Report
Thank You
Year of Change
The years 2023 and 2024 have been ones filled with change. This past year, I began as “Acting CEO” and ended up as the new President and CEO of our organization. While I have been with the agency for 33 and a half years, this was a major shift for myself and LCCAA. No worries though, everyone met it head on to ensure services were not delayed throughout our community.
I am excited to be in this new role and excited for what the future holds for LCCAA. In assessing the quality of our programs, we will always work toward continuous improvements to ensure high-quality services. As we work through our organizational strategic plan, there are many opportunities on the horizon.
This annual report will show our service area’s outcomes, and the number of people, families, and households who received services.
I am immensely proud of the LCCAA staff! Their hard work, compassion and care for the community make them so incredibly special. We are steadfast in our commitment as an organization to stand against poverty. We look forward to this coming year and all that it will bring to LCCAA and our community.
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Meeting Basic Needs
Providing help with utility bills has been a staple of the Community Action movement. Multiple programs help residents keep bills current or resolve crisis situations. Key focus areas include keeping heat on in the winter and helping those adversely impacted by extreme heat in the summer.
In 2024, LCCAA’s Energy Services department distributed record amounts of assistance through the winter and summer crisis programs. They also helped complete Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) applications. Staff opened a new satellite office in Wellington to better serve the entire county. Meanwhile, help with water bills and property taxes was also provided.
Low-income families spend more than 3 times as much of their earnings on utility costs as higher income households.
7,874applications were processed by Energy Services in 2024.
Courageously Reaching Out
Andrew was in a desperate situation due to recently losing his job. The father of two had never asked for help before and had difficulty navigating the process.
As an Elyria resident, the Second Baptist Church location was most convenient. Since his wife was still working, Advocate Darlene Salobeck helped him calculate a PIPP amount that worked perfectly.
“He was so incredibly grateful and kept thanking me,” Darlene said. “He then started crying and explaining this is the first time he has ever had to ask for help. He said that it’s extremely hard to reach out for assistance.”
LCCAA Energy Services offers in person help at three locations in Lorain County.
Lorain County Office on Aging
534 Abbe Road South, Elyria
Second Baptist Church 427 Chapman Lane, Elyria
Lorain County Office on Aging 105 Maple St., Wellington
Staying Warm Staying Connected
175%
To qualify for any of the Energy Services programs, households must be living at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Level. Other requirements apply to some programs.
Lorain County residents can apply for HEAP or PIPP 24-hours a day online or by mail. Crisis programs require an appointment with LCCAA staff, usually conducted over the phone.
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 an annual benefit to keep low-income homes warm in the winter.
Residents can apply for HEAP as early as July 1 before the winter season or as late as May 31 after the season. All Ohioans can visit energyhelp.ohio.gov to start or track an application.
The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) reduces utility bills to a percentage of the household’s income. Benefits of the program include forgiveness of arrearages. To remain on PIPP, households must reverify their income annually.
All-electric households pay 10% of their income to their electric company. Those who have both electric and gas, pay 5% to each company. Enrolling in PIPP helps Ohioans avoid crisis situations.
Once enrolled, PIPP customers must make their payments on time and in full to enjoy all the benefits. The program also includes variations for residents whose income increases and those who move.
The Winter Crisis Program is for households who have had their primary heating source disconnected or who have received a disconnect notice.
Bulk fuel users are considered in crisis if they have less than a 10-day supply of wood, propane or oil. Some repairs to central heating systems are also available.
Residents who have received a disconnect notice can have their disconnection held if they have made an appointment with LCCAA.
Winter Crisis operates between Nov. 1 and March 31.
The Summer Crisis Program operates between July 1 and Sept. 30 to help households stay cool in the summer. The program is primarily geared toward seniors (60 or older) and residents who have a documented health condition worsened by extreme heat. This year, Energy Services staff distributed a record amount of benefits.
In addition to help with electric bills, Summer Crisis benefits can include free window air conditioner units or box fans. Limited central air conditioner repairs are also available.
HEAP applications were processed by LCCAA staff between January and October 2024
PIPP applications were processed by LCCAA staff between January and October 2024
clients were served during the 2023-2024 Winter Crisis Program. Advocates distributed $252,547.91.
clients were served during the 2024 Summer Crisis Program. 155 air conditioners and 146 fans were distributed.
In all, $152,941 in direct benefits was paid.
Help Flowing
The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) provided up to $1,500 in benefits to income eligible Lorain County residents.
LCCAA received additional funding in January and was able to reopen the program for approximately six weeks.
206 clients were served. $256,209 was distributed. 2,458 2,698 1,738 980
Saving the Dream
347 clients were served.
$863,727.56 was distributed.
Homeowners were able to apply for help with non-mortgage expenses thanks to programs of the Ohio Housing Finance Agency.
Save the Dream - Utility Assistance Plus provided eligible Ohio homeowners with financial assistance to pay delinquent utility bills, property taxes and other housing costs not included in the mortgage payment.
To qualify, the home must be a primary residence and the owner must have experienced hardship or loss of income due to COVID-19.
Income thresholds were high compared to other programs. A family of four could not have an annual income exceeding $147,600.
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Saving Moms, Babies
Too many Lorain County babies don’t see their first birthday. That’s why the Lorain County Pathways HUB exists. This year, the Pregnancy Support Services program under Head Start merged into the HUB. Critical trainings occurred. Moms and babies were cared for and served.
The LCPHUB is a free program seeking to reduce infant mortality and improve the health of at-risk mothers and infants in Lorain County. The HUB connects mothers with caring Community Health Workers (CHWs) who focus on the health of both mother and children.
In Lorain County, 13 out of every 1,000 Black or African American infants die in their first year of life. The rate for white infants is 4.5.
474 mothers and babies have been assisted by the LCPHUB.
Director Melissa Carroll (center), a Certified Community Health Worker, doula and former head of Head Start’s Pregnancy Support Services program, took over the LCPHUB in September.
Caroll joined the HUB staff in January as the Community Health Worker Coordinator. After her promotion, former Head Start employee Teresa Pagan (right) was named Coordinator.
The two are pictured with Myesha Hughes, one of the Certified Community Health Workers employed by the HUB’s partners.
Though the HUB is currently focused on pregnant women and their families in at-risk African American and Hispanic communities, the program is open to all Lorain County pregnant moms in need with these key goals:
◊ Reduce and eliminate Ohio’s infant mortality rates.
◊ Reduce and eliminate barriers that prevent mothers from receiving excellent pre-natal and post-partum care.
◊ Assist pregnant women throughout their pregnancy and up to their child’s first birthday.
◊ Assess unique health needs and apply the 21 Pathways to Better Health as needed.
The Ohio Commission on Minority Health has identified 21 Core Pathways that impact people’s health. LCPHUB CHWs conduct a comprehensive assessment and each risk factor translates into a pathway.
HealthyPathwaysOutcomes to
LCPHUB is designed to find, reach and serve those who need help the most. By addressing key health and/or social issues, the HUB works to transform our community to achieve equity. Together we will reduce the alarming rate of infant mortality.
The Social Determinants of Health are the conditions where we are born, work, live and age. Our social and physical environments have the ability to affect our health, functioning and quality of life.
Key factors are: economic stability, education, social and community support, health and health care, and neighborhood environment.
CHWs provide outreach, health education, care coordination and advocacy. They bridge the gap between communities and the health and social services system while advocating for individual and community needs. Direct services may include:
◊ Obtaining a car seat, crib or other baby items.
◊ Assisting with food and basic needs.
◊ Finding transportation.
◊ Helping with updating skills and finding employment.
◊ Finding secure, affordable housing.
◊ Assisting with immunizations.
◊ Assisting with medications.
◊ Helping with substance use issues.
Helping New Moms and New Residents
LCPHUB clients include very young mothers and recent immigrants who often struggle with English as well as the complex navigation of the health care system.
Professionals Maria and Miguel came to Ohio from Venezuela in July. Maria was 36 weeks pregnant when she met CHW Teresa Pagan at Lorain County Urban League. The family was able to receive assistance through Lorain County Health and Dentistry.
On August 27, daughter Alana was born. Both parents received work permits, passports and driver’s licenses. Miguel, an engineer, is now managing a firm in Westlake. Maria is a dentist who plans to go to work soon.
Destiny found the HUB in August after giving birth to her daughter Heiress. At only 15, she was overwhelmed. CHW Myesha Hughes provided resources and encouragement through Cornerstone Pregnancy Services. Quiet at first, Destiny now looks forward to Hughes’ visits and is doing very well.
“She is also taking parenting classes so she can understand motherhood and earn baby bucks to shop at Cornerstone’s boutique to get items needed for her baby in the future,” Hughes said. “She’s doing all of this while still going to school.”
Fabiola has been a client of the HUB since it began. She came to the U.S. and received political asylum. She received help establishing residency and getting a driver’s license and work permit.
She now works for Novex Production and attends English classes at El Centro. Meanwhile, her daughters Johana and Sarahi are thriving.
Care Coordination Partners
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Feeding Our Neighbors
Food remains a critical need in Lorain County. LCCAA has chosen to focus on hard to find produce items. Our downtown Lorain Produce Center and our partnership driven community garden efforts are providing fresh healthy food throughout the county. Additionally, the Produce Center serves as a full-time work experience for youth assigned to LCCAA by OhioMeansJobs Lorain County.
13% of Lorain County residents are considered food insecure, meaning they don’t have reliable access to sufficient food.
2,140produce boxes were distributed between January and October.
LCCAA’s Produce Pantry is open to all Lorain County residents living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level ($62,400 for a family of four in 2024).
The pantry operates in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio using Feeding America’s Order Ahead system. From the LCCAA website, residents pre-order food boxes and set appointments for drive-through pick up. Food items come through Second Harvest sources and focus on produce items and popular staples.
The Center provides youth ages 16 to 24 with valuable experience while showing them how to serve others. The youth workers unload the weekly 4,000-pound deliveries from Second Harvest then sort, count and pack them for distributions. The youth also maintain the building and load orders into customer vehicles.
LCCAA’s 2022 Community Needs Assessment showed that younger adults in Lorain County were having trouble breaking into the workforce. The assessment showed only 46.5% of the 16 to 19 year olds were working and 77.1% of 20 to 24 year olds were working.
Year round, LCCAA partners with the Lorain County Workforce Development Agency and OhioMeansJobs to offer employment for teenagers and young adults.
Fresh Food
Fresh Perspectives
In partnership with Our F.A.M.I.L.Y., LCCAA’s garden at the South Elyria Branch Library produced more than a dozen different crops this season. Neighborhood residents could harvest and items helped stock the library’s Freedge.
The South Elyria garden partnership helped keep fresh food in the hands of the neighborhood.
Meanwhile, the raised beds installed in front of LCCAA’s 10th Avenue warehouse, produced 12 different crops. Americorps senior volunteer Barbara O’Patry, pictured below with Center Manager Deirdre Paynter tended the beds and harvested the vegetables including radishes. Some items supplemented the offerings of the Produce Center and others were distributed elsewhere.
Meanwhile, the fertile plots of Solidarity Urban Farms in downtown Lorain were also shared with Produce Center clients. Multiple donations of peppers, tomatoes, chard (pictured), onions and much, much more added up to more than 1,000 pounds between June and October.
“I’m amazed at how much work they put into it and how awesome everything looks.” - Bobbie, home health care provider and garden visitor.
Plans Coming Together
Jabez Martinez’s plans for life after high school came together this year, thanks, in part, to the support he received as an LCCAA Youth Services Worker.
Martinez graduated from Lorain High School in 2023 after studying in its career tech program on welding, earning several awards along the way. Working with OhioMeansJobs Lorain County, he was assigned to LCCAA and helped convert the former Bike Shop into the new Produce Center after graduation. He never missed a day.
“He’s worked very, very hard,” said Produce Center Manager Deirdre Paynter. “He’s pretty much met all the goals he set for himself.”
Martinez completed his six months with the Youth Services program and passed the exam required to join Pipefitters Local 120 in Cleveland as a welder.
“Originally, I chose welding because I knew it was a good career, moneywise,” he said. “But in my second year, I fell in love with the art.”
Entering the OMJ program after graduation gave him time to get his driver’s license and buy a car. The union could send him anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours away to work. He also learned a lot from staff in the center and enjoyed helping set up the Produce Center.
“I like being able to have a direct impact on things, and make something better,” he said. “It was a very fun six months.”
Martinez plans to take advantage of all the benefits of his union including college classes. He hopes to learn about investing and eventually become an entrepreneur.
“We’re very proud of how far he’s come,” Paynter said. “He’s done an amazing job.”
16 Throughout 2024, 16 youth workers assigned to LCCAA completed 3,557 hours of work. Students learn basic workplace expectations such as attendance, promptness, appropriate attire and behavior. At the Produce Center, they are also learning about food safety and basic cleaning tasks. Eligibility for the youth worker program is determined by OhioMeansJobs.
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On the Road
To work...To school...To pick up kids or siblings...To show grandma...
These are just some of the first trips By Car participants take in their new cars. Transportation remains a critical need in Lorain County and LCCAA is proud to partner with OhioMeansJobs Lorain County.
LCCAA supports OMJ clients by providing financial training, managing matching funds and offering one-on-one purchasing guidance. OMJ will match participants savings at a rate of $3 for every $1 saved (match ceiling is $6,000). Those who complete the program also receive a year of car insurance up to $2,500.
cars were purchased by clients between January and October 2024. By Car is a supportive service available only to enrolled OMJ clients actively working with an employment or training case manager.
By Car participants report feeling greater freedom and control over their lives as they drive to work, school and more. Many use their first drive to help or visit another family member.
Buyers this year included a number of first-time car owners, first generation college students and young people with high aspirations. One even purchased her car from a salesperson who had gone through a similar program.
Gladys Brito at Serpentini in Westlake completed her program in Pennsylvania several years before helping Onnastie Davis buy her 2015 Chevrolet Trax. Gladys was excited to assist with what Onnastie called a life-changing blessing.
“I am happy she was able to get the car and it’s an honor to see how the program still connects and supports the community,” Gladys said.
Financial Class Topics Include
◊ Required vs. Elective Expenses
◊ Wages and Assistance
◊ How Much to Save ◊ Credit and Loans
◊ Vehicle Selection Tips
◊ Vehicle Maintenance Tips
◊ Ohio Car Insurance Requirements
◊ Short and Long-Term Goal Setting
Toward Goals
Kendall got charged up to complete her senior year by buying a 2016 Chevrolet Spark. Lorain High School soccer player Aleyah drove to practice in a 2014 Ford Focus.
Paige bought her 2017 Ford Escape the same week she completed her esthetician program at Lorain County Joint Vocational School.
College students Kevin and Uniah are driving to campus at Xavier Univeristy and Ohio State University in their new rides. So are future nurses Tanzania and Enajah.
All have been thrilled to find independence through the By Car program.
“Having my own car has been such a blessing,” Paige said. “It has helped me and my family out tremendously and I am so incredibly thankful this program is around.”
Tanzania said she was grateful she was patient
to save for a car that will last. She is using her 2011 Toyota Corolla to attend classes at Lorain County Community College and to drive her son and brothers to school.
“It’s a great learning experience,” said Joshua, who bought a 2005 Hyundai Electra to drive to work and school. “They help out a ton.”
Parents of this year’s participants were also grateful for the program.
“I would definitely do it again. It was a true blessing,” said Melinda Robinson after her daughter Amiah bought her 2015 Nissan Altima.
The financial class is also a revelation for most participants.
“Learning about the financial information was very helpful and eye opening,” Aleyah said. “I didn’t know half of the stuff that I know now.”
3,310 copies of LCCAA’s Community Resource Directories have been distributed through partner agencies, law enforcement and others. The directory helps residents navigate all the help available in our community. The directory is also online.
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Head Start Works
Head Start is a federally funded, comprehensive child development program and so much more. Head Start Works because LCCAA Head Start cares for the entire family. We offer center-based, school-based and home-based options. This year we added a center, opened our own central kitchen, celebrated milestones and - of courseplayed to learn.
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’s latest Community Needs Assessment verifies that our Head Start Centers are located where the highest population of young children lives and where they are likely to be in low-income families.
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More than a quarter of all children under five in Lorain County live at or below the poverty level and qualify for Head Start.
slots are available in 7 directly operated centers and our partners.
Head Start serves children ages 3 to 5 and prepares them for kindergarten. The program uses 100% of the Federal Poverty Level for priority placement. In addition, the program can serve 35% of families whose income is between 101 and 130%. Ten percent of families can exceed 130% of the FPL.
Families in the following situations are automatically eligible:
◊ Receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
◊ Receiving TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families)
◊ Receiving SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
◊ Homeless, Foster care or Kinship Care
Ohio’s Step Up to Quality Program has moved from a five-tiered, star-based system to a three-tiered, medal-based system. LCCAA Head Start centers have long held the highest rating of five stars and now hold the highest rating of Gold.
Step Up to Quality assesses Learning and Development, Administration and Leadership Practices, Staff Qualifications and Professional Development, and Family and Community Partnerships. Higher ratings are given to programs that go over and above minimum requirements such as specially trained teachers or enhanced parent, family and community engagement.
Innovative Learning and Family Fun
LCCAA Head Start follows exacting standards from both federal and state agencies. Additionally, the agency has its own core values and strategic goals which are based on best practices in early childhood education.
The federal office of Head Start defines school readiness as children possessing the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for success in school and for later learning in life.
Widely Held Expectations are tasks and skills children of a certain age are expected to know and be able to perform. They apply to all children in an age group regardless of their household income.
Head Start students make tremendous progress over the course of the school year. Many preschoolers enter Head Start with little to no learning background. By the end of the year, the number of children exceeding expectations has skyrocketed and very few remain below average.
Directly Operated Locations
Central Plaza
1949 Broadway Ave., Lorain
Griswold
631 Griswold Road, Elyria
Firelands
10643 Vermilion Road, Oberlin
A two-generational approach means Head Start supports parents with information about important developmental milestones, guidance on family selfsufficiency goals and more.
Family Service Assistants empower parents by connecting them with other needed services. They also provide support by building relationships and making sure each unique need is met.
Hopkins-Locke
1050 Reid Ave., Lorain
LaGrange
12079 LaGrange Road, LaGrange
South Elyria
107 Oberlin Road, Elyria
Wellington
305 Union St., Wellington
Partner Locations
Horizon Educational Centers
Little Lighthouse Learning Center
Head Start’s central kitchen produces breakfasts, lunches and snacks for most of our centers every day.
101,947 meals and snacks were served during the 2023-24 school year.
For the first time in more than 50 years, LCCAA Head Start owns its own central kitchen facility on 8th Street in downtown Lorain. The new facility includes a hub for drivers where they can organize everything needed to deliver meals to all the centers. Preparation for meals for those with food restrictions and allergies now has a dedicated space. Other new equipment in the facility includes a steamer for vegetables, an ice maker and larger coolers and hot boxes with clear doors that allow for quick inventory.
The larger space allows for a staff break area with technology. The walk-in freezer and cooler are both double the size of the same items staff used at Kennedy Plaza for many years. The flat top and kettle are also much larger.
As the staff continues to set up the new equipment and begin to serve hot meals, they are excited about what the future holds. Head Start Health and Nutrition Staff have been known for their healthy, homemade meals featuring local favorites.
“Each step of the way, we’re getting more excited,” said Health and Nutrition Specialist Rebecca Rodriguez. “We are in a place where we can get back to making homemade foods and expand what that looks like.”
2,201
40
Boxes were delivered to Head Start homes after the February Out of the Box cooking demonstrations. The February series featured Overnight Oats and Egg Bites. This fall, staff will demonstrate a simple Vegetable Barley Soup and No-Knead Bread just in time for cold weather.
Screenings were performed with Head Start students during the 2023-24 school year
Students receive vision, hearing, dental, lead, hemoglobin, and height/weight screenings.
‘It was the best thing I ever did for my kids.’
Brittany Green believed so strongly in giving her kids a Head Start, she walked nearly four miles a day to get them to LCCAA’s Hopkins Locke location.
Five-year-olds Akiya and Josiah are now attending kindergarten at Washington Elementary. Brittany made the 40-minute walk twice a day with a stroller rain or shine. She found the staff very kind and respectful and was thrilled with the progress both children made.
“I walked my kids every day to get them to education,” Brittany said.
Josiah, whom Brittany has parented since age six months, thrived with all she had been able to teach him at home. Akiya needed extra attention as she coped with autism and some behavioral issues.
“My daughter started to come out of her shell,” Brittany said.
Brittany and her new husband Richard have blended their family into a small home off 28th Street in Lorain. Richard works as a landscaper for Go Green in Oberlin and usually gets a ride from a coworker. Occasionally, the couple can borrow a vehicle from a friend. Brittany works part time during the winter season when possible. They hope to get a van and move to a larger home, but meanwhile, Brittany was ready for the family’s five students, including the teens they recently gained custody of, to start school in Lorain.
“I will walk every single one of them,” she said.
‘They not only changed his life, they changed mine.’
When Destiny Samples brought her son Elijah to Firelands Head Start, she was surprised at his reaction. Elijah had only been cared for by family members and entering a class of 20 was overwhelming for him.
Elijah was anxious which came out in behavioral issues. Staff, including Rebecca Koons (pictured), helped Destiny create a plan to reach him and gave her tools to use at home.
“I wish I knew about Head Start sooner,” said Destiny. “They not only changed his life, they changed mine. I became a better parent.”
One example, common among young children who have not been around other children, is learning how to enter play. When a group of children would play with a toy Elijah was interested in, he didn’t know how to appropriately join them and acted out instead.
“When children don’t know how to enter play, they do it in destructive ways,” Site Administrator Pam Caruso said. “Learning that skill changed Elijah’s day. Prior to solving that, he was very isolated.”
Elijah has moved onto to kindergarten and his younger brother is now enrolled at Firelands Head Start.
Daily Dedication
When it comes to dedication, LCCAA staff are unmatched. This year, a record number of Head Start staff earned credentials. Long-time staff were recognized and promoted and more members were added to our mission-driven family.
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employees earned a degree or credential this year. LCCAA employees are mission driven. The agency employs about 150 people and the average length of service is 8 years.
Stefanie Drew had a big year. In addition to being named permanent Head Start Director, she received the Barbara Haxton Leadership Award from the Ohio Head Start Association, Inc. (OHSAI) in June.
Barbara Haxton retired from OHSAI in 2021 after 35 years of service. Candidates for the award that bears her name display passion, vision, determination and tenacity in their work.
Also this year, LCPHUB Director Melissa Carroll earned her bachelor’s in organizational leadership from Cleveland State University.
Creative, Compassionate, Credentialed
The Child Development Associate credential is considered foundational for the Early Childhood Education profession. LCCAA Family Service Assistants, Early Childhood Service Workers and Assistant Teachers have been attending classes and completing work to earn that credential, inspiring each other to stretch to meet goals. The following staff earned their CDA in 2024.
◊ Hortensia Agosto, Family Services Assistant (FSA), Griswold
◊ Susan Alicea, Assistant Teacher, Griswold
◊ Nilsa Baez, FSA, Hopkins
◊ Maria de los Santos, Assistant Teacher, Hopkins
◊ Tarnisha Freeman, FSA, Wellington
◊ Jordyn Henry, FSA, Central
◊ MaDonna Horrocks, Early Childhood Service Worker, (ECSW) Central
◊ Ashley Hough, ECSW, Griswold.
◊ Jonelle Kirby, ECSW, Griswold
◊ Kimberly Knapp, Assistant Teacher, Griswold
◊ Ruth Martin, ECSW, Griswold
◊ Yaraydaliz Medina Ocasio, ECSW, Hopkins
◊ Stacey Minter, ECSW, Wellington
◊ Mary Lucy Miranda, ECSW, Hopkins
◊ Marlis Moon, Assistant Teacher, Griswold
◊ Tina Phillips-Berrios, FSA, Firelands
◊ Ivelisse Rivera, FSA, Hopkins
◊ Krystal Speights, ECSW, Griswold
◊ Chelsea Stubbs, ECSW, Griswold
◊ Sheena Sudama Ramroop, FSA, Hopkins
◊ Bernice Tirado, FSA, Hopkins
◊ Yamilette Alicea Vazquez, FSA, Hopkins
◊ Jackie Watkins, FSA, Hopkins
A majority of LCCAA employees would recommend working at the agency to their friends. They appreciate the mission-driven help the agency provides and the team members they work with as well as the benefits and work-life balance.
Years of Service Recognized
Head Start Director Stefanie Drew
Wellington FSA Tarnisha Freeman
Hopkins ECSW Paula Greer
Hopkins ECSW Brenda Towner
25 10 5
Griswold ECSW Nilda Melendez
Human Resources Director Carla Rodriguez
Education and Disabilities Specialist Jennifer Bartlebaugh
Griswold Site Administrator Diana Gifford
Griswold Teacher Sabah Ajeel-Jaber
Griswold Teacher Carrie Byrd
Hopkins Teacher Destiny Fairley
Hopkins Assistant Teacher Yeymary Gordian
Griswold Assistant Teacher Carmen Laboy
Hopkins Locke ECSW Ashley Law
Professional Development Specialist LouAnn Rhodes
Family Services Supervisor Diana Riffe
Hopkins Site Administrator Alicia Risner
Wellington Assistant Teacher Tiffany Strickler
Griswold Administrative Coordinator Crystal Williams
LCCAA Recruiter
Michael Ray attended several job fairs and was invited to speak to students at the Lorain County Community College.
Staff are offered a referral bonus for recommending a friend for a position at the agency.
LCCAA Head Start teachers and staff participate regularly in continuing education on the latest early childhood research and methods.
Board of Directors
LCCAA’s leadership includes a 15-member Board of Directors, meeting the requirements of our federal funders. Additionally, the Office of Head Start requires convening of a Parent Policy Council for each program throughout the country.
LCCAA’s Board includes people from three different sectors of the community: public officials or their designees, private individuals or business people, and lowincome people or those who serve them. Terms are five years each with no one permitted to serve more than three consecutive terms. Officers are elected from among the board members.
LCCAA mourns the losses of two former members of its board of directors.
Rhoda Lee, 89, passed away July 7. Paul Biber, 75, passed away July 6 at his home in Sheffield Lake.
Lee spent a lifetime as an activist beginning with Head Start recruitment.
Lee was first appointed to the LCCAA board in 2003 and served several terms.
Biber, who had a long career as a teacher and coach, was appointed to the board in 2015. He completed his term, representing the public sector, in December 2019.
2024 Board of Directors
Chair, Gerald Pippens
Vice Chair, Vasyl Rabosyuk
Secretary, Eddie Henson
Treasurer, Barbara Burrill
Nick Bonaminio
Joe Bott
Bobby Calloway
Rochell Corn
Rob Given
Sherry Green
Michele Henes
Debbie Hughes
Elizabeth Meadows
Jocelyn Melendez
Coreasa Portis
Policy Council
24-25 Policy Council
President, Coresa Portis
Vice President, Genesis Rodriguez
Secretary, McKayla Williams
Asst. Secretary, Janessa Aponte
Ashley Bond
Kathleen Brown
Amanda Bruce
Jessica Garcia
Emily Gilbert
Craig Hignett
Megan Hite
Robin Krasienko
Dana Maschari
Tana Panter
Nairelys Perez
Amarillis Portalatin Torres
Adrianna Rodriguez
Joe Sclimenti
Mercedes Williams
Through Policy Council, parents are encouraged to participate in making decisions about the program. Members are elected annually at the start of the school year by their centers. The Policy Council President serves on the Board of Directors.
f i n a n c e s
Fiscal Responsibility
Strong financial management is critical to maintaining our agency’s mission. Controls and policies are in place to ensure accountability for every expense.
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The overwhelming majority of LCCAA’s funding goes directly to help clients through emergency and empowering programs.
percent of LCCAA’s incoming funding is spent on administration.
Annual Wine Tasting Event
LCCAA’s Annual Wine Tasting Event on Sept. 19 benefited the agency’s endowment fund this year. The endowment fund, held at the Lorain County Community Foundation, ensures the long-term health of our agency and our work.
The event included door prizes and lots of fun social time. Many thanks to all who attended or sponsored and especially to our Board and staff members who assisted throughout the event.
Revenues & Expenditures
Revenues
Expenditures
Statement of Financial Position
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
