Step Forward's Annual Report 2023 cover photo
Step Forward's Annual Report 2023 cover photo
Step Forward's Annual Report 2023 cover photo
Step Forward's Annual Report 2023 cover photo
Message from our
Board Chair & President
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Each year, we make it a priority to highlight one theme we felt was vital to our agency throughout the past twelve months.
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After a significant adjustment in how Step Forward served the community in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a long-awaited name change in 2021, we have spent the past few years 2021 and 2022 refocusing.
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We spent a lot of time adapting to the new world around us, but also making sure we stayed true to the agency’s purpose in helping people attain self-sufficiency.
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Throughout the past few years, Step Forward has been presented with countless opportunities to connect with Cuyahoga County residents in need. Our staff responded to each individual and family, not as employees, but as humans first. The hills we have climbed together along with the optimism Step Forward has witnessed illustrates the strength of our agency during difficult times and it proves that this organization – and the clients we serve – are nothing short of resilient.
Hence, resiliency is what we have decided to emphasize throughout this year’s annual report.
You’ll see resiliency in Brittany McKown, a single, unemployed mother, who first turned to Step Forward for help when she was pregnant and then returned for additional assistance years later.
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You’ll see resiliency in Briana Cannada, who wanted to make sure she built a successful future for her children by enrolling each of them in Early Head Start and Head Start.
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You’ll recognize the resiliency in Nina Davis, who in her senior years, struggled to maintain basic necessities as inflation and prices for everything increased and her social security checks remained the same.
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You’ll see strength in Tracey Williams, who searched high and low for a job for eight years. He is now sharing his story, hoping to inspire someone else, after turning to our agency for assistance and finally securing a maintenance position within Step Forward.
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This year, we are proud to report that Step Forward’s resiliency has allowed our programming numbers to return nearly back to normal.
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Fifty-seven years in the making, we are more confident now than ever that Step Forward has a clear brand and a consistent voice going forward. As we step into 2023, we are prepared to amplify the momentum of that ongoing mission: transform lives and strengthen communities; one person, one family, one step at a time. We hope you’ll join us in doing so.
We hope you’re as excited about the future as we are.
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With gratitude,
Dear Friends,
Kathryn M. Hall
Board Chair
Dr. Jacklyn Chisholm
CEO & President
Our Officers & Directors
Officers
Board Chairperson: Kathryn M. Hall
Vice Chairperson: LaRese Purnell
Treasurer: Brian Gallagher
Secretary: Yomarie Gonzalez
Directors
Cassandra Brown-Collier
Eugenia Cash-Kirkland
Michelle Curry
Deidra Davis
Kira Hewko
Christopher Kelly
Cecil B. Lee
Michael Moore
Jerry Primm
Adam Roth
Judge Michael J. Ryan
Qianna Tidmore
Sherelle L. Tucker
Joyce L. Walker
Help us connect with residents in need and keep up to date with our services on social media.
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Leadership Team
Dr. Jacklyn Chisholm, PH.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Derek Cluse, CPA
Chief of Staff
Dr. Thea Wilson
Vice President of Children and Families
Douglass Bennett
Vice President of Community Services and External Affairs
Madeline Corchado
Vice President of Human Resources
By The Numbers
329
Employees serving residents in Cuyahoga County
1,672
Volunteers
Per
Year
25,000
People
Served
Per Year
15
Locations
throughout
Cuyahoga County
59
Cities/Towns
Served
in
Cuyahoga County
Dr. Jacklyn Chisholm, PH.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Douglass Bennett
Vice President of External Affairs
Derek Cluse, CPA
Chief of Staff
Robert Rose
Product Designer
Dr. Thea Wilson
Vice President for Children and Families
Real People
Real Stories
Real Impact
Where We Serve
Baby & Mommy Support
The pregnancy test is positive. You're excited. You're scared. But you turn to Step Forward.
Our agency's Family Development Specialists are ready to help, guide, and make sure you're ready for this next chapter of your life. Through Baby and Mommy Support, our agency offers parents one-on-one consultations, nutritional counseling, and guidance on how to navigate health insurance, choose a hospital, and finding the right doctor.
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Expectant mothers learn how to cope with stress, breastfeeding, postpartum depression, and more. Step Forward also connects expectant mothers with important resources to make sure they're equipped when the baby arrives.
The 2021 & 2022 annual BAMS showers connected
56
expectant mothers to support services and baby items in preparation for their newborns
Photos from the 2022 BAMS Baby Shower
BAMS Shower 2022
Early Head Start
Step Forward connects parents and guardians to Early Head Start as soon as their baby is born. Our agency is equipped to offer early childhood education to babies as young as six weeks old, either at your home or at one of our ten sites located throughout Cuyahoga County.
Each center features colorful and inviting classrooms with caring and compassionate educators. Each child will have the opportunity to play with age-appropriate toys, equipment and learning materials. At each location, Step Forward provides necessary items like diapers and formula.
At the end of the 2021-2022 school year, at least
83%
of Early Head Start students met or exceeded the expected skill level when participating cooperatively and constructively in group situations
At the end of the 2021-2022 school year, at least
85%
of Early Head Start students met or exceeded the expected skill level for exploring and describing spatial relationships and shapes
Head Start
At the age of three, students transition to our Head Start program. Our passionate teachers combine classroom instruction and learning through play to prepare them for kindergarten.
Each child receives individualized observations, and health, dental and nutritional support.
At the end of the 2021-2022 school year, at least
91%
of Head Start students met or exceeded the expected skill level for balancing needs and rights of themselves and others
913
Early Head Start & Head Start students received dental assistance*
1,366
Early Head Start & Head Start students received medical check ups*
1,302
Early Head Start & Head Start students caught up on immunizations*
*Between the 2021-2022 school year
Head Start is offered at home, at one of Step Forward's ten centers, or through partnerships with school districts and childcare centers county-wide.
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Although the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted classroom instruction in 2020, Step Forward's Head Start is proud to report students are back in the classroom and more eager to learn than ever.
Since 2017, Step Forward's Head Start has helped to successfully transition 5,775 children and families to kindergarten.
Annual Early Head Start & Head Start Enrollment
All of Step Forward's directly-operated Head Start centers are five-star rated through Ohio's Step Up to Quality Initiative.
Read more from our blog
Head Start Alumni Are Doing Great Work
Brianne Bryant
She is taking movement and music class to a new level! Meet Brianne Bryant, a Head Start alumna and vocal artist.
Zach Riggins
A head start earned Zach Riggins two degrees while in high school! Read what this Head Start alumnus is doing now.
Malik Mays
From Head Start to the operating room, meet Malik Mays, Head Start alumnus and soon-to-be M.D.
It doesn't matter how old you are, Step Forward wants to help you discover your passion and find your lifelong career. Through our professional development program, Family Development Specialists and licensed social workers will help determine your interests, assess your skills and establish a plan to achieve your goals. You will identify barriers to success, map out resources to overcome those challenges, and have the opportunity to attend free training, workshops, and job fairs.
Step Forward does more than just update your resume and connect you with hiring agencies. After successfully completing certain programs, the agency will equip you with a refurbished computer and new clothing for your interview!
Between 2021 and 2022, Step Forward is proud to report that The Digital Connection Program exceeded prior years' goals and provided more than 50 refurbished computers, at no cost, to Cuyahoga County residents.
Between September 2021 and August 2022,
74%
of Step Forward Global Support Services Training graduates continued to follow an educational pathway to obtaining their 'dream job'
Between September 2021 and August 2022, Step Forward's monthly job fairs connected more than
600
job seekers with actively hiring agencies
100%
of clients that attended Step Forward's One Day Job Placement Service secured employment
Professional Development
HEAP
Amid the pandemic, especially, times have been tough. That is why Step Forward's Home Energy Assistance Program offers six different programs, including the Low-Income Water Assistance Program, the Summer Cooling Program, Winter Crisis Program and Percentage of Income Payment Plan.
Between September 2021 and August 2022, more Cuyahoga County residents applied for assistance than ever before in order to keep their water, air conditioning, heat, and lights on.
203
Households applied for help through our Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program
2,355
Households received help through our Winter Crisis Program
2,719
Households received help through our Summer Cooling Program
11,172
Households applied for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan
HEAP Distributed
$13,311,161
in Utility Assistance
Personal Development
You're juggling bills, finding a job, childcare, and more. You are an inspiration! But don't forget, your mental health and well-being matter just as much as your physical health! Step Forward's personal development courses continue to offer individual and family counseling, parenting classes, anger management workshops, a domestic violence program and tax preparation.
Between September 2021 and August 2022,
93%
of clients who turned to Step Forward for personal income tax help qualified for an income tax refund
Between September 2021 and August 2022,
91%
of clients in counseling services completed individual service plans
Through federal funding and grants, Step Forward continues to distribute emergency assistance to help with rental, utility and internet payments.
Nina Davis
Received rental assistance
"I got behind and as prices for everything started going up, my paychecks didn't change. I needed help. (Step Forward) can lead you in the right direction."
$25,406,936.71
Between September 2021 and August 2022, Step Forward distributed
in emergency rental and mortgage assistance
Step Forward helps low-income individuals and families address immediate needs, but the ultimate goal is self-sufficiency. With the help of Cuyahoga County businesses and community partners, Step Forward helps you build long-term skills to transform your life for generations to come.
Workshops & Programs
Professional Development
Global Support Services Training I & II: This customer service / computer-based training course is a blend of instructor-driven curriculum and online courses that provides a foundational understanding of Microsoft software. The program is designed to prepare individuals for an office/computer-based work environment that revolves around a customer service-centered workplace.
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Microsoft Office Software Training: This hybrid training is designed to provide enrichment for clients with a basic grasp of Microsoft Office software applications, hardware components, the Windows operating system, and more while working alongside certified IT professionals.
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How to Think Like a CEO: Designed for entrepreneurial spirits, this workshop provides skills and resources for clients to pursue their business goals. Throughout the virtual workshop, clients will have the opportunity to create a business plan, and develop their mission statement, marketing strategy, and more.
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Digital Connection: This workshop is open to students who have successfully completed the, Global Support Services Training I and MOS/IC3 Digital Literacy Certification course. Clients receive a refurbished computer and work alongside the Digital Connection Personal Computer Technician in learning skills designed to assist them in installation, set-up and troubleshooting (minor issues) related to their personal computers.
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Job Readiness: This workshop is designed to assist clients who have been unemployed for more than 100 days in acquiring employment while updating their job search toolkit. Clients work with Employment Specialists to learn how to best utilize soft skills in the workplace, practice mock interviews and learn best practices when using virtual platforms for interviewing and presentations.
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Adult Basic Literacy Skills Workshop: This workshop is designed to promote and improve a client’s reading, writing, and mathematics skills. This workshop is intended to improve educational and employment opportunities by reconnecting clients with the technical skills necessary to function in a workplace culture. Individuals who complete this workshop may be referred to other training to further enhance their career goals and training opportunities.
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Job Placement Assistance: The One Day Job Placement Workshop offers opportunities for clients with fewer than 100 days of unemployment to work an Employment Specialist. This workshop is designed to best match experience and education with employment opportunities. The goal is to eliminate obstacles to acquiring your ‘dream job’ and promote employment opportunities that best build a career pathway that will lead to a ‘living wage’.
Family Development
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Emergency Assistance: The emergency assistance program helps residents with rent payments, utility assistance, internet services and additional emergency support including, food, child care, car repair assistance and more.
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Personal Income Tax: Personal Income Tax services are offered by Family Development Specialists that are certified by the Internal Revenue Service. Tax preparers will help participants identify if they are eligible for Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and enable them to retain all of their tax refund while avoiding preparation costs.
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Family Development: Family Development Specialists provide one-on-one assistance to address immediate needs by identifying barriers to success and creating goals with clients as they walk beside them to achieve their goals.
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Baby and Mommy Support Program (BAMS): Baby and Mommy Support Program services include one-on-one consultation and training and life skills including how to care for your baby, nutrition and wellness, self-care, how to cope with stress, breastfeeding, postpartum depression and more.
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Personal Development
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Individual Counseling: Counseling services are offered by licensed social workers who assess clients and work with them one-on-one to create an Individual service plan that will guide their treatment. Varies of therapeutic techniques and interventions will be used that are evidenced based and/or promote mental and emotional well-being that facilitate and empower clients to live their life at an optimal functional level.
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Parenting Program: Step Forward’s Parenting program teaches participants about child development and building healthy relationships. Participants receive peer support while gaining skills needed to reduce stress and support healthy interactions.
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Anger Management: This curriculum-based workshop is run by our licensed social workers who teach participants how to effectively manage their anger. Participants will monitor their own emotions, work on communication skills and learn how to respond instead of reacting.
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Domestic Violence: This program is a batterer’s intervention multimodal evidenced-based practice for male participants to learn and implement alternatives to abusive and controlling behaviors in their intimate partner relationships. In addition to the workshop, staff can assist the entire family by providing resources to treat all who are involved. Successful participants receive a certificate at the conclusion of the workshop.
Home Energy Assistance
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Energy Assistance: These programs assist income-eligible Cuyahoga County residents with heating and cooling bills. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) office is open year-round to assist residents with long-term solutions and/or short-term needs.
Community Partners
Ambassadors
Champion Step Forward's Mission
CAPLAW
The Center for Community Solutions
Citizen's Coalition
Cleveland City Council
Community Action Partnership
Cuyahoga County Council
Family and Children First Council
National Community Action Foundation
National Head Start Foundation
Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies
Ohio Head Start Association
Ohio Partners for Affordable Energy
Ohio Urban Resources System (OURS)
PRE4CLE - Cleveland Metropolitan Schools
State of Ohio Department of Development
State Representative Phillip M. Robinson
State Representative Thomas F. Patton
State Representative Kent Smith
State Representative Bishara W. Addison
State Representative Terrance Upchurch
State Representative Shayla L. Davis
State Representative Juanita O. Brent
State Representative Bride Rose Sweeney
State Representative Jeffrey A. Crossman
State Senator Robert Portman
Senator Sherrod Brown
U.S. Representative Steve Chabot
U.S. Representative Brad Wenstrup
U.S. Representative Joyce Beatty
U.S. Representative Jim Jordan
U.S. Representative Robert Latta
U.S. Representative Bill Johnson
U.S. Representative Bob Gibbs
U.S. Representative Warren Davidson
U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur
U.S. Representative Michael Turner
U.S. Representative Shontel Brown
U.S. Representative Troy Balderson
U.S. Representative Tim Ryan
U.S. Representative David Joyce
U.S. Representative Mike Carey
U.S. Representative Anthony Gonzalez
Funders
Provide funding from private or public sources
Arby's Foundation
The Cleveland Clinic*
Cleveland Foundation
Cuyahoga County
Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative
Cuyahoga County - Invest in Children
DigitalC
Early Childhood Education
First Energy
Key Bank
Ohio Department of Development
Step Up to Quality
PNC Bank - Grow Up Great Initiative
United Way of Greater Cleveland
USDA
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
In-Kind Supporters
Give time, donate services or provide funding to Step Forward's Head Start Program**
Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine
CareSource*
ChildPlus
Children's Museum of Cleveland
City of Cleveland Police Department
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Cleveland Metropolitan School District*
Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority
East Cleveland City Schools - Pre-Kindergarten Program*
Euclid City Schools - Pre-Kindergarten Program*
Friends and Family of Step Forward Head Start
Ideastream*
Meyer Design
Referral Partners
Refer individuals or families to Step Forward for programs and services
BEST Community Resource Center
Breakthrough Schools
Brenda Glass Trauma Center
The Centers for Families and Children
Cleveland Department of Aging
Cleveland Neighborhood Progress
Cleveland Municipal Court
Cleveland State University
Community of Faith Collaborative
Cuyahoga Community College
Cuyahoga County Children and Family Services
Cuyahoga County Department of Senior and Adult Services (DSAS)
Cuyahoga County Library
Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry
Cuyahoga Jobs and Family Services
Donna Smallwood Senior Center
Friendly Inn Settlement Corp.
Help Me Grow
Hilton Hotels
JACK Casino
Julia De Burgos Cultural Arts Center
Kussette Quinones Ministries
Langston Hughes Community Center*
Lissette Quinones Ministries
Manufacturers Advocacy Growth Network (MAGNET)
May Dugan Center
MedCerts
The MetroHealth System
Ministerio Dorcas
Molina Health Care
Moms First
Northeast Ohio Neighborhood Health Services, Inc. (NEON)*
Nueva Luz
Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District*
Seeds of Literacy
Shaw High School - Early Childhood Program
Slavic VIllage Development Corporation*
Smart Development Inc.
Stella Maris
Spanish American Committee
Starting Point
United Pastors in Mission
University Hospitals Case Medical Center
Union Miles Development Corporation
Urban League of Greater Cleveland*
Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
Women's Recovery Center
Workforce Investment Board - Youth Council
Service Partners
Provide integral/complementary services to the people Step Forward serves
Achievement Centers for Children
Applewood Centers
Asian Services in Action, Inc.
Beech Brook
Burlington Coat Factory
Case Wester Reserve University Francis Payne Bolton School of Nursing
Case Western Reserve University Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences
CHN Housing Partners
Cleveland Furniture Bank
Cleveland Job Corps
Cleveland Public Library
Community Housing Solutions
Daily Dose of Reading
Dave's Supermarkets
Discount Drug Mart
Dress for Success
East End Neighborhood House
The Free Clinic
Gesher Cleveland Benefit and Resource Center
Goodwill
Greater Cleveland Food Bank
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority
Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland
Ibn Sina Free Clinic
The Literacy Cooperative
Music Settlement
Nature Explore
NEO Skills Corps (Americorps Volunteers)
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS)
OhioMeansJobs - Cleveland-Cuyahoga County
Playhouse Square
Rainey Institute
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Shaker Lakes Nature Center
Towards Employment
Youth Opportunities Unlimited
*Denotes partner meets criteria to fit into more than one category
**As a Head Start agency, Step Forward is required to fund 20 percent of its Head Start program
Financials
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Federal Head Start
02/01/21 - 01/31/22
$25,023,069
Federal Head Start In-Kind Contribution
02/01/21 - 01/31/22
$6,906,594
American Rescue Plan (ARP)
04/01/21 - 03/31/23
$500,000
COVID-19 Pandemic Support Payment 3 (PSP - 3)
02/01/21 - 01/31/22
$193,080
Home Relief Grant (CAA-HRG)
03/13/21 - 09/30/22
$18,105,635
First Energy Company
Fuel Fund IX
01/01/21 - 12/31/21
$67,437
Fuel Fund X
01/01/22 - 12/31/22
$2,930
First Energy Service Grant 2021
01/01/21 - 12/31/21
$460,255
First Energy Service Grant 2022
01/01/20 - 12/31/20
$125,000
Early Childhood
Early Childhood Education - IX
07/01/21 - 06/30/22
$112,618
Early Childhood Education - VIII
07/01/20 - 06/30/21
$18,841
U.S. Department of Treasury
USDA
Home Relief Grant (CAA-HRG)
03/31/21 - 09/30/22
$18,105,635
USDA-USDA 0921
10/01/20 - 09/30/21
$102,971
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USDA-USDA 0922
10/01/21 - 09/30/22
$249,477
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USDA-COVID
10/01/20 - 09/30/21
$130,375
Cuyahoga County
Universal Pre-Kindergarten - 3.0-1
08/01/21 - 10/31/22
$575,000
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Universal Pre-Kindergarten - 2.0-4
08/01/20-07/31/21
$155,310
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STEPUPIX
02/01/21-01/31/22
$36,071
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Ohio Department of Development
Cleveland Foundation Grant
COVID-19 Rapid Response
02/01/20 - 01/31/21
$23,056
United Way of Greater Cleveland
United Way Services 3.0 - EHS
07/01/20 - 09/30/21
$42,696
Local Programs
Global Support Services Training I Key Bank (GSST I)
01/01/22 - 12/31/22
$40,000
FY '22 Expenditures
HEAP Administrative Program
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22-HA-115
09/01/21 - 08/31/22
$1,317,705
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21-HA-115
09/01/19 - 08/31/20
$1,302,252
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Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
10/01/21 - 09/30/23
$503,196
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Heap Energy Assistance Program
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22-HE-215
11/01/21 - 03/31/22
$212,107
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21-HE-215
11/01/20 - 03/31/21
$680,000
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HEAP Summer Cooling
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20-HC-215
07/01/21 - 08/31/21
$643,668
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Percentage of Income Payment Plan
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21-PA-115
01/01/21 - 12/31/21
$151,568
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22-PA-115
01/01/22 - 12/31/22
$17,213
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Community Services Block Grant
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COVID-19 Community Service Block Grant (CSBG - CARES)
03/27/20 - 09/30/22
$4,348,146
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CSBG20-2116
01/01/20 - 12/31/21
$4,541,818
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Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-CV)
04/01/20 - 07/31/22
$1,439,210
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Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF-ESP)
11/01/20 - 12/31/21
$1,133,232
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