead Essential Maintenance Practice Certificate offered by the Ohio Department of Health by completing training required for contractors and workers performing renovation and remodeling activities in pre-1978 housing units.
36 Volunteer Leadership
MVCAP’s leadership includes a 15-member Board of Directors, aligning with the unique federal requirements governing community action agencies. The board includes people from three different sectors of the community: public officials or their designees, private individuals or business people, and low-income people or those who serve them. Representatives from each of MVCAP’s four core counties are included.
Terms are 3 years each with Trustees permitted to serve up to 3 consecutive terms. Officers are elected from among the board members.
Current Board Members
Missy Frost, Chair, Montgomery
Florence Randolph, Vice Chair, Greene
Adam Fohlen, Secretary, Montgomery
Mark Bradstreet, Treasurer, Greene
Steve Bonfiglio, Darke
Jennifer Bonifas, Montgomery
Delores Ely, Darke
Sarah Geist, Montgomery
Larry Holmes, Darke
Tara McCafferty, Preble
Bernadette Rieger, Montgomery
Renee Shuttleworth, Darke
David Sizemore, Preble
Roeneisha Woods, Montgomery
From Board to Staff Member
Courtney Griffith, who served on the MVCAP Board of Trustees since 2017, stepped down at the beginning of 2025.
Griffith will direct MVCAP’s newest program, Domestic Violence Services. The program begins in Preble County where the agency will operate an emergency shelter.
The Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce presented MVCAP’s Board and Staff with a special recognition for the agency’s 60th anniversary in 2024.
Thank You For Your Service!
With gratitude, we recognize these Board Members whose service concluded in 2024:
Joe Ferriell
Jan Lepore-Jentleson
Mary Reece
Vanessa Ward
Brenda Smallwood
38
Responsible Financial Management
MVCAP is funded primarily by federal grants including the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), the Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP), and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The agency also receives funds from state and local grants, private foundations and the generosity of individual community members. We also earn program income from contract partners.
The agency’s typical total budget was $12 million prior to the influx of COVID emergency funds. Since 2020, the budget has been at or above $20 million annually.
MVCAP is subject to annual federal audits which are conducted by independent auditors. MVCAP consistently receives clean reports with no findings. View our latest audit by visiting our website.
MVCAP Funding Sources
MVCAP’s federal grants come from the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Energy (DOE). Most federal programs in Ohio are administered by the Ohio Department of Development. Some programs of the state are administered by county commission boards.
MVCAP Revenue By Program
The Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP) is MVCAP’s largest program. A significant portion of this funding goes to materials used to make homes safer and more comfortable.
In 2024, the HWAP program grew from $9,450,956 to $14,831,435 thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
Community Services Block Grant funds are used to meet a wide variety of needs across the diverse communities in our service area.
Revenues & Expenses
Funding Direct Assistance
MVCAP is proud that the majority of its funds go directly to help Miami Valley residents. We work hard to be as efficient as possible and consistently keep administrative costs low. Our administrative costs totaled 12.81% of expenses in 2024 and 12.74% in 2023. Every cent of the $8 million in direct client assistance helps our community thrive. The more than $1 million spent on weatherization materials also benefits local suppliers and companies.
MVCAP also offers competitive wages to our employees who are critical to our mission’s success.
MVCAP also manages Housing Choice Voucher Programs in Darke and Preble counties. This revenue is separate from other MVCAP funds.
Darke Metropolitan Housing Authority
2024: $1,252,601
2023: $1,158,654
Preble Metropolitan Housing Authority
2024: $260,541
2023: $236,094
Deborah Donnelly Chief Financial Officer
MVCAP Expenses
Direct program expenses include personnel that work directly with clients, such as weatherization teams and utility assistance advocates. MVCAP’s management team is lean and efficient.
