October 3: Kaptur Announces Federal Award for Toledo Area Ministries

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur today announced a federal award of $799,999 to the Toledo Area Ministries for their innovative "Keeping It Together" project to strengthen marriages and relationships.

The federal funding was provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Human Services under the Office of Family Assistance.

"The economic crisis has put tremendous strains on our families throughout Northern Ohio, and Toledo Area Ministries deserves praise and support for its leadership in keeping families intact and strong," said Congresswoman Kaptur.

Kaptur cited recent statistics showing rising poverty in Toledo as evidence of the need. "One in four Toledoans lives in poverty, and it's even worse for women, children, and African Americans. We're all in this together, and faith-based institutions such as Toledo Area Ministries are vital to helping stitch together the social fabric of our community," she said.

"Keeping It Together" is designed to provide range of marriage and relationship education as well as skill-building activities for low-income couples and families. The initiative also aims to address the barriers that often keep families and individuals from constructive relationships and economic stability.

Collaborative community partners in the "Keeping It Together" initiative include: NetWORK/The Source, the Toledo Area Ministries Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Family House, Lucas County Children's Services, United Way 211, Lucas County Department of Job and Family Services, Lucas County Child Support Enforcement Agency, Bethany House, the YWCA, Dynamis Counseling and Consulting, Suitably Attired, and Mercy Health Systems.

Toledo Area Ministries is the largest ecumenical organization in Northwest Ohio, consisting of more than 125 congregations and six different denominations.