FAA staff perform demanding, rewarding work

Jan. 5, 2005 -- Their work helps provide basic support for thousands of children, families, pregnant women, elderly and disabled persons in Hamilton County. In January, we recognize the important role that Family and Adult Assistance (FAA) workers at the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services play in our community.

FAA Month (formerly called Income Maintenance Month) presents an opportunity to salute the employees who administer cash assistance (Ohio Works First, or OWF), food stamps (Ohio Direction Card) and Medicaid.

It’s a demanding job with great payoffs, such as helping a child or family overcome a rough time and regain solid footing. A number of “thank you” letters from appreciative clients and high marks in monthly customer-satisfaction surveys demonstrate FAA’s vital role.

For example, Teresa Powell of FAA1 got a letter of appreciation thanking her for good service and a sincere attitude to help others. "It's a blessing to know you are out there fighting in the trenches...," states the letter from a person who was helping a client with severe health issues apply for assistance.

Another client wrote a heartfelt letter to Linda Black-Standifer of FAA2 thanking her for enrolling her son in Healthy Start/Healthy Families Medicaid. She said that her son has quite a few medical disabilities and his medication costs alone have put her in continual debt. She no longer has this huge worry. She called the medical card “a gift from above.” She thanked Black-Standifer for prompt attention to her case.

Despite growing caseloads (especially food stamps), complex regulations, staff retention issues and other challenges, FAA continues to persevere and help families on a path toward economic self-sufficiency. Swift, accurate and courteous delivery of benefits makes a big difference in the lives of those they serve. State and federal program rules stress timeliness and accuracy.

For a closer look at the agency’s FAA programs, please visit Clients