Lorain County Community Action Agency
Thank You for Your Support
Shauna Matelski, Ed.D. President and CEO
I want to begin by saying Thank You. As 2025 wound down, we were all in the unknown territory created by the “shutdown” of the federal government. Lorain County Community Action Agency never shut down thanks to our incredible staff, governing boards, partners, and the community overall.
I am so grateful to everyone who has supported our programs this year. We continued to deliver assistance to those in need following the mission of our organization.
Throughout the year – even prior to the “shutdown” – we’ve communicated our impact to lawmakers at both the federal and state levels. We met with staff members from both Sen. Bernie Moreno and Sen. Jon Husted’s offices among many others. They need to know what we know; Community Action makes a difference in Lorain County and across the country.
In 2025, we celebrated a number of successes. Head Start has been changing lives and supporting families for 60 years. In all that time, LCCAA has been the only provider of Head Start in Lorain County. We are proud of every child who has come through our classrooms and glad to share several stories of success in this report.
Our Pathways HUB continues to grow. Having achieved certification from the Pathways Community Health Institute, the HUB is having a real impact on mothers and babies throughout the county. Thanks to additional funding, the HUB is adding doula services to provide clients with even more options for support.
Core programs like Energy Services continue to provide stability while partnerships have helped our Produce Center and Community Garden projects thrive. Our newest program, Seeds of Success, is off to a strong start with multiple entrepreneurs learning how to reach their business goals.
As we end 2025, Community Solutions is conducting a new Community Needs Assessment. This data helps us know if anything has shifted for people. We need to know if our programs are addressing current needs or if there are new areas of need. We look forward to analyzing the data in preparation and planning for the 2026 program year.
Our staff and partners remain committed to serve and empower Lorain County residents in need. We are thankful every day for your support.
Pathways HUB Continues to Grow
Lorain County Pathways HUB exists because too many Lorain County babies don’t see their first birthdays.
The LCPHUB is a free program seeking to reduce infant mortality and improve the health of at-risk mothers and infants in Lorain County. The HUB connects mothers with caring Community Health Workers (CHWs) who focus on the health of both mothers and children.
In July, the LCPHUB achieved full certification by the Pathways Community Health Institute, creators of the Pathways model. As the HUB serves more women, babies and families with support and education, more birthdays are celebrated.
Late in 2025, the HUB received additional funding from the Ohio Commission on Minority Health to add doula services. Doulas work alongside medical staff to help ease a birthing mother’s pain and anxiety. The HUB will work with its partners to connect clients with doulas and expects to serve up to 20 clients. Doulas will be teamed with CHWs to best serve clients of the HUB.
In Lorain County, 13 out of every 1,000 Black infants die in their first year of life. The rate for white infants is 4.5.
Though the HUB is currently focused on pregnant women and their families in at-risk African American and Hispanic communities, the program is open to all Lorain County pregnant moms in need with these key goals:
► Reduce and eliminate Ohio’s infant mortality rates.
► Reduce and eliminate barriers that prevent mothers from receiving excellent pre-natal and post-partum care.
► Assist pregnant women throughout their pregnancy and up to their child’s first birthday.
► Assess unique health needs and apply the 21 Pathways to Better Health as needed.
173 mothers and babies assisted in 2025
Leading the Way to Better Outcomes
The Ohio Commission on Minority Health has identified 21 Core Pathways that impact people’s health. With each client, LCPHUB CHWs conduct a comprehensive assessment and translate each risk factor into a pathway. LCPHUB is designed to find, reach and serve those who need help the most. By addressing key health and/or social issues, the HUB works to transform our community to achieve equity. Together we will reduce the alarming rate of infant mortality.
The Social Determinants of Health are the conditions where we are born, work, live and age. Our social and physical environments have the ability to affect our health, functioning and quality of life.
Key factors are: economic stability, education, social and community support, health and health care, and neighborhood environment.
CHWs provide outreach, health education, care coordination and advocacy. They bridge the gap between communities and the health and social services system while advocating for individual and community needs. Direct services may include:
► Obtaining a car seat, crib or other baby items.
► Assisting with food and basic needs.
► Finding transportation.
► Helping with updating skills and finding employment.
► Finding secure, affordable housing.
► Assisting with immunizations.
► Assisting with medications.
► Helping with substance use issues.
HUB Provides Education
Outreach efforts focus on education and the extension of resources.
From billboards to health fairs, the HUB staff and CHWs are touching as many families as possible.
We know premature births and infant deaths are preventable - with the right care, support and resources.
LCCAA’s Lorain County Pathways HUB has been selected as a partner agency by Project MKC.
The Youngstown-based, grassroots non-profit partners with agencies throughout northeast Ohio to distribute items from its Basic Needs Bank. Items may include diapers, wipes, period supplies and toiletry items.
LCPHUB can provide diapers, wipes, training pull-ups and period products, while supplies last, every 30 days for free.
1,617 Pathways closed 347 packs of diapers distributed
HUB Helps New Mothers Prepare
Ki learned to process difficult emotions and manage her fears in preparation for the upcoming birth of her son.
Kinah Vargovich (aka Ki) has been working with Yolanda Brown, a Community Health Worker employed by Ohio Guidestone, one of the LCPHUB’s care coordination partners.
“She was unsure if she knew how to be a mother because her own mother wasn’t nurturing,” Brown said. “She was in a relationship she wasn’t sure was going to work.”
Little by little, Brown got her to open up and discuss everything from the custody battle between her own parents, to her ongoing care of her siblings.
“Ki told me that she truly enjoyed taking care of other people because it felt good,” Brown said.
Brown worked with Ki on setting boundaries, identifying toxic relationships and communication strategies.
When Andrea Galvan enrolled in the LCPHUB in September 2024, she was facing a very challenging period of her life. When baby Asia was born Feb.28, concerns related to substance exposure prompted a call to Child Protective Services.
Temporary custody was granted to Asia’s father. What could have been
Throughout the process, Ki was able to maintain close relationships with her siblings, work with her son’s father and reconcile with her own father. She also secured a better job, a new apartment and an optimistic outlook.
Her son was born at the end of August and Brown continues to work with them both.
a breaking point instead became Andrea’s turning point.
With support from her Community Health Worker, Myesha Hughes, and the coordinated services of the HUB, Andrea entered an addiction treatment program. On the day she celebrated 30 days of sobriety she took another step forward and began GED classes.
By July, Andrea celebrated six months of sobriety, demonstrating consistency and determination. She continued her education and remains on track to complete her GED early in 2026. In September, she completed her addiction program and proudly
began a new job.
“She was determined to build a stronger foundation for herself and her children,” Hughes said. “Her hard work paid off.”
On Nov. 3, CPS officially closed her case. Today, Andrea is employed part-time, raising her four children, and celebrating 10 months of sobriety. She has even set a new goal: becoming a peer supporter so she can help others who are walking a similar path.
“Andrea is proof that when compassion, accountability, and resources align, change is possible,” Hughes said.
Head Start Celebrates 60 Years
LCCAA Head Start has been caring for entire families for 60 years. As the only provider of Head Start in Lorain County in the history of the program, Head Start Works because we meet children and families where they are.
We offer center-based, school-based and home-based options staffed by innovative, dedicated teachers and assistants. LCCAA serves 580 children ages 3 to 5 in seven directly operated centers with the highest possible rating in Ohio’s Step Up to Quality Program.
Head Start serves children ages 3 to 5 and prepares them for kindergarten. The program uses 100% of the Federal Poverty Level for priority placement. In addition, the program can serve 35% of families whose income is between 101 and 130%. Ten percent of families can exceed 130% of the FPL.
Families in the following situations are automatically eligible:
► Receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
► Receiving TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families)
► Receiving SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
► Homeless, Foster care or Kinship Care
580 slots
7 centers
2 partners
Centers Around the County
Di rect ly Operated Locations
Central Plaza
1949 Broadway Ave., Lorain
Griswold
631 Griswold Road, Elyria
Firelands
10643 Vermilion Road, Oberlin
Hopkins-Locke
1050 Reid Ave., Lorain
LaGrange
12079 LaGrange Road, LaGrange
South Elyria
107 Oberlin Road, Elyria
Wellington
305 Union St., Wellington
Partner Locations
Horizon Education Centers
Little Lighthouse Learning Center
Head Start Men Make a Difference
Head Start men make a difference everyday in their children’s lives and last year, that difference was celebrated and supported.
At monthly meetings, fathers and father figures — and more than a few mothers — discussed important topics and shared insights from their experiences.
The meetings continue in the 2025-2026 school year and remain well-attended.
A two-generational approach means Head Start supports parents with information about important developmental milestones, guidance on family self-sufficiency goals and more. Family Service Assistants empower parents by connecting them with other needed services. They also provide support by building relationships and making sure each unique need is met.
Standard Driven
LCCAA Head Start follows exacting standards from both federal and state agencies. Additionally, the agency has its own core values and strategic goals which are based on best practices in early childhood education.
The federal office of Head Start defines school readiness as children possessing the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for success in school and for later learning in life.
Widely Held Expectations are tasks and skills children of a certain age are expected to know and be able to perform. They apply to all children in an age group regardless of their household income.
Head Start students make tremendous progress over the course of the school year. Many preschoolers enter Head Start with little to no learning background.
By the end of the year, the number of children exceeding expectations has skyrocketed and very few remain below average.
Creating Lifelong Learners
Head Start’s Early Learning Outcomes Framework includes domains that touch every aspect of a child’s learning and development. Our teachers are experts at designing actvities that address multiple domains.
Forming letters and numbers using Playdoh combines literacy or math with physical development of fine motor skills. Outdoor biking and games teach social skills like cooperation while working on gross motor skills and problem-solving.
Science is introduced with simple experiments that also include fine motor work.
Children learn by playing and as they grow, their attention spans lengthen, vocabulary expands and a foundation for lifelong learning is created.
Learning Domains in Head Start
Social Emotional Development: how children are learning to control their behavior and emotions, including getting along with other children.
Physical Development: walking, running, healthy eating, gross and fine motor skills ranging from throwing a ball to holding a crayon.
Literacy: identifying letters and their sounds, some basic print concepts, story retelling and children learning to write their names.
Cognitive Development: lengthening attention spans, problem solving, connecting experiences, beginning to understand symbolic thought.
Language Development: speaking and understanding words, following directions, using complete sentences, growing vocabulary.
Mathematics: counting, shapes, patterns and beginning measurement, scientific inquiry and, later, geography and social studies.
Foundational Health and Nutrition
Head Start’s Central Kitchen produces breakfast, lunch and snacks for most of our centers everyday. Working out of the new facility in Lorain, staff create nutritious, homemade meals that meet strict USDA standards.
Meanwhile, nutrition staff work to expand both palettes and home kitchens with their innovative Try Day and Out of the Box programs.
Try Days are multi-sensory experiences where students explore new foods. Classes receive the food in raw form and learn about how it is grown. Then, a unique recipe is added to the menu. Parents try many of the foods also with lobby tastings during drop off.
Try Day foods this year have included pumpkin, Brussels sprouts and more!
Out of the Box cooking demonstrations are held online. Registered families receive a box with everything they need to recreate the recipe - including some pots and pans and other kitchen equipment.
Out of the Box recipes are unique, economical and delicious! Demos are conducted by our classically trained Head Chef Luis Aguilar and Pisanick Partners Dietician Marge Robison with help from Food Service Manager Melinda Gray.
The online meetings provide opportunities to ask questions and all the recipes have been collected into a blog on our website.
115,065 meals served
102 boxes sent home
2,467 screenings conducted
Head Start students receive vision, hearing, dental, lead, hemoglobin and height/weight screenings. These services help children to receive early intervention for potential developmental issues. Children who require treatment or assistance are referred to medical professionals.
Helping a Mother Gain Confidence
When Family Service Assistant Rhonda Brown first met Sarah, she was trying to enroll her daughter Anna at Central Plaza while struggling with the loss of her own mother.
“Sarah explained she was not good with paperwork and needed assistance,” Rhonda said. “With tearful eyes she explained how she recently lost her mom who had been her person that helped her with all her paperwork, important documents and appointments.”
Four-year-old Anna was full of questions and curious about everything. Without a car, Sarah walked Anna to school every day allowing Rhonda to get to know her better. Sarah explained she didn’t really go anywhere due to her anxiety.
“I was extremely proud to see her attend our parent meetings,” Rhonda said. “We made it through the school year with many conversations and laughs. In the beginning there were a lot of tears but at the end there were a ton of smiles.”
Rhonda, who has been with LCCAA Head Start for more than 20 years, also worked with Sarah on utility assistance, help from the Produce Center and some clothing. Meanwhile, Sarah fought for and secured an IEP for her older daughter and sought treatment for her anxiety.
“Each time she met a new goal, her confidence grew,” Rhonda said. “At bridging I expressed how incredibly proud I am of her and that she inspires me to motivate more parents.”
At the end of the year, Anna headed to kindergarten at Summit Academy.
“Without you and Head Start I would not have done any of this,” Sarah told Rhonda. “You helped do this and gave me the courage to put myself out there again for my kids and me.”
Grad Becomes Special Ed Teacher
Early childhood education has been part of Leila Brown’s life since before she was born.
Leila’s mother, Julie Charles, started working for LCCAA Head Start in 1997 shortly before she learned she was pregnant with Leila. After she was a Head Start student, Leila became a volunteer in her mother’s classroom.
Now, with a new degree from Ashland University, Leila has her own kindergarten classroom at the Elyria Early Childhood Village.
When Leila joined her mother in her classroom her natural gift for teaching began to emerge.
“Leila has such a good spirit, children are naturally drawn to her,” Charles remembered.
As a para-professional at Elyria Early Childhood Village, Leila used many of the activities she remembers from her years as a Head Start student and volunteer.
“It’s totally transferred over,” she said. “My kids really need the structure. All of my playbased activities, having centers and rotation, that all came from Head Start.”
At the EECV, she is now part of a new, first-ofits-kind wing for kindergarteners who need special education.
Energy Services Provides Stability
Low-income families spend more than three times as much of their earnings on utility costs versus higher income households.
Multiple LCCAA programs help Lorain County residents keep bills current or resolve crisis situations. Key focus areas include keeping heat on in winter and helping those adversly impacted by extreme heat in summer.
To qualify for any of the Energy Services programs, households must be living at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Level. Other requirements apply to some programs.
3,758
Lorain County residents can apply for HEAP or PIPP 24-hours a day online or by mail. Crisis programs require an appointment with LCCAA staff, usually conducted over the phone.
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federal block grant program that provides an annual benefit to keep low-income homes warm in the winter.
Residents can apply for HEAP as early as July 1 before the winter season or as late as May 31 after the season. All Ohioans can visit energyhelp.ohio.gov to start or track an application. New this year, an Ohio ID is required for online applications.
The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) reduces utility bills to a percentage of the household’s income. Benefits of the program include forgiveness of arrearages.
All-electric households pay 10% of their income to their electric company. Those who have both electric and gas, pay 5% to each company. Enrolling in PIPP helps Ohioans avoid crisis situations.
Once enrolled, PIPP customers must make their payments on time and in full to enjoy all the benefits.
The Winter Crisis Program is for households who have had their primary heating source disconnected or who have received a disconnect notice.
Help Offered Throughout County
Bulk fuel users are considered in crisis if they have less than a 10-day supply of wood, propane or oil. Some repairs to central heating systems are also available. Winter Crisis operates between Nov. 1 and March 31. The Summer Crisis Program operates between July 1 and Sept. 30 to help households stay cool in the summer. The program is primarily geared toward seniors (60 or older) and residents who have a documented health condition worsened by extreme heat.
In addition to help with electric bills, Summer Crisis benefits can include free window air conditioner units or box fans. Limited central air conditioner repairs are also available.
Lorain County Office on Aging 534 Abbe Road South, Elyria LCCAA Energy Services offers in-person help at three locations.
Lorain County Office on Aging 105 Maple St., Wellington
El Centro Opportunity Center 1825 E. 28th St., Lorain
Help Delivered with Compassion
LCCAA Energy Services Staff serves clients with compassion and dedication. Our Energy Services advocates are experts at combining our programs with other sources in the community to provide assistance.
When Scott left his job of 24 years to care for his disabled son, he owed Amherst Utilities $1,800.
LCCAA was able to pledge $750 from the Winter Crisis Program and advocate Laureen Suspenski contacted her friends at St. Joseph’s Church. The remainder of Scott’s balance was covered by the Vincentians.
“Sometimes in this world a person needs a leg up to get over the hump and then they can do amazing things,” Suspenski said. “It’s amazing what everyone can do when they work together.”
The call Nora* received from Advocate Adrienne Cornelius this summer came at exactly the right moment. She had missed work due to a lengthy illness and both her electric and gas services were scheduled for termination.
“I literally needed help badly,” Nora said. “I can’t thank her enough for helping me when I needed it the most.”
Adrienne was able to use the Summer Crisis Program to make a pledge for Nora’s electric service. She also referred her to the Salvation Army for help with her gas bill.
“Mrs. Adrienne is the true definition of what all of us should strive to be – a great person who really makes a difference in the world,” the Avon woman said. “I just wanted to let you guys know how much I appreciate what you do.”
*The client’s name has been changed.
Via Vouchers Resource Directory
Lorain County’s Via LC Program alleviates some of the area’s transportation issues.
Using a $500 mini-grant from the Lakeland Community Foundation, LCCAA purchased 250 $2 vouchers to distribute to constituents.
To date 154 vouchers have been distributed, including some to partners P2R and Family Planning Services.
LCCAA’s Community Resource Directory helps residents navigate all the help available in our community.
In 2025, 1,650 copies of the directory were distributed through partner agencies, law enforcement and others. Additionally, the directory was downloaded 393 times from the agency website.
Program Replaces Appliances
Teaming up with Ohio Edison, the Community Connections program offers energy-efficient refrigerators, freezers and light bulbs to income eligible Ohio Edison customers.
LCCAA is contracting with Greener Homes Contracting to conduct energy audits for low-income families. If appliances are assessed as inefficient, the program replaces them. Customers can also receive energy efficient light bulbs for all fixtures.
Clients must live at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line and be a customer of Ohio Edison. Renters can qualify if they own the appliances. Verification and a waiver of liability from the landlord is required.
Community Connections is partially funded by the Community Services Block Grant and conducted in partnership with Ohio Partners for Affordable Energy.
36 clients served 26 appliances replaced
► You must have at least 12 months electrical service in your name.
► Provide your most current electric bill.
► Provide proof of income for everyone in the household 18 or older for the last 30 days.
► Provide a copy of Social Security cards for each household member.
► Provide a copy of your driver’s license or state identification card.
LCCAA has partnered with Greener Home Contracting to perform inspections and baseload testing for the Community Connections Program.
The family-owned business works with multiple non-profits across Ohio performing inspections for baseload, house warming, weatherization, lead testing and more.
Produce Center Provides Essentials
Food remains a critical need in Lorain County. LCCAA has chosen to focus on hard to find produce items. Our downtown Lorain Produce Center and our partnership driven community garden efforts are providing fresh healthy food throughout the county.
Additionally, the Produce Center serves as a work experience site for youth assigned to LCCAA by OhioMeansJobs Lorain County.
Approximately 13% of Lorain County residents are considered food insecure, meaning they don’t have reliable access to sufficient food.
LCCAA’s Produce Center is open to all Lorain County residents living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
The pantry operates in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio using Feeding America’s Order Ahead system. From the LCCAA website, residents pre-order food boxes and set appointments for drive-through pick up. Food items come through Second Harvest sources and focus on produce items and popular staples.
The Center provides youth ages 16 to 24 with valuable experience while showing them how to serve others. The youth workers unload the weekly 4,000-pound deliveries from Second Harvest then sort, count and pack them for distribution. The youth also maintain the building and load orders into customer vehicles.
2,988 boxes distributed
Youth Workers Staff Produce Center
Nineska Saez is willing to try anything. That’s how she flipped a home at age 19 and how she landed at the LCCAA Produce Center.
Assigned to the center by OhioMeansJobs’ youth workforce program, Nineska assists with sorting, packing, loading and unloading food boxes at the center which provides a drive-through pick up by appointment.
“I enjoy getting to help people and how excited they are,” she said. “They thank us and bless us.”
Born in Puerto Rico, Nineska and her family emigrated to the mainland U.S. in 2017 after hurricane Maria devasted the island. In 2018, she moved to Lorain and in 2020 graduated high school carrying her son Elijah across the stage with her.
“I’m always looking to better myself,” she said. “My goal is to become someone.”
In 2021, using COVID-related stimulus funds, Nineska bought a house in Lorain. With some help from her father, who had built homes in Puerto Rico, she remodeled and sold the home for more than double what she paid. She was only 19.
“I’m very eager to learn anything,” she said. “I definitely
have the ‘I’ll figure it out’ gene.”
With the proceeds, she bought her second home but is taking more time to fix it up little by little while raising her son and looking at longer term career options.
Nineska hopes to start classes at Lorain County Community College on their Fast Track program. She’ll begin with a certification in instrument sterilization and plans to work toward a bachelor’s degree and a career as a surgical technician.
Meanwhile, her son Elijah is thriving as a student at Hopkins-Locke Head Start. “I just want to give my son things my parents couldn’t give me,” she said.
Throughout 2025, seven youth workers assigned to LCCAA completed 2,086 hours of work. Students learn basic workplace expectations such as attendance, promptness, appropriate attire and behavior.
At the Produce Center, they are also learning about food safety and basic cleaning tasks. Eligibility for the youth worker program is determined by OhioMeansJobs.
LCCAA also partnered with Men of Courage to support Lorain County boys and girls ages 9 to 17 with mentoring. For it’s winter program, 128 students participated. In the summer, 22 participants enjoyed a variety of activities while being exposed to new ideas and experiences.
Mentors in the program include firefighters and police officers with other partnerships including area school districts and the Elyria Youth Sports Club.
“The main purpose of our mentoring series is to develop a growth mindset and let these kids begin to make good decisions,” said Men of Courage President Anthony Jones.
Growing Opportunities
LCCAA’s South Elyria garden partnership grew more than produce this year. Over 14 weeks, volunteers and participants in the Project Ready program of Lorain County Urban League tended the garden while growing their skills and serving their community.
Working with Mark Ballard II from Urban Awakening Farmz and Brendan Ortiz, Food Justice Coordinator for Lorain County Community College/ Oberlin College, the students have learned not just how to grow food, but how to grow leadership, teamwork and a deeper connection to their community. After hours of hard work moving soil, laying cardboard to provide nutrients to new plots and pulling weed after weed, the students also enjoyed sampling fresh watermelon, tomatoes from the vine and sweet corn.
Long-term partner Our F.A.M.I.L.Y. continues to lead this effort. Additional assistance came from Walmart, Elyria Public Library and Grateful Girl Tie Dyes.
Dendra Schwarz from Grateful Girl Tie Dyes donated more than 180 plants to the community garden.
Moving Forward By Car
Transportation remains a critical need in Lorain County and the By Car program is designed to support residents with career and educational goals.
By Car, funded by the federal Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), provides financial training, manages matching funds and offers one-on-one purchasing guidance.
LCCAA matches participants savings at a rate of $3 for every $1 saved (match ceiling is $6,000) Those who complete the program can also receive a year of car insurance up to $2,500.
By Car participants report feeling greater freedom and control over their lives as they drive to work, school and more. Many use their first drive to help or visit another family member.
Medical student Isabel Rivera said she plans to use her car to drive to shadowing opportunities with doctors and physicians. Other students use their cars to come home from college or visit friends and family.
By Car applicants must live at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, be 18 or older and either working, participating in a verifiable job search or enrolled in school. No one in the household can own a vehicle. A financial class is also required.
18 cars purchased 13 drivers insured
Financial Class Topics Include
► Required vs. Elective Expenses
► Wages and Assistance
► How Much to Save
► Credit and Loans
► Vehicle Selection Tips
► Vehicle Maintenance Tips
► Ohio Car Insurance Requirements
► Short and Long-Term Goal Setting
26 people took the class in 2025
Sowing the Seeds of Success
Seeds of Success is a new 10-week business development course designed to help entreprenuers whether they are already in business or are trying to capitalize on an idea.
The first group of six participants began the class Nov. 3.
Instructor Helena Rosa from the Northeast Ohio Community Education and Minority Business Assistance Center said the initial class is embracing the program and attending consistently.
“We’ve maintained 100 percent participation in every session, and participants have been highly engaged throughout the workshop,” Rosa said. “All attendees have consistently submitted
their assigned business plan sections each week, demonstrating strong commitment and followthrough.”
The MBAC supports minority, women, veteran, and socially or economically disadvantaged business owners across Northeast Ohio.
Participants in Seeds of Success must be living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level to join the CSBG funded program.
Participants who successfully complete the course and submit a viable business plan will recieve a laptop and a $2,500 business development grant. Watch our website and social media for future class dates.
Incomparable Agency Staff
When it comes to dedication, LCCAA staff are unmatched. LCCAA emphasizes professional development by supporting staff members as they seek credentials and degrees, offering tuition reimbursement and celebrating accomplishments.
For Head Start, performance standards lay out training and qualification requirements and LCCAA staff consistently exceed these requirements.
LCCAA also marks milestones of service and promotes from within.
Creative, Compassionate, Credentialed
Human Resources Director Carla Rodriguez earned her master’s degree. Head Start Teacher Delilah Jones earned her bachelor’s degree.
The following staff members earned their Child Development Associate credential:
► Barbara Rosario Garced ► Ty’Shae Chaney Nelson
► Rachel Nichols
► Alyssia Gonzalez
Promotions and Assignments
Bobby Taylor, who has been with LCCAA since 2017, is now the Director of Planning and Grantsmanship.
Tosha Craighead was promoted to Director of Community Services. She has worked at LCCAA for 11 years with most of her tenure spent in Head Start.
After nine years as the Site Administrator for Griswold, Diana Gifford, was promoted to Education and Disabilities Specialist to oversee all seven of LCCAA’s directly operated Head Start centers.
Delilah Jones was promoted to Site Administrator at Griswold.
Long-time Griswold teacher Sabah AjeelJabar was promoted to Site Administrator for Firelands and the agency’s collaborative partners.
Human Resources Director Carla Rodriguez earned her master’s degree this year at the same time her son, Niko, graduated high school as salutatorian.
A Head Start alumnus, Niko also earned his associate’s degree through Lorain High School’s Early College Program.
Read Carla and Niko’s full story by scanning the code.
Serving with Kindness
Employees Recognized for Years of Service
LCCAA recognizes staff who have achieved service milestones during all-agency meetings at the beginning of each school year.
Two employees were recognized for 30 years of service: Delilah Jones, newly appointed administrator at Griswold Head Start, and Rhonda Ramsey Wildenthaler, Early Childhood Service Worker at LaGrange.
25 Years of Service
► Energy Services Advocate Rupert Eldermire
► Wellington Head Start Teacher Melissa Kowal
► Hopkins-Locke Assistant Site Administrator
Bernadette Dickey
15 Years of Service
► Kelly Hale, Head Teacher at Griswold
10 Years of Service
► Ashley Payne, Food Service Worker
► Nicole Rodriguez, Food Service Worker
5 Years of Service
► Yolanda Cintron, Food Service Worker
► Amanda Gonzalez, Assistant Teacher, Wellington
► Edward Spooner, Custodian, Griswold
Long-time Staff Members Mourned
LCCAA mourned two staff members in 2025.
Hopkins-Locke Head Start Custodian Sherry Campana died unexpectedly on Christmas Day 2024. She was honored as students and staff returned to school in January.
At the same time, they said goodbye to long-time Head Start Nutrition Staff member Diane Cihak who died Jan. 2.
Both ladies were gratefully remembered for their service and dedication.
Board of Directors
LCCAA’s leadership includes a 15-member Board of Directors, meeting the requirements of our federal funders. Additionally, the Office of Head Start requires convening of a Parent Policy Council for each program throughout the country.
LCCAA’s Board includes people from three different sectors of the community: public officials or their designees, private individuals or business people, and low-income people or those who serve them.
Terms are five years each with no one permitted to serve more than three consecutive terms. Officers are elected from among the board members.
2025 Board of Directors
Chair, Vasyl Rabosyuk
Vice Chair, Bobby Calloway
Secretary, Rochell Corn
Treasurer, Barbara Burrill
Nick Bonaminio
Robert Chappo
Ryan Gembala
Rob Given
Sherry Green
Michele Henes
Debbie Hughes
Elizabeth Meadows
Jocelyn Melendez
Genesis Rodriguez
Vassie Scott
Board Members who completed their service in 2025 included Eddie Henson, who also served as secretary, Coreasa Portis and Joe Bott.
Board of Directors
Gerald Pippens 1955-2025
LCCAA’s Board Chair Gerald Pippens died unexpectedly Feb. 23.
He joined the board in 2010 and had served as chair since 2019.
His loss was felt deeply by current and former board members and LCCAA staff at all levels.
He is remembered as a tremendous leader who continually raised the bar and encouraged his fellow board members to grow into their roles. His compassion, kindness and wisdom were cited often.
Vice Chair Vasyl Rabosyuk stepped into the chair role for the remainder of the year.
Head Start Policy Council
Through Policy Council, parents are encouraged to participate in making decisions about the program.
Members are elected annually at the start of the school year by their centers. The Policy Council President serves on the agency’s Board of Directors.
2025-2026 Policy Council
President, Genesis Rodriguez
Vice President, Alisia McCoy
Secretary, Jaylan Moore
Asst. Secretary, Eryn Bailey
Asst. Secretary, Angelia Dean
Tiara Alston
Vicki Butera
Yahaira Crispin
Anthony Donald
Allyssa Earl
Jessica Garcia
Lexi Hinkle
Amaree Jackson
Rebekah Johnson
Michaela Purcell
Ashley Ready
Amanda Reinhart
Natalie Taylor
Mercedes Williams
Jon Veard, Sr. 1941-2025
Long-time LCCAA partner Jon Veard, Sr. died March 14 after a brief illness.
LCCAA benefited from several of Veard’s projects including the administrative headquarters at 936 Broadway Ave., the current Produce Center on 10th Street, the Central Plaza Head Start Center and the Central Kitchen on 8th Street.
Long-Term Viability
LCCAA’s Annual Wine Tasting Event on Sept. 25 returned to Amherst and benefited the agency’s endowment fund this year. The endowment fund, held at the Lorain County Community Foundation, ensures the long-term health of our agency and our work.
The event at Cole’s Public House included door prizes and lots of fun social time. Many thanks to all who attended or sponsored and especially to our Board and staff members who assisted throughout the event.
Thank you to the Community Foundation of Lorain County and all who donated to LCCAA through the annual Connect to a Cause event.
The Drew Family
Stephanie Ekers
Sarah Kasson
Barbara Nicholls
Christine Osborne
LouAnn Rhodes
Carla Rodriguez
The Sawyer Family
Tina Showalter
Revenue and Expenditures
Revenues
Expenditures
Statement of Financial Position
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
