Hamilton County Ohio Social Service News

The Cincinnati Recreation Commission will be hosting FREE introductory Scuba classes through June and July 2025. Participants must be 12 years old or older, and must be large enough to safely swim with the scuba gear. Classes will be held from 10:30 AM until 12:30 PM at the following CRC Read More Shared by United Resource Connection June 7, 2025

The Metro Board of Trustees has approved a new fare structure that will take effect on July 16, 2025. The fare increase averages approximately 10% across all service types. Under the new structure, local fares will be $2.20, and express route fares will be $3.00. New Child Fare Policy There Read More Shared by Cincinnati Metro June 6, 2025

Cincinnati Public Schools offer full-service health centers at sites around the district to serve the medical needs of students, families and the community. Currently, there are 24 School-Based Health Centers to serve students' needs; 14 of those centers are also open to the community, and a number of these are Read More Shared by United Resource Connection June 5, 2025

The 2025 Family Law Guide for LGBTQ+ Ohioans is FREELY available for download as a .pdf document. The guide is meant for legal professionals, advocates and others interested in the legal issues LGBTQ+ persons specifically may encounter while navigating marriage, divorce, custody, parentage and adoption. The guide reviews the relevant Read More Shared by United Resource Connection June 3, 2025

Beginning June 8th, residents in the Forest Park and Pleasant Run communities will have access to the MetroNow! transportation service. Instead of using full size Metro buses, the MetroNow! service uses shuttle-style vehicles to provide flexible, on-demand service—within these available zones of service. MetroNow! currently operates in the communities of Read More Shared by United Resource Connection May 30, 2025

There is a FREE expungement clinic available online this Saturday, May 31st from noon until 5 PM. The event is meant to help those with a misdemeanor or low-level felony get their record of this sealed, or in some cases fully expunged. You must register to attend. The registration link Read More Shared by United Resource Connection May 29, 2025

Starting May 25th, 2025, thirteen Metro fixed routes will see minor schedule and or route adjustments. Many of these changes occur annually, corresponding to the shifts in traffic patterns that occur when school is out. Schedule Changes The following routes will have new schedules: Routes 4, 11, 17, 22, 24, 28, Read More Shared by Cincinnati Metro May 16, 2025

Thinking about giving commuting by bike a try? Friday, May 16th, is the perfect time to start. In celebration of National Bike-to-Work Day, Metro is offering free rides to bus riders who bring a bike. Anyone who loads a bike onto a bus's front-mounted bike rack will ride for free Read More Shared by Cincinnati Metro May 9, 2025

Immigration and refugee law services play a crucial role in the lives of low-income individuals and families who face legal challenges in their efforts to navigate the complex and often confusing US immigration system. For many, the prospect of paying for legal representation is out of reach, leaving them vulnerable Read More Shared by United Resource Connection May 6, 2025

The Hamilton County 5 1 3 Relief Bus is a mobile medical and social service bus, providing health screenings and application assistance to connect to social services and economic relief. The bus is equipped with the technology that allows this assistance to occur on site. The bus travels to local Read More Shared by United Resource Connection May 5, 2025

A representative payee program is a program that helps individuals who are unable to manage their Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Disability Benefits, Veterans' or other financial benefits. A representative payee is appointed to manage the benefits on behalf of the beneficiary. The program is designed for individuals who are Read More Shared by United Resource Connection April 18, 2025

The Hamilton County Youth Employment Program provides year-round opportunities for employment, career exploration, professional development and credentialing for Hamilton County youth ages 14 through 21. The program helps young people in Hamilton County find work, explore careers and remove barriers to create a clear path to more education or a Read More Shared by United Resource Connection April 16, 2025

The Cincinnati Health Network serves individuals experiencing homelessness or living with HIV/AIDS in the Tri-State area. They provide the following services at all their locations: Physical Exams, Blood Tests, Medication Assistance, Drug and Alcohol Abuse Screening & Treatment, Smoking Cessation Help, Diabetes Treatment and Education, Dental Referrals, Pregnancy testing, Testing Read More Shared by United Resource Connection April 10, 2025

Nearly 3 in 10 American adults who take prescription drugs say that they have skipped doses, cut pills in half, or not filled prescriptions due to cost. Prescription cost may be a very difficult expense for those that don't have insurance, and those who don't have sufficient insurance. There are Read More Shared by United Resource Connection April 9, 2025

Hamilton County has a bus that visits local neighborhoods to provide health screenings, mobile healthcare, and enrollment assistance for a wide variety of social services and economic relief programs. The bus is called the “5 1 3 Relief Bus”. The 5 1 3 Relief bus schedules visits with municipalities throughout Read More Shared by United Resource Connection April 4, 2025

Tax Day is Tuesday April 15th this year. If you are a U.S. citizen or resident alien, whether you must file a federal income tax return depends on your gross income, your filing status, your age, and whether you are a dependent. If you must file a tax return, these are Read More Shared by United Resource Connection April 3, 2025

The Healing Center, located in Springdale at 11345 Century Circle, provides a number of services to struggling individuals and families. The services are freely available on a walk-in basis regardless of the county, city or state of one's residence. Services include a food pantry and clothing closet, as well as Read More Shared by United Resource Connection April 1, 2025

Metro will have fare-free rides on Opening Day, Thursday, March 27th. Metro's fixed routes and Access paratransit will be FREE of charge.  Opening Day Parade Metro Detours include the following. From noon on Thursday, March 27th, Government Square and other Downtown stops throughout the morning and early afternoon will be temporarily Read More Shared by United Resource Connection March 24, 2025

The United Way of Greater Cincinnati operates free income tax preparation and filing services to help individuals and families get all the tax credits deserved. With the annual tax deadline approaching in April, connecting with this service can be of great value. Many hardworking people qualify for tax credits, including Read More Shared by United Resource Connection March 20, 2025

Visitors with a valid food assistance card (Ohio Direction Card or Ohio EBT card) can receive FREE admission to the Highfield Discovery Garden on regular operating days. Admission is otherwise $7 per person, free to children age 2 and under. The Highfield Discovery Garden is 12-acre garden designed to encourage Read More Shared by United Resource Connection March 19, 2025

The Hamilton County Department of Job & Family Services has an online portal that allows individuals and families to apply for services completely online. The portal allows applicants to sign electronically when submitting their application for services. The Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services offers a number of Read More Shared by United Resource Connection March 16, 2025

The Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a home improvement store selling low cost gently used furniture, lighting fixtures, doors, windows, appliances, building materials and more. Low cost appliances like refrigerators and stoves, and furniture like kitchen tables, chairs, couches, beds and dressers, are very helpful for individuals and families on Read More Shared by United Resource Connection March 14, 2025

Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library Cards are available to all Ohio residents. You can get a library card by completing an online application or by stopping by your local branch. With a library card, individuals have FREE access to a vast collection of books, magazines, audiobooks, and movies, as Read More Shared by United Resource Connection March 12, 2025

There's a Medicare “Extra Help” program provided by the Social Security Administration which helps with prescription drug costs. The program helps low income individuals pay their Medicare prescription (Part D) drug coverage, like premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and other costs. Everyone who qualifies for the Extra Help program will pay: $0 Read More Shared by United Resource Connection March 8, 2025

This month is Women's History Month. Women's History Month is designated as an educational endeavor to increase awareness not just of the contributions but also the unique experiences of women in our history. Women's History Month is officially recognized in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, corresponding with Read More Shared by United Resource Connection March 8, 2025

Medicare provides essential healthcare coverage for millions of Americans, offering access to necessary medical services and prescription drugs. However, navigating the complexities of Medicare can be daunting, often requiring assistance to understand eligibility criteria, coverage options, and enrollment processes effectively. Accessible support services can greatly alleviate the burden, ensuring individuals Read More Shared by United Resource Connection March 7, 2025

The Price Hill Public Library is hosting FREE yoga events for kids 2.5 to 9 years old through March. Practicing yoga promotes flexibility, strength, and balance, enhancing physical well-being regardless of age. Yoga also offers mental benefits such as stress reduction, mindfulness, and a sense of inner calm, making yoga Read More Shared by United Resource Connection March 1, 2025

Supporting grieving children is crucial as they navigate the complex emotions and challenges that come with loss. Providing a safe space for children to express their feelings and fears can help them cope and heal. Tools for care providers, such as grief counseling techniques tailored to children's developmental stages, storybooks Read More Shared by United Resource Connection February 26, 2025

HealthSource of Ohio provides FREE over-the-phone insurance application help. Assistance includes help with applications for Medicaid, Emergency Medicaid, Medicaid renewals, and SNAP food benefit applications and renewals. This assistance is provide to anyone who is an Ohio resident and U.S. citizen. People who receive this assistance are not required to be, Read More Shared by United Resource Connection February 25, 2025

The Young Child Institute at Central Clinic Behavioral Health offers individual play-based therapy for children ages 0 to 6. Play-based therapy uses the therapeutic power of play to help children achieve growth and development. Family members are included to support the child's progress. Appointments are scheduled by phone, at (513) Read More Shared by United Resource Connection February 18, 2025

The Council on Aging is administering a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to make home repairs and modifications for older adults in Clinton County who qualify. What repairs and modifications are included in the Program? Individuals may apply to receive assistance with home repairs or Read More Shared by United Resource Connection February 15, 2025

Medicare.gov is accepting enrollment for individuals eligible for Parts A (Hospital Insurance) & B (Medical Insurance). Individuals who have a Medicare Advantage plan may also use this time period to switch back to Original Medicare, or to change to a different Medicare Advantage plan. You can only join, switch, or Read More Shared by United Resource Connection February 15, 2025

The Central Access Point Helpline assists individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. They can access information about services, check for space in emergency shelters, and be placed into housing programs. The helpline is accessible by calling 513-381-SAFE. Those who are homeless today and those Read More Shared by United Resource Connection February 12, 2025

Sesame Street (dot) org has a number of developmental resources on multiple topics ranging from asthma and autism, to daily routines, dealing with divorce, traumatic experiences, and parental addiction. These resources can be helpful inside or outside of clinical settings to support children dealing with difficult circumstances. One can search Read More Shared by United Resource Connection February 7, 2025

Every month the National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI of Southwest Ohio, hosts several different types of support groups at various locations around the Greater Cincinnati area. Information on the locations and times of these groups is available on their online event calendar. The different types of groups available are as Read More Shared by United Resource Connection February 6, 2025

Having a juvenile criminal record can impact one's ability to obtain employment, housing, and other benefits, even decades after a conviction. Since 2013 the Public Defender's office of Hamilton County has provided legal assistance to get criminal and juvenile records sealed and expunged. If you or someone you know has Read More Shared by United Resource Connection February 5, 2025

The Cincinnati Hamilton County Library has a number of resources and events Celebrating Black History. February 10th, 17th, and 24th, from 6 PM to 8 PM, The Forest Park Branch Library is hosting a three-part local history series about Glendale's historically black segregated school. Topics include the role of the Read More Shared by United Resource Connection February 1, 2025

This Month is Black History Month, which is officially recognized by the United States, Canada, the U.K., Ireland, and the Netherlands. Black History Month originated in the U.S., where it is also known as African-American History Month. The precursor to Black History Month was Black History Week which was first Read More Shared by United Resource Connection February 1, 2025

The Cincinnati NAACP Housing Committee will be hosting an event to connect homeowners to supportive resources. The event will be held Saturday February 8th from 10 AM to 12:30 PM at the Evanston Recreation Center. The event is FREE and meant to help homeowners struggling with the cost of property Read More Shared by United Resource Connection January 30, 2025

The Social Security Administration website provides direct access to do things like: Check eligibility for benefits, Plan for retirement, Apply for benefits, Sign up for Medicare, Appeal a decision, and/or Check application or appeal status. They offer four portals on their website to accomplish these tasks: there's a “Documents” portal, Read More Shared by United Resource Connection January 23, 2025

The Library offers free printing services at all of the Hamilton County locations.  You may print 20 pages per day for free.  Additional pages can be printed at a cost of $0.15 per page in black and white and $0.25 per page in color. You do not need a library card to use Read More Shared by United Resource Connection January 22, 2025

Yale Psychology Professor Dr. Laurie Santos offers an online 6-week course designed to help teens make wiser choices and live a life that's happier and more fulfilling. In this course, teens explore what the field of psychology teaches about how to be happier, how to feel less stressed, and how Read More Shared by United Resource Connection January 21, 2025

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only federal holiday designated as a day of service, to encourage all Americans to volunteer to take action toward the improvement of their community. In observance of the national holiday, schools, government agencies, businesses and banks are closed each year on the third Monday Read More Shared by United Resource Connection January 17, 2025

The United States Postal Service provides a pathway for homeless individuals to have a P.O. Box at no cost. A free P.O. box can be incredibly useful for homeless individuals as it provides them with a secure mailing address. This allows them to receive important documents, apply for job opportunities, Read More Shared by United Resource Connection January 15, 2025

There are a number of resources available in the Greater Cincinnati area, to help address the risks present from extreme cold and dangerous wind chill. The National Weather Service in Wilmington is one resource for monitoring extreme cold emergency weather news. Updates on the projected temperature timelines, winds and associated Read More Shared by United Resource Connection January 14, 2025

The Office of the Ohio Secretary of State has a program that helps certain individuals keep their addresses hidden from the public. The program is for individuals who are survivors of, or living with survivors of, domestic violence, stalking, human trafficking, rape, and/or sexual battery. The program helps these survivors Read More Shared by United Resource Connection January 9, 2025

Medicare's annual open enrollment period concluded on December 7th, but other enrollment opportunities for Medicare coverage are getting underway. Ohioans on Medicare who did not sign up for Part A (hospital insurance) and or Part B (medical insurance) during their initial enrollment period, and do not qualify for a special Read More Shared by United Resource Connection January 8, 2025

Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services hosts weekly zoom calls for individuals seeking connection. People with disabilities can join and share about their interests and potentially form connections with other people who have disabilities. The goal is for the joining participants to make friendships through conversation.  The zoom calls are hosted Read More Shared by United Resource Connection January 7, 2025

As a round of winter weather moves through the region Sunday morning into Tuesday, Metro is reminding the public of various procedures and resources available in the event that snow or ice disrupts their normal bus service. In the event of significant ice or snow, Metro will still run service, Read More Shared by Cincinnati Metro January 3, 2025

Funding is available to obtain in-person tutors for school students and adult learners. There are grant opportunities separately available for students and adult learners through Learning Aid Ohio, and Adult Literacy Ohio, respectively. Once approved, one can browse available tutors in your area with the expertise needed, and schedule interviews Read More Shared by United Resource Connection January 2, 2025

The U.S Department of Health and Human Services Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion has released the second edition of their Physical Activity_Guidelines (available as a pdf). The guidelines provide evidence-based guidance to help people maintain or improve their health through physical activity. They also have released a number of Read More Shared by United Resource Connection January 1, 2025