2022 Annual Report

Helping People, Changing Lives

For more than five decades, LCCAA has been addressing the causes and consequences of poverty, increasing opportunities and the economic security of individuals and families, and revitalizing our county through partnerships and collaborations. Our programs are a lifeline for thousands of families living through the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, we see and accept the charge to address persistent poverty and pervasive disparities and inequities.

We see being part of the social service delivery network of Lorain County as a privilege. We envision our little corner of the world as a place where children are able to live choice-filled lives and where everyone has the opportunity and support needed to achieve their full potential.

My belief that tomorrow is inescapably shaped by today drives LCCAA’s continued sense of urgency to

adapt, respond and innovate. Each year, especially this past year, shows how this agency lives our unwavering commitment to make a real difference in the lives of the people we serve with wisdom and compassion.

To that end, I am pleased to present this snapshot of LCCAA’s recent accomplishments and progress. I am understandably proud of the work of every LCCAA employee and offer up the outcomes of our work as testimony of the depth to which we help people and change lives.

In Service,

President and CEO

Highlights of 2O22

A New Home For Head Start

LCCAA Head Start breathed life into a building at the center of Lorain’s history this summer. Head Start at Central Plaza includes three classrooms that will accommodate a total of 60 children in an expansion of the agency’s partnership with Lorain City Schools. LCCAA Head Start managers and staff from the Home Based program also occupy the building. (Page 14)

Record Service

LCCAA’s Energy Services Department provided record levels of help in 2022. Need has greatly increased as a result of the pandemic and crisis help has stopped hundreds of disconnections while keeping Lorain County families warm in winter and cool in summer.

The 2021-22 Winter Crisis program served more than 1,200 households with emergency help and another 2,500 with PIPP enrollment or reverification.

The 2022 Summer Crisis Program distributed more than $100,000 in benefits for the first time in the program’s history.

Meanwhile, the State of Ohio expanded eligibility for the PIPP program from 150% of the Federal Poverty Line to 175%, in line with other Energy Services programs. (Page 8)

LCCAA received a grant from the Ohio Commission on Minority Health to open a Pathways HUB in Lorain County. The HUB acts as a central pivot point for Community Health Workers throughout the county. The goal is to reduce incidents of infant and maternal mortality, especially among the Black population.

Separately, LCCAA Head Start created its Pregnancy Support Services program. In partnership with Lorain County Public Health, Community Health Worker Melissa Carroll works directly with women at any stage of pregnancy striving, as all CHWs do, to improve social determinants of health. Social determinants of health include access to healthy food, access to care and much more.

LCCAA continues to support mothers and babies through its Early Head Start program. EHS now features Baby Signs, a program to help encourage communication skills in the youngest family members. Meanwhile, plans continue to open a new Early Head Start center in south Elyria in early 2023. (Page 12)

In 2022, LCCAA’s By Car Program partnered with Ohio MeansJobs Lorain County. This partnership allowed us to double the maximum match amount for the program. OMJ also provides up to $2,500 for a year’s worth of car insurance. The partnership initially funded 10 cars but another 20 were added after the program’s strong start. (Page 10)

Caring for Mothers and Babies Road to Success

Using Data to Meet

The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is a flexible federal funding source provided only to Community Action Agencies through state governments. More than 1,000 local eligible entities provide CSBG-funded services and activities including housing, nutrition, utility and transportation assistance; crisis and emergency assistance; employment, education and more. Community asset building initiatives are aimed at creating pathways out of poverty.

Community Action Agencies were created when President Johnson signed the Economic Opportunity Act in 1965.

Community Action Agencies across the country look different from each other on purpose. The one-size-does-not-fit-all approach provides local leaders the chance to craft unique solutions to local problems.

Key Findings

CSBG serves as a backbone for programming and services for low-income individuals so LCCAA and its partners can respond to some needs that are ongoing and others that are emerging. Additionally, CSBG positioned LCCAA to respond quickly to the crisis driven needs of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Each CSBG-funded agency uses a formalized, data-driven process to identify specific needs. The Community Needs Assessment includes mandates for state-approved work plans and budgets.

COVID-19 loudly demonstrated the disadvantages low-income people have. After such upheaval, LCCAA turned to the Center for Community Solutions to help quantify and highlight the needs of today.

LCCAA’s Community Needs Assessment, conducted every three years, shows many people don’t know where to get help. To address this, LCCAA created its Community Resource Directory. The directory covers all possible avenues of assistance throughout the entire county and is updated every six months. Copies are shared with law enforcement and other public and social services agencies and are available online. More than 7,000 directories have been distributed so far this year.

The agency’s Star Service initiative is also aimed at creating greater awareness of available help. Each time a resident applies for one program at LCCAA, the family is offered access to every program they qualify for.

High poverty neighborhoods continue to face food insecurity and/or lack of affordable access to healthy choices. That’s why LCCAA created a community garden next to the Elyria Library South Branch. In 2023, that effort will expand to include a food co-op (see page 20). LCCAA also partners annually with food pantries around the county to support their efforts during the busiest months of the year.

LCCAA is part of a historical

Youth Unemployment Higher

Younger adults in Lorain County seem to be having trouble breaking into the workforce, according to LCCAA’s latest Community Needs Assessment.

Compared to the state, three percent fewer 20-24 year olds in Lorain County are working or actively looking for work. In all, 77.1% of that age group in Lorain County is participating in the labor force. Meanwhile, only 46.5% of 16 to 19 year olds are participating in the labor force.

How We’re Addressing It

◊ Expanding the number of youth served ◊ Diversifying work opportunties for youth ◊ Creating a mobile outreach center

LCCAA received a $75,000 grant from Lorain County Commissioners that will hire an additional person to work in the Youth Services Program.

“We will be able to serve an additional 12 young people,” said CEO Jackie Boehnlein. “More youth will

be able to experience that series of small moments that makes a difference in their lives.”

LCCAA is also working to diversify opportunities for Youth Services participants based on their interests. Last year, a young man interested in accounting spent some time with the agency’s finance department. Future possibilities include working with the Pathways HUB and partners such as Mercy Health, working with young children through Head Start and expanding bike shop related offerings to include skills like welding.

“We definitely want the youth to engage in activities that both interest them and build skills they can use to make a living,” said Planning and Community Services Director Bobby Taylor.

LCCAA has purchased a trailer and tent which will serve as a mobile outreach center for the Youth Services program. Look for the greater presence at community events where our youth volunteer in 2023. (See pages 20 and 21.)

More Grandparents Raising Kids

LCCAA’s 2022 Community Needs Assessment showed that more than a quarter of all children under five in Lorain County live at or below the poverty level, meaning they are eligible for Head Start.

More than six percent of the children in the county are being raised by their grandparents, the assessment found. That equals 4,233 children.

“We’ve always had grandparents, but it’s quite eye opening and substantial,” said LCCAA Head Start Director Shauna Matelski, Ed.D. “We need to remember those families sometimes function differently. They need different kinds of help and accept help in different ways.”

Head Start Family Engagement staff works to engage grandparents with events and activities especially for them and by making sure they are included in all regular activities.

historical movement against poverty.

Ebony Steele received both an air conditioner and a fan to help her young son who has sickle cell anemia. Sickle cell patients are cautioned to avoid extreme heat and Ebony’s son had had a recent medical emergency. LCCAA’s security guard John Abrams helped her load the equipment into her car on the first day of the Summer Crisis Program.

Breaking Records

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federal block grant program that provides funding to help low-income households meet their home energy needs. HEAP provides funding to reduce the costs associated with home energy bills, address energy crises, weatherize homes and/or make minor energy-related home repairs. HEAP helps reduce the risk of health and safety

problems that arise from unsafe heating and cooling situations and practices, particularly for vulnerable households with very young children, individuals with disabilities, and older adults.

LCCAA is a grantee under the Ohio Department of Development to operate HEAP, its two crisis sub-programs and the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program. The crisis programs are consid-

Water Program Helps Hundreds

The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program launched statewide in November 2021 to provide emergency water and wastewater assistance to struggling families. Funded with federal COVID-relief dollars, the program also addresses a long-term problem.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, studies indicated that some low-income households were paying between 4 and 19 percent of their monthly income on drinking water and wastewater services. The pandemic exacerbated this growing water affordability crisis. To qualify for help, households must be living at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Level.

In the first program year, ending Sept. 30, LCCAA assisted 774 clients in LIHWAP. A total of $395,209 was disbursed with an average benefit of $510. The program is currently funded through 2023.

LCCAA Energy Services staff broke records for both heating and cooling in 2022.

Winter Crisis helps eligible residents pay electric or gas bills to heat their homes. Summer Crisis helps eligible residents pay their electric bills and provides air conditioners or fans in certain circumstances. Both programs can help restore service if it has been disconnected.

The Winter Crisis Program ended March 31 with more than 1,200 households helped with either reconnecting their heat or paying their bills. Another 2,500 households were assisted with PIPP enrollment or reverification. In all, just over $222,000 was spent to assist Winter Crisis applicants.

With two weeks still left in the Summer Crisis Program advocates had distributed more than $100,000 in monetary benefits - a record for the agency.

When the program ended September 30, more than 800 households had been helped with reconnecting their electric or paying their bills. Another 1,200 households were assisted with PIPP enrollment or reverification. In all just under $117,000 was distributed.

“I thank you all. I appreciate you all,” said Energy Services Coordinator Darnella Higginbotham in sharing the milestones with staff. “This is what it’s all about. Serving the mission.”

in Energy Services

ered emergencies because a lack of service exists or is threatened. The annual HEAP benefit and the PIPP are considered non-emergency services and residents are encouraged to apply through the State of Ohio at energyhelp.ohio.gov.

Ohio’s portal at energyhelp.ohio.gov was created as a centralized application to make access to HEAP services consistent in all 88 of Ohio’s counties.

LCCAA’s staff have embraced the system which provides residents with options for making and tracking applications.

Reports from ODOD show Lorain County residents using the portal more than any other county in the state. When the number of applications per resident in poverty is calculated, LCCAA usage (3.11%) is more than double the statewide average (1.25%).

PIPP Eligibility Expanded

Eligibility for the Percentage of Income Payment Program (PIPP) was increased from 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL) to 175% of the FPL. The PIPP Program allows eligible residents to reduce their energy bills to a percentage of their income and avoid crisis situations.

Once enrolled, PIPP customers must make their regular payments in order to remain on the program. Staying current also earns PIPP customers credit toward arrearages. Under PIPP, households that heat with gas pay 5% of their household income to their gas company and 5% of their household income to their electric company. All electric households pay 10% of their income to their electric company.

James had an outstanding balance of more than $1,000 and a disconnect notice. By enrolling in PIPP, he reduced his payment to only $20 a month. With regular payments, his entire balance will be cleared.

Right on Time to

In 2022, LCCAA By Car clients found knowledge, motivation and blessings in the program along with an extra benefit: insurance.

By Car matches earned income at a three to one ratio to help participants purchase reliable used cars. Partnering with OhioMeansJobs Lorain County this year, the match ceiling was raised to $6,000. OMJ also now funds the participants’ first year of insurance on the new vehicle, up to $2,500.

Participants must be working or enrolled in school and they must also complete a financial literacy class.

The partnership also

means they must register with OMJ and complete some of the assessments they require.

Car purchasers this year have included a first time owner, college students, a single dad, a big sister and a mom with a disabled daughter.

“I needed this car. I’m glad it came through when it did,” said Darlene Shreffler, who planned to use her new found freedom to look for a better paying job.

“The first place I drove my new car was my grandma’s house because I wanted her to be the first person to see my new car,” said Aaliyah Hodge, who started college this fall with her new vehicle.

“Since I’m 18 insurance is really high for me. Having a year of insurance paid off really takes a lot of the stress away.”

All participants have recommended the program

Kennedy Plaza Refrigerators Replaced

Residents of Kennedy Plaza received new, energy efficient refrigerators as part of LCCAA’s ongoing partnership with Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority.

Through its Community Connections Program, LCCAA has installed the new appliances in all 99 units in the building. This is the fifth low-income housing complex the agency has worked with to help residents.

“These residents need reliable appliances to keep their utility bills manageable and their food safe,” said Planning and Community Services Director Bobby Taylor.

Property Manager Iliana Lopez said she and the residents were very appreciative of the agency’s efforts.

“I have spoken to several ten -

ants who all are very pleased with the new refrigerator,” she said. “They indicated the installation of the new refrigerator was quick and the team did a great job.”

LCCAA began collaborating with subsidized housing in 2019 when it replaced all the refrigerators at the Pearl Village and Westgate Gardens properties.

In 2020, LMHA’s Harr Plaza received the same update. The project to update appliances at Lakeview Plaza spanned 2020 and 2021 thanks to supply chain issues.

Community Connections is a partnership with the Ohio Partners fro Affordable Energy and Ohio Edison. The program also replaces freezers, light-bulbs and carbon monoxide detectors for income-eligible customers.

Work and School

to family and friends. Ashley Friend especially wanted to share the information she learned in the financial literacy class.

“I want them to know about it, especially my little sister,” she said. “I wish I would have known more about credit.”

“This is just a good opportunity for many people who need a little extra help,” said Dejanae Ramey. “This program can also give people the motivation they need to continue working hard and reaching their goals.”

“It’s a win win,” Shawn Stover said. “They’re helping you to be able to obtain work and get along in life.”

Cedric Lynch added: “If someone offers you help, take it. This is honestly a blessing.”

is honestly a blessing.’

‘This

Pathways to Success with Pregnancy Support

African American infants die in their first year of life. The rate for white infants is 4.5.

“Our community needs the services this HUB will provide,” said President and CEO Jackie Boehnlein. “This is a genuine game changer in creating greater access to services.”

In partnership with Mercy Health, four Community Health Workers have begun reporting their encounters with pregnant women through the new HUB system, said Asst. Director Nina Brooks. To date, more than 300 women in the county have been touched by the HUB.

LCCAAs has taken bold steps in 2022 to support pregnant women in the community.

Funded by a grant from the Ohio Commission on Minority Health, the new Pathways HUB is designed to reduce the rate of infant mortality in Lorain County, particularly among minority communities. In Lorain County, 13 out of every 1,000 Black or

Community Health Workers strive to improve the social determinants of health. They connect patients with a variety of supports that can change their health outcomes for the better.

Services can include anything from connecting patients with food pantries to helping them enroll in job training programs. The HUB is a funding mechanism to engage more Community Health Workers in the county.

Meanwhile, LCCAA Head Start has partnered with

‘This is a genuine game changer.’

Support

Lorain County Public Health to create a Pregnancy Support Services program with an experienced Community Health Worker, Melissa Carroll. Carroll’s role is to improve those outcomes by supporting women during and after their pregnancies. One goal is to reduce premature births by making sure women have access to quality health care and avoid high blood pressure and diabetes.

Pregnancy Support Services is available to everyone in the county with no income qualifications for participants. Women can reach out to Carroll at any stage of their pregnancy and regardless of how many children they already have.

“This isn’t just about our programs at LCCAA,” said Planning and Community Services Director Bobby Taylor. “This is about building the capacity in Lorain County to help low income families.”

LCCAA Staff Gives Back

Two dozen Lorain County children will sleep more safely and more soundly thanks to the efforts of the LCCAA Head Start Management Team.

The team of site administrators and other managers worked with Good Knights of Lorain County to build 24 twin beds for families in need.

“We know some of our families have benefitted from this great non-profit,” said Education and Disabilities Specialist Jennifer Bartlebaugh. “It was a team building opportunity for us and also a way to give back to our community.”

The day of service was planned while children were on Fall Break so managers could get away from their centers, Bartlebaugh added.

The team built 24 beds in two and a half hours, she said. Good Knights has stations set up for cutting, sanding, drilling, assembling and other steps.

The organization has community builds every month on the second Tuesday at their shop in Amherst. Deliveries are typically done on the third Saturday of the month.

A New Home for Head

Head Start and Early Head Start are federally funded programs focused on comprehensive child development. LCCAA is Lorain County’s only Head Start provider.

We offer center-based, school-based and homebased options. Head Start serves children ages 3 to 5 and prepares them for kindergarten. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children from birth to age 3.

LCCAA’s 2022 Community Needs Assessment showed us that more than a quarter of all children under five in Lorain County live at or below the poverty level. This represents approximately 4,750 children who likely qualify for Head Start or Early Head Start.

Current funding allows 891 slots in Head Start and 58 in our Early Head Start program. At full enrollment, we are currently able to serve approximately 20 percent of the eligible children in Lorain County.

In 2021-2022, Head Start served 672 students and Early Head Start served 70 young children and/or pregnant women.

Both programs use 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for priority placement. In addition, the programs can serve 35% of families whose income is between 101 and 130%. Ten percent of families can exceed 130% of the FPL.

New in 2022, families receiving food stamps or the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) are automatically eligible. According to our Community Needs Assessment, approximately 12% of Lorain County households receive SNAP benefits.

Families in the following situations are also automatically eligible:

Receiving TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families)

Receiving SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

Homeless, Foster Care or Kinship Care

Head Start has a new home in the Central Plaza building at 1949 Broadway Ave. The space includes three new classrooms for up to 60 children operated in partnership with Lorain City Schools. The site also features an indoor play space in the former bank branch and an outdoor play space at the front of the building. It is also the new home for staff in the home-based program.

Start

Serving the Entire 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. Pockets of poverty in areas harder to reach due to lack of public transit are also considered — just one reason for offering a home-based option.

LCCAA also has relationships with all 21 school districts in Lorain County. These and other collaborations extend the reach of Head Start. Step Up to Quality recognizes and promotes early learning and development programs that meet quality standards over and above the minimum requirements.

Directly Operated

LCCAA Head Start @ Central Plaza, 1949 Broadway Ave., Lorain 44052

LCCAA Head Start @ Elyria, 631 Griswold Road, Elyria 44035

LCCAA Head Start @ Firelands 10779 Vermilion Road, Oberlin 44074

LCCAA Head Start @ Hopkins-Locke, 1050 Reid Avenue, Lorain 44052

LCCAA Head Start @ Wellington 305 Union Street, Wellington 44090

LCCAA Head Start @ LaGrange 12079 LaGrange Road, LaGrange 44050

Partners

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 Elementary Schools

Our directly operated centers all have five stars.

Services for the Whole

Head Start is designed as a two generational approach. We support parents with information about important developmental milestones, guidance on family self-sufficiency goals and more.

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.

Family Service Assistants now have classroom duties to ensure seamless transitions for children and help the program meet ratios required under Head Start performance standards and childcare licensing.

Involved parents are also key to the success of Head Start. Head Start programs are required to set up Parent Policy Councils. Parents are elected by their centers to serve on Policy Council where they make critical decisions for the entire program. The president of Policy Council holds a full voting seat on the LCCAA Board of Directors.

Nutrition Staff Thinks Out of the Box

In addition to preparing more than 7,000 meals each month, Head Start Nutrition Staff work to introduce new foods to students and their families.Building on their highly successful Try Day series, and led by Registered Dietician Marge Robison, staff created the Build a Balanced Plate: Out of the Box Recipe Series. Recipe demonstrations and tips were shared with registered families via Zoom and pre-recorded videos. Each registered family then received a box of ingredients and tools to recreate the recipe at home. The Zoom meeting gave families a chance to ask the dietician questions about substitutions or tips for picky eaters.

The spring series included recipes for fresh salsa, a Mexican frittata and cilantro lime quinoa to create a balanced plate featuring all major food groups. This fall, soup and salad were featured in a two-part series. A two-part series on healthy snacks is planned for next spring.

Robison’s advice included pairing new foods with preferred foods and continuing to “present, present, present.”

Whole Family

Training Apprentices

To promote Early Childhood Education as a profession, LCCAA Head Start now offers an apprenticeship program.

Participants complete coursework and receive specialized training, feedback and mentor support while gaining extensive classroom experience.

All apprentice work meets the requirements to earn a preschool or an infant/toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.

The CDA credential is the most widely recognized credential in Early Childhood Education and as such is a key stepping stone on the path of career

advancement.

Anyone, even those with no hands-on early childhood classroom experience, who would like to begin a career in the field may apply.

LCCAA Head Start is actively working to partner with area high schools to offer apprenticeship opportunities to juniors and seniors planning careers in Early Childhood Education.

Apprentices will receive mentor support for their CDA coursework, gain valuable experience with children, and enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding work environment.

Successful apprentices will be qualified to work in LCCAA Head Start classrooms in positions that require a CDA. The agency’s goal is to develop a registered apprenticeship program linked to associate’s degrees in early childhood education

Home-Based Family Cherishes Program

LCCAA’s home-based Head Start program helped Oberlin native Rebekah Fields-Johnson take ownership of her children’s education and has made her a better mother.

Rebekah, her husband Mario, and their five children have all been touched by Head Start. Her entire family has been empowered.

“I love home-based. It’s so flexible for our schedule,” she said. “Being able to have them in their own environment is easier since there are so many of us. It’s a family thing; we’re all involved.”

The Johnson family became part of Head Start when their oldest son enrolled six years ago and started receiving visits from Sabrina “Miss Ellen” Osborne.

Rebekah appreciates the program’s whole family approach. Working with Miss Ellen has encouraged her to continue her education. She worked as a STNA until COVID-19 closed her children’s schools. Now, Rebekah is taking classes at Lorain County Community College.

“I set goals with Miss Ellen for what I wanted to do as a parent and as an individual,” she said. “It goes beyond the kids. It really works on the whole family.”

Miss Ellen’s weekly, 90-minute visits include songs, activities, stories and more. While the visits have been conducted recently over Zoom or outside at a distance, the Johnson children have been fully engaged and grown tremendously.

“It’s always child led,” Rebekah said. “My kids love to sing and dance, so she keeps them active and motivated. They look forward to her coming.”

When the older children are home, they’re included as well. Activities vary from practicing writing skills to taking nature walks in the Johnsons neighborhood. Miss Ellen brings materials or drops them off if the visit is virtual.

“Center-based isn’t for everyone. This approach gives you so much flexibility and involvement – with the help of someone who is educated,” Rebekah said. “It nurtures our whole family and we cherish it.”

Rental Assistance Helped Help Makes Tr

Federal funding for the Emergency Rent Assistance program allocated to LCCAA by the Ohio Office of Community Assistance helped thousands of Lorain County residents maintain their homes.

“When people were asked to shelter in place during COVID-19 but also lost their jobs, a tidal wave of trouble hit hundreds of hourly workers already living paycheck to paycheck,” said CEO Jackie Boehnlein.

“Rising prices have meant that making ends meet remains difficult. This assistance is a lifeline for many people.”

Renters were eligible for help if they were behind on their rent and lived at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. Rent could be paid as far back as March 2020.

In 2022, LCCAA partnered with Lorain County Job and Family Services, Lorain County Urban League and El Centro to better serve vulnerable communities. The focus remained on residents facing evictions.

A partnership was also formed with the Lorain County Bar Association and contacts at various courts that handle evictions. With the expiration of eviction moratoriums, LCCAA needed to connect differently with the courts so that tenants’ belongings remained in their homes and not set on the curbs outside.

The average rental assistance amount was $4,892 with an average processing time of 21 days. A total of 956 households were helped in 2022.

Rent assistance funding remains in the state through 2025. LCCAA will continue to work with the State of Ohio and local partners to help those most in need.

Please visit www.lccaa.net for the latest information on rent assistance in Lorain County.

Community Action sees a need and moves to meet it.

That’s exactly what happened multiple times in LCCAA’s rent assistance program.

In March, the team found a safe place for a family to stay just in time for a teenager’s birthday.

“We don’t usually get people places to live,” said Manager Tina Clague.

However, rent assistance funds could be used to pay for extended stay hotels. That’s what Clague arranged for a father who had been living in his car with two teenage children.

Hotels near the father’s food service job were full, so Clague leveraged her relationships to get them a room at a local hotel. She also helped the family get on the waiting list with Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority (LMHA).

At the peak of the program, Clague and her team were processing approximately $60,000

Helped Many ue Difference

Help Offered for Homeowners

Lorain County homeowners can apply for help with non-mortgage expenses thanks to a program of the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA).

Save the Dream Ohio – Utility Assistance Plus provides eligible Ohio homeowners with financial assistance to pay delinquent utility bills, property taxes, and other housing costs not included in the mortgage payment. This can include lot fees for mobile homes.

To qualify, the home must be your primary residence and you must have experienced hardship or loss of income due to COVID-19. Income thresholds are high compared to other programs, according to Energy Services Coordinator Darnella Higginbotham. A family for four cannot have an annual income exceeding $147,600.

“It does require some additional documentation than we normally collect for utility assistance, but nothing that most homeowners cannot eaily provide,” Higginbotham said. “We work with our homeowners to make sure they get all the assistance our programs can offer.”

In 2022, LCCAA helped 95 households through the program.

of applications each day. They also became known for their compassion.

The team leapt into action to provide help when they learned of three homeless people living in Elyria’s town square.

After reading news coverage of the group’s situation, a member of the team sought them out. City officials had already secured temporary housing, however it was not immediately available. LCCAA used rent assistance funds to provide transportation to an area hotel and pay the extra fees so they could bring their four dogs along while they waited.

A team member also helped one of the three get a new ID.

“This is exactly what Community Action is supposed to do,” said Planning and Community Services Director Bobby Taylor. “I’m proud of the compassion and dedication I see in every member of our team.”

Community Garden Thrives Serving

COVID relief funding helped establish a Community Garden in south Elyria.

Partnering with the Elyria Public Library System, Our F.A.M.I.L.Y. and Hope for Futures, the garden grew more than a dozen different varieties of produce in its second season. Produce is open for picking by neighborhood residents as soon as it is ready and excess is kept in a “freedge” inside the library.

The garden hosted several events over the summer including a ladybug launch designed to naturally control pests. Work is also underway to attract more pollinators to keep the garden thriving in the future.

LCCAA will break ground in 2023 on a 5,000-square-foot food co-op nearby, said CEO Jackie Boehnlein.

“Food insecurity in this neighborhood is a solvable problem,” Boehnlein said. “With these great partnerships, this project will really make a difference.”

For a tenth year, LCCAA partnered with area food pantries to support them during their busiest months. The 15 partners in 2022 were also provided with new coats to distribute to local children as part of the agency’s long time commitment to Operation Warm.

For a list of partners and additional details, please visit www.lccaa.net.

Youth Services provides work experience and much more for Lorain County youth ages 16 to 24.

The LCCAA Bike Shop and community service projects teach valuable work readiness skills. Mentoring, networking, homework help and more are part of the program.

Coordinator Jeff Ross knows that the positive interactions the youth have in the program – with each other and other adults – will make a difference in their lives. He believes being around positive influences can only help.

“From a young age, I was aware of my friends and who I should be around,” he said. “We all come from our own situations that cause an imprint.”

Each youth signs on for six months through LCCAA’s partnership with OhioMeansJobs Lorain County.

Ross said many of the youth come from a place where they’ve never been pushed to meet a standard. He hopes to change that by celebrating every small success and encouraging each young person to commit to trying their best. By impacting this group, he hopes the program will grow.

“You get a chance to watch them grow,” he said. “These are memories they’re going to have and they’re the best marketing people we have.”

Our Youth By Teaching Them to Serve

Bike Shop a Great Resource

Residents who rely on bicycles for transportation find compassionate solutions at the LCCAA Bike Shop staffed by youth workers.

In May, a couple had borrowed a car to travel to the shop hoping to purchase a bicycle for transportation to work. When they discovered a hold on their bank account meant they had no money, they didn’t know what to do.

The employee staffing the shop that day confirmed the bike would be the couple’s only transportation. He purchased the bike for them.

Over the summer, the shop donated 12 bikes to the St. Elizabeth Men’s Shelter. Shelter residents use the bikes to get to and from work and job interviews.

In October, a Summit Academy teacher reached out to the shop after a student’s bike was stolen. Teachers pooled funds and youth at the shop prepared a replacement for the student.

“Many people rely on bikes as their main

transportation,” said Planning and Community Services Director Bobby Taylor. “We love showing the youth what a great resource the bike shop is for the community.”

A trio of Energy Services employees were among the degree earners at LCCAA in 2022. Left to right, Shanna Philion, Coordinator Darnella Higginbotham and Xiomara Yochum each received an associate’s degree from Lorain County Community College. At right, long-time teacher Jane Godby retired in June.

‘We encourage one another constantly.’

Employee Celebrates 3O Years

Teresa Beltran’s entire life has entwined with Head Start.

From her West Virginia childhood, to her blended family, to a three-decade teaching career, Teresa knows Head Start Works because it’s all about the kids.

“I do love working with my families,” she said. “I love the kids. I love them. That’s what keeps me here.”

Teresa recently celebrated 30 years employment with LCCAA, currently as an assistant teacher in the LCCAA Head Start classroom at Lorain City Schools Garfield Elementary School. After attending a Head Start program in West Virginia, her family moved to Lorain County.

She enrolled her oldest son in LCCAA Head Start and when his brother followed, she began volunteering in the classroom.

Teresa has worked as both a head teacher and an assistant teacher at Hopkins Locke, St. Johns, Citi Center and other LCCAA centers. She has been at Garfield since 2008. The unconditional love displayed by her students increases the joy she finds in celebrating their achievements.

Teresa also met her husband, Abraham, at LCCAA Head Start. The former bus driver is now a Service Safety Supervisor with more than 30 years experience. The two blended their families and now have six children and 14 grandchildren between them.

After 30 years, Teresa doesn’t believe children have changed and the key to success with them remains the same.

“Kids are kids,” she said. “They have the same expectations they had in 1992. They want you to accept them, be good to them and to love them. If you do all those things, you can get them to do anything.”

Taking Care of Employees and Celebrating Them

LCCAA’s core values of compassion, wisdom and momentum apply to staff as well as clients.

“One of the things we learned from COVID is that our staff members have big hearts and they will work as hard as they can all the time,” said CEO Jackie Boehnlein.

“Everything we do for staff wellness has been centered around making sure they are also taking care of themselves.”

Wellness activities, such as the popular Meditation Monday series, are just the beginning. Trainings have been held and speakers have been brought in to reinforce the importance of self-care, especially self-compassion.

The agency also shortened its standard workday to improve work-life balance.

The care and concern for employees extended to increasing wages and benefits for staff at the beginning of 2022. The agency now has a $15 minimum wage and more employees qualify for vacation and retirement benefits.

“It is a topsy-turvy world right now with employees choosing retirement and making big career changes,” Boehnlein said.

“We have seen that our employees are our best source of great new hire candidates.Really good people love working with others as talented and dedicated as themselves. We see it come full circle.”

Employee Milestones Marked

LCCAA encourages and values all employees. When employees reach professional or personal milestones, we celebrate their achievements.

This year we honored three employees who retired. Family Service Worker Francis MoralesCaraballo retired in April. Nancy Ann Smith (right) also retired in April after serving the agency in multiple capacities at various points in her career. Teacher Jane Godby retired at the end of the 2021-2022 school year.

Family Engagement Specialist

Maria Vasquez was honored by Blessing House as a “Hero in the Eyes of a Child” at the end of March.

Degree earners are always recognized. This year, we congratulate Finance Director Justin Paige on earning his MBA. Earning their associate’s degrees were Darnella Higginbotham, Belkis Negroni , Shanna Philion , Alicia Rosa , Rebecca Koons Volk and Xiomara Yochum.

Carmen LaBoy and Crystal Williams earned their Child Development Associate credentials.

Tosha Craighead was promoted from Data

Integration Specialist for Head Start to Assistant Director of Community Services. Ashley Williams was promoted from energy advocate to Assistant Energy Services Coordinator.

Annually at the beginning of the school year, LCCAA recognizes employees who have reached service milestones. This year, T eresa Beltran marked 30 years with the agency (see story at left).

Three employees were recognized for 25 years of service: Julie Charles , Nava’Jo Frye and Leigh Ann Neiter . Alfred Jackson was recognized for 20 years. Jackie Boehnlein and Teresa Pagan were recognized for 15 years.

The following employees were recognized for 10 years of service: Tina Berrios Showalter , Helen Morales, Rebecca Rodriguez and Latoya Smith.

The following employees were recognized for five years of service: Hortensia Agosto , Pam Caruso , Martha Evans-Harris , Frances Garcia , Kara Goodwin , Stephanie Kepic , Steve Ortiz , Brenda Robbins, Diane Scott and Bobby Taylor.

Enjoying Community Wine Tasting Sponsors

LCCAA’s 2022 Wine Tasting was again held at Sunset Terrace. We welcomed approximately85 friends to celebrate the great work our agency accomplished during the past year.

Funds raised from the event are placed in the agency’s new Endowment Fund held by the Lorain County Community Foundation.

LCCAA was also able to participate in the Foundation’s Connect to a Cause event this year to raise additional, unrestricted dollars.

Many thanks to our event sponsors listed at left. Wine was provided by Giuseppe’s Wine Cellar in Amherst and poured by volunteers Cara Muchmore and Rachel Drum.

Community & Board Support

With immense gratitude, LCCAA bid farewell this fall to two long-time members of our Board of Directors. Nancy Sabath retired from the board in September after 10 years. Rev. Calvin Currie completes his term on Dec. 31 after 15 years of uninterrupted service.

Sabath spent her entire career working in early childhood education. Her career in Early Childhood Education made her an expert and helped steer the Head Start committee.

“Her dedication and committment were essential in maintaining our focus on quality child outcomes,” said CEO Jackie Boehnlein.

Rev. Currie chaired the board’s Planning and Development committee for his entire 15 years of service. His quiet influence made sure agency programs were working, Boehnlein said.

“Rev. Currie has always been concerned that our programs were genuinely helping people in ways that matter,” she added.

LCCAA’s board includes 15 people from three different sectors of the community: public officials or their designees, private individuals or businesspeople and low-income people or those who serve them. Terms are five years each with no one permitted to serve more than three consecutive terms.

Board of Directors

Chair, Gerald Pippens

Vice Chair, Mike Szekely Secretary, Eddie Henson Treasurer, Joe Falbo

Joe Bott Barbara Burrill Rochell Corn Sherry Green

Margaret Hartman Michele Henes

Elizabeth Meadows

Vasyl Rabosyuk

Parent Policy Council 22-23

President, Margaret Hartman

Vice President, Zamaria Bohannon

Secretary, Genesis Rodriguez

Vice Secretary, Bryce Eichholz

Amirah Bryan

Sierra Cobbs

Karen Deskins

Damaris Guevara

Millie Harris

Rebecca Huff Shiann Marcum

Melinda Mathews

Ashley Perez

Sumer Roberts

Alexis Rodriguez

Alexandria Wilhelm Melanie Wiseman

‘We

- Gerald Pippens, Board Chair.

Revenues & Expenditures

Unaudited Audited 2021-2022 2020-2021

Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) 644,131 978,456 Head Start 10,485,551 8,519,445 USDA 555,758 381,246

Early Childhood Expansion Grant 417,929 414,029 Elyria Memorial Hospital Foundation (7,546) 1,336 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) 901,774 851,108 PIPP 30,501 47,565 In-Kind 2,314,482 2,144,981 Ohio Partnership for Affordable Energy (OPAE) 141,119 217,817 Home Relief Grants (HRG) 7,180,059 2,711,646 Pandemic Relief 78,551 84,317 Pathways HUB 30,696OHFA Utility Assistance 240,217Low Income Household Water Assistance (LIHWAP) 373,163Lorain City Grant - 49,747 PNC (2,595) 519 Lorain National Bank (1,261)Dollar Bank (2,328)Day Care Services - 96 Corporate 8,824 12,260 Lorain County Public Health 8,466LCCAA Fund-Raising 7,866 4,509

Total Revenue by Funding Source 23,521,709 16,545,545

Grant Revenue 20,810,415 14,052,107 Program Income 380,123 332,047 Donations 8,130 4,850 Other Income 8,560 11,560 In-Kind 2,314,482 2,144,981

Total Revenue by Income Type 23,521,709 16,545,545

Revenues Expenditures

Unaudited Audited 2021-2022 2020-2021

Community Services Block Grant 644,131 978,456 Energy Services 1,058,971 1,021,351 PIPP Grant 30,501 47,565 Head Start (Including USDA, Head Start, Early Childhood) 13,889,795 11,586,170 Home Relief Grant (HRG) 7,180,059 2,711,646 Elyria Memorial Foundation (197) 1,336 PNC Foundation - 519 OHFA Utility Assistance 240,217Low Income Household Water Assistance (LIHWAP) 373,163Pathways HUB 30,696Pandemic Relief 78,551 84,317

Lorain County Public Health 8,466 49,747

Corporate 39,480 35,995 LCCAA Fund-Raising 2,400 1,646

Total Expenditures by Source 23,576,232, 16,518,747

Personnel 4,778,969 4,251,300

Fringe Benefits 1,749,590 1,772,045

Consultants/Contracts 1,741,205 1,739,978

Travel/Transportation 41,557 16,886

Space Costs 1,493,671 884,919

Supplies/Food 1,096,590 862,572

Equipment Lease/Purchase/Depreciation 437,349 222,960

Energy/Rental/Mortgage/Utility Assistance Payments 7,524,202 2,857,584 Insurance 40,248 35,084 Other 1,023,197 762,722 General Administrative Expense 1,338,170 967,716 In-Kind Expense 2,314,482 2,144,981

Total Expenses by Category 23,576,232 16,518,747

Net Assets (54,523) 26,798

Statement of Financial Position

Unaudited 2022

Audited 2021

ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS

Cash and Cash Equivalents 1,415,173 1,338,232 Grants Receivable 1,401,523 1,055,308

Accounts Receivable (net of allowance for uncollectable account) (4,491) 1,703

Prepaid Expenses 1,211 685 Other Current Assets (21,051) 2,000

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 2,792,365 2,397,928

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Land 53,163 23,737

Building and Improvements 665,276 641,538 718,439 665,275

Less Accumulated Depreciation (648,274) (587,743) Total Property and Equipment 70,165 77,532

Long Term Assets Endowment 12,9782,875,506 2,475,460

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Accounts Payable 646,848 209,275 Accrued Expenses Payroll and Related Expenses and Withholdings 313,005 308,171 Vacation 62,715 50,812

Refundable Advances 1,259,703 1,257,335

Current Portion of Long-Term Debt 10,526 10,614 Other Current Liabilities - 15,704 2,302,797 1,851,911

LONG TERM DEBT, LESS CURRENT PORTION 81,986 82,543

NET ASSETS

Unrestricted 490,723 541,006 Temporarily Restricted Permanently Restricted 490,723 541,006 2,875,506 2,475,460