Lor ain 20 20 Coun ty C An nu al R omm un ep ort ity Ac to the tion Co Ag mm enc un y ity
A Year We Will Never Forget When our last annual report was released in December 2019, I had no idea the magnitude of change that would happen in the next 12 months. By the time Governor DeWine ordered Ohio’s schools closed in March 2020, it was becoming clear that serving people and staying open as an essential business meant radical changes to how we operate. We closed Head Start classrooms for obvious reasons. Our teachers went virtual. Our in-person appointments converted to telephone. We worked differently, but we never closed. Much of our staff worked remotely for weeks until we could safely bring everyone back starting in early May. Every staff member was issued PPE and received mandatory COVID-19 safety training. I directed 60 different action items following CDC and public health best practices to keep us operating and keep staff and customers safe. There was not time to wait. Even back then, it was abundantly clear that those most in need in our county were getting hit the hardest. Low-income households previously struggling to make ends meet were hit with a loss of wages as well as increased expenses when prices jumped on everything from milk to paper products. The statistics relentlessly showed low-income households and persons of color, especially those serving in low-wage essential jobs, were being diagnosed with COVID-19 at much higher rates. I will never forget looking out my office window on April 8 as cars lined up on Broadway Avenue to get to Black River Landing for one of Second Harvest’s first mobile food pantries. Nearly 800 cars streamed by that day as the Ohio State Highway Patrol and Lorain Police directed traffic and the Ohio National Guard manned the drive through lines.
activity as those sheltering at home turned to cycling as a safe way to get out and stay healthy. Our Head Start program developed an entire virtual learning option as it became clear that our classroom size would be dramatically reduced for fall and as parents requested learn-at-home options for their children. Through it all, we actively promoted the 2020 Census. LCCAA focused on making sure young children got counted since they have historically been the largest group to get undercounted each decade. LCCAA has been a backbone service agency for lowincome families in Lorain County for more than 50 years. When our families were hit hard this year, they knew where to turn. This report is about how we adapted to help them when little was business as usual. It also celebrates their success and perseverance. I know their stories will move you.
We kept working because too many people needed us. Throughout this report, you will see the highlights of what that work has looked like. We focused on making sure others had food, kept their utilities on and met the needs of their young children. We also continued to offer empowerment training and education in whole new ways. Our bike shop, still in its first year, found itself a hub of
2 • LCCAA 2020 Annual Report
Jackie Boehnlein President and CEO
How LCCAA Responded
LCCAA moved quickly to adapt programs and services We formed Facebook groups for Head Start with teachers and staff posting lessons and check-ins and parents posting reading progress, loose teeth and more. Our Youth Services mentoring program went online via Zoom, eliminating transportation issues for several participants. We embraced masking and social distancing, added partitions in all offices and enhanced our protocols to keep buildings clean and staff safe.
We purchased state of the art sanitizing equipment for all offices. We adapted Getting Ahead classes successfully to an online environment We adapted utility assistance programs to phone only, closing satellite offices and establishing no-contact ways for clients to share documents.
LCCAA 2020 Annual Report • 3
CARES and Home Relief Help Provided 121 families saved from eviction 140 families caught up on rent payments 175 families saved from disconnection from water/sewer service 178 families caught up on water/ sewer payments 730 Care Bags of food distributed to Head Start families. $20,000 donated directly to Second Harvest Foodbank $20,000 donated to food pantry partners 1,940 children’s coats distributed 1,862 youth hours provided to Second Harvest Food Bank
As officials at every level worked to respond to the growing needs created by the COVID-19 crisis, LCCAA received special funding to help. Our Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) and Head Start grants were augmented with funding from the Coronavirus Aide, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. In late October, LCCAA received $1.1 million in Home Relief Grant funds from the State of Ohio. LCCAA mobilized quickly with temporary employees to help people with past due rent and water bills. In just seven weeks, 98 percent of the Home Relief Grant funding allocated to LCCAA was spent. Valuable partnerships with Lorain County Urban League and United Way of Greater Lorain County helped. Additionally, existing food pantry partnerships were expanded using CARES funding. CARES funding was also used in our Head Start program to provide food assistance to families. Our virtual students have been provided with meal packages using regular Head Start funding. Our long partnership with Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority to provide children’s coats expanded to any low-income family in the county. Coming in the spring, LCCAA will partner with Our F.A.M.I.L.Y. to create a community garden in Elyria using CARES funding.
Fire Victims Rehoused with HRG Funds A Lorain family twice victimized by house fires was rehoused thanks to Home Relief Grant funds administered by Lorain County Community Action Agency. The family of 10, including six children under 18, lost all their possessions in a Dec. 1 fire that destroyed their rented home. In 2018, another rented home a few blocks away was also destroyed by fire. In this case, the family’s landlord, Serenity Homes, contacted LCCAA to see if Home Relief Grant funds could be used to help them. The mother in the family had already applied for help with past due rent, available for residents who have fallen behind due to COVID-19 expenses or cuts to their employment. “The landlord forgave part of their rent and was able to find them a new unit not far from their old home,” said LCCAA President and CEO Jackie Boehnlein. “We also provided all the children with new coats through our expanded Operation Warm program.” Family members told news media they were extremely grateful everyone made it out of the fire safely.
4 • LCCAA 2020 Annual Report
Pandemic Partnerships
The Lorain County community worked together to respond to the COVID-19 crisis and LCCAA was - and remains - in the thick of that response. Second Harvest Foodbank of North Central Ohio has seen a 40 percent increase in need in its four county service area. Ohio National Guard troops were deployed to assist as the Foodbank shifted to conducting larger, outdoor distributions. In September, as National Guard assignments were reduced, a new partnership was needed. LCCAA worked with OhioMeansJobs and Lorain County Commissioners to create youth employment opportunities at Second Harvest. They hired youth to work alongside the Guard. Transportation and mentoring are provided by LCCAA.
Thank you to our Partners!
Soap for Seniors Working together across the state, Community Action distributed hundreds of bottles of soap. In Lorain County, they went to seniors. The Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies secured the donation from Bath and Body Works and Hopkins-Athens-Perry Community Action transported the bottles on its GO Bus. Soaps were distributed to Lorain County seniors through Neighborhood Alliance and the Lorain County Office on Aging.
►► Lorain County Commissioners ►► Lorain County Office on Aging ►► Lorain County Urban League ►► Neighborhood Alliance ►► Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies ►► OhioMeansJobs Lorain County ►► Our F.A.M.I.L.Y. ►► Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio ►► The UCAN Network of United Way ►► United Way of Greater Lorain County
LCCAA 2020 Annual Report • 5
Community Services Increased Eligibility Updated All levels of government and social services are responding to the increase in need around the country. In Ohio, income limits for key programs were raised in April, allowing LCCAA and others to serve more people. Income limits for programs funded by the Community Services Block Grant were raised from 125 percent of the Federal Poverty Level to 200 percent. Additionally, program monitors reduced the need for income documentation from 90 days to 30 days. The changes make the programs available to more people and better reflect the needs of Lorain County. Affected programs at LCCAA include: BY Car, Getting Ahead, Community Connections, Tech Connect, Operation Warm and more.
What Is CSBG? The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is one of the main funding sources for LCCAA and for Community Action Agencies throughout the country. CSBG provides federal funds to alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty in communities. The nature of the block grant allows flexibility to address local issues. Every three years, LCCAA conducts a Community Needs Assessment, complete with public meetings, to determine the areas of greatest need in Lorain County. Programming decisions are made based on that assessment.
1,940 Children’s Coats Distributed! 6 • LCCAA 2020 Annual Report
Programs Adapted As businesses and offices throughout Lorain County closed in March due to the COVID-19 crisis, LCCAA adapted its programs to keep serving the community. Although our buildings closed and our staff sometimes worked remotely, LCCAA never closed. We remained a lifeline in a time of desperate need.
BYCar BYCar allows participants to save earned income and provides a matching grant so they can purchase a used car. A financial literacy class, valid driver’s license and appropriate insurance are required. Alonzo Banks (left) had finished all the requirements but needed to renew his license – just as the Ohio Department of Motor Vehicles closed its offices in March. Alonzo checked in regularly to make sure he was still eligible and finally got his license, and his car, in July. Other participants have been taking their Financial Literacy classes by phone. The program matching savings 2 to 1, up to $3,999 with funding from the Community Services Block Grant.
Community Connections Our partnership with Ohio Edison to replace appliances and lower utility bills was put on hold when COVID-19 hit. Entering clients’ homes to conduct energy audits couldn’t resume until we developed plans to keep everyone safe. When home visits resumed, our auditor was masked and wore gloves and cleaned everything he touched. He also kept visits to one home per day to avoid cross contamination. The program addresses inefficient refrigerators, freezers and light bulbs. Equipment must measure inefficient in order to be replaced. Deliveries were also on hold for many clients, including residents of Harr Plaza, where LCCAA conducted a special project. The complex for seniors and disabled residents started receiving new
refrigerators in February but delivery wasn’t complete until midSeptember.
Operation Warm After distributing coats to Head Start students and our usual partners at Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority, LCCAA was able to open its expanded coats program to any low-income family in Lorain County. Using an online form and zero-contact pick up, LCCAA has distributed hundreds of free coats. In all, 2,800 coats will be distributed when the program is complete.
Tech Connect With OhioMeansJob’s facilities closed, our typical facility for Tech Connect is not available. One class was completed in February before the COVID-19 crisis. We are looking for larger spaces to hold the classes in and exploring new partnerships.
Youth Services and LCCAA Bike Shop OhioMeansJobs Lorain County closed its offices and deemed youth work experience non-essential in March. LCCAA’s youth participants were idled, but staff kept in touch. Mentoring was conducted virtually by Zoom and support was provided to those preparing for high school graduation. Youth Services Coordinator Bobby Taylor stayed busy in the LCCAA Bike Shop and he wasn’t lonely as sales soared in April, May in June. By September, OMJ worked with LCCAA and Second Harvest Foodbank to find employment for the youth. (see page 3) Some of the 24 youth working at Second Harvest will also get some hours at the Bike Shop this winter.
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Getting Ahead Goes Online Getting Ahead is normally held in a kitchen-table style setting. With COVID-19, the program went directly to participants’ kitchen tables. Facilitators Amy Steele, Colette Park and Nancy Ann Smith worked to adapt the eight-week, in person program to a virtual setting. They learned Zoom and taught participants. Books and materials were dropped off on front porches and people could easily participate from the far flung areas of Lorain County. Getting Ahead is a unique program designed to help participants examine and eliminate their individual barriers to self-sufficiency. Sometimes, in a group setting in a room with a facilitator standing around, participants are hesitant, Steele said. Moving the program online meant participants could relax and be completely honest with themselves in even the most difficult exercises, knowing they did not have to share details if they chose not to.
Your story is your story and we respect how much of it you want to share. “Your story is your story and we respect how much of it you want to share with the rest of the group,” Steele said, emphasizing that Getting Ahead is a no-judgment zone. Getting Ahead groups meet regularly for eight weeks and discuss a wide variety of items from Ruby Payne and Phil DeVol’s book Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin-By World. Books and materials are free to participants. Discussions include finances, planning for changes, time
“It was the best decision of my life.” - GA grad Shelley 8 • LCCAA 2020 Annual Report
management, how to negotiate and much more. The program is designed to be individualized and confidence building, while examining the many factors that hold people back, not just money. Planning and Community Services Director Frank Prihoda, who retired at the end of 2020, launched the Getting Ahead program at LCCAA. After several years teaching at The Employment Network (now known as OhioMeansJobs), he realized needs weren’t being met. “I kept seeing there was a need for a little bit more than what we were giving people,” he said at one graduation where he encouraged the group to never stop learning. “Sometimes you win. Sometimes you learn. Take everything as a learning experience no matter how old you are.”
Getting Ahead by Going For It Christine had just been laid off from her medical billing job when she joined LCCAA’s first online Getting Ahead group. Since she lives 45 minutes from where the in person class was held, she was thrilled with the new format. Before her GA sessions ended, Christine had earned a quick certificate in medical coding through a special program of Lorain County Community College. Since then, she has landed a new job that lets her work from home and interact with great people, she said. “It’s just an amazing opportunity,” she said. “Everyone here is super nice.” For Christine, Getting Ahead reinforced many ideas she already held dear, chiefly, treating others how you want to be treated. It also gave her the strength and courage to go after what she really wanted.
After COVID-19 put the entire world under the tyranny of the moment, Brittainy Schaner found her solution – and a potential solution for the families she touches – in Getting Ahead. LCCAA’s first online Getting Ahead class was literally delivered from facilitator Amy Steele’s kitchen table and included the LCCAA Head Start Family Service Worker and two others. “Taking Getting Ahead during COVID was the best thing that happened to me during COVID,” Brittainy said. “It gave me some direction and something to focus on.” Brittainy said she grew up in poverty but moved into middle class when she married. After living and teaching in North Carolina for several years, she returned to the area as a single mom approximately two years ago, she said. She is now in her second year as a family service worker at Hopkins Locke Head Start. Overcoming her own obstacles had exhausted her until she found Getting Ahead. “This group gave me an opportunity to share my story in a safe environment,” she said. “That was healing for me. The discussions are good and they’re deep. I was able to use those moments very effectively.” Brittainy said Getting Ahead taught her a lot about other people’s perspectives and the things she didn’t realize were holding her back. It also gave her the courage to try new things. “It’s okay to try and it’s okay to fail,” she said, adding that she is eager to use what she had learned to help her Head Start families, especially the number of resources that can be found in the community. “It was a reminder of how I need to talk to my families,” she said. “I’m able to connect with them more now than I did last year.” Brittainy also plans to work on her bachelor’s degree, she said. “My biggest take away was really recognizing the obstacles that I thought I had and things that I thought were mountains,” she said. “And realizing there is a lot of help in this area to help me climb those mountains.”
“You learn about how things work in the world, but you learn about yourself and how you can grow,” she said, adding that her eyes were opened to all the help available in her community. “I had no idea some of those programs existed,” she said. “It was a great learning experience.”
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Center Helps Homeless Get Ahead and other groups helps them see they are not alone, Gloria said. “A lot of these people, they’re not family,” she said. “They come from all over and they become family. You can see the light bulbs going off in their heads and all of a sudden you see them working as a team.”
Residents of the Haven Center in South Lorain are like closed up flowers before they blossom in Getting Ahead, said Director of Shelter and Outreach Gloria Olivencia. Gloria has now helped coordinate two Getting Ahead classes at the center, both interrupted by complications from COVID-19. “It’s always good to educate them,” said Gloria, who regularly offers classes and learning opportunities to provide skills, hope and sense of purpose to the Haven Center residents. “I just thought this could be another thing they could learn.” The Haven Center is the largest homeless shelter in Lorain and the only one offering 24-hour shelter to single men, single women and families. They offer case management as well as rehousing assistance. Forming Getting Ahead
Ten residents were part of a GA group in March when COVID-19 put an abrupt end to their meetings. While facilitators worked to establish online meetings, two women who had been at Haven Center made a superhuman effort to finish the session they called “essential.” A new, all-online group formed in the fall and quickly gelled. With only two sessions left, the meetings were ended when COVID cases were found at the center itself. “I was never late for class. I was always early,” said Gary, one group member eager to interact with his friends again. “I want to prove that I belong in a class like that. I jumped in with both feet and loved it ever since.” Gary had been sleeping in portable toilets and abandoned trailers after he had to leave the apartment he had shared with his sister. Getting Ahead is a judgment free zone where participants can share as
much or as little as they choose. Gary appreciated that aspect and still found himself sharing more than he expected to. “Getting Ahead makes you think a lot about how your life could be better,” he said. “It brings back a lot of bad memories but it brings up a lot of good memories. It helps me open up.” Gloria said she was amazed at the transformation Getting Ahead brought about in her clients. “They are really looking and reflecting on themselves,” she said. “Mapping out their own life and really looking at how they got where they are.” Gary became especially dedicated, helping Gloria set up computers, assisting his new found friends and getting up early to read ahead in the Getting Ahead book. “He is the most helpful person you can ever meet,” added GA Facilitator Nancy Ann Smith. “He has self taught computer skills and he’s always so quick to share them.” Participants from the Center say they have so much from Getting they encourage everyone advantage of it.
Haven learned Ahead, to take
“It was the best decision of my life,” said Shelly.
Elizabeth Johnson was living at the Haven Center when she joined a Getting Ahead group. With just two classes left, meetings were suspended as COVID-19 hit the center. Heartbreakingly, Elizabeth passed away from COVID-19 in early January 2021. Elizabeth was an outgoing member of the group who wanted to “get outside myself” and get to know the people she was sharing quarters with. “She led the way in reflecting on her own experiences,” said Nancy Ann Smith. “The facilitator being willing to share is never as valuable as their peers when it comes to sharing stories.” Elizabeth’s of completion wil be presented to her family. 10 • LCCAA 2020certificate Annual Report
Knowing Your Own Value Isaias de Jesus learned to never give up on his dreams thanks to LCCAA’s Youth Services program. Isaias, now 20, moved to Ohio from Puerto Rico nine years ago. As a Spanish speaker, he encountered somewhat of a language barrier in school. At Lorain High School he was behind in several classes and in danger of not graduating when a family member told him to go to OhioMeansJobs and apply for youth work experience. Being connected with LCCAA and thenYouth Coordinator Bobby Taylor turned everything around. “The program helped me out in a lot of classes I was behind in,” he said. “I would have flunked without Bobby.” LCCAA’s Youth Services program provides work experience, primarily in the form of community service, to income eligible men and women ages 16 to 24. The program also includes mentoring, both one-on-one and in groups, and much more. Taylor recalled that Isaias was so far behind in classes that when Lorain City Schools shut down due to COVID-19, he wasn’t listed as a senior. Seniors were provided with technology by LCS so they could complete their high school career.
eye-opening. Working now at Second Harvest Foodbank of North Central Ohio, he sees a lot of people impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. “It touches you, because a lot of people don’t have the same opportunities as you do,” he said. Now, Isaias is taking classes at Lorain County Community College toward an associate’s degree. He plans to become a Physical Therapy Assistant, something he has wanted to do since he was a young child. His aunt broke her leg, he said, and credits her physical therapist with her mobility to this day. In the meantime, he is working at Second Harvest and as a driver for Doordash. He worked a few other places over the summer to earn money for his car, Taylor noted, recalling lessons about having multiple ways to earn income. Isaias is also encouraging family and friends to join the program. “This is a really great program,” he said. “They’re going to help you a lot. They’ll always check up on you. Take the opportunity. Anything is possible.”
“We worked with him to get him technology and find an alternative path to graduation,” Taylor said, noting that Isaias graduated this past spring. The former football player said working with LCCAA at various food distributions has been
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Bike Shop Does Brisk Sales As the COVID-19 crisis shut down many recreational venues, the LCCAA Bike Shop on West 10th Street enjoyed a sales boom. Even though, without youth employees, the shop was open only by appointment, sales were so strong, we regularly sought donations. One donor is close to our hearts. Human Resources Assistant Janet Skinner has now donated a total of 12 bikes to the shop. She has purchased them or received them from friends.While many bikes came to us one at a time, we had numerous donors who brought as many bikes as their vehicle would hold and made multiple trips. It was not just bike sales. Bike inspections, tune ups and repairs were also in demand. For every bike sold, we serviced another four. Others used our shop and expert advice to tune and repair their bikes themselves. Each bike purchased at the LCCAA Bike Shop comes with four free gifts so the rider is safe and comfortable. Thanks to our many partners and supporters, we provide a helmet, bike lock, lights and a repair kit with every bike.
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Spring and Summer Bike Sales
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In 2020, LCCAA also launched the Friends of the Bike Shop. Membership levels start at just $10 and benefits include coupons and more. Join us by texting BIKEPALS to 44321 or using one of the giving envelopes available at the Bike Shop, our Head Start Centers and our offices.
12 • LCCAA 2020 Annual Report
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Youth Program 2021 New Coordinator Eager to Put COVID in the Past LCCAA’s new Youth Services Coordinator made his move to mission-based work when his job was impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Josh Smith, a native of Grafton, was working at Humanetics’ crash test dummy manufacturing facility in Huron when the plant was shut down due to COVID-19. He followed his boss to volunteer at the Elyria Bicycle Education Center where Ed Stewart connected him with Bobby Taylor. “I enjoyed working with bikes and the youth,” Smith said. “And I loved that feeling that I was actually doing something to help others.” Smith started work Nov. 16 under Taylor, who was promoted to Planning and Community Services Director. LCCAA’s youth have already impressed him with their knowledge and work ethic in partnership with Second Harvest Foodbank. He looks forward to a postCOVID-19 environment where college tours and other community service work can resume for the Youth Services Program.
Youth Services By the Numbers ►► 16 youth actively working at Second Harvest ►► 320 hours contributed weekly by youth to Second Harvest ►► 8 youth participating in virtual mentoring activities ►► 1,712 individuals served by the Care Cupboard in 2019 ►► $68,958 value of meals served by the Care Cupboard in 2019 ►► 2 years the Care Cupboard operated monthly until COVID-19 ►► $27,800 value of in-kind Community Service hours youth contributed to community in 2019-2020 before partnering with Second Harvest ►► 147 participants in Lorain High School Senior Service Day ►► $7,200 value of community service provided on Senior Service Day LCCAA 2020 Annual Report • 13
Utility Help Expands Ohio operates four different utility assistance programs that help with gas and electric bills. All were adjusted to include expanded benefits or extended deadlines due to COVID-19. Additionally, thanks to funding from the CARES Act, many communities were able to offer assistance with water bills. For LCCAA, water bill assistance was a new program. Since the CARES Act allocation was announced, several other funding streams for help with water bills have been established. LCCAA will continue offering help with water and sewer bills well in to 2021. Delivering these expanded and new services was a challenge in the COVID-19 environment. When Ohio shut down mid-March, LCCAA’s utility advocates were nearly at the end of the Winter Crisis Program. Satellite offices were closed, walk-ins were suspended and advocates worked from home while new protocols were created. The contact free workflow now includes phone appointments only, no walk-ins, and multiple ways to submit documents.
Winter Crisis 2019-2020 This program typically operates Nov. 1 to March 31 each winter. To qualify, residents must live at or below 175% of the federal poverty level and either have their heat turned off or have a disconnect notice or lack of bulk fuel.
►► In progress March 16 when office closed to the public.
►► Typically operates Nov. 1 to March 31. ►► Extended to May 1 due to COVID. ►► 625 phone interviews conducted while staff worked remotely.
►► 335 applications completed remotely.
HEAP This program typically runs from July to April. In 2020, it was extended to June 1. HEAP is for residents who are connected to heat but struggling to pay their bill. Once each heating season, benefits can be applied to the utility accounts of residents living at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Level. Unlike Crisis benefits, which are only provided by a local agency, Ohio residents may apply for HEAP directly with the State of Ohio by mail or online at energy.ohio.gov. However, applications submitted to the State of Ohio are electronically forwarded to local agencies, including LCCAA, for processing. Those applicants are informed that processing may take up to 12 weeks.
Winter Crisis 2020-2021
Winter Reconnect Order
The program began Nov. 1 with eligibility expanded to include anyone who has had a COVID-19 diagnosis.
In Ohio, regulated utilities are required by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to allow customers to reconnect their heat one time for a fixed price during the winter months.
Contactless appointments continue. Satellite offices remain closed and no walk-ins are accepted in the main building. LCCAA reopened its lobby in December to accomodate one client at a time to answer questions.
14 • LCCAA 2020 Annual Report
The Winter Reconnect Order is typically in effect from October to April. In 2020, it was extended to May 1. Anyone can use the Reconnect Order to reestablish their service. Those who qualify can use their HEAP or Winter Crisis benefits to pay the fees.
Utility Help Expands Summer Crisis 2020 Summer Crisis typically operates in July and August to help residents with health issues and senior citizens keep their homes cool. Help with an electric bill as well as an air conditioner or fan can be offered. In 2020, criteria for summer crisis were greatly expanded to include the following:
►► Their electric service has been disconnected or they have received a disconnect notice.
►► They are trying to establish new service. ►► They have been diagnosed with coronavirus in 2020.
PIPP Plus Introduced in 2010, PIPP Plus helps keep bills at manageable levels and LCCAA has seen fewer people in crisis as a result. At the end of 2020, Lorain County had 3,070 households on PIPP. The Percentage of Income Payment Plan costs homeowners either 10 percent or 12 percent of their income, depending on whether they heat with electricity or gas. Participants can also earn credits to pay off outstanding balances. PIPP requires a reverification of income every 12 months. LCCAA reverifies PIPP customers during HEAP and Crisis application processing. Others have an appointment just to reverify.
Water/Sewer Help Water Bill Assistance for residents affected by the COVID-19 Crisis began Sept. 1. Households must be living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line to receive assistance. Benefit levels and documentation requirements differ based on the funding source. From Sept. 1 to Dec. 31, 2020, LCCAA assisted 348 households with an average benefit of $453. Of those, five percent had been disconnected and 49 percent had received a disconnect notice.
►► They are enrolling in PIPP Plus for the first time. ►► They are an existing PIPP customer in default. Benefit amounts were also increased and the program was extended through Sept. 30.
Service Restoration Saves Home LCCAA was able to restore gas service to a single mother’s residence allowing her to maintain her home. The mother of three, including a newborn, lives in a subsidized housing unit in Lorain County. Her gas had been shut off for a few days. Subsidized housing requires that utility services be maintained. Residents can be evicted if service is disconnected for more than 10 days. She contacted LCCAA and was reconnected thanks to the Winter Reconnect Order and the HEAP Program, said Emergency Services Coordinator Darnella Higginbotham. The Reconnect Order applies to all Ohioans and requires utility companies to restore service for a minimum payment. Clients who qualify for HEAP can use that program to pay the reconnect fee. That’s what happened in this case, Higginbotham said. “We were able to save her housing and restore her service,” she added. “She was very grateful.”
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Head Start Annual Information Report LCCAA Head Start includes 891 slots which in 2019-20 served 1,043 students. Early Head Start includes 40 slots which served 59 young children and/or pregnant mothers. Full enrollment is maintained with a waiting list. For 2020-2021, we reduced class size in Head Start and moved Early Head Start to a home-based program.
16 • LCCAA 2020 Annual Report
A virtual option is also being offered.
At Home and Virtual Learning The 2019-2020 school year started off like most others, but it definitely did not end that way. As Ohio closed schools and many businesses in March, LCCAA made the difficult decision to close its Head Start centers. Teachers and staff sprang into action to maintain connections with students and families. Facebook groups were formed quickly to allow teachers to provide lessons by video and give families a place to celebrate the little things that matter in preschool - like new pets! We mailed learning packets, conducted virtual home visits and created a montage video of the bridging ceremonies parents recorded and photographed while sheltering at home. As we began 2020-2021 with smaller classes, virtual options and many new procedures, we chose a theme for the year that reflects what we have always known is true in early childhood education: We’re All in This Together.
Eligibility and Options for Families To be eligible for Head Start, families must live at or below 130 percent of the Federal Poverty Line. Families recieving TANF or SSI are automatically eligible, as are homeless children and children in foster care. Head Start also serves children with disabilities. Based on LCCAA’s 2019 Community Needs Assessment, approximately 5,000 eligible children live in Lorain County. Current funding allows LCCAA Head Start to serve approximately 18.5 percent of those eligible. LCCAA offers school-based, center-based and home-based options, all with the same proven, researchbased curriculum. This fall, in response to parent requests due to COVID-19, we began offering a virtual option supported on an online platform designed specifically for remote learning. Our six directly operated centers have all earned Ohio’s highest rating in the Step Up to Quality Program, five stars, and staff dedication - undaunted by the pandemic - has maintained that rating for many years.
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Serving the Whole Family Our work with families is based on mutual respect and trust, developing with every interaction between staff and families. Using intentional tools and strategies to support families, LCCAA’s Head Start and Early Head Start family service staff focus on the following objectives to strengthen families and parenting in our community:
►► Family well-being. ►► Positive parent-child relationships. ►► Families as lifelong educators. ►► Families as learners. ►► Family engagement in transitions. ►► Family connections to peers & community. ►► Families as advocates and leaders. Early Childhood Education Head Start’s highly credentialed teachers use the national Head Start framework to focus their efforts to prepare students for kindergarten. All tools are based on years of research into what children should know and be able to do. Measurable outcomes include: managing feelings, making friends, throwing a ball, holding a crayon, participating in a two-way conversation, remembering experiences, and recognizing basic print concepts as well as shapes and patterns.
Family Development Head Start works to empower parents by connecting them with other needed services. They also provide support by building relationships and making sure each unique need is met. Parents are encouraged to participate on the Parent Policy Council to help make decisions about the program. Policy Council parents are supported in developing leadership and parent advocacy skills. Many parents report that Head Start has provided empowerment through education to their entire family.
Health and Wellness Head Start provides students, including remote students, with healthy and delicious snacks and lunches throughout the school year. Nutrition staff also share tips and recipes regularly.
18 • LCCAA 2020 Annual Report
Students also receive health screenings including vision tests and blood tests for lead exposure. Connections with doctors, dentists and services for children with disabilities are made as needed.
Serving the Whole County LCCAA Head Start meets children and families where they are by taking care to locate its centers and collaborative partners where needs are the greatest. LCCAA also considers pockets of poverty in areas that are harder to reach due to lack of public transit — just one reason for offering a home-based option. LCCAA has relationships with all 21 school districts in Lorain County. These and other collaborations extend the reach of Head Start. All directly operated and collaborative partner locations remain in service this year, except Elyria Early Childhood Village. Directly Operated LCCAA Head Start @ Cascade, 233 Bond Street, Elyria 44035 LCCAA Head Start @ Elyria, 631 Griswold Road, Elyria 44035
LCCAA Head Start @ Wellington 305 Union Street, Wellington 44090 LCCAA Head Start @ LaGrange 12079 LaGrange Road, LaGrange 44050 Partners
LCCAA Head Start @ Firelands 10779 Vermilion Road, Oberlin 44074 Elyria Early Childhood Village 42101 Griswold Road, Elyria 44035 LCCAA Head Start @ Hopkins-Locke, 1050 Reid Avenue, Lorain 44052
Horizon Educational Centers 2500 Colorado Avenue, Lorain 44055 4911 Grove Avenue, Lorain 44055 10347 Dewhurst Road, Elyria 44035 109 Louden Court, Elyria 44035 Little Lighthouse Learning Center 1715 Meister Road, Lorain 44053 Lorain City Schools Eight locations in Lorain
2020-2021 Budget Head Start Early Head Start $8,216,872 $532,768 $1,874,704 $127,048 $10,091,576 $659,816 $8,133,669 $521,34 $1,874,704 $127,048 $83,203 $11,420 $10,091,576 $659,816
Revenue In Kind Total Revenue Expenses In Kind TNTA* Total Expenses
2019-2020 Operating Expenses Personnel Fringe Travel Supplies Contractual Other
Head Start Early Head Start $3,376,405 $262,156 $1,463,730 $113,382 $11,873 $813 $158,458 $18,865 $946,492 $18,230 $1,088,908 $82,327
* Training and Technical Assistance
Total $3,638,561 $1,577,112 $41,889 $177,323 $964,722 $1,236,655
LCCAA 2020 Annual Report • 19
By the Numbers Head Start
Head Start
# of Families
% of Families
Two-parent families
264
30%
7
16%
Single-parent families
619
70%
37
84%
Families receiving TANF
90
10%
6
14%
Families receiving SSI
87
10%
4
9%
Families receiving SNAP (food stamps)
427
48%
33
75%
Income below 100% FPL
726
82%
37
84%
Income above 101% FPL
157
18%
2
<1%
Families experiencing homelessness
49
6%
7
12%
Homeless families who found housing
21
43%
4
57%
Father involvement
421
41%
22
37%
Emergency/crisis intervention such as meeting immediate needs for food, clothing or shelter
318
36%
27
61%
Housing assistance such as subsidies, utilities, repairs, etc.
109
12%
9
20%
Mental health services
45
5%
5
11%
English as a second language training
28
3%
3
7%
Adult education such as GED programs and college selection or job training
84
8%
4
9%
Substance abuse prevention or treatment
53
6%
5
11%
Child abuse and neglect services
11
1%
3
7%
Nutrition Education
619
70%
38
86%
Research Based Parenting Curriculum
354
40%
44
100%
Health education
728
82%
42
95%
6
1%
0
0%
Parenting education
807
91%
44
100%
Relationship/marriage education
26
3%
4
9%
Asset building services
57
6%
9
20%
Children with an ongoing source of continuous and accessible health care
987
95%
55
93%
Children with continuous, accessible dental care provided by a dentist
922
88%
48
81%
Children who have a chronic medical condition or are receiving dental treatment
135
13%
5
11%
Children who received a medical exam
941
91%
56
95%
Children who received a dental exam
890
85%
42
71%
Family Services
Assistance to families of incarcerated individuals
Early Head Start
Early Head Start
# of Families % of Families
Marlayna Colon got a Head Start and now sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unstoppable. Learn more about Marlayna on our website: www.lccaa.net/success_stories. 20 â&#x20AC;˘ LCCAA 2020 Annual Report
New Procedures The 2020-2021 school year has already seen big changes in the way we serve our Head Start families. Center-based class sizes were reduced from 20 to eight. Each classroom teaching team also has eight virtual students. Teachers in Wellington used their Smart Board to combine center-based and virtual students for a musical lesson on the Three Little Pigs (left). For center-based students, drop off and pick up moved curbside, complete with temperature checks. Staff are masked and so are many students. Toys and classroom materials are sanitized regularly using specialized equipment including atomized sprayers and large-scale, chemical-free ozone cabinets.
Parent Policy Council LCCAA holds a voting seat on the Board of Directors for the Policy Council President as part of its joint governance structure. This allows the voice of Head Start parents to be heard and counted in Agency decision making. Thank you to the 2019-20 members of Policy Council. Susan West, President Katarina Juchnick, Vice President Keishla Burgos Colon, Secretary Shadaris Pineda, Asst. Secretary Iney Danks Kelli Elek
Felicia Jones Sara Kovacs Tana Panter Jessica Santiago Tabatha Smith
Head Start welcomed 815 volunteers during the 2019-20 school year. They contributed 12,423 hours. Thank you, volunteers! LCCAA 2020 Annual Report â&#x20AC;˘ 21
Staff Recognition Retirements & Promotions Director of Planning and Community Services Frank Prihoda retired from LCCAA at the end of 2020. Frank had worked for LCCAA for six years and had a long career in workforce development, teaching and operating a business. Cook Lillian Baretto retired in October after nearly 40 years of service with LCCAA Head Start. Lillian cooked thousands of meals for children, pleased to be part of their day.
Youth Coordinator Bobby Taylor was promoted to Deputy Director of Planning and Community Services to train with Frank Prihoda in the last months of 2020. As of January 1, 2021, Bobby was promoted to full Director. Aaron Thompson, Senior Integration Specialist, was promoted to Director of Operations.
Chris Schneider, Accounting Specialist, was promoted to Controller. Shakeysta Craighead, Data Systems Manager, was promoted to Data and Integration Specialist. Julie Charles, Head Start Teacher, was promoted to Disabilities Manager. Alex Vassar, Technology Coordinator, was promoted to Technology Specialist.
LCCAA recognizes staff milestones annually at our all-agency event at the beginning of the school year. The following staff members were recognized in our special virtual event in August 2020. 30 Years Audrey Swart Family Service Worker Dorothy Tarrant Collaborative Administrator
10 Years Venessa Castillo Early Childhood Services Worker Kelly Filip Head Teacher
25 Years Frances Caraballo Family Service Worker Rhonda Ramsey Early Childhood Services Worker
5 Years Richelle Bainbridge Head Teacher Jennifer Bartlebaugh Education & Disabilities Specialist Brittany Bartlebaugh Head Teacher Christa Battle Family Service Worker Laura Buehner Family Service Worker Diane Chaik Food Service Worker
20 Years Bernadette Dickey Family Service Worker Rupert Eldemire HEAP Advocate Melissa Kowal Head Teacher
22 â&#x20AC;˘ LCCAA 2020 Annual Report
Patricia Dusenberry Head Teacher Diana Gifford Griswold Site Administrator Andrea Jensen Head Teacher Morgan Lux Head Teacher James Nelson Food Service Worker Nicole Rodriguez Food Service Worker Nancy Ann Smith Client Services Educator Aaron Thompson Director of Operations Christine Villar Head Teacher
Staff Recognition
LCCAA promotes professional development, including tuition assistance. We celebrate credential and degree attainment for the opportunities created for our staff and quality higher education it brings to our programs. In 2020, we celebrated: Tracy Bailes, Early Childhood Services Worker, Child Development Associate credential from CDA Council for Professional Recognition’s Amnesty Renewal Program Trinity Barajas, Head Teacher, Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from Ashford University in California (below right) Jackie Boehnlein, President and CEO, Master’s of Business Administration from Tiffin University Allie Collonsenio, Early Childhood Services Worker, CDA credential from Child Care Resource Center Alyssa Davilla, Early Childhood Services Worker, CDA credential from Child Care Resource Center
Sabrina Osborne, Home-Based Teacher, CDA credential from CDA Council for Professional Recognition’s Amnesty Renewal Program Rebecca Rodriguez, Health and Nutrition Manager, Master’s in Public Administration from Ohio University (above right) Alicia Rosa, Early Childhood Services Worker, CDA credential from University of Cincinnati Chris Schneider, Controller, Finance Leadership Lorain County (above left)
Department,
Alexandria Stottlemire, Head Teacher, Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from Grand Canyon University Brenda Towner, Early Childhood Services Worker, CDA credential from CDA Council for Professional Recognition’s Amnesty Renewal Program Christine Villar, Head Teacher, Bachelor’s in Education from University of Cincinnati (above far left)
Karla Garcia, Early Childhood Services Worker, CDA credential from Child Care Resource Center Ninashy Mendez, Head Teacher, Associate’s in Early Childhood Education from Lorain County Community College Akeea Nelson, Hopkins-Locke Site Administrator, Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Cincinnati Shayna O’Neal, Early Childhood Services Worker, CDA credential from University of Cincinnati
LCCAA 2020 Annual Report • 23
Board of Directors When you are given the opportunity to serve the community in any capacity you are really getting a chance to fulfill dreams. Not just your own dreams, but the dreams of all the people who rely on the programs and services that the Lorain County Community Action Agency offers. This year we as a country and a community learned that the Coronavirus pandemic was spreading rapidly. There was a greater need for help and there was a need to help with the same things but the help had to be done in a different way. There would be social distancing, closings of public
and private places and events, rescheduling and postponements; our Board meetings were switched from in person contact to distance (Zoom) meetings. I would like to both thank and commend the Board for staying on course during these very unclear and uncertain times. Not only have they remained focused and diligent but they have also handled the Federal and State mandates on the shutting down of facilities and programs with support and careful attention to every individual and every family who we serve. As we move forward, our goal is to continue looking ahead for ways to safely serve the community.
Gerald Pippens, Chair
2021 Board of Directors Gerald Pippens, Chair Mike Szekely, Vice Chair Joe Falbo, Treasurer Rochell Corn Rev. Calvin Currie Tony Giardini Sherry Green Eddie Henson Vasyl Rabosyuk Nancy Sabath Hans Schneider Susan West LCCAAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s funding requires the Agency to have a board made up of equal representation from three sectors: Public (elected officials or their designees), Private (business or communitygroups) and Low-Income (people in poverty and those who serve them.) The purpose of this requirement is to gain input from each of these sectors on community needs, resources and program effectiveness.
24 â&#x20AC;˘ LCCAA 2020 Annual Report
LCCAA has been fortunate to have committed, thoughtful leaders on its Board of Directors. In 2020, we reluctantly said farewell to four board members who contributed hugely to our success. Thank you to long-time Secretary Scott Broadwell, former Head Start parent Tiffany Dennis, former Chair Henry Patterson and former Treasurer and long-time champion Vassie Scott. Each of you will be missed greatly.
Join Our Mission Ways to Give
Lorain County Community Action Agency is a 501(c)(3) and all contributions are tax deductible. We appreciate the community’s support. Your contributions are gratefully accepted at any time. Visit our website at www.lccaa. net and click Donate to learn more. You can also donate by texting LCCAAFRIEND to 44321 anytime. Donate while you shop by designating LCCAA as your charity of choice through the Amazon Smiles Program. Join the Friends of the Bike Shop for a little as $10, by texting BIKEPALS to 44321. For a list of Friends Benefits, please see our website.
Save The Dates After a trial run last fall, LCCAA plans a Bike and Trike A Thon to bring our community together after a long winter. Look for details on the June event coming soon! Like many other events, our 2020 Wine Tasting and Auction, held in September for the last seven years, was cancelled. Please save the date for our next event: September 23,2021.
Jimmy Dean once said: “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” LCCAA adjusted its sails this year during an unprecedented time to remain focused on its mission of serving and empowering Lorain County residents in need. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many disturbances in how we do business, but it has not changed the fact that we will do business and help those who need us. During this time, we have secured additional funding to expand our services for rental and utility assistance. Specifically, LCCAA secured $1,110,884 in Home Relief Grant funds through the Ohio Development Services Agency. These funds helped households with past due rent, water, and sewer bills going back to April 1, 2020.
LCCAA received $50,000 to purchase devices to help students in the City of Lorain, including Lorain City Schools, participate in online learning during the pandemic. Known as the K-12 Digital Inclusion Grant, the funding was awarded by the City of Lorain. Our Agency has also received additional funding through the CARES Act which is being utilized to help those in need through food banks and other means. During these unprecedented times, our community needs to know that LCCAA is a beacon of hope. We have resources available to help those in need persevere through the pandemic and beyond. Residents should not hesitate to lean on our network of resources to meet their needs. Our staff should take great pride in the services they provide, the hope they instill, and the security they impart on members of our community. As Board Treasurer, I thank our staff for being part of making our community a better place.
Joe Falbo, Treasurer LCCAA 2020 Annual Report • 25
Statement of Financial Position Unaudited 2020
Audited 2019
ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash and Cash Equivalents
501,638
424,588
Grants Receivable
988,497
599,311
(535)
16,961
Accounts Receivable (net of allowance for uncollectable account) Prepaid Expenses Other Current Assets TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
3,191
18,550
(1,811)
722
1,490,980
1,060,132
26,283
23,737
638,993
641,391
665,276
665,128
(550,950)
(514,867)
114,326
150,261
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Land Building and Improvements Less Accumulated Depreciation Total Property and Equipment Long Term Assets Security Deposit
-
-
1,605,306
1,210,393
268,153
64,829
229,380
308,406
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts Payable Accrued Expenses Payroll and Related Expenses and Withholdings Vacation Refundable Advances Current Portion of Long-Term Debt Other Current Liabilities
LONG TERM DEBT, LESS CURRENT PORTION
51,546
40,366
423,434
286,042
9,926
10,033
-
9,218
982,438
718,894
104,257
103,575
518,612
387,927
NET ASSETS Unrestricted Temporarily Restricted Permanently Restricted
26 â&#x20AC;¢ LCCAA 2020 Annual Report
518,612
387,927
1,605,306
1,210,396
Revenues and Expenditures RevenuesUnaudited Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) Head Start USDA Early Childhood Expansion Grant Community Foundation of Lorain County Elyria Memorial Hospital Foundation Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) PIPP In-Kind Ohio Partnership for Affordable Energy (OPAE) Lorain Foundation WE-3 LCCC Fiscal LC Bridges Out of Poverty Lorain National Bank Foundation Dollar Bank Foundation PNC Day Care Services Corporate Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation LCCAA Fund-Raising
2019-2020
517,561 8,157,109 454,600 417,929 9,907 2,981 804,866 29,105 1,750,659 145,770 1,680 3,300 1,031 1,162 1,469 10,124 2,059 19,288
Audited 2018-2019
535,653 7,578,653 422,180 414,029 3,229 773,241 50,657 2,025,101 312,448 11,173 1,256 230 1,165 538 126 7,699 1,421 13,626
Total Revenue by Funding Source
12,330,599
12,167,806
Grant Revenue Program Income Donations Other Income In-Kind Total Revenue by Income Type
10,318,751 231,028 21,602 8,560 1,750,659 12,330,599
9,987,116 134,264 14,084 7,241 2,025,101 12,167,806
Expenditures Community Services Block Grant Energy Services PIPP Grant Head Start (Including USDA, SUTQ, ECE) Elyria Memorial Foundation PNC Foundation Dollar Bank Foundation Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation Lorain County Foundations WE-3 LCCC Fiscal/Bridges Corporate Lorain National Bank Foundation LCCAA Fund-Raising
Total Expenditures by Source Personnel Fringe Benefits Consultants/Contracts Travel/Transportation Space Costs Supplies/Food Equipment Lease/Purchase/Depreciation Energy Assistance Payments Insurance Other General Administrative Expense In-Kind Expense
Total Expenses by Category Net Assets
Unaudited 2019-2020
523,029 942,996 29,105 10,774,829 2,981 1,469 1,162 2,059 11,587 3,300 30,302 1,031 6,197
Audited 2018-2019
538,488 1,075,689 50,657 10,462,510 3,229 538 1,165 1,421 12,429 37,805 230 5,380
12,330,046
12,189,541
4,276,677 1,797,116 1,033,513 65,642 810,876 563,738 142,966 419,851 30,908 485,107 952,994 1,750,659
4,024,675 1,785,516 893,158 110,347 702,512 450,150 162,684 517,503 24,834 476,658 1,016,458 2,025,046
12,330,047
12,189,541
553
(21,735)
LCCAA 2020 Annual Report â&#x20AC;˘ 27
Lorain County Community Action Agency 936 Broadway Ave., Lorain, Ohio 44052 440-204-2009 www.lccaa.net