This year marks the 70th anniversary of OCS, and we’re celebrating with a challenge!

THE CHALLENGE: Donate $70 in the month of February to help OCS continue to offer robust programs that help our Lorain County neighbors who face daily hardship.

HOW TO GIVE: You can give to the Super 70 Fund online by clicking here, or send checks with “Super 70” in the memo line to OCS at 500 E. Lorain St., Oberlin, OH 44074.

HOW IT WILL HELP: Super 70 Challenge donations will be used to help southern Lorain County families in need of emergency assistance. Many are struggling to keep up with sky-high utility bills as a result of extremely low temperatures. Others are struggling to pay elevated rent prices, and need help staying in their warm homes.

THE GOAL: We’re looking for 100 donors to gift $70 each for a total of $7,000 in February, which would be enough to provide emergency assistance to about 30 families. But wouldn’t it be AMAZING if we had 1,000 donors give $70 each for a total of $70,000 — enough to give assistance to more than 300 families?!?!

From 1955 to 2025: A Brief History

THE HISTORY: In February 1955, the Oberlin Community Welfare Council was formed to coordinate the efforts of nonprofits that serve the city. It also provided emergency food, clothing, and furniture to residents in need. In 1958, the Oberlin Health Commission was formed by several physicians concerned that medical care was not available to all residents. It offered care for seniors, dental screenings for young students, pre-natal classes, glaucoma screenings, polio vaccination clinics, and many other services. These organizations merged in 1977 to become the Oberlin Community Services Council.

Over the decades, we responded to the evolving needs of Oberlin residents, launching . OCS started Meals on Wheels deliveries and a transportation program in the 70s, expanded food distributions as a result of recession in the 1980s, and started tutoring for disadvantaged youth in the 1990s. By the 2000s, government surplus allowed OCS to provide food to southern Lorain County communities such as LaGrange, Wellington, Kipton, and surrounding townships. Utility bill relief was also a priority for the rural areas, and there was significant concern about helping people who were threatened by foreclosure.

OCS adapted as residents faced 9/11, the subprime mortgage crisis, and COVID-19 pandemic, working hard to keep up with demand for food, emergency financial assistance, and programs that would make the community more resilient against hardship. In 2022, with a $1 million donation from Roger and Fran Cooper, OCS purchased the Cooper Community Resource Center to keep up with vastly increased need facing Lorain County households.

TODAY: OCS provides food to 350 to 400 local families each week on average, and uses roughly $180,000 per year to help southern Lorain County families facing the shadow of eviction or utilities disconnection. We distribute Narcan, offer educational classes, give away seeds to help folks start their own gardens, run an internship program for at-risk youth, host Legal Aid Society advice clinics, hold a summer camp for children, and so much more.

YOU ARE VITAL: All of OCS’ income comes from donations. Our ability to help others hinges on YOUR support. The Super 70 Challenge is just one way you can help us meet the basic needs of our neighbors, building a sustainable and thriving community where everyone flourishes.