Community Support Services

Venango County Community Support Services (CSS) provides a variety of services to the low-income residents of Venango County. Services are aimed at assisting individuals and families in overcoming their barriers to self-sufficiency by promoting both individual and family functioning and stability. It has been determined that reaching these overall outcomes may best be achieved through the provision of services including:

  • Education
  • Employment
  • Housing
  • Income Management
  • Linkages
  • Nutrition
  • Self-Sufficiency

Household Income

All clients served will be verified as having annual incomes within 125% of the poverty guidelines as per the most recent directive issued. Clients will be required to verify all sources of household income for the 30-day period immediately preceding the date of application for services. Individual program regulations will also be followed in determining eligibility specifically as they apply to utility assistance, and particular target groups with regard to youth services. Service authorization will be made only after client eligibility is determined and documented.

Agencies & Organizations

CSS works with various agencies and organizations in the county including:

  • AmeriCorps
  • Associated Charities
  • Child Development Centers
  • Clintonville Food Pantry
  • Community Services
  • Human Services
  • Local churches
  • Mustard Seed Missions
  • Oil City and Franklin Salvation Army
  • Oil City YMCA
  • Red Cross
  • Youth Alternatives

CSS works closely with a variety of agencies and funding sources enabling access to the most cost-effective delivery of services.

Diaper Bank

Venango County Human Services has joined forces with The Pointe to provide diapers and incontinence products to county residents. There are currently two diaper pantries and they are located at:

  • Community Services of Venango County
    203 Center Street
    Oil City
    Phone: 814-676-5011
  • Franklin Salvation Army
    737 Elk Street
    Franklin
    Phone: 814-432-5919

Hoarding Task Force

CSS will be piloting a Hoarding Task Force with possible services to assist individuals who find themselves in a hoarding situation. This task force came to fruition based on an informal needs assessment with case managers within the life stages of children and families, emerging adults, adults, and older adults. It has been determined that hoarding is a continual barrier for the individuals they are serving. Many times the case managers respond to a crisis call where the individual / family is being evicted and are unable to return to their home due to its condition.

Scholarship Programs

Venango County CSS is committed to providing educational and recreational services to income eligible residents in programs such as:

  • Child Care / Latchkey
  • Literacy Programs / Summer Reading Program
  • Summer Camping / Field Trips
  • VARHA

Employment Programs

Employment / School Aid Programs

Financial help in securing required clothing, books, testing fees for post-secondary schooling, car repairs, and similar assistance to help you secure or maintain employment or schooling.

Work Ready Program

This program provides service coordination and employment-related activities to alleviate barriers to finding employment. Those interested must be enrolled through the Department of Human Services.

Life Coach

Supports individuals identified as struggling to build a sustainable lifestyle. This program primarily supports transition aged youth who need help with employment / education and housing.

Additional Information

If you or your family is interested in educational or recreational programs, please contact us at 814-432-9767 for additional information.