Gov. Mike DeWine Directs TANF Funds to Boost Ohio Families, Children, and Workforce Development

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed a sweeping executive order that releases millions of dollars in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to nonprofit organizations across the state. The move aims to strengthen family support systems, expand services for children, and enhance workforce development efforts in both rural and urban communities.

The executive order, announced Wednesday, directs the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to channel TANF resources to initiatives serving struggling families, youth, and vulnerable individuals in need of stability and opportunity.

In a statement, the governor’s office noted that the funding will “assist struggling families, support children, and encourage workforce development”, three pillars central to the state’s ongoing efforts to reduce poverty and boost community resilience.

Targeting Community Needs Across Ohio

The funding allocations support a broad network of nonprofits in areas such as mentorship, food assistance, housing, crisis intervention, literacy, and job-readiness training. Below is a breakdown of how the TANF funds will be deployed across Ohio’s regions.

Support for Youth, Children, and Families

Athens and Scioto Counties

• Up to $500,000 in each of the next two fiscal years will support the Ohio Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs in expanding workforce development services for eligible youth.
• The Ohio Council of Churches will also receive up to $100,000 annually to deliver family support, housing assistance, food programs, and job-training opportunities for families in Athens County.

Northeast Ohio Allocations

Nonprofits across Cuyahoga, Summit, Lorain, Medina, Stark, Lake, and other counties will see new support:

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cleveland will receive up to $50,000 yearly to strengthen mentorship programs for children in Cuyahoga County.
• Additional mentorship support extends to Summit, Medina, and Stark Counties with up to $100,000 annually for Big Brothers Big Sisters chapters in those areas.
• Catholic Charities programs will receive several streams of funding:

1. Up to $59,000 for Wayne County programs offering skill-building and education for families.
2. Up to $490,000 annually for regional mentorship and educational programs across Geauga, Lake, Lorain, and Summit counties.

Food Security and Family Stability

• Cleveland Kosher Food Pantry: up to $240,000 annually for food assistance.
• Esperanza: up to $100,000 for food programs and workforce development support.
• The Salvation Army – Cleveland: up to $270,000 for housing and job-placement services.
• The Word Church: up to $100,000 for food assistance.
• YWCA of Greater Cleveland: up to $290,000 annually for family services.

Support for Mothers and Students

• Pregnant with Possibilities Resource Center will receive up to $490,000 per year to support expecting and new mothers in Cuyahoga County.
• YMCA locations in Central Stark County and Greater Cleveland will each receive up to $290,000 to provide tutoring, safe-learning spaces, and leadership training for youth.

Adult Education and Workforce Preparation

• Seeds of Literacy: up to $290,000 annually for beginner adult literacy programs.
• Sisters of Charity Health System: up to $190,000 annually to enhance workforce and personal development training.

Statewide Investments

Several organizations with reach across multiple counties will benefit significantly:

• Children’s Hunger Alliance: up to $350,000 annually to strengthen statewide food assistance for children and families.
• Marion Goodwill Industries, Inc.: up to $390,000 annually to expand youth workforce development programs across more than 30 counties.
• Ohio Association of Foodbanks: up to $250,000 annually for statewide food assistance.
• Ohio Domestic Violence Network: up to $490,000 annually to deliver housing and transportation support for survivors.
• Operation Warm: the largest allocation, up to $1 million annually to provide new coats and shoes to eligible children across Ohio.

Strengthening Safety Nets and Workforce Pipelines

Governor DeWine’s executive order reflects a focused investment in both immediate needs and long-term well-being. From ensuring families have access to food and stable housing to preparing young people for viable careers, the state is directing TANF funds toward programs proven to strengthen communities.

Many of the organizations named have deep roots in their regions, often serving as the first line of support for vulnerable families. The infusion of funds positions them to scale their reach, modernize services, and respond more effectively to the evolving needs of Ohio residents.

Looking Ahead

As these allocations roll out over the next two fiscal years, state officials and nonprofit leaders are expected to collaborate closely on delivery, reporting, and measurable outcomes. The investment underscores Ohio’s commitment to building a more stable and opportunity-rich environment for children and families, especially those navigating economic hardship.

Governor DeWine’s office says the goal is simple: empower communities, strengthen families, and open doors for the next generation.

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