COMMUNITY BOARD
October 2018
The Plain Press Community Board is a listing of a variety of free activities and resources for neighborhoods served by the Plain Press. Printing for it is sponsored by Organize! Ohio through donations from readers and supporters.
ARTS
ART OF CHRIS DEIGHAN: In the 216, located at 11512 Clifton Blvd is hosting a reception on Friday, October 5 from 5:30 -9:30 p.m. welcoming local artist Chris Deighan to their gallery.
NEAR WEST THEATRE COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: Saturday, October 6 from 6-10 p.m. at W. 67th and Detroit Avenue. Music, dancing, sing-alongs, performances and more.
CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART, 11150 East Boulevard in University Circle, presents International Cleveland Community Day Festival on Sunday, October 7. The festival features more that 50 groups and organizations that present diversity through music, dance and cultural displays. Free.
LITERARY CLEVELAND WRITERS AND READERS SERIES: Free. Join journalist José Antonio Vargas for a discussion of his newest memoir, Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen. Vargas will shed light on both his personal story and our larger national conversation on immigration and American identity. Saturday, October 13 at 2 p.m at Louis Stokes Wing Auditorium, 525 Superior Ave.
CLEVELAND DRUM CIRCLE: Sundays at 3 p.m. at Edgewater Park. Weather permitting.
WALKABOUTTREMONT is held every second Friday from 6 to 10 pm. For more information, visit walkabouttremont.com
78TH STREET STUDIOS, 1300 W. 78th Street. Art Opening for over 50 studios and galleries every 3rd Friday of every month, 5-9 p.m. 78streetstudios.com.
BENEFITS
#HELPINTHECLE is a digital version of the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless’s Street Cared to assist those experiencing homelessness to reach services.
INTERPRETER AND TRANSLATION SERVICES: Cuyahoga County offers interpreter and translator services for residents to access county services. The county has contracted with US Together to provide these services. County offices can contact the service when they need an interpreter for any language including American Sign Language.
FOOD ASSISTANCE is just a phone call away. Call 216-738-7239 or visit GreaterClevelandFoodBank.org. Text FOOD to 63566 for information about Food Stamps (SNAP) applications, food pantries, free produce and hot meals. Income guidelines for SNAP: Gross monthly household income less than $1,307 for one person; less than $1,760 for two people; less than $2,213 for three people; less than $2,665 for four people; and add $4,453 for each additional person beyond four people. (Note: limits are higher for those age 60 or older or disabled).
MEDICARE: If you’re one of the many Americans who have difficulty paying for health care costs, there may be ways you can save money on your Medicare premiums and other costs even if you don’t qualify for Medicaid. Medicare has four programs that may be able to help you with healthcare costs: Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program; Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program; Qualifying Individual (QI) Program; and Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) Program. To see if you are qualified for one of these programs call the State of Ohio Healthcare Assistance Program at 1-800-686-1578; TTY:1-614-644-3745, http://www.insurance.ohio.gov, or visit Medicare.gov for more information.
OHIO BENEFITS: Need to apply, renew or report changes to your Medicaid. Call 1-844-640-OHIO (6446).
CUYAHOGA BENEFITS: To apply for childcare, food assistance, cash assistance, or Prevention, Retention, and Contingency Program (PRC) benefits call the Cuyahoga Benefits Application Hotline at 216-416-4440. You can also visit a Cuyahoga Job and Family Services Neighborhood Family Service Center: Old Brooklyn, 4261 Fulton Parkway, 635-2918; or Westshore , 9830 Lorain Avenue, 939-2523.
CITY OF CLEVELAND
MAYOR FRANK G. JACKSON’S STATE OF THE CITY 2018 ADDRESS: October 10, Cleveland Public Hall, 500 Lakeside Avenue. Doors open at 6 p.m. Remarks begin at 7 p.m. Registration is required by October 5 online at: http://bit.ly/CLESOTC18. Seniors (65+) ay opt to register by calling 216-664-2500.
CLEVELAND CARE CALLS is available for Cleveland Senior Citizens age 60 or older or adults 18-59 with a disability. Automated telephone reassurance system. Individuals receive a call on the days they request, Monday thru Friday from 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. to check on their well-being. If the system is unable to reach you, additional calls will be made in a 30-minute period. If unsuccessful your designated contact person will be called. If unsuccessful in reaching the contact person, the Department of Public Safety may be asked to check on your wellbeing. For an application to the program contact Cleveland Care calls Project Director at 216-664-6316.
FREE EMERGENCY ALERTS FOR YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD: Keep informed about emergency situations in your neighborhood with this Code RED service. To sign up visit http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us.
VACANT LAND REUTILIZATION PROGRAM: vacant land is available through the Land Bank Program for side yard expansion or new construction. Applications sought that will contribute to the economic, social or environmental betterment of the city. Lots also can be leased or licensed for certain interim uses such as community/market gardens. Questions and information call the Land Bank Office at 664-4126.
COMMUNITY
FIRST DISTRICT POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING: October 4 at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria at St. Ignatius of Antioch School Building, 10205 Lorain Avenue. Please bring a donation of canned goods or household products if you can.
SECOND DISTRICT POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTING MEETING: 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Applewood Center, 3518 W. 25th. Enter the gym from Daisy Avenue.
LOCAL CONVERSATIONS ON HISPANIC/LATINO HEALTH PRIORITIES 2018: PANEL DISCUSSION on Tuesday, October 9 at the Wolstein Auditorium at Case Western Reserve University, 2103 Cornell Road. Continental Breakfast 7-7:30 a.m. Lecture: 7:30 -8:30 a.m. Moderator Frances Mills, MA, Director of Community Health Initiatives, Cleveland Office of Minority Health. RSVP to Phillip Rowland-Seymour at: Phillip.Rowland-Seymour@uhhospitals.org by Octobr 4th. Space is limited. 1 CME and CEU credit offered. Parking available at UH Drive Parking Garage, 2010 UH Drive. Sponsored by The Center for Community Impact, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (CEDI).
CLEVELAND METROPARKS ZOO, 3900 Wildlife Way: Free admission for Cuyahoga County residents on Mondays (Rainforest not included).
ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME, 1100 Rock and Roll Boulevard: Free to Cleveland residents for the next 10 years due to a donation by Key Bank Foundation
FAMILIA has been established to engage, empower, and create a voice for the residents of the Clark-Fulton area to address issues such as safety, housing, education, civic rights and health issues for the wellbeing of families in the community. Third Monday of each month, from 6-7:30 pm, at Hispanic Alliance Inc, 3110 W. 25th Street (at Clark). For info, contact Sonia Monroy Matis, 216-661-4249 or smatis@hispanicallianceinc.org.
DONATIONS
DONATE YOUR UNWANTED, USABLE GOODS. Cuyahoga County businesses and residents can donate their unwanted items with the help of a useful book published by the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District called Pass It On: A Resource-Full Guide to Donating Usable Stuff. It lists over 120 community service and nonprofit organizations that work on behalf of youth, seniors, the homeless and others in Cuyahoga County. Toys, art supplies, clothing, books, school supplies, office equipment, sporting goods, tools, furniture and more can be donated to the organizations listed in this guide. Donating usable goods helps others and reduces waste. Would-be donators of goods can search how to donate or recycle their items on the District’s “What Do I Do With?” database at http://www.CuyahogaRecycles.org. Additionally, a printable PDF is available at: http://www.cuyahogarecycles.org/pass_it_on_book. People can also request copies of the soft-bound book by calling the Solid Waste District at 216.443.3749 or online at http://www.cuyahogarecycles.org/PublicationRequest.aspx.
EDUCATION
BEGINNER COMPUTER CLASSES: Merrick House, 1050 Starkweather Avenue, is partnering with Digital C to offer beginner computer classes at Merrick House at no cost. Six students are needed to begin the class. Interested parties can call Tamara Coats, Director of Adult Education at 216-771-5077 to obtain more information.
BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS: Are you lacking basic computer skills which are holding you back from getting a job, restricting you at work, or limiting you in life, ….well Digital C, technology skills building program, will teach basic computer classes for the beginner at the West Side Catholic Center. The three-week program, will be held twice a week, Tuesday and Thursday, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. There is no charge. Child care is provided. All are welcomed. Please call Frank Johanek at 216-631-4741 ext. 167 to register and class start dates.
BRAIN BEE: Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) invites area students ages 14 thru 18 to test their knowledge of neuroscience in the NEOMED Brain Bee. The Brain Bee will take place Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, at NEOMED. Free monthly tutoring sessions are available on Saturdays to help students prepare for the Brain Bee. Sessions will occur Oct. 13, Nov. 10 and Dec. 8 at NEOMED. Students may register at neomed.edu/brainbee. For more information about the Brain Bee, please contact Dr. Peterson at 330.325.6476 or dpeterson@neomed.edu.
GALE COURSES: Free online classes with your library card. Classes run for six weeks and begin every month. Many types of classes including accounting, computer applications, legal and personal development. To enroll visit heep://cpl.org/galecourses and click GET STARTED NOW. Browse the site and pick a class. Select a start date. Create an account and enter your library card number.
CHOICE MAGAZINE LISTENING: A free audio magazine for adults with impaired vision or other disability. Choice Magazine Listening records the best articles, stories and poems from over 100 of the finest magazines. Call toll free from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Eastern Time at 1-888-724-6423 or visit http://www.choicemagazinelistening.org.
EDUCATION, OCCUPATIONAL TRAINING, AND PERSONAL GOAL SETTING and a $10 per hour stipend are among the features offered to individuals age 18-24 eligible for the Ohio Guidestone CCMEP TANF Cuyahoga program. To qualify you will need to meet requirements for eligibility to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Orientations are held weekly. To reserve a spot call 440-260-6817.
FREE DIGITAL SKILLS TRAINING: Learn high-demand digital skills used in today’s workplace in Digital C’s ReStart Program. No experience necessary. Class computer provided. Classes designed for Cleveland residents with little or no digital skills or experience. Open to veterans, single heads of household receiving public assistance, young adults aging out of foster care and re-entry. Contact us at: restart@digitalc.org or visit http://www.digitalc.org/restart.
ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES (ESOL) classes are offered by ASPIRE Greater Cleveland throughout the year at community centers and libraries. Adults who wish to attend the ESOL classes must complete an orientation session. Call 833-277-4732 or visit the website: inspiregreatercleveland.org for a complete list of orientation sessions.
FREE GED PREP: Eastman Branch Library, W. 116th and Lorain Avenue, 2nd Floor. Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays: 10: 15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Instructor: Alex. No appointment necessary.
FREE ADULT BASIC EDUCATION & GED CLASSES: One-to-one tutoring, learn at your own pace, friendly and relaxed place to learn. Seeds of Literacy located at 3104 Clark Ave, 3rd Floor. Call 216-661-7950 or visit http://www.seedsofliteracy.org.
ELECTION 2018
VOTER REGISTRATION: On Tuesday, October 9 – the last day to register to vote in the State of Oio prior to this year’s General Election – Brewnuts will serve free voting themed donuts out of the shop at 6501 Detroit Avenue starting at 6:30 a.m. while supplies last. A volunteer will be on hand for those who want to stop by and register to vote.
UPDATE VOTER REGISTRATION: Election day is Tuesday, November 6. The deadline to register to vote or to update your address is October 9th. Ohio now has a convenient online registration site at: olvr.sos.state.oh.us
EMPLOYMENT
LA MEGA CAREER FAIR: October 4, at Estabrook Recreation Center, 4125 Fulton Road. Connect with local and national employers. Free resume building. Mock interview workshops. Powered by The Centers and El Barrio. El Barrio workshops held from 9 a.m. – Noon. Career Fair from Noon to 2 p.m. If you have a resume, bring it with you. For more information call 216-325-WORK
WEST SIDE CATHOLIC CENTER workforce development classes assist all people in transition from initial assessments to interviews. The four-week program will assist you in identifying your passion, preparing you to re-enter the workforce and get you in front of employers with permanent positions with a career path potential. This is all in a one-on-one environment. With daily attendance and work requirement completed…WEST SIDE CATHOLIC CENTER’S, ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM WILL GUARANTEE YOU JOB OFFERS. Classes run from 9:30 AM to 12:00 pm Monday thru Friday and with continuation of training/tutoring Tuesday thru Thursday 1:30 -3:30 pm. Questions, please call Frank Johanek, Economic Opportunities Manager, 216-631-4741 ext. 167.
ENVIRONMENT
DON’T BREAK THE LAKE: A partnership between City of Cleveland Water Department, Sustainable Cleveland and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration asks you to combat plastic pollution in Lake Erie by switching from single-use disposable plastic bags to reusable shopping bags, and switching from single-use water bottles to reusable water bottles. To get involved & join the conversation visit Sustainable Cleveland on Facebook: @SustainableCleveland; on Twitter: @sustainableCLE or at: dontbreakthelake.org.
WEST SIDE CREATION CARE TEAM is an ecumenical grassroots organization promoting care for creation, including the climate crisis. WSCCT engages in public policy advocacy, with members writing letters to local newspapers, and directly to state and local lawmakers and executives on legislation related to sustainable, renewable energy alternatives and other issues that affect how we care for creation. To receive notices of meetings, events, etc., or to schedule a presentation at your faith community, send an email to: westsidecreationcare@gmail.com.
FOOD PANTRY
PRINCE OF PEACE OUTREACH AND DELIVERANCE MINISTRIES, 4800 Denison: Food Pantry on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1-4 p.m.
SAGRADA FAMILIA CHURCH, 7719 Detroit Avenue: Food Pantry, Third Thursday, from 9-11 a.m.
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST MOUNT MORIAH, 9807 Cudell Avenue, Food Pantry, 3rd Saturday, 11 a.m. -1 p..m.
SIMPSON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 8519 Clark Avenue: Food Pantry, Last Wednesday of the month, 9 a.m. – Noon.
FREE CLOTHES
NEEDS CLEVELAND, 7710 Lorain Avenue, offers free clothing, adult and children’s shoes and household items on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. No appointment necessary. No income or residency requirements. 5 items per person – Limit 30 items per visit. Visit as often as you need.
HEALTH & SAFETY
ICE CREAM WITH THE MIDWIVES: Neighborhood Family Practice invites friends and neighbors to a Women’s Health Open House on Thursday, October 4 between 5-7 p.m. at Mitchell’s Ice Cream in Ohio City, 1867 W .25th Street. Sundae bar, goodie bags for all attendees and fabulous raffle prizes. Get a scoop of the women’s health topics you’ve been wondering about. Join with certified nurse midwives to discuss: Health before, during and after pregnancy, contraception, how to care for your female body, and wellness. Sponsored by Molina Health Care and United Healthcare. For more information, contact Michelle Wilcox at 216-281-0872 ext. 294.
KIDSHOP/TEEN SHOP: A program for children and teens who have an adult family member with cancer. Kid/Teen Shop brings families together using art, play and discussion to help cope with a cancer diagnosis. 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at The Gathering Place West, The Sandy Borelli Center, 25425 Center Ridge Road, Westlake. Program is free of charge, but advance registration is required. To register call 216-595-9546.
DO YOU WANT TO BECOME HEALTH AND LEAN IN 2018? Ask about the new Cleveland Department of Public Health’s Steps to a Healthier Weight Program, a free nutrition and exercise program for people 18 years of age and up with a BMI of 25 or above. Weekly session with a personal trainer on Wednesdays from 4-5 pm. at Gunning Recreation Center, 16700 Puritas Ave. To schedule an initial appointment at McCafferty Health Center, 4242 Lorain Avenue, call Kathleen Koviak, RN at 216-4269 or email her at: kkoviak@city.cleveland.oh.us.
END CLINIC: End Nicotine Dependence: Ready to quit smoking? Join our community and breathe easy. Join a research study with a group of other supportive smokers who also want to quit. Get up to 8 weeks of nicotine patches or gum at no cost. Get counseling on how to successfully quit smoking at no cost. Get paid for your time. Call now to join the END Clinic: 216-754-4226. Monday through Friday 9 am-5 p.m.
THE PREVENTIVE CARE CENTER at Metropolitan Campus of Cuyahoga Community College provides low-cost health care services to uninsured or underinsured adults while giving Tri-C health career students valuable learning and training opportunities. The center will be open 2-5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays thru November 15. It is located in Room 105 of the Health Careers and Sciences Building at 2900 Community College Ave. For more information visit: http://www.tri-c.edu/carecenter.
FLU SAFETY TALK: Cleveland Clinic offers a free flu safety talk on Tuesday, October 2 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Esperanza, 3104 W. 25th Street.
GAMBLING PROBLEM: If you or someone you know has a gambling problem call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 800-589-9966.
LEAD SAFE LIVING – HEALTHY HOMES: Lead poisoning can harm your child. Lead poisoning can cause behavior and learning problems. By the time you notice, it may be too late. Get your child tested for lead. Protect kids – protect your investment. Resources available for eligible families: Free home lead inspection; free repair or removal of lead paint in your home; and free health related repair work. Call Lead Coordinator Ms. Gibson of the Department of Community Development Lead Hazard Repair Grant Program at Community Housing Solutions for your application appointment today at 216-651-0077.
IMMUNIZATIONS FOR CHILDREN: Get immunizations at McCafferty Health Center, 4242 Lorain Avenue, at no cost to you. Times: Extended Hours in October: Monday from 8 a.m. – Noon.; 1-4 p.m.; Every 2nd and 4th Thursday from 2-7 p.m. No appointment needed. Walk-ins accepted on first come, first served basis. Bring shot record or letter for school and Medicaid card (if applicable). Vaccinations are available for children who are uninsured, underinsured, or who have Medicaid. For more information call 664-4120 or visit the Cleveland Health Department website at: http://www.clevelandhealth.org.
CARRY NARCAN! SAVE A LIFE!: Did you know you can get Narcan (a.k.a. nalozone) in certain pharmacies? Here is how it works: Visit your local pharmacy (Recommendation: Discount Drug Mart, Walgreens or Marcs pharmacies). Tell pharmacist you need to obtain Narcan (a.k.a. nalozone). You don’t need a written prescription for Narcan. There are no special requirements for obtaining Narcan. Give the pharmacist your medical insurance information. Narcan is not free in the pharmacy, but your insurance may provide partial or full coverage for the medication.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING HAPPENS HERE TOO: For more information visit: HappensHereToo.org or visit the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking at collaborativeinitiative.org. Support is available for Human Trafficking victims at the Project STAR (Sex Trafficking Advocacy and Recovery) Hotline of the Cleveland Rape Crisis at 855-431-STAR (7827); Bellefaire JCB Homeless and Missing Youth Program Hotline at 216-570-8010 or at the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 888-3737-888.
CUYAHOGA COUNTY PROJECT DAWN (Deaths Avoided with Nalozone) Program for individuals who use opiods and are at risk of death from opioid overdose and family and friends of those who are at risk of death from opioid overdose. Learn how to recognize and overdose and how to administer naloxone to reverse and opioid overdose. Distribute nalozone to participants free of charge. Cleveland Department of Public Health Thomas McCafferty Health Center, 4242 Lorain Ave. Walk-in hours: Mondays and Wednesdays, 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. and Thursdays Noon- 8p.m. For more information please call Project DAWN at 778-5677 or visit http://www.metrohealth.org/projectdawn.
FREE SMOKE ALARMS FOR YOUR HOME are available through Operation Save-A-Life, a program of the American Red Cross and the Cleveland Fire Department, that provides free smoke alarms and batteries to Cleveland residents. Smoke alarms are installed by Cleveland firefighters at no cost to residents. Please note that application and installation process may take up to 90 days. Call the Operation Save-A-Life 24-hour hotline at 216-361-5535 to apply for free smoke alarms.
LABOR
CLEVELAND LABOR FEST: The Labor Education & Arts Project presents Eugene Victor Debs Centennial of the Canton Speech and the Cleveland Trial of Eugene V. Debs. Topic: Free Speech and the Right to Dissent. Friday, October 5, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Cleveland Marshall College of Law, 1801 Euclid Avenue, Moot Courtroom, Room 101. Topic: Espionage Act of 1917 and the fight for free speech then and now. Saturday, October 6, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Cleveland Public Library, 525 Superior Ave, Louis Stokes Wing Auditorium. The Saturday session will include discussion about militarism and the drumbeat for endless war and the question of a political formation independent of the two-party system. Refreshments provided on Friday and a Luncheon on Saturday. For more information call Tom Sodders at 440-364-2822 or newdeallaborart@gmail.com.
TRI-C HOSTS FORUM ON COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS: October 11th event looks at how Community Health Workers can extend the reach of the public health system. Free event includes a presentation on newly released findings from the 2018 Community Health Worker Statewide Assessment, a panel discussion and breakout sessions on industry issues. The forum runs from 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. on October 11th at Tri-C’s Manufacturing Technology Center, 2415 Woodland Avenue at the Metropolitan Campus. Lunch will be provided. To register, or for more information visit http://www.tri-c.edu/HISDevents, or call 216-987-3171.
LEGAL ADVICE
DISABILTY RIGHTS OHIO provides legal advocacy and rights protection to a wide range of people with disabilities. This includes assisting individuals with problems such as abuse, neglect, discrimination, access to assistive technology devices, special education, housing, employment, voting, community integration, and rights protection issues within the juvenile and criminal justice systems. For more information call 800-282-9181 or visit disabilityrightsohio.org.
TENANT INFORMATION LINE: Legal Aid now handles tenants’ questions through the Tenant Information Line at 216-861-5955. Advice is also available to those who speak Spanish. Para Español: 216-586-3190.
NEED LEGAL HELP WITH YOUR JOB? Been paid late or not at all? Not received the minimum wage? Not received overtime pay? Not received your last pay check? Experienced unsafe working conditions? Had other employment-related problems. The Legal Aid’s Wage Project can help. Call 888-817-3777 toll free to complete an application for legal services.
IMMIGRATION LEGAL SERVICES: Need immigration Help? Call Catholic Charities at 216-939-3769. Low cost immigration assistance for applications filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and representation in Immigration Court.]
PARENTING
CHILD SUPPORT IMPOSTOR SCAMS: The Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs and Office of Child Support Services are warning Cuyahoga County Residents about a robocall scam that preys on noncustodial parents. The robocalls tell noncustodial parents they are behind on child support payments and threaten to send police to their homes. The robocall tells people to call a 216 number. Consumer Affairs urges resisting making payments when pressured by scammers. Cuyahoga County Director of Consumer Affairs Sheryl Harris says you should contact the agency directly to see if you owe money and use the number on their website to call. Child Support Services can be reached at 216-443-5100. Any threatening call requesting money should be reported to the Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs at 216-443-7035.
CUYAHOGA COUNTY WOMEN, INFANTS & CHILDREN (WIC) NUTRITION PROGRAM provides nutrition education, nutritious foods and breastfeeding support. To be eligible to participate in the nutrition education program you must be pregnant, breast-feeding or postpartum (having a baby less-than six months old). Or, be an infant or child under five years old. You must also live in Cuyahoga County, have a nutritional need and have a household income that is less than or equal to the Ohio WIC guidelines for your family size. For family size a foster child counts as a one-person family, a pregnant mother counts as a two-person family. For a one-person family the income eligibility is $22,311 or less annual income. For a two-person family the income would be $30,044 or less. For a three-person family the eligible income would be $37,777 or less. As the size of the family increases, the amount of income you can have and still be eligible also increase for income guidelines for larger families call 216-957-9421.
FATHERHOOD DEVELOPMENT: Free programs: Job readiness & placement programs, financial literacy, healthy parenting, legal assistance, career counseling. Contact Passages Connecting Fathers and Families and New Beginnings for New Fathers at 3631 Perkins, or call 216-881-6776 or visit http://www.passages-oh.org.
METROHEALTH MOMS: Sign up for a chance to win a stylish diaper kit, free weekly emails, personalized to the growth and development of your baby. MetroHealth Moms guides you through your pregnancy. Each week learn something new about the growth of your baby. To sign up visit metrohealth.org/birthing and click on the MetroHealth Moms icon on the right-hand side.
MOMS FIRST: A helping hand for your pregnancy and your baby. Are you Pregnant? Do you live in the city of Cleveland? MomsFirst can help you learn how to reduce the stress that comes with being pregnant and parenting; connect to resources for housing, education and health care; understand how to keep your baby safe; find birth control options that work; set and achieve your goals before and after birth. Call 216-664-4194 to connect to a MomsFirst provider in your area. http://www.momsfirst.org.
BOOT CAMP FOR NEW DADS: A program for Dads only, taught by veteran dads. One day, three-hour course in a relaxed comfortable setting. Learn the best way to hold, feed and cuddle your new baby. Learn to change diapers. Interact with real babies with the help of male instructors skilled in baby care. Offered three times per month at MetroHealth Main Campus 216-778-3381. Breakfast or lunch will be provided.
STEPS TO A HEALTHIER WEIGHT PROGRAM: designed for people with a BMI of 25 and above. FREE for Reproductive Health Clinic patients at McCafferty Health Center (Room 233). Free access to exercise facilities and childcare included. For more information call Kathleen, RN at 216-664-4269.
POLITICAL ACTION
LIFELINE PROGRAM: The Lifeline program helps millions of people living below the poverty line access telephone and internet services. Lifeline subscribers are speaking out about the importance of the program and affordable access and against FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s efforts to gut the subsidy program. The Free Press Action Fund urges supporters of the Lifeline program to call the FCC at 202-8041389 to tell the commissioners to abandon their plan to roll back the program.
WESTSIDE HOMELESS CONGRESS: Make your voice heard each 2nd Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m. at the Catholic Worker Storefront, 4241 Lorain Avenue. The homeless congress is made up of unhoused/homeless residents that come together to solve local problems in the homeless community. Questions: Call the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH) at 216-432-0540 or email: advocacy-coordinator@neoch.org. A limited number of bus tickets will be given out to participants at the end of the meeting. Sponsored by NEOCH and The Catholic Worker Community.
CHALLENGING GERRYMANDERING, THE PURGE AND MORE: A panel discussion on voting rights. Thursday, October 4. Doors open at 6 p.m. Program runs 7-8:30 p.m. Market Garden Brewery, lower level room, 1947 W. 25th. Sponsored by the ACLU Ohio, League of Women Voters of Ohio and the Ohio A. Philip Randolph Institute.
VOLUNTEERS
CASA of Cuyahoga County, a program of Child and Family Advocates of Cuyahoga County, needs volunteers to advocate for children who have been neglected and abused. CASAs are everyday citizens who are appointed by the Court to advocate for the safety and well-being of children and represent the children’s best interests. CASAs are trained to investigate, facilitate, advocate, and monitor one or two cases at a time to help the Court make the best decision for a safe, caring, and permanent home for children involved in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Those interested in becoming a CASA, please visit cfadvocates.org or call 216.443.3377 for more information.
CALLING ALL CRAFTERS: Warm Up Cleveland and the Cleveland Public Library are seeking donations of handmade items to help our neighbors in need: hats, scarves, cowls, mittens, cloves, handwarmers, headbands, socks, slippers, sweaters, shawls, blankets, afghans, quilts, stuffed toys, baby clothes, baby bootees, and baby blankets. All sizes needed: infants to adults. Drop off completed items, yarn or supplies year-round at any Cleveland Public Library location. Donations of washable yarn, knitting needles and crochet hooks are very much appreciated. Busy knitters and crocheters will turn your unwanted yarn into finished objects. All items are distributed to local charities. Join the group at: http://www.ravelry.com/groups/warm-up-cleveland. For more information contact Outreach and Programming Services at 216-623-2921 or visit: http://www.cpl.org.
NORTHEAST OHIO COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS (NEOCH): works to organize and empower homeless and at-risk men, women and children to break the cycle of poverty through public education, advocacy and the creation of nurturing environments. If you would like to find out more, or help, visit NEOCH at http://www.neoch.org .
YOUTH
CHECK OUT 216TEENS.ORG for information on puberty, STDS, pregnancy prevention and relationships. 216TEENS is the Cuyahoga County Board of Health’s campaign to prevent teen pregnancy and STDS.
TEEN SUICIDE: LEARN THE WARNING SIGNS AND RISK FACTORS that may contribute to youth suicide by using the free online staff development (in-service) training for teachers and others who work and interact with youth on suicide awareness and prevention. The online staff development trainings offered by The Jason Foundation introduce the scope and magnitude of the problem of youth suicide on both the national and state level. It discusses the educator’s relationship that allows them to recognize when the youth are struggling or changing and how to respond. For more information and a list of the warning signs and risk factors that can elevate the possibility of suicidal ideations visit The Jason Foundation at: http://www.jasonfoundation.com.