Making a Difference
“We learned how to renovate a bathroom, how to remodel an upper floor. We built a shed, and it turned out awesome!” “It was a blessing to me because I was sleeping in my car. “
Build-Up Academy Student
“It was a blessing to me because I was sleeping in my car. “
Emergency Housing Stability Recipient
Responding to Community Needs
These collaborative seasonal or temporary initiatives are tailored to meet specific needs and foster significant impact.
Adopt-A-Family
SELF’s Adopt-A-Family program provides holiday meals and gifts to the families of SELF clients working toward self-sufficiency. Recipients are nominated by SELF program staff each fall. Families receive meal boxes for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and presents are provided for the entire family.
41 families adopted
125 individuals served
$4,840 donated support
in 2023
Automotive Repair Assistance Program
SELF launched this temporarily funded program in September 2022. It provided free vehicle repairs, up to $2,500, for people in need of this transportation for employment purposes. SELF partnered with Pohlman’s Auto and Tire Center in Hamilton and Integrity Automotive in Middletown.
65 vehicles repaired in 65 weeks.
This program ended in 2023.
Build-Up Academy
The Build-Up Academy construction training program teaches teens and young adults construction skills and connects them to jobs, apprenticeships, and advanced training programs.
14 Marshall High School students
10 Juvenile Rehabilitation Center students
in 2023
Emergency Housing Stability Assistance
During the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, SELF provided assistance with rent, mortgage, property tax, utilities and more with COVID-19 relief funding. The state of Ohio and Butler County selected SELF to administer these temporary programs.
More than 5,000 households served
This program ended in 2024.
Employer Resource Network
The SELF Employer Resource Network, “Soaring to Success,” helps your employees thrive at work and in their personal life. The Success Coach regularly visits member employer job sites to assist employees with resources for basic needs, financial literacy, training and workplace advancement.
308 employees served
in 2023
Getting Ahead: Sojourner Recovery Services
The Getting Ahead workshop offers a public session, but this one is only for Sojourner Recovery Services residents. Interested participant co-investigators will be connected to the right workshop to develop skills to thrive, not just survive.
39 graduates in 2023
Lead Safe Ohio
The state of Ohio selected SELF to administer the Lead Safe Ohio Program in Butler County. Homes were chosen based on known lead issues and high-risk factors. Projects include waterline replacement, window and door replacement, and lead cleaning. Recognizing the severe impact of lead poisoning on children, three SELF staff members completed lead abatement training and certification.
More than 35 homes will be served
before the end of 2025
Low-Income Household Water Assistance
The state of Ohio selected SELF to administer the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) in Butler County. The program provided one-time payments to low-income households that are eligible for assistance. Households could reduce their water or wastewater charges, or both if their bills include both services, by up to $2,000.
846 households assisted in 2022 and 2023
This program ended in 2024.
Neighbors Who Care: Renovations
This social enterprise program focuses on revitalizing communities by renovating properties with the help of dedicated volunteer support. SELF purchases properties in need of repair and undertakes comprehensive rehabilitation efforts to restore them to a high standard. The renovation process often includes updating electrical systems, plumbing, roofing, and interior finishes to ensure the homes are safe and comfortable.
In 2023:
Sold a property on Grove Street in Middletown
Continued renovations on Oxford State Road in Middletown
Purchased a property on Parrish Avenue in Hamilton