Social service agencies across the county are seeing a significant rise in older adults needing essential services and support with food, utility assistance, shelter, and transportation, and yet funding has not kept pace with this growing need. In response, Portage County Job and Family Services made the request and received support from the Board of Commissioners to place a new levy on the ballot this November, that would replace one of two child welfare levies set to expire in December 2026. The Human Services #13 levy, if passed will sustain current services and create new safety net programs for the senior citizens in Portage County.
The .4 mill levy will support increased staffing of social service workers within the Adult Protective Services team who are carrying double the caseloads from several years ago. This levy would keep current services and supports in place such as funds that support operations for Portage County’s Guardianship Services board and the countywide senior center operated by Axess Family Services. Additionally, the levy will introduce a new Portage Emergency Support Services (PESS) program for seniors where senior citizens can apply for new services such as emergency funds for rent, mortgage, home repairs, assistance with delinquent taxes, victim supports and services, transportation, health and wellness programs with guaranteed transportation, and access to care management. To view the draft plan please go to the Human Services Levy #13 Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/profile/pcjfs.humanservices.levy…