Access to Independence

06/23/2026

Any plans for tomorrow?! You know where our Jennifer will be.

TOMORROW is the Portage County Health District Open House!

With sunny skies and temperatures around 75°, it's the perfect day to spend with us browsing local vendors at the Thrive Together Farmers Market and connecting with Portage County Health District Programs and Community Partners at our Community Resource Fair!

Enjoy hands-on activities for all ages, including:
•Meet and chat with public health nurses at our 𝗔𝘀𝗸 𝗮 𝗡𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 booth
•See how quickly germs can spread with our 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗚𝗲𝗿𝗺 activity
•Test your luck with 𝗣𝗼𝗼𝗽 𝗣𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗼
•Explore a campsite and learn camping safety tips
•Discover how pollution impacts our waterways with the 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲 activity
•Build your emergency preparedness skills
•Health education, giveaways, demonstrations, and more!

🥕 Shop local vendors at the Thrive Together Farmers' Market
🚚 Grab a bite from Tasty Tuesday food trucks
🎁 Win prizes and take home free giveaways
🤝 Connect with community resources and services

Whether you're interested in health resources, local food, or family-friendly activities, there's something for everyone. Stop by and say hello!

We can't wait to see you there!

Community partners include:
Kent State University College of Public Health
CareSource
CASA of Portage County Ohio
Portage Learning Centers
Portage Metropolitan Housing Authority
Portage Park District
Mental Health & Recovery Board of Portage County
Early Childhood Resource Center
Sequoia Wellness at Northeast Ohio Medical University
Portage Area RTA
Shepherd’s House of Portage County
Children's Advocacy Center of Portage County
Access to Independence
Veterans Health Administration (VHA) - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
University Hospitals UH Portage Medical Center
United Way of Portage County Ohio
American Heart Association - Ohio
Portage County Job and Family Services
Axess Family Services
United Way of Portage County Ohio
Messmore Insurance Agency

Thrive Together Farmers Market Vendors include:
Crowe Produce
Matt Grows
Silver Dollar Farm
Northeast Organics LLC
Country Crumb
Summer's Sunrise Sweets
Petals & Potions
That Scrunchy Feral Mom
CJ’s baked happiness
Fun At The Gathering Farm
Pettits Green Thumb Farm
Frank 5 Tool Sharpening

06/18/2026

Just ONE WEEK Until the Portage County Health District Open House, Community Resource Fair & Thrive Together Farmers' Market!

Join us for an afternoon of learning, connection, and community!

𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞
Learn more about your local health district, meet our staff, and discover the programs and services available to Portage County residents.

𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿
Connect with local organizations that provide valuable services and support for individuals and families throughout our community.

𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀' 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁
Support local vendors and enjoy fresh, locally grown products. SNAP, WIC, and Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) benefits are accepted. Children can also receive Power of Produce (POP) Bucks!

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘁
Participate in a fun, interactive scavenger hunt and explore the programs and services available in Portage County through hands-on activities and educational exhibits.

𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗯 𝗗𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲
Enjoy delicious options from local Tasty Tuesday food trucks on-site until 5:00 PM.

Whether you're looking for community resources, fresh produce, family-friendly activities, or simply want to learn more about public health, there's something for everyone!

We can't wait to see you there!

Community partners include:
Kent State University College of Public Health
CareSource
CASA of Portage County Ohio
Portage Learning Centers
Portage Metropolitan Housing Authority
Portage Park District
Mental Health & Recovery Board of Portage County
Early Childhood Resource Center
Sequoia Wellness at Northeast Ohio Medical University
Portage Area RTA
Shepherd's House of Portage County
Children's Advocacy Center of Portage County
Access to Independence
Veterans Health Administration (VHA) - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Messmore Insurance Agency

05/11/2026

Hey all! Look how spectacular Jennifer looks!

She's attending "A Prom for the Ages" along with the PSSN Portage Senior Services Network & The NEW Center at Northeast Ohio Medical University, sponsored Senior Celebration!

Have a blast, Jenn!



https://www.facebook.com/reel/991075130010184

05/06/2026

Our Jennifer was spotted in Fairlawn this morning at the Senior Summit we mentioned.

Be sure to say hello if you're out that way!

05/06/2026

2026 Senior Summit Expo is today from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. George Fellowship Center in Fairlawn (3204 Ridgewood Rd). I'll bet our Jennifer is out there along with several other great vendors! Stop and say hello.

Join us to connect with local senior services and providers and enjoy a day of activities, entertainment, and free food available.

04/29/2026

Our Jennifer is attending the Brimfield Fire Department's Senior Luncheon today! The community support for our seniors is amazing!

04/25/2026

Good morning folks! It's a little rainy, but our Jennifer is out and about at the Independence Civic Center.
https://www.facebook.com/LiveSpecialNEO

I see she took the Zeen Mobility Device with her today. Have you seen the wonderful testimonies for this!?
https://www.facebook.com/gowithzeen

If you're up in the Cleveland area, be sure to stop and say hello!

04/24/2026

With Uniquely You Magazine: Ohio – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

04/24/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17diQbGgMi/

Hi Friends!
The 2026 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is now open! 🍓🥕
Apply online through the Ohio Department of Aging; applications close on May 22nd, at 6 p.m.
Unfortunately, the AOoA will not be able to take any applications over the phone or walk-ins, as there are no paper applications.
If you're 60 or older and meet income guidelines, you can receive $50 to spend on fresh, locally grown fruits, veggies, herbs, and even unprocessed honey. It’s a great way to eat well and support our local farmers!
Enroll here:https://hubs.li/Q04d1zpl0