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After a nearly four year hiatus from public events OH Living Cape May rolls out with The Speakers Corner, a public forum for the residents of both Cape May and Wilmington to learn about the services the city offers. Their first guest speaker was Jessica Powell from the Wilmington Transit System. Powell began with giving the transits' current hours, 6:30am–7:30pm, stating that they are currently working with ODOT to expand their hours to help accommodate 2nd shift workers. The transit is funded through the FTA, ODOT, and the city of Wilmington, to which they have to provide proof of need for an hours expansion. The transit consists of the office staff, dispatchers, as well as 48 drivers, for their fleet of handicap accessible minivans and minibuses. The transit's current rates for in-city limits are $2.00/per ride for citizens and $1.00/per ride for the elderly and disabled. They also offer out of town rates, starting at $1.00/per mile out of city limits. Powell also said that they will partner with JFS for people needing transportation for out of town doctors appointments, saying that the rate for out of town is the same and they charge an additional $2.00/per 5 minutes of wait time. Powell went on to say that they also offer one way trips to the airport, charging citizens between $50–$100 depending on the airport. For an out of town trip, Powell says that you will need to contact the transit to schedule ahead so they can ensure that appointments are made on time. If you are in need of the Wilmington Transit services you can contact them at (937) 382-7961, and they will soon be offering an app for online scheduling. Powell said that all feedback for the transit is welcome, encouraging people to call in and give suggestions, comments or concerns. The next guest for The Speaker's Corner is the VFW Auxiliary on March 21, 2023.

Real Change Wilmington recently toured Ahresty’s factory and sat down with in-house recruiter, Sherry Barrett, to discuss their senior leadership’s passion and commitment for providing employment opportunities for people who traditionally have a hard time passing a background-check due to felony convictions, homelessness, and or lack of transportation. As a Wilmington native, Barrett herself was hit hard in 2008 when DHL left the airpark. Both Her, and her husband-at-the-time, lost their jobs, and had their family’s household income cut in half. This seems to be a harsh reality for many in Wilmington, but Barrett decided that this was an opportunity to go back to school and shortly thereafter, through a staffing agency, found a temporary position at Ahresty. “They really took a chance on me, my first manager hired me after only being with them for four months,” says Barrett. Ahresty works closely with The Phoenix House on N. South Street to employ men who are part of their transitional housing program. The Phoenix House works with men and women who have drug and mental health related issues. Ahresty prides themselves as being one of Wilmington’s few second chance companies. As long as the individual does not have a felony that is sexual or violent in nature, or involves a firearm, they are applicable candidates for hire. Other groups that Ahresty works with are people who are in, or have graduated from, former Judge Mike Daughtery’s addiction rehabilitation program, U-Turn, and women at the Hope House. Barrett acknowledged that some of these hires that are part of The Phoenix House, U-Turn, or other rehabilitation programs, don’t always stay employed with Ahresty after their program is complete for various reasons. However, Ahresty is still committed to building into the community in this way, and helping people gain experience and leadership skills. Other issues that employees face are transportation and childcare. Barrett said they have many employees who use the Wilmington Transit System (WTS), but this causes issues for 2nd and 3rd shift employees because WTS only runs 6:30am to 7:30pm. Barrett shared that employees with no transportation find ways to make it work, “They will walk, ride bikes, and once they get to know other associates will try to get rides together, if the cab is not an available option”. Ahresty is currently working with the Clinton County Workforce Collaborative to find a transportation company to come to Wilmington with the intent of helping 2nd and 3rd shift workers. When asked about hiring people who are homeless, Barrett said that as a recruiter she is not allowed to ask if someone is homeless, but when she sees their address listed as the homeless shelter, she pieces it together. There is no judgment, much like their stance on hiring people from nontraditional backgrounds, Barrett said that Ahresty understands some people are just down on their luck, or choose to be homeless for their own reasons. Ahresty’s focus is to get the right people hired and to help support the community. Barrett shared how their Vice President, Mike Fraizer, “loves the community, and wants to help the people in Clinton, Jackson, Vinton and other surrounding counties. He has been with Ahresty for 35 years and loves this community because he grew up here.” Ahresty is currently working with several staffing agencies in Wilmington, Washington Courthouse, Lebanon, and Xenia to help employ people. Some of the biggest issues that people face when getting hired in is not having the proper documentation to fill out an I9, “You need an ID, or birth certificate, or social security card or passport. If you are homeless or struggling financially, and don’t have these items it can get expensive to get them” said Barrett. Ahresty offers employees many benefits, including access to a recently renovated and fully stocked cafe area, fitness center, 401K, company paid life insurance, as well as medical, dental, and vision insurance. Barrett explained that there is a need for an onsite child care facility, to assist parents working 2nd and 3rd shifts and for calamity days at the local schools. Barret shared about Ahresty’s ‘Helping Hands Program’, where employees can reach out to HR personally, or on the behalf of another employee, and can submit a request for financial assistance using money raised from company fundraisers. One employee who was behind on bills was referred by a friend, “we helped her get out of a hard spot. Then she came back to us and paid it back! She wanted to be part of Helping Hands and help someone else”. As a company that has been in Wilmington for over 35 years, Ahresty does many things to make the community a better place to live. Ahresty partners with Clinton County Homeless Shelter to donate food and organize an annual sock drive. Senior leadership is always looking for new ways for Ahresty to be involved in the community. One such employee, Fadial-ghawi, who has been with Ahresty since before they broke ground, heads community projects like the Cardboard City and donates much of his personal time assisting at the Habitat for Humanity. Ahresty is a Japanese company that was established in Wilmington in 1988 and has provided jobs for the county for the last 35 years. They currently have a staff of 700 employees working all three shifts making aluminum die cast parts for car manufacturers.

Rich Boll, pastor of Wilmington Church of God and organizer of 'One Mission' gathered local homeless shelter leaders and community members to help address homelessness in Wilmington. Speaker schedule included: Lee Sandlin, Sugartree Ministries Director, to discuss "how to interact and encounter people in need on the street". JoEllen Vance, Hope House Volunteer, to discuss "volunteering and helping at Hope House". Denise Stryker, Clinton County Homeless Shelter Director, to discuss "how to volunteer at the homeless shelter" and "one-page resources" (more information below). Amber Vance, 'Point-In-Time Count' Coordinator, to discuss "how we can do one more often than once a month". Sydney Murtlanto, Clinton County Homeless Shelter Access Point Coordinator, to discuss coordination with Sugartree, Hope House, and Homeless Shelter. Angel Boll, Summer's Place Director, to discuss success story and mental health needs. Denise Stryker also shared a "one-page resource" for how to engage with people who are homeless, and provide emergency shelter resources. Download this resource below:

Real Change Wilmington sits down with Elke & Kendra, of Crown Staffing, to discuss and debunk some of the common misconceptions of staffing agencies and employing the homeless. People talk about the "homeless crisis" in Wilmington on the daily, we speak on it face to face, in city meetings, and on social media. Real Change Wilmington decided to get to the bottom of it by speaking to the professionals. Kendra and Elke discuss who staffing agencies are for, if they can help employ the homeless, and what are the struggles they see in the day to day of people looking for jobs in Wilmington. Sitting down with Crown Staffing we learn that they see all people searching for work as equals and they really want to see Wilmington get back to work! Take some time to listen even if you are not looking for employment to learn about Crown Staffing and how they want to create some real change for the job market in our city.

Real Change Wilmington sits down with Pat Haley, Mayoral Candidate, and his wife, Brenda, to discuss Pat's early life, careers, and 4 key points for election. Sitting down with former Commissioner Pat Haley, we discussed his four main points for running in the mayoral election: Crime, Charity, Transparency, and Communication. These four things can make or break a town and Pat has great intentions for addressing and administering each if elected. Pat showed us his passion for helping this community be the absolute best it can be. You can really feel his love for Wilmington, as someone who grew up in Port William and served not only as a Commissioner but as a Clinton County Sheriff. Listen to Pat and Brenda talk about what makes them tick in this community, and where Pat's vision for mayor can take this town. Passionate and caring, it was nice to talk about some fresh insight for Wilmington.

Real Change Wilmington sits down with John Stanforth, City of Wilmington Mayor, to discuss his life, being mayor, and his bid for reelection. A real Wilmington native, Stanforth, tells the Real Change Team about his life through family, loss and success. The podcast ends with his key points on re-election for mayor this coming election season. From old memories to new ideas Stanforth loves the city and it's people like family. A comforting listen about a man who had no political aspirations in life, becoming a mayor that sought to beautify the town he loves and to be a "Mayor of the People", John Stanforth lays it out for the city to hear.

Real Change Wilmington sits down with Lee Sandlin, Administrator of Sugartree Ministries, to discuss what is going on at Sugartree Ministries and Our Father's Kitchen. Informative, investigative, and insightful this deep dive into the inner workings of Sugartree Ministries really puts Lee on the spot to answer the community's most asked questions. Such as, "Where are the homeless come from?", "Do you enable drug use at your facility?", and "What happened to Joe's Java?". Listen to this two-hour podcast and decide for yourself if Sugartree is as bad as the public makes it, or if it suffers from a lack of communication. Whichever you decide, like Lee says, choose based on the first hand information and not the rumors.

Real Change Wilmington sits down with Jim Alcorn from the Clinton County Veterans' Service Commission to learn about all the ways Clinton County serves the Veterans of the county. An interview filled with lots of heartfelt stories about service, retirement, and the commission. Alcorn tells us about how the Veterans' service commission helps vets from Clinton County receive their benefits, assists the families of veterans, and even some of Alcorn's hobbies since leaving the US Army in 2017. This interview is a straight to business look into the Veterans' Service Commission, with a few laughs along the way. You can feel Alcorn's dedication to our country in the way he talks about his love for his work and stories from the Army.

Dustin Pearce and his team at Makeshark Website Marketing in downtown Wilmington have launched “Real Change Wilmington” — an online and print resource created to help empower individuals in need and educate the community on topics like addiction recovery, housing, child care, and more. For the past few months, Pearce and his team have been engaging with community members, organizational leaders, and sifting through existing documents to curate a list of resources available in Wilmington and also communicate what organizations are doing behind the scenes to create real change, according to a news release. “Last summer I noticed a lot of people asking for money outside of Kroger. I wanted to help, but I was skeptical that they actually needed the money, because I knew of many resources in the community that provide food, shelter, etc. So to solve this dilemma, I decided to use my skills to create a resource that both helps people in need to get resources and helps those who want to give, get the education to give wisely—and not just pocket change, but ‘real change’ (hence the name),” Pearce said. Pearce said Real Change Wilmington launches with two key intentions. The first being empowerment. “Part of what we are trying to do is empower people, eliminate excuses, and expose true gaps in resources. We live in a small town where information travels by word-of-mouth, but often secondhand information can be misinformed or incomplete. For instance, the other day a friend of mine said someone approached him thinking I was his son! We laughed, but it proves my point that even in a small town, where most people know each other’s business, sometimes we can be wrong. Maybe there is transportation, child care, housing, etc., options for you, or maybe there is really a gap that someone needs to address. Whatever the truth is, I believe knowing can empower us.” The second intention of launching Real Change Wilmington is education. “The other part of what we are trying to do is educate people, reduce frustration caused by lack of communication, and improve a sense of community pride. There seems to be a few issues and organizations in our town that stir up a lot of controversy. I have volunteered at some of those organizations, and still don’t feel like I really know what goes on there. So, we also started a podcast to talk with leaders of local organizations to get a first-hand understanding of who they are and what they do. In our second episode, we talk with Crown Staffing about how they are employing people who want to work, but are homeless or have a felony that makes it hard to pass a background check. Because of our conversation, we are now working with them to build a list of local background-friendly employers.” Pearce ended by saying that Real Change Wilmington is not “perfect”—“there are still bugs and missing information they are working on”—but that isn’t keeping them from trying to help the community and people who have real needs right now. “I am confident that we will only get better because we are willing to take imperfect actions forward. I believe Wilmington is ready for real change, and I am encouraged by the support we are receiving.” For more information, please visit www.realchangewilmington.com.

Legal Resources in Wilmington, Ohio Finding legal assistance for your needs can be found here with a categorized list of local practice areas and lawyers. Table of Contents Attorneys (view) Court Services (view) Attorneys Bankruptcy Dennis & Williams Co. LPA Address: 245 N South St, Wilmington, OH 45177 Phone: (937) 382-3831 Learn More: Website Ferguson Legal Group, LTD Address: 21 N South St, Wilmington, OH 45177 Phone: (937) 600-6518 Learn More: Website Harold Jarnicki & Associates Address: 822 Rombach Ave. Wilmington, OH 45177 Phone: (937) 383-1557 Learn More: Website Rose & Dobyns Co., LPA Address: 97 N. South St. Wilmington, OH 45177 Phone: (937) 382-2838 Learn More: Website Criminal Defense Rose & Dobyns Co., LPA Address: 97 N. South St. Wilmington, OH 45177 Phone: (937) 382-2838 Learn More: Website Kruger & Hodges Attorneys at Law Address: 36 W. Main St. Wilmington, OH 45177 Phone: (513) 540-4272 Learn More: Website Fife & Fife Attorneys Address: 27 N. South St. Wilmington, OH 45177 Phone: (937) 382- 5509 Learn More: Website Ferguson Legal Group, LTD Address: 21 N South St, Wilmington, OH 45177 Phone: (937) 600-6518 Learn More: Website Disability Dryer, Garofalo, Mann & Shultz Address: 967 S. South St Wilmington, OH 45177 Phone: (937) 222-2222 Learn More: Website Elder Law Buckley, Miller & Wright Address: 145 N. South St. Wilmington, OH 45177 Phone: (937) 382-0946 Learn More: Website Family Law Dennis & Williams Co. LPA Address: 245 N South St, Wilmington, OH 45177 Phone: (937) 382-3831 Learn More: Website Rose & Dobyns Co., LPA Address: 97 N. South St. Wilmington, OH 45177 Phone: (937) 382-2838 Learn More: Website Court Services Clinton County Juvenile Court Services (Probation) Probation, diversion, medication, and community services. Address: 46 S. South St. Suite 218, Wilmington, OH 45177 Phone: (937) 382-2391 Learn More: Website Clinton County Municipal Court Address: 69 N South St. Wilmington, OH 45177 Phone: (937) 382-8985 Learn More: Website Clinton County Public Defender Operates to defend those who are accused of a criminal offense and who are at risk for going to jail, income eligibility. Address: 46 S. South St. Wilmington, OH 45177 Phone: (937) 382-8985 Learn More: Website Wilmington Police Department Address: 69 N South St. Wilmington, OH 45177 Phone: (937) 382-3833 Learn More: Website Clinton County Sheriff's Department Address: 1645 Davis Dr. Wilmington, OH 45177 Learn More: Website

Domestic Violence Resources in Wilmington, Ohio Abuse can take many forms but when it comes from someone that you are supposed to be able to trust and lean on for support it can be hard to know what to do. This page will link you to helpful resources in the community if you or someone you know is struggling with domestic abuse. Table of Contents Domestic Violence Resources (view) Child Abuse & Neglect Resources (view) Domestic Violence Resources Alternatives to Violence Alternatives to Violence Center's mission is to provide alternatives to violence and solutions to survivors and their families. The agency accomplishes this mission by providing 24-hour crisis intervention to any individual experiencing violence, abuse, stalking or neglect. Address: 37 W Main St, Wilmington, OH 45177 Hours: Mon–Fri 9am to 4pm Phone: (937) 383-3285 Learn More: Website National Domestic Violence Hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides essential tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence so they can live their lives free of abuse. Hours: 24/7/365 Phone: 1 (800) 799-7233 Learn More: Website Child Abuse & Neglect Resources Clinton County Child Protection Unit (CPS) The Clinton County, Ohio Child Protective Unit works with families to improve on areas of concern. The family may voluntarily wish to work with the agency or they may have been ordered by the court to cooperate with the agency. The focus of the Protective Unit is to provide services that will ensure the safety of the child and assist the family in remaining together within their own home. If a child is unable to safely remain in the home, then the agency will provide services that will assist in reunification with the family. If you know a child who may be a victim of abuse or neglect please reach out to CPS. Address:1025 S. South St. #300 Wilmington, OH 45177 Phone: (800) 284-8942 Emergency Phone: (937) 382-2449 Learn More: Website

Animal Care Resources in Wilmington, Ohio Animals are living beings, they deserve a good life. This page will help you find resources for animal health, wellbeing, and adoption. Table of Contents Animal Control (view) Veterinarians (view) Pest Control (view) Animal Control Clinton County Dog Warden Address: 1330 Fife Ave. Wilmington, OH 45177 Phone: (937) 382-8388 Learn More: Website Clinton County Humane Society We are a group of Clinton County citizens who are dedicated to protecting and savings the lives of homeless, abused and neglected animals in Clinton County. Our animals are vet-checked and spayed/neutered before their adoptions to ensure they are healthy when they find their loving family and home and to help control the animal population. We have wonderful dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens for adoption. If you want to add a new member to the family, consider adopting one of our special orphans. Address: 1760 Fife Ave. Wilmington, OH 45177 Hours: Coming Soon Phone: (937) 383-0703 Learn More: Website PAWS Humane Society We are a no-kill, volunteer based, non-profit animal welfare organization.​Our Pet Adoption Center houses both cats and dogs. The animals that we help receive shelter, food and medical care. Our volunteers do their part in helping unwanted animals by feeding, taking care of and socializing our cats and dogs multiple times a day. Before adoption, the animals are checked by a veterinarian, vaccinated, and spayed or neutered. Address: 5312 N US 68 Wilmington, OH 45177 Phone: (937) 768-4203 Learn More: Website Veterinarians Clinton Animal Care Center Clinton Animal Care Center in Wilmington, Ohio we believe once you and your pet walk through our door, you become part of our family. Your pet’s health and well-being are our highest priorities. We understand the special bond you share with your faithful companion and it is our goal to preserve and strengthen that bond using modern veterinary medicine combined with old-fashioned personal care. Address: 960 W. Locust St. Wilmington, OH 45177 Hours: Mon, Thu, Fri 8am to 5pm, Tue, Wed 8am to 7pm, Sat 8am to 12pm Phone: (937) 383-3843 Learn More: Website Country View Pet Hospital At Country View Pet Hospital we strive to provide the highest quality of care for our patients. We do this by focusing on preventative medicine and extending focus to diagnostic, supportive, and referral medicine when needed. Well-informed clients can partner with our staff to make the best possible decisions for their pet. At all life stages, our patients will be treated with dignity and respect. Our dedicated and compassionate staff truly enjoys working with our clients and their pets. This is not only our job — it’s our passion. Address: 6574 W St Rt 73 Wilmington, OH 45177 Hours: Mon–Fri 8am to 6pm Phone: (937) 382-7387 Learn More: Website Orchard Veterinary Care For over 40 years, the team of professionals at Orchard Veterinary Care have made it their mission to provide exceptional veterinary care to all animals. It doesn’t matter how large or small your pet is—if we can help, we will. Address: 45 Orchard Rd. Wilmington, OH 45177 Hours: Mon & Thu 8am to 7pm, Tue, Wed & Fri 8am to 5pm, Sat 8am to 11am Phone: (937) 383-0008 Learn More: Website Wilmington Animal Clinic The Wilmington Animal Clinic is Wilmington, Ohio’s longest trusted small and large animal veterinarian hospital since 1986. We offer expert animal care at prices anyone can afford. Address: 1101 Rombach Ave. Wilmington, OH 45177 Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30am to 5pm Phone: (937) 382-7765 Learn More: Website Pest Control The Goosebuster By providing this safe and natural deterrent to the geese, Goosebuster helps to eliminate damage to property, excessive geese droppings and cleanup, and potential attacks of territorial geese upon your patrons and visitors. This provides the most effective solution for schools, parks, athletic fields, office areas, golf courses, cemeteries, churches, residential communities and at your location. Address: 45 Inwood Rd, Wilmington, OH 45177 Hours: By Appointment Only Phone: (937) 239-532 Learn More: Website Main Street Pest Control We offer monthly, bi-monthly and quarterly maintenance programs and one time jobs with a 30 day guarantee. Pest service includes control of ants, spiders, silverfish, pantry pests, sow bugs, cockroaches, millipedes, centipedes and earwigs. We offer control of mice, rats, fleas and bed bugs as one time jobs. Service for cockroaches includes one follow up treatment and bed bugs includes 2 follow up treatments. Bees and Hornets jobs are also available. Our one time jobs have a 30 day guarantee. We service residential homes and commercial buildings in Wilmington and the surrounding areas of Clinton County. Termite Inspections for real estate transactions and limited inspections are a part of our business services. Termite bids and treatment for infestations is also available Address: 877 Xenia Ave. Wilmington, OH 45177 Hours: By Appointment Only Phone: (937) 312-4233