Agency offers aid to Columbiana families

LISBON -- If your family of three makes less than $32,180 a year, a Columbiana County agency has money for you.
The Columbiana County Community Action Agency operates the Individual Development Account program. It requires county residents to deposit $500 into a bank account over a period of six to 18 months. They would then be provided an additional $1,000 in funding to assist with the purchase of a new home, to open a new business or to enroll in a post-secondary education program.
Those eligible are county residents who meet certain guidelines, such as the requirement that a family of three earn less than $32,180 a year.
The program already has nine participants, said Martina Grimm, financial services coordinator for the agency. "Most of them are using the money to pay for college," she said.
An orientation for new participants is at 6 p.m. Thursday at the CAA Community Development Department, 7860 Place-Lower Level, Lisbon. For those who would rather attend a one-on-one session or to ask questions regarding eligibility, call (330) 424-4013.