SELF's DIRECT CLIENT PROGRAMS

• Getting Ahead and Circles - Getting Ahead workshops allow families to build their resources and success for tomorrow by taking a look at their own resources, mindsets and actions. Participants learn to create new mental models and to navigate the hidden rules of class. They carry that knowledge forward into Circles groups to continue their progress and build relationships throughout the community.
• Home Repair Programs - SELF's partnering efforts with the Group Workcamps Foundation have grown from week-long home repair events to a full, year-round program. SELF also provides information on Weatherizaton services.
  
• Individual Development Account (IDA) Program – SELF's IDA program helps low- to moderate-income families achieve home ownership, higher education, or small business ownership through matched savings accounts.
  
• JOBS NOW! Education & Employment Program-SELF offers a newly revamped employment and education program that promotes self-sufficiency through goal setting and barrier removal.  The 12 week program helps paticipants obtain more gainful employment through workshops and one-on-one job coaching.
• Microenterprise and Microloan Program-This program provides intense instruction in starting and operating a small business. Participants attend classes and prepare a business plan before having an opportunity to apply to a special loan pool for startup funds.
• Tax Preparation - Free tax preparation is available for low-income Butler County residents by appointment from January through April. 
• Utility Assistance– (Home Energy Assistance Program & Summer Crisis Program) SELF provides winter  and summer utility help for eligible families to ensure households of the elderly, people with disabilities and families with younger children have the resources to keep their families’ safe. SELF also assists clients with signing up for various payment plans including PIPP Plus (Percentage of Income Payment Plan). Assistance amounts vary based on utility provider.  
• Weatherization - A residential energy efficiency program that reduces energy use by reducing air infiltration and heat loss in homes, reducing utility bills for low-income homeowners and renters.
  
  Eligibility for HEAP utility assistance is 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), for SCP utility assistance is 175% of the FPL and for PIPP Plus is 150% of the FPL. Most other SELF Programs have an income eligibility threshhold of 125% of the FPL as well as other non-income based eligibility requirements.  See the 2013 Federal Poverty Income Guidelines here.