"The cornerstone of Ohio Works First (OWF) is to place all employable OWF participants in suitable jobs which lead to economic self-sufficiency for themselves and their families."

The Allen County Department of Job and Family Services is one of the largest departments in the County, with a staff of over 120 employees and annual expenditures for all programs of over $71 million. The Department administers traditional "welfare" programs such as Medicaid, Food Stamps, Title XX Social Services, Child Day Care, Fraud Investigation and Overpayment Recovery. While these programs continue to be integral parts of the agency's functions, current and future efforts of the department are focused on full implementation of the Ohio Works First (OWF) and Workforce Investment Act programs.