CJFS Community Engagement and Outreach VISTA

Cuyahoga Job and Family Services (CJFS) connects residents with public benefits and work supports to help individuals and families on their journey to self-sufficiency. CJFS is tasked with determining eligibility and case management of five core benefit programs and workforce initiatives: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a federal food assistance program; Ohio Works First (OWF), the county form of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance program; Medicaid, medical care and insurance for low-income families and the aged/blind/disabled populations; Child care assistance, making it easier for adult caretakers to find and maintain education and a career path; and Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC), which provides aid and services to families due to unexpected emergencies.

The project focuses on the engagement and connection of communities of multi-system need who are only receiving one service but are eligible for others. Cuyahoga County is home to many new immigrant populations with distinct needs, cultures, and languages. The project aims to build on existing relationships with the Latino communities, immigrant and refugee populations, and other emerging groups