Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC)

The Prevention, Retention and Contingency (PRC) Program is a critical tool to encourage families to attain and retain employment, prevent dependency and promote family stability within the context of community priorities and needs. The PRC program provides nonrecurring, short-term, crisis-oriented benefits and ongoing services. The services and benefits provided under the PRC program fall into three categories:

Prevention services: Designed to divert families from ongoing cash assistance by providing short term non-assistance.

Retention services:  Provided to assist an employed member of the family in maintaining employment.

Contingency services: Provided to meet an emergent need which, if not met, threatens the safety, health or well-being of one or more family members.

PRC benefits and services are available to pregnant women and families with children under the age of 18. Applicants must be residents of Portage County and the total household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.

Who is Eligible?

  1. You must be a U.S. Citizen or Qualified non-citizen.
  2. You must reside in Portage County.
  3. You must live with at least one (1) minor child, be pregnant, or be the non-custodial parent of a child.
  4. Total household income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

Who is NOT eligible?

  1. Individuals who are not pregnant or who do not have at least one (1) minor child in the household.
  2. Non-citizens who do not meet Ohio’s definition of qualified non-citizen.
  3. Fugitive Felons and probation/parole violators.
  4. Individuals convicted of program fraud, where repayment has not occurred.
  5. Other disqualifications may apply.

How do you apply?

  1. Make sure you have exhausted all other possible sources of community assistance.  PRC must be the last resort for assistance.
  2. Complete and sign the application found HERE.  Application MUST be 100% completed.  Select only the programs you need.  Program explanations can be found HERE.
  3. Gather any requested documentation.  This includes, but is not limited to, verification of income, residence, or household composition, any applicable invoices and any past due or 30-day delinquent bills, just to name a few.  Note: If your household is active in Portage County on SNAP food assistance or OWF cash assistance, you do not need to verify income or residence.
  4. Submit the application and all documentation either by email to Portage_PRC@jfs.ohio.gov, by fax to (330)296-7805, or drop your packet off on the 2nd floor of Portage County Job and Family Services, 449 S. Meridian, Ravenna, OH 44266 or OhioMeansJobs at 253 S. Chestnut St, Ravenna OH 44266.

Learn more: Portage County PRC Plan 

PRC Forms

Apply for PRC by Service:  Below are a list of all PRC services available in Portage County.  Click the application button to see what forms are needed for each service.  If you turn in all necessary documents with your application, it can help to expedite your benefits.  Don’t worry, if you don’t turn in something that is needed we will request it from you.

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Academic Support              Adult Education            Back to School          Basic Needs

Back to School clothing voucher applications for the 2026 school year are not yet being accepted. Click above on the Back to School tab for more information.

Questions should be directed to:  Portage_PRC@jfs.ohio.gov.