CEOGC News: CEOGC ARRA Funds Create Jobs
Posted: Thu, Nov 19, 2009
CEOGC has put funds received through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to work. With funds received through ARRA, CEOGC has created 36 new positions that help assist low-income families and individuals in Cuyahoga County reach economic self-sufficiency. Fourteen positions have been added in Head Start and twenty-two positions have been added in the Community Services department.
ARRA funding also enabled CEOGC to convert 160 part-day Head Start slots into full-day slots. The full day option provides a better opportunity for parents to seek employment or job training during these difficult economic times while providing their children with a full day Head Start experience.
The Community Services department has been able to enhance or create the following programs because of funding received through ARRA.
Future Routes for Entrance to Employment (FREE) – 360 participants will participate in 120 hours (6 weeks) of job readiness training (job readiness, financial literacy, life-skills workshops) and receive a pay of $7.00/hr. (approximately $146/week). After completion of job readiness training, 225 participants will participate in On-the-Job training with local employers for 240 hours and receive $7.30/hr. The workshops will be held at the HEAP Office and May Dugan Center. Persons interested in enrolling in this program must call Central NOC at (216) 357-2621 or May Dugan Center at (216) 631-5800 and ask for the Jobs Training Intake Specialist.
Restoration Home Care – 100 enrollees - A partnership has been established to work with the Family Development Specialists to work with the Restoration Home Care organization to provide access to home care training. Participants will get vouchers for $250 towards books, testing fees, background checks, equipment/material. Participants must pass a screening test, drug test and background check for this program. Participants must pass 75 course hours and a state certification test to become home care providers. To apply for this program call the nearest CEOGC Neighborhood Opportunity Center (NOC) - Central NOC (216) 357-2621, Glenville NOC (216) 268-1600, Hough NOC (216) 421-5400, Mt. Pleasant NOC (216) 751-1382 or Tremont NOC (216) 858-1781
Homelessness Prevention – The program plans to reach 1,000 individuals or families and assist them in maintaining their homes in mortgage or rental assistance up to $900 a month. The program is designed to help families stay housed for at least 12 months. For all participants who agree and enroll in the Family Development program they may receive an additional month of assistance. To apply for assistance, persons should call (216) 518-4013
Health & Social Empowerment – The program will conduct the Ohio Benefit Bank application (provide information for their follow up to Federal, County and State programs). Participants will also complete an application for the Partnership for Prescription Assistance. Participants may be eligible for vouchers to receive needed prescription drugs from area partner pharmacies. This program focuses primarily on seniors, 62 and older, but can also serve all income eligible (200% of Poverty Income) persons. To apply, persons should call the nearest CEOGC Neighborhood Opportunity Center - Central NOC (216) 357-2621, Glenville NOC (216) 268-1600, Hough NOC (216) 421-5400, Mt. Pleasant NOC (216) 751-1382 or Tremont NOC (216) 858-1781. Ask for the Emergency Intake Specialist
BAMS & Mommy Knows Breast – The Baby and Mommy Support (BAMS) program currently offers workshops on health, nutrition, safety skills, and parenting skills. BAMS has partnered with Mommy Knows Breast to include workshops on breastfeeding. Up to 50 women will get information to attend Mommy Knows Breast. Mommy Knows Breast will instruct, support and mentor expecting and new mothers on the benefits of breast feeding. The program will work to increase the cultural awareness of the nutritional and psychological benefits and bonding for new mothers and infants. Expectant mothers and new mothers will be encouraged to enroll in Early Head Start and to continue on a Family Development plan after giving birth. To apply, persons should call the nearest CEOGC Neighborhood Opportunity Center - Central NOC (216) 357-2621, Glenville NOC (216) 268-1600, Hough NOC (216) 421-5400, Mt. Pleasant NOC (216) 751-1382 or Tremont NOC (216) 858-1781
Emergency Service/Safety Net - Wrap around services to assist 125 Family Development customers who are working on a case management plan of goals with assistance such as emergency food vouchers, furniture, clothing, school fee and supplies, legal assistance, and other needs. Persons interested in this program must be enrolled in the Family Development program and may contact the nearest CEOGC Neighborhood Opportunity Center - Central NOC (216) 357-2621, Glenville NOC (216) 268-1600, Hough NOC (216) 421-5400, Mt. Pleasant NOC (216) 751-1382 or Tremont NOC (216) 858-1781
Emergency Services/Rides to Work – Support services to those participants in the Future Routes for Entrance to Employment (FREE) program only. Participants may also receive two 7-day bus passes or tow gas cards for their first week in the FREE program or actively looking for employment. Persons interested in this program must be enrolled in the FREE program and may call Central NOC at (216) 357-2621 or May Dugan Center at (216) 631-5800 for additional information and ask for the Jobs Training Intake Specialist.
Living Independently for Tomorrow (LIFT) - For approximately 10 youth (18-24) that are aging out of the foster care or a residential program. CEOGC will provide a one-bedroom apartment, utilities and furnishing. Youth work a comprehensive, personalized program to assist them in becoming independent over the next year to 15 months. At the end of this time the youth should have enrolled in higher education, received a high school diploma, enrolled in technical training and/or gained living wage employment with benefits. To apply, persons should call the LIFT Case Manager at our Tremont NOC at (216) 858-1781