Parenting

Books, buses and the unexpected – tips for the new school year

Books, buses and the unexpected – tips for the new school year by Tonya Sams Plain Press, August 2022        August is here and we will soon hear the ringing of school bells. But preparing for the new year is more than just buying clothes and supplies – it is also about preparing for new situations … Continue reading →

How to address lead paint and other conditions in rental properties

by Tonya Sams Plain Press, July 20220                             When housing conditions are endangering your family, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by worry and fear.      One common problem is the presence of lead in older homes. Most homes built prior to 1978 used paint that contained lead.       Children exposed to lead poisoning may suffer from learning and behavioral … Continue reading →

Four area schools slated for renovation or new construction

PHOTO BY CHUCK HOVEN Thursday, March 17, 2022; Marion Champlin Seltzer Elementary School Building, 1468 W. 98th Street: The Cleveland Metropolitan School District plans to build a new school next to the current building on land that sits behind Cudell Recreation Center. Once the new school is completed, plans call for the current building to be … Continue reading →

File your taxes now to claim your child and earned income tax credits

(Plain Press, March 2022)    The IRS is now accepting 2021 tax returns! Sign up for the Expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).    There is roughly $193 billion waiting for families with children — all they need to do is file their taxes to claim it.    The American Rescue Plan made significant changes … Continue reading →

Snow Day in Detroit Shoreway festival

Making lanterns at the Open House and Holiday Market at the Pivot Center for Art, Dance & Expression

Let’s Make Música

What can Cleveland do to be a more welcoming city to low-income families with children?

What can Cleveland do to be a more welcoming city to low-income families with children? by Chuck Hoven (Plain Press, April 2021)         Cleveland has an opportunity to create a more just society within our borders. A unique time has come when we, with proper planning, can take advantage of federal dollars and address the needs of … Continue reading →

  COVID-19 evictions could leave more women without a vote by Malcolm Burnley and Rachel Dissell, The Fuller Project  This story was originally published by The Fuller Project, a nonprofit newsroom reporting on issues that affect women. (Plain Press, September 2020)       Lynn Rodemann walked up the driveway, a mask fixed tightly to her face. A … Continue reading →

Local agencies hope to aid working parents by providing safe spaces for students during virtual school hours

Local agencies hope to aid working parents by providing safe spaces for students during virtual school hours This story is provided by ideastream as part of special community coverage of COVID-19 and funded by Third Federal Foundation and University Settlement. by Rachel Dissell (Plain Press, September 2020)       For some parents of school-age children, the decision … Continue reading →