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.