Treasurer Sprague Announces November Compass Award Honorees
COLUMBUS – Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague has announced Compass Award honorees for the month of November. The monthly recognition program commends organizations, programs, and individuals across the state who are working to guide Ohioans toward financial literacy and empowerment.
“Through innovative financial literacy education, we can equip Ohioans at every stage of life with a powerful set of tools to navigate financial challenges and prepare for the modern workforce,” said Treasurer Sprague. “The Compass Award program recognizes the people and organizations across the Buckeye State who are making an impact and putting Ohioans on a path toward success.”
Compass Award Honorees for November Include:
Lorain County Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program
Through close coordination with other local agencies, the Lorain County Workforce Development Agency administers the county’s Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program. Young Ohioans can access workshops, workplace experiences, counseling, mentoring, and other support services. Through individualized learning and experiential opportunities, participants receive meaningful guidance on topics related to entering the workforce and making decisions that impact their financial well-being. In addition, Lorain County’s Workforce Development Agency provides follow-up outreach for up to a year after completion of the program.
Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission
(Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Paulding, Van Wert, and Williams Counties)
The Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission’s Financial Empowerment Program provides area residents with access to courses that help them navigate financial situations and improve financial literacy and decision-making. Through the program, participants can access financial coaching sessions, tax preparation services, and courses about money management and reaching financial goals.
Additionally, the commission offers a matched savings program, which assists limited-income individuals with reaching specific financial goals like buying a home, reducing debt, obtaining higher education, and other topics. Participants agree to save a certain amount each month, and the program will match those savings if the participant adheres to the plan.
Lori Mann (Summit County)
As a financial counselor and coach, Lori Mann works closely with the Veterans Service Commission of Summit County, as well as the county’s specialty veteran court docket team, to provide meaningful and individualized instruction to veterans. Mann helps clients navigate a variety of issues such as transitioning to civilian life, debt repayment, budgeting, consumer protection, prioritizing financial decisions, and other topics. She helps clients identify problems and find solutions, while providing close guidance to help them reach their goals. In 2018, she received the prestigious AFCPE National Financial Counselor of the Year Award.
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Robert Sprague became Ohio’s 49th Treasurer of State on January 14, 2019, bringing to the office his extensive experience working on financial matters in both the public and private sectors. Under Treasurer Sprague’s direction, the office manages the state’s $29 billion investment and $11 billion debt portfolios, collects and deposits all state revenues, and oversees custodial assets.