Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission, Retaining Employees, Winning Awards

Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission (NOCAC) recently released their 2025 annual report. The report highlights both the people who work for NOCAC and the programs provided in Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Paulding, Van Wert, and Williams counties.  From long term employee retention to recognition of programming for going above and beyond, 2025 was full of efforts that supported and strengthened communities.

“NOCAC’s 2025 Annual Report highlights the valuable resources, collaborations, and support systems that allow us to create meaningful solutions that address the barriers associated with poverty and help individuals and families move toward greater self-sufficiency and stability.

This work would not be possible without our dynamic employees, whose compassion and dedication ensure that life-changing services and opportunities remain accessible to those we serve. In fact, 21% of NOCAC’s workforce has been with the agency for more than 15 years  demonstrating the deep commitment and experience our team brings to strengthening communities across our region,” Angie Franklin, Executive Director.

Program wise two of the great 2025 wins were both rooted in the Summer Food Program. Specifically, the Turnip the Beet! Award by the USDA for going above and beyond; and the Golden Gourd Award which is sponsored by the Farm to Summer Challenge. The Golden Gourd Award is part of the Ohio Proud efforts which involve several State of Ohio departments including the Department of Agriculture. 

Equally valuable were all the other programming efforts throughout the year including those provided by NOCAC’s Financial Opportunity Center, Head Start, Weatherization and Home Repair, the PATH Center, Housing Services, Publicly Funded Child Care, Health and Nutrition, and Emergency Assistance.