Daily briefs

St. Francis receives $30,000 from the National Machinery Foundation St. Francis Senior Ministries has received a $30,000 grant from the National Machinery Foundation to help fund renovations and updates to its Chiara Center, which provides Alzheimer's and dementia care. Specifically, the project will replace flooring, add new furniture in common areas, and repaint walls in vibrant colors. The Chiara Center, part of St. Francis Home, currently has 22 of its 54 licensed skilled nursing beds dedicated to dementia care. For more information, call 419-447-2723. Support still available for summer cooling Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP) is continuing to assist eligible residents in Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca and Wood counties through the Summer Crisis Program, available through Sept. 30 or until funding runs out. The program provides utility bill assistance, central air repairs, or air conditioning units or fans for qualifying households. Eligibility includes households with a member age 60 or older, a household member with a documented medical need, those with a utility shut-off notice, or households establishing new electric service. Income limits apply, including $27,387.50 annually for a household of one or $56,262.50 for a family of four. Households of nine or more must be at or below 60% of the state median income. Appointments can be made at www.glcap.org/summercooling or by calling (419) 273-4212. FCFS Benefits Roadmap Presentation The Seneca County Family & Children First Council will host a presentation on benefits for individuals with disabilities and aging caregivers at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 26 at the North Central Ohio Educational Service Center, 928 W. Market St., Tiffin. Paula Washek of the Clearwater Cog will cover topics such as waivers, Medicaid, Social Security, trusts, the Stable Account, housing and employment navigation. Dinner is provided, and registration is required. To register, contact Director Sandy Hallett at (419) 447-2927 ext. 145 or via email at shallett@ncoesc.org. Seneca County Overdose Awareness Event HOPE in Fostoria, the Seneca County General Health District and Project Noelle are collaborating to host an Overdose Awareness event from 3–5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30 at Hedges-Boyer Park. The event will feature prevention resources, education on recognizing and responding to overdoses, and opportunities for community involvement. Displays in downtown Tiffin and Fostoria will commemorate the event, and the Seneca County Courthouse cupola will be lit purple in recognition of Overdose Awareness. According to local data, overdose deaths in Seneca County dropped from 22 in 2023 to 5 in 2024, while related emergency room visits fell from 185 to 112. For more information, contact senecaoae@gmail.com.