Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization

10/23/2026

What a great day of connections, resources, and community! 💙

Earlier this week, our Resource Fair brought together community members and local organizations to share information, make connections, and highlight the many resources available to individuals and families throughout our area.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, participated, and helped make the event such a great experience! We loved seeing so many familiar faces and making some new connections along the way.

📸 Here are a few highlights from the day!

10/23/2026

10/21/2026

Ohio’s southernmost community has a new riverfront. Governor DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine cut the ribbon in South Point on Tuesday on a new dock for larger boats and ADA-compliant sidewalks that lead from the parking lot to the Ohio River.

ILCAO CEO DR Gossett and Jessica Keeton, ILCAO’s Assistant Director of Community Development, joined state and local leaders for the celebration. The $1.2 million project is part of the Wonderful Waterfronts Initiative, the $204 million investment in Appalachian Ohio’s rivers that ILCAO leads, and this one is right here at home in Lawrence County.

Thank you to Governor and First Lady DeWine, Director Lydia Mihalik and the Ohio Department of Development, the Governor’s Office of Appalachia, the Village of South Point, and all of our partners.

10/15/2026

Zanesville cut the ribbon on the Canal Park Trail this week. It's one of 39 projects in the Wonderful Waterfronts Initiative, a $204 million investment in Appalachian Ohio's rivers, waterfronts, and downtowns.

ILCAO led the effort: we brought neighboring communities together around Ohio's rivers, coordinate the projects, and administer the funds. All told, ILCAO manages more than $150 million of the state's $500 million Appalachian Community Grant Program. Thank you to Governor DeWine, the Ohio Department of Development, the Governor's Office of Appalachia, and all of our partners.

Read more: [link to blog post] Watch the WHIZ Fox 5 story: https://www.whiznews.com/canal-park-trail-celebration/

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – State and local dignitaries held a ribbon cutting today to celebrate the completion of the Canal Park Trail. The project was part of Ohio’s Appalachian Community Grant Program designed to improve public access to several of the state’s scenic and historic waterways. “Sever...

10/13/2026

We at ILCAO are feeling the fall spirit, and what better way to celebrate than with an Autumn-themed resource fair? We will be hosting an Empowering Services Resource Fair on October 21st from 10am-1pm at the Ironton Farmer's Market located at 218 S 2nd Street.

There will be resources, giveaways, and a lot of fun! We're excited to see you 🎃

10/12/2026

This morning, ILCAO's Family Medical Centers celebrated the soft opening of our new in-house pharmacy!

Starting today, you can fill and pickup your prescriptions at our Ironton Campus location on Campbell Drive! Ask your provider how you can get your prescriptions transferred.

10/12/2026

Heating Assistance Available

Application Deadline: May 31, 2027

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and Ironton-Lawrence County Area CAO want to remind older Ohioans that assistance is available to help with their home energy bills. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps Ohioans at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for a household of up to seven members and 60% of State Median Income for a household of eight or more members to pay their heating bills.

Applied directly to the customer’s utility or bulk fuel bill, the benefit can help manage heating costs. Older Ohioans may go to their local Area Agency on Aging office for help with assembling the required documents and completing their HEAP application. They may also visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov to apply online or to download a copy of the application.

When applying, individuals need to have copies of the following documents:

· Most recent utility bills.

· A list of all household members (including birth dates and Social Security numbers).

· Proof of income for the past 30 days for all household members (12 months for certain income types).

· Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members.

· Proof of disability (if applicable).

Applications for the HEAP program must be received by May 31, 2027.

For more information or assistance with applying for a HEAP benefit, contact Ironton-Lawrence County Area CAO at: (740) 532-3140 Ext. 12219

To locate your local Energy Assistance Provider, visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov.

We can help you manage your utility bills and improve your home’s energy efficiency.

10/09/2026

When you do that, you make a difference! 🏆

At ILCAO, we like to celebrate making a difference in our community. "When You Do That, You Make A Difference" is a peer-nominated recognition that celebrates employees who demonstrate our ACTION Values: Accountability, Compassion, Teamwork, Integrity, Opportunity, and being Needs-Oriented.

Through everyday actions and moments of care, our staff make a real impact on each other and on the community.

Today, we are happy to recognize Nicole Vanderpool who were nominated for her dedication to our values. Read the nomination below:

"Nikki went above and beyond as a case manager by taking initiative to see a client who was in need. She coordinated and ensured the client was able to receive the support they required, including obtaining shoes, socks, water, food, etc. She focused on removing barriers to meet their immediate needs, demonstrating care, follow-through, and commitment to their wellbeing. Nikki is compassionate, kind, and very empathetic."

10/02/2026

When you do that, you make a difference! 🏆

At ILCAO, we like to celebrate making a difference in our community. "When You Do That, You Make A Difference" is a peer-nominated recognition that celebrates employees who demonstrate our ACTION Values: Accountability, Compassion, Teamwork, Integrity, Opportunity, and being Needs-Oriented.

Through everyday actions and moments of care, our staff make a real impact on each other and on the community.

Today, we are happy to recognize Ashley Campbell, Brandy Dickess, and Angela Jenkins, who were nominated for their dedication to our values. Read the nomination below:

I would like to nominate "The Education Team" Angie Jenkins, Ashley Campbell, and Brandy Dickess for the “When You Do That, You Make a Difference” Peer Award for their outstanding teamwork. Angie, Ashley, and Brandy consistently demonstrate what it means to be a TEAM. No matter how busy they are or what they have on their plates, they are always willing to drop what they are doing to step in and help wherever they are needed. They support not only one another, but staff throughout the organization, and they can always be counted on when an extra hand is needed. As an education team, they work hard to make learning engaging, enjoyable, and meaningful. They come up with fun and creative activities that encourage staff participation and help make education something employees can look forward to. Most importantly, they create a friendly, welcoming, and open learning environment where staff feel comfortable asking questions, learning new skills, and growing in their roles. Their willingness to help, positive attitudes, creativity, and commitment to supporting our staff truly embody the ACTION value of Teamwork. I am very proud to work alongside Angela, Ashley, and Brandy, and I believe they are very deserving of this recognition

09/25/2026

📚✨ Happy Dolly Parton Day! ✨📚

Today we celebrate not only an incredible entertainer, but also a champion for childhood literacy.

Through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, children throughout Lawrence County have received free books delivered directly to their homes, helping foster a love of reading and learning from an early age.

We are grateful for the impact this program has had on local families and for Dolly's commitment to ensuring every child has access to books, regardless of income or background.

Thank you, Dolly Parton, for helping our youngest readers dream big, learn often, and discover the joy of reading. ❤️📖