Columbus, Ohio – In a major move aimed at strengthening families, uplifting communities, and enhancing workforce readiness across Ohio, Governor Mike DeWine has signed Executive Order 2025-07D, directing funding from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program to more than 60 organizations. These initiatives are designed to support low-income families with services such as food assistance, parenting support, mentoring programs, job training, housing stability, and trauma recovery.
“This executive order reflects our deep commitment to supporting families who need help the most,” said Governor DeWine. “By directing TANF funds toward programs that promote long-term success and stability, we are investing in the future of Ohio’s children and communities.”
Programs Funded Across Counties and Sectors
The funding spans fiscal years 2026 and 2027 and includes targeted allocations for organizations working in youth mentorship, maternal support, trauma counseling, workforce training, and food security. Among the many recipients:
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Big Brothers Big Sisters organizations across the state will receive between $50,000 to $110,000 annually to continue mentoring children in counties including Franklin, Cuyahoga, Muskingum, Butler, and Summit.
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Brigid’s Path, a neonatal recovery center, will receive $190,000 per year to help newborns and their families in over 20 counties.
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Catholic Charities branches will receive hundreds of thousands to deliver food, mentorship, and educational programming in regions such as Lorain, Mahoning, and Wayne counties.
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Elizabeth’s New Life Center will receive $490,000 annually to support mothers during and after pregnancy across ten counties.
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Children’s Hunger Alliance will receive $350,000 each year to distribute food aid statewide.
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Operation Warm is awarded up to $1 million per year to provide new coats and shoes to children in need across Ohio.
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The Ohio Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs will receive $500,000 per year for workforce training programs reaching dozens of counties from Hamilton to Ashtabula.
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Catholic Social Services, Esperanza, and the Cleveland Kosher Food Pantry will also receive substantial funds for their nutritional and workforce programs.
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Trauma-focused support organizations, including Citilookout Counseling and the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, are among the recipients providing critical services for individuals and families in crisis.
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Workforce development partners, such as Marion Goodwill Industries, Miami Valley Urban League, Emerge Recovery and Trades Initiative, and the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio, are receiving hundreds of thousands in TANF funding to deliver job training and personal development programs to help residents reach long-term stability.
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Housing support organizations, including Family Promise of Greene County, Providence House, and YWCA chapters in Cleveland and Cincinnati, are receiving significant funding to assist families facing housing insecurity.
Supporting Vulnerable Populations
The broad distribution of funds emphasizes both geographic diversity and service variety, aiming to reach underserved populations in urban centers like Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus, as well as rural communities in counties such as Holmes, Harrison, and Adams.
Each program was selected for its alignment with TANF goals, including the promotion of child well-being, economic independence, and family stability. The funding will be used to expand existing programs, launch new outreach efforts, and ensure that support services are accessible to those most in need.
Long-Term Impact and Statewide Collaboration
Governor DeWine’s administration continues to focus on collaborative, statewide strategies that move families from short-term relief to long-term resilience. The executive order’s implementation marks another step in Ohio’s efforts to address poverty, reduce barriers to opportunity, and empower local organizations to deliver impactful services.
Agencies and organizations receiving funding will be expected to report outcomes and ensure transparency in how funds are used, helping the state evaluate effectiveness and ensure families receive the support they need.
With Executive Order 2025-07D, Ohio is taking a bold, proactive approach to ensuring that vulnerable families have the tools, resources, and support to not only survive but succeed.
