2013 cacehr community assessment report

2013 CACEHR Community Assessment Report

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2013 CACEHR Community Assessment Report ©

Table of Contents I . Executive Summary 3

Introduction 3

Interim Community Assessment Review & Utilization 3

2013 Community Assessment Overview 5

Mission, Vision, Core Values & Commitment 11

II. County Profiles 12

Erie County 12

Huron County 13

Richland County 14

Erie, Huron & Richland Counties 15

III. Head Start 1305 20

IV. CACEHR CSBG Programs 22

V. Conclusions 24

Contact Information: 26

Please refer to the 2012 Community Survey Summary,

and 2012 CACEHR External / Internal Data

For Community & Child Issues for more information.

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I. Executive Summary Introduction

The Community Action Commission of Erie, Huron & Richland Counties, Inc. (CACEHR) is a private, non-profit corporation chartered by Ohio’s Secretary of State. Incorporated in 1965, CACEHR’s purpose is to provide advocacy and coordinate methods of removing the economically disadvantaged population of Erie, Huron and Richland Counties from poverty. CACEHR has two primary sources of funding, the Community Service Block Grant and our Federal Head Start program. In each case, these funders require periodic assessments of community needs, as mandated by the following:

Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Act – Section 676(b)(11) “…an assurance that the State will secure from each eligible entity in the State… a community action plan…that includes a community-needs assessment for the community served, which may be coordinated with community-needs assessments conducted for other programs.”

Head Start Performance Standard 1305.3(c)

“Each Early Head Start and Head Start grantee agency must conduct a Community Assessment within its service area once every three years. The Community Assessment must include the collection and analysis of…information about the grantee’s Early Head Start or Head Start area.”

We also conduct a concurrent Strategic Planning process during the same time period in order to review and analyze disparate or similar correlations of data from each process.

Interim Community Assessment Review & Utilization

Our prior Community Assessment Report identified the following priorities:

1. Self-sufficient jobs and/or provision of job readiness skills for low-income persons and the working poor (all age groups).

2. Agency Capacity issues including: Facilities; Leadership; Technology and expansion of more CACEHR services in ROMA Goals 2-5.

3. Provision of Child Care for ages birth through three years. 4. Shelter / Housing and Transportation.

Since that community assessment, progress has been made in those priorities. 1. Jobs / Job Readiness Skills: Computer Lab: The Mansfield CACEHR office provides a computer lab for job search and job readiness skill training.

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2. Agency Capacity:

Facilities: CACEHR’s Head Start relocated two Head Start locations to improved buildings/facilities: 1) in Norwalk, Head Start moved to Gallup Avenue based on enrollment needs and facility capacity; and 2) in Willard, Willard Head Start was moved to a new location at Conwell Street for the same reasons. CACEHR’s Norwalk Emergency Shelter suffered storm damage in 2010 and a local foundation grant provided funding to repair and restore the shelter. Leadership / Pathways To Excellence: CACEHR’s President/CEO Janice W. Warner was one of 59 first-rate human services professionals to receive the national office of the Community Action Partnership’s Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP) credential in 2012. In 2011, CACEHR also began working on the national self assessment certification program through Community Action Partnership’s Pathways To Excellence. CACEHR has grown over the last three years and will continue to work on agency capacity. The Pathways process will be implemented in 2013 and during this first year administrators will implement and analyze the results of our new agency-wide scorecard. Technology: CACEHR has implemented a new database driven website at www.cacehr.org. Updating the website is easy and administrators now have access to the site to provide current information on programs and services. ROMA / Goals 2-5: CACEHR staff utilized OCEAN to develop 30 distinct programs over three counties for CACEHR’s FY 2012-2013 CSBG programming. OCEAN utilizes ROMA (Results Oriented Management Accountability) which is the CSBG standard for provision of programming. Eligibility and in-take are completed on-line in OCEAN while customers provide documentation to our in-take workers to establish their eligibility and receipt of various benefits. Eligibility is determined on a program by program basis. OCEAN is also utilized by CACEHR administrators to report quarterly to the state of Ohio to document CSBG and other program financial expenditures, program outcomes, and to document Results & Learning (program monitoring and reporting). A Fatherhood program was developed in Richland County in 2011 when CACEHR implemented the 24/7Dad curriculum. This program receives referrals from the Richland County Probation Department, Domestic Courts, The Community Alternative Center, Child Support Enforcement Agency and Children’s Services. This program and helps fathers strengthen their relationships and support of their children in a more effective manner. CACEHR has also partnered with a new asset building program called By Car. Eligible persons establish a savings account, attend financial literacy programming, develop a budget and save over a period of time. They then may receive up to $2,666 in a cash match to purchase a car for school or work. 3. Provision of Child Care: CACEHR staff members explored the need for the provision of affordable child care for our low-income and working poor families. We found that those families really

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need free child care. No funding sources have been found to provide free child care services. 4. Shelter / Housing & Transportation: Shelter / Housing: CACEHR expanded our existing emergency home repair and handicapped accessibility modifications program to Richland County. A different housing program, Homeless Prevention Rapid Re-housing Program (HPRP) funding ($570,100) ended; and the State of Ohio awarded CACEHR with a grant of $121,700 for the Housing Stability Program. During this time frame (2010 - 2012) the State of Ohio’s Balance of State Continuum of Care for homeless and housing programs also underwent a significant reorganization. Transportation: Richland County provides bus vouchers to eligible individuals to ease their burden of transportation costs.

Summary: The prior Community Assessment Report was well utilized for program expansion and for developing new funding for more diversified programming:

In 2010, CACEHR added $348,523 in new funding; In 2011, CACEHR added $109,269 in new funding; In 2012, CACEHR added $216,700 in new funding.

Current Community Assessment Overview

The Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) and our Federal Head Start grant provide the foundation for CACEHR’s programs. For both grants, the overarching objective of this Community Assessment process is to provide an agency-wide assessment to determine the needs of the low-income populations of Erie, Huron and Richland Counties, and to use the qualitative and quantitative data (community survey and internal / external data) to develop new priorities for the next three years. This Community Assessment Report is the primary document that drives our fund Development process. While many community action agencies with Federal Head Start programs provide separate assessment processes for Head Start and CSBG Programs, CACEHR’s assessment process is agency-wide.

The Community Assessment Team was co-chaired by CACEHR’s Director of Research and Development, Debra S. Fisher, and our Head Start Director, Donna L. Drummer, who were appointed by CACEHR’s President/CEO. The 2012 Community Assessment Team members are:

Board Members

Emma Moore Private / Erie County

Jerry Shoemaker Private / Huron County

Sara Rebman Private / Richland County

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The co-chairs provided a Community Assessment Orientation/Training on March 30, 2012. The team reviewed CACEHR’s Mission Statement, “5 Steps to Community Assessment”, and gained a better understanding of completing a Community Assessment process. The team reviewed the prior assessment, and made decisions to continue with the Community Survey via www.SurveyMonkey.com. The Committee reviewed the design, data collection, decision making, and program planning. An analysis of resources identified that gaps and barriers of the agency. In this assessment process, the current Community Survey provided qualitative data related to 34 survey questions. Surveys were distributed by paper / mail during in-take processes for CSBG customers and staff; many were mailed directly to community members, other non-profits, colleges and universities and other constituencies. Head Start Policy Council members and parents were surveyed at Policy Council meetings, during home visits, child/drop off or pick up or through the mail. CACEHR received a total of 479 survey responses. Respondents were given the opportunity to provide contact information if they wanted more information about CACEHR programs and services; or more information about the results. A total of 81 respondents provided their contact information which CACEHR will use for our various communications and marketing campaigns; and to invite respondents to upcoming Community Forums and other events. The following Community Survey Charts on the next page summarize selected results.

CACEHR Staff Debra Fisher Director of Research & Development

Donna Drummer Head Start Director

Alex Norris CSBG / Richland County

Catherine Miller Head Start / Erie County

Dave Harris CSBG / Huron County

Connie Harris Head Start / Erie County

Jennifer Jennette CSBG / Richland County

Patrice Rowe CSBG / Richland County

Tim Brown CSBG / Erie County

Kristina Ramos Head Start / Huron County

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The total population for our three counties is 263,188.

Ohio’s County Profiles indicate that: 77,400 people live in Erie County; 59,997 people live in Huron County; and, 125,791 people live in Richland County.

5.0%

0.0%

31.6%

17.8%

21.1%

0.4%

16.0%

8.1%

Senior Nutrition Customer

Summer Food Service Program Customer

Community Member

CSBG/HEAP Customer

Head Start Customer/Parent

Parents As Teachers Customer/Participant

Staff Member

Service Provider (Non-profit)

0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0%

What is your relationship to CACEHR? Senior Nutrition Customer

Summer Food Service Program Customer

Community Member

CSBG/HEAP Customer

Head Start Customer/Parent

Parents As Teachers Customer/Participant

Staff Member

Service Provider (Non-profit)

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45.5% of Community Survey respondents reported completing just a high school diploma or GED, or did not graduate high school.

A total of 46% of our surveyed families’ household income is $19,999 or less.

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For the 410 survey respondents who answered this question; 68% received multiple types of assistance as shown in the chart below.

RANKING OTHER THAN NONE

21.8% Utilities, Rent & Mortgage payments 10.4% Health Care Doctor / Dentist 7.1% Debt Collection / Bankruptcy Services 6.8% Home Repair / Handicapped Accessibility Modifications 6.8% Free After School Programs 6.3% Job Search Assistance 6% SNAP/Food Stamps

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What services or programs do you think your community needs?

76.5% Not Enough Jobs / Low Paying Jobs 39.3% Lack of Education 35.3% Low Motivation 32.2% Lack of Training 14% Lack of Child Care OTHER (please specify) comments identified transportation / public transportation as a need.

RANKING OTHER THAN NONE

46.6% After-School / Youth Summer Programs 45.6% Basic Job Skills Training 43.2% Affordable Child Care 34% Educational Improvement

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For a detailed look at all of results of the Community Survey, please see the 2012 CACEHR COMMUNITY SURVEY SUMMARY.

Subsequent to the completion of the Community Survey, two additional collections of data were compiled: 1) extensive external research primarily from web-sites and local publications to document local needs and specific data; and 2) internal research; i.e. our Federal Head Start Program 2011-2012 PIR (Program Information Report) and ChildPlus. The co-chairs met again for a data review to confirm that all data elements (qualitative and quantitative) were secured. The co-chairs then developed the priorities for this report.

For a detailed look at all of results of the quantitative data, please see the 2012 CACEHR EXTERNAL / INTERNAL DATA

FOR COMMUNITY & CHILD ISSUES.

An analysis of the Community Survey, and all External and Internal Data was completed and the results are noted below.

1. Low graduation rates / GED acquisition in all three counties. 2. Unemployed / under-employed who seek / need job skills training / more

skilled education. 3. The working poor where 68% receive multiple supports to self-sufficiency. 4. Local business’ need for skilled labor. 5. That the causes of local poverty are perceived to be “not enough jobs / low

paying jobs (minimum wage), lack of training / education”. 6. The 51.9% of working poor who were prevented from receiving needed

services (not eligible / over income). 7. After school or youth summer programming; basic job skills training; and

affordable child care are the top three programs our community needs. 8. Affordable (public) transportation is also a continuing issue for many people

as indicated in the comment section of many survey questions. The new priorities were reviewed and approved by the President/CEO and Administrators of CACEHR; and by the Head Start Policy Council and the Board of Trustees. These priorities are reported in the conclusions section of this report.

Mission, Vision, Core Values & Commitment

To promote self-sufficiency and improve the quality of life of those in need. CACEHR is a leading agency embracing a diverse community with outstretched arms uplifting individuals to their highest potential by empowering all to a more successful life in an ever changing world.

Mission:

Vision:

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II. County Profiles

Erie County

Erie County is located in north central Ohio along the shore of Lake Erie with 35 miles of shoreline. Its location makes it a great place for tourism, manufacturing and construction. Sandusky is the county seat. The total population is 77,400 for Erie County. The top three largest cities in Erie County are Sandusky City (25,793), Huron City (7,149), and Vermilion (4,742). Race/Ethnicity & Poverty: The population for the top three cohorts are: 87% white, 8.4% African American, and 1.9% Two or More Races. The total minority population of Erie County is 13.6%. Overall poverty is 12.1% county wide; poverty for children under age 5 is 19.1%; poverty for seniors (65 and older) is 9.6%; Black African American poverty is 30.5%; and the Hispanic or Latino poverty rate is 16.8%. Employment Status: Erie County adults in the workforce can be broken down into several categories.

Core Values:

Ensures that what is done is best for the organization; staff ensures they are doing what is expected and required; they meet standards. Trustworthy; truthful; doing what is right when no one is looking. The person receiving the message holds judgment and focuses on understanding what is being communicated.

CACEHR comes first; staff does what it takes to get the job done including going the extra mile; there is a unified front.

Focus in on “we” and “our”; there is no “I” in team; team members respect and can count on each other.

Accountability-

Integrity-

Listening-

Loyalty-

Team Work-

Trying to do my best everyday. Finding humor and being able to laugh. Thinking of solutions; building bridges, not walls. Finding something positive in each person we meet. Keeping a positive attitude in all situations. Treating people the way we wish to be treated. Being a person of integrity. Being a friend when needed. Doing everything to the best of my ability.

Staff Commitment:

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Married Couple, Both in Workforce: 41.4% Married Couple, One spouse works: 20.6% Married Couple, No one works: 17.2% Single Male in Workforce: 3.4% Single Male Not in Workforce: 1.5% Single Female in Workforce: 11.3% Single Female Not in Workforce: 4.6%

Education: For persons over the age of 25, the top three largest cohorts are: 39.8% who are high school graduates; 20.5% with some college, no degree; and 12.8% with a bachelors degree. However, 51.9% of Erie County’s entire population has just a high school diploma / GED or no diploma. There are now six public school districts (two merged). EHOVE provides adult and vocational education; and Ohio Business College, Lorain County Community College, and Oberlin College offer higher education opportunities. Age: Erie County’s population has aged. Three years ago our previous Community Assessment Report documented the county’s median age at 39.5 years; now the median age is 42.6 years. Persons in the 45-64 age group now comprise the largest group at 29.8% (23,099 persons). Persons in the 25-44 age group are now the second largest group at 22.6% (17,516%). Seniors age 65 years and older are now the third largest population group at 17% (13,203 persons). The smallest group is Children under the age of 5 at 5.7% (4,375 persons). Business: In addition to agriculture, tourism, and retailing, Erie County’s economy has a variety of industries and businesses. including automotive parts, plastics, paints, and colorants, packaging materials, food processing, mining, and metal products. Most people are employed in the Service Providing sector with 1,647 establishments; and an average employment of 24,747 and an average weekly wage of $522. The next largest group is Goods Producing with 320 establishments; and an average employment of 6,776 and an average weekly wage of $1,007. There are currently 1,675 active businesses (2008). Only 121 new business starts were reported in the Erie County Profile.

Huron County

Huron County is located just south of Erie County in north central Ohio. Huron County is larger in land cover than Erie County and is more rural compared to Erie County. Huron County has about 25% more cropland than Erie County. Huron County’s location also makes it a great place for manufacturing, trade, transportation and construction. Norwalk is the county seat. The total population is 59,997 for Huron County. The top three largest cities in Huron County are Norwalk City (17,012), Willard City (6,236), and Bellevue (3,637).

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Race/Ethnicity & Poverty: The population data for the top three cohorts are: 94.4% white, 2.5% Other, and 1.1% Two or More Races. The total minority population of Huron County is 8%. Overall poverty is 14% county wide; poverty for children under age 5 is 24%; poverty for seniors (65 and older) is 7.5%; Black African American Poverty is 30.7%; and Hispanic or Latino poverty rate is 37.1%. Employment Status: Huron County adults in the workforce can be broken down into seven categories.

Married Couple, Both in Workforce: 45.4% Married Couple, One spouse works: 20.2% Married Couple, No one works: 13.9% Single Male in Workforce: 4.6% Single Male Not in Workforce: 1 % Single Female in Workforce: 10 % Single Female Not in Workforce: 4.9%

Education: For persons over the age of 25, the top three largest cohorts are: 50.4% who are high school graduates; 16% with some college, no degree; and 15% with no high school diploma. In Huron County’s population, 65.5% of the population are high school graduates, GED or no high school diploma. There are seven public school districts. EHOVE also serves Huron County with adult and vocational education services. Opportunities for higher studies are provided by Oberlin College, Lorain County Community College, and Ashland University. Age: Three years ago our previous Community Assessment Report documented the county’s median age at 34.9 years; now the median age is 37.2 years. Persons in the 45-64 age group comprise the largest group at 26.3% (15,771 persons). Persons in the 25-44 age group are the second largest group at 25.4% (15,240). Persons age 5-7 years are the third largest population group at 19.7% (11,806 persons). The smallest group is Children under the age of 5 at 7.2% (4,345 persons). Business: In addition to agriculture and manufacturing, Huron County’s economy has plastics, food and commercial vehicles, as well as health care. Most people are employed in the Service Providing sector which has 969 establishments; an average employment of 10,632 and an average weekly wage of $541. The next largest group is the Goods Producing sector with 299 establishments; an average employment of 8,688 and average weekly wage of $794. There are currently 1,313 active businesses (2008). Only 98 new business starts were reported in the Huron County Profile.

Richland County

Richland County is directly south of Huron County. Mansfield is the county seat. The total population is 124,791 for Richland County. The top three largest cities in Richland County are Mansfield (47,821), Shelby City (9,317), and Ontario (6,225). Race/Ethnicity & Poverty: The population data for the top three cohorts are: 87.4% white, 9.4% African American, and 1.8% are Two or More Races. The total minority

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population of Richland County is 13.3%. Overall poverty is 12.2% county wide; poverty for children under age 5 is 18.7%; poverty for seniors (65 and older) is 7.9 %; Black African American Poverty is 23.7%; and Hispanic or Latino poverty rate is 20%. Employment Status: Richland County adults in the workforce can be broken down into several categories.

Married Couple, Both in Workforce: 41.3% Married Couple, One spouse works: 13.9% Married Couple, No one works: 20.1% Single Male in Workforce: 3.5% Single Male Not in Workforce: 1.3% Single Female in Workforce: 14.0% Single Female Not in Workforce: 4.5%

Education: For persons over the age of 25, the top three largest cohorts are: 43.1% who are high school graduates; 20.5% with some college, no degree; and 19% with a bachelors degree. However, 59.5% of Richland County’s entire population has just a high school diploma / GED or nothing. There are nine public school districts. Pioneer Joint Vocational School also serves this County with adult and vocational education services. Mansfield / Richland County is home to a regional campus of Ohio State University, North Central State College and MedCentral College of Nursing. Ashland University and the College of Wooster are nearby.

Age: Richland County’s population median age is 39.8. Persons in the 45-64 age group comprise the largest group at 27.4% (334,491). Persons in the 25-44 age group are the second largest group at 25.3% (31,848). Children age 5 -17 years are the third largest population group at 17% (21,424 persons). The smallest group is Children under the age of 5 at 5.7% (4,375 persons).

Business: In addition to agriculture, tourism, and retailing, Richland County’s economy has a variety of industries and businesses including steel, tubular and electric as major employers. Most people are employed in the Service Providing sector with 2,332 establishments; and an average employment of 33,337 and an average weekly wage of $522. The next largest group is Goods Producing with 500 establishments; and an average employment of 13,886 and an average weekly wage of $899. There are currently 2,333 active businesses (2008). Only 230 new business starts were reported in the Richland County Profile.

Erie, Huron & Richland Counties

Self Sufficiency Standard: The Ohio Self-Sufficiency Standard measures how much income a family needs to meet their basic needs - without public or private assistance. The Self-Sufficiency Standard is vastly different from the Federal Poverty Level and incorporates much more than wages as shown in the tables on the next page. CACEHR will continue to use the Self Sufficiency Standard to address the social services and child care issues that our customers and members of the working-poor

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face in their daily struggles. Please see the current (2011) Erie, Huron and Richland Counties Self-Sufficiency Standards that follow. There is clearly a disconnect in our communities in regard to educational attainment and the acquisition of employment, specifically at Self Sufficiency Standards which pointed to the need for further analysis of our data during this Community Assessment process.

The Self-Sufficiency Standard for Erie County, OH 2011

I I I I I I ""'" I I Adull • Adull' Adull' Infonl Z AdullS' 2 AdullS • A<lull • Infonl Pr ... chool .. r School oBe Pr .. «hoole, Infonl Pre.chooler

MONTHLY COSTS Adull P,,,«hooler Pre.choole, School .se T"onoij '" School 011" Pre.chool" r School 'S"

Ho",'"' 5532 56 79 5679 $1>79

~ 5886 $679 $679 , ,

~ ,

! :::: :::: s::: :::: "" :::: H •• ,," ,," "" " 50" sno "" ,m "" "" "" sm T • .,. "" 5·U8 SM8 5 560 529 0 58 66 $684 5581

"m,' '",om. SO -$40 SO " _521 9 SO SO SO , """~ "~,; (-) SO -$ 1>3 -5 100 -5 110 -$70 -$ 100 -S100 -S100

'"''' Tn ,,,'" (-) " -m s'" "" 'W -,>s, -'''' "" , W'G' HO URLY $8.30 $15 _6" $21 . 52 $19.22 $13.50 $26 .77 $12.25 $11.15

per adU lt per adult

",'" ",m ",'" ",'" ",m ",'" ",m ",'" "',m m ,o" ' ," ,,"' ''',m m ,m m ,m "','" '<>,'"

The Self-Sufficiency Standard for Huron County, OH 2011

""". I """ . I """. Adull • Infonl 2 Ad"ll .. 2 Adult> • Adult· Infonl P,oschool .. School-ag. P,uchool .. , Infanl Pnschool . r

MONTHLY COSTS Adult Preschoole, P,e.choole, Schooloile T"enOil'" School ~iI" P" .. choole, School ~ile

Hous lnll 5530 5 MB 5M8 5M8 $ 6 48 $B99 5MB 5M 8

Child Car .. '0 5575 $1,226 $8 97 $ 322 $1,548 $1,226 $897

Food $219 5332 $ .. 36 $498 5578 $588 $626 $685

Transportation 5 Z27 $n .. $234 $23" 523" 523" $442 5 .... 2

Health Care $165 $" 21 5 .. ) 9 $ 4"5 $"68 $" 63 $5 04 $5 10

Miscellaneous 511 .. 5221 $298 $272 5225 $373 $3 .. 5 $318

T;ue. 520 .. $390 $1>31 5 458 5265 $8 35 $6 .. 8 $5 ....

Earned Income '0 -$63 '0 -$ 1>5 ·$241 '0 '0 '0 Tax Credtt (-)

Child Car .. SO -$65 -$ 100 -$11 5 -$6 3 -$100 -$ 100 -$100 TalC Credtt (-)

Child Tax Credtt (-) SO -$83 -$167 -5167 -5167 -5250 -$167 -5167

SELF-SUFFICIENCY WAGE

HOURLY $8. 29 $1".83 $20. 71 $17.65 $12. 89 $26.08 $11 . 85 $10.73

per adult per adult

MONTHLY 51,458 52,611 53,645 53, 107 52, 268 5 4 ,590 5 .. ,171 53,778

ANNUAL 517,50;( $31 ,326 5" 3,740 $37, 286 517, 218 $55,081 $50,054 $" 5, 33 5

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Labor Force & Unemployment: Like many Ohio communities, our counties have suffered a significant job loss. Please see the chart below.

Education / Employment Disconnect: Community survey question 21 asked respondents: “What do you think are the major causes of poverty where you live? (Check all that apply)?”. The largest response category was “not enough jobs / low paying jobs at 76.5%” and the second largest response category was lack of education at 39.3%.” A total of 45.5% of Community Survey respondents reported that they have only attained a high school diploma / GED or did not graduate. Ohio’s Office of

Overall the labor force in our three counties has remained consistently stable: 134,770 in 2007; 134,900 in 2009. While in the same time frame, the overall unemployment rate has almost doubled: 6.8% in 2007; 13.1% in 2009.

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Research publishes Ohio County Profiles and Erie, Huron and Richland data documents that our three counties have a total of 58.9% of our population who have only a high school diploma / GED or did not graduate. A total of 86 Community Survey respondents identified themselves as “unemployed” and when asked “how do you think we [CACEHR] can help?”, 34 of the comments were focused on jobs, help with tuition, skills training, referrals, trade school, etc. The chart below shows the education / employment disconnect by age.

Veterans Data: The veterans population in our total area is 26,175; with 7,795 living in Erie County; 5,101 living in Huron County; and 12,370 living in Richland County. The total veteran population for our service area is 26,175. These charts document veterans educational attainment and median income by sex.

On average, female veterans make substantially less than male veterans. CACEHR’s new OHIO V.E.T.S. program is one of just six pilot programs in the State of Ohio in

45.7%

55.8%

55.9%

53.8%

44.1%

44%

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

Erie County Huron County Richland County

Veterans By Educational Attainment

Some College / Associates / BA or Higher

HS Diploma / GED / Or Less

$32,385 $36,545$29,575

$20,800

$23,500

$17,933

$0

$10,000

$20,000

$30,000

$40,000

$50,000

$60,000

$70,000

Erie County Huron CountyRichland County

Median Income Past 12 Mo. By Sex

Female Veterans

Male Veterans

Respondents age 25 and

older connect the need for education, skills and training

to implied rate of pay.

According to the Census Bureau,

associate degree holders earn an average

of $400,000 more over a lifetime than

high-school graduates.

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Richland County. Assistance includes rent, utility assistance, referrals, employment training, financial literacy and case management. Aging Population: The rapidly aging senior population in Erie, Huron and Richland Counties will continue to increase and is typical of the State of Ohio.

Aging in place and the expanding use of family or private care giving, and other aging issues effect low-income and working poor families. CACEHR will explore new collaborations and partnerships on behalf of these individuals and their families in order to help them sustain their independence and quality of life. CACEHR owns two low-income affordable senior housing complexes, the Community Plaza in Sandusky and Windy Acres in New London.

7,0154,397

10,571

4,334

2,652

6,9281,956

1,034

2,761

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

Erie County Huron County Richland County

Senior Population

Aging

41,684 Total

Age 85+

Age 75‐84

Age 65‐74

CACEHR provides an Emergency Tri-County Home Repair program that also provides handicap accessibility modifications to eligible homeowners to age in place. Richland County also offers a Senior Nutrition Program to Mansfield seniors at 597 Park Avenue.

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III. Head Start 1305 CACEHR’s Head Start Program uses ChildPlus to monitor our program, which currently serves 302 children and their families in Erie and Huron Counties. Head Start operates 16 part-day and four full-day option classrooms in Sandusky, Norwalk and Willard. During the 2011-2012 program year, CACEHR’s cumulative enrollment was 349 children. CACEHR’s 2011-2012 Program Information Report indicates the program served 251 non-Hispanic children and 98 Hispanic children. Their races are broken down as follows:

Black or African American 92 Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander 1 White 120 Biracial/Multi-racial 59 Other (selected by mostly Hispanic parents) 72 Unspecified 5

CACEHR’s early childhood education staff includes nine Black or African American, 18 White, and one Biracial/Multi-racial members, six of whom are bi-lingual (Spanish & English speaking). The race and language of staff correlates with the races and languages of children served by Head Start. Children in Poverty & Disabilities:

*The US Census Bureau American FactFinder (11/9/2012) Single Years of Age and Sex: 2010. **The PCSAO 2012 Factbook, 10th Edition. ***Provided by Ohio Department of Education, Regional Coordinator of Early Learning & School Readiness State Support Team #2 Representative. Child Development Programs & Child Care Providers: The 2012 PCSAO Factbook, 10th Edition reports that in Erie County the number of children receiving Help Me Grow services increased 20%; while 205 Newborn home Visits were made to families in 2009. Overall, the PCSAO Factbook Erie County profile indicated 439 children received Help Me Grow services. This same source reports that in Huron County the number of children receiving Help Me Grow services increased 86%; while 349 Newborn home Visits were made to families in 2009. The Huron County profile indicated 584 children received Help Me Grow services. Together the two counties Help Me Grow program

Erie County

Huron County

Total*

Child Poverty Rate / # Children**

Preschool Disability Data***

3 Years 844 792 1,636 17% / 278 Children

225

4 Years 843 893 1,736 21% / 364 Children

164

1,687 1,685 3,372 642 Children 389 / 11.8%

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served 1,023 children. Competing child care providers in Erie County include 13 preschools with a total capacity of 503 preschool age children. Huron County competing child care providers include 15 preschools with a total capacity of 471 preschool age children. Altogether, there are 28 different providers in Erie and Huron Counties who provide 974 slots for preschoolers. Local school districts providing preschool for preschool children and preschool children with disabilities include: Erie County: Edison Local Schools, Firelands Local Schools, Huron City Schools, Margaretta Local Schools, Perkins Local Schools, Sandusky City Schools and Vermilion Local Schools.

Huron County: Bellevue City Schools, Edison Local Schools, Firelands Local Schools, Monroeville Local Schools; New London Local Schools, Norwalk City Schools, Plymouth-Shiloh Local Schools, Seneca East Local Schools, South Central, Western Reserve Local and Willard City Schools.

Our total Head Start service area’s population for three and four year old children in Erie and Huron Counties is estimated to be 3,372. We also know that 381 preschool children are assisted through local school districts with pre-schools and another 974 are provided for through competing preschoolers, for a total estimate of 1,355 children attending preschools other than Head Start. CACEHR Head Start serves 302 children. The total count for preschool age children utilizing all preschools in Erie and Huron Counties is estimated to be 1,657 children. This implies that there is a gap in service existing in Erie and Huron Counties for Head Start services with an estimated 1,715 children not presently enrolled in any early childcare preschool program. Disabilities Information and Services: According to CACEHR Head Start’s most re-cent PIR (2011-2012), our children primarily have speech or language impairments. This PIR reports a total of 22 children on an IEP (Individual Education Program). Of these, 18 children were determined eligible to receive special needs services through the Local Education Agency prior to enrollment into the Head Start program this enrollment year. Another four were determined eligible to receive special needs services during the program year. The Head Start benchmark is 10% of enrolled children must be identified and eligible to receive special education services through the applicable Local Education Agency each program year. Collaboration Agreements: The Head Start Program collaborates with Local Education Agencies that provide services to children with disabilities in Erie and Huron Counties. These agencies include each county’s School Districts, Board of Development Disabilities and Help Me Grow Programs. Child & Family Health Care Services: Health services are critical for our children. During the 2011-2012 program year 292 Head Start children were covered by some

225

156

381

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type of health insurance (Medicaid, CHIP or private health insurance) and 57 children had no health insurance coverage. Seventeen children were diagnosed by a health care professional with a chronic condition, with all 17 children receiving medical treat-ment. Chronic conditions included: asthma, hearing difficulties, vision problems, and high lead levels. CACEHR’s Nutrition Consultant determined 214 Head Start children were at a healthy weight, 12 were underweight and 45 were overweight. Continuous, accessible dental care provided by a dentist was reported for 117 children. A total of 196 children were determined by a health care professional to be up-to date on all immunizations appropriate for their age. Community Resources: CACEHR Head Start parent’s are encouraged to enroll in all of the CSBG social service programs CACEHR may offer including HEAP, E-HEAP, Summer Crisis Cooling, Foodbanks, Norwalk Emergency Shelter, etc. Eligibility Recruitment Selection Enrollment & Attendance (ERSEA): ERSEA efforts encompass the entirety of both counties, with added concentration in Sandusky, Norwalk and Willard. The current center locations in Sandusky, Norwalk and Willard reflect the Census Tract numbers. Options and Locations: CACEHR has determined that the majority of Head Start eligible children are centralized in Sandusky, Norwalk and Willard. The center option (full-day or part-day) is determined by family need, transportation availability, and whether the geographical area is rural or urban. IV. CACEHR CSBG Programs CACEHR CSBG (Community Services Block Grant) funding is formula funding awarded through the State of Ohio. CSBG funding is flexible and responsive to community needs. Community Services: CACEHR operates Food Banks in Erie and Huron Counties for needy families. We provide a By Car Program in all three counties that helps families or an individual establish a savings account, save money over time, take a financial literacy course and receive up to $2,666 in matching funding to buy their own car for school or work. CACEHR offers free Income Tax Preparation in all three counties with free electronic filing and direct deposits to a customer’s bank account through the Ohio Benefit Bank. When school is out, our Summer Food Service Program provides nutritious meals for children in Erie, Huron and Richland Counties. In Erie County, CACEHR offers School Supplies to the children of eligible low-income families and also provides miscellaneous Emergency Supplies to local families. In Huron County, CACEHR offers Christmas in July to local eligible families and at other times Emergency Supplies can be made available to low-income families. In Richland County, the Fatherhood Program helps increase fathering knowledge, and develops skills and attitudes that increase healthy interaction with their children and the

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children’s mother. RX Assistance provides low-income people with life-sustaining prescriptions; the Essentials Closet provides personal and household essentials to eligible households; Emergency Clothing provides uniforms for school or work; and, Ohio V.E.T.S. provides rent assistance, utility assistance, referrals, employment training, financial literacy and case management. Affordable Housing / Homeless Prevention & Utility Assistance: CACEHR provides Housing Assistance, or emergency home repair and handicapped accessibility modifications to eligible homeowners in Erie, Huron & Richland Counties. The City of Sandusky CDBG Emergency Home Repair & Handicapped Accessibility Program also helps eligible homeowners in the City limits of Sandusky with emergency home repair and handicapped accessibility modifications. The Housing Stability Program provides assistance for individuals or households in Erie or Huron Counties facing eviction or not able to pay utilities. CACEHR also offers Emergency Food & Shelter programming in Erie and Huron Counties to assist residents with rent deposits or one-time payments per year depending on eligibility. The Norwalk Emergency Shelter remains the only emergency shelter in Huron County and provides a 90 day maximum shelter for families with children. In Huron County, CACEHR also uses the Emergency Shelter Grant Program and Emergency Food & Shelter Programs to provide rent assistance. CACEHR is the State of Ohio designated provider for HEAP, the Home Energy Assistance Program. HEAP makes third-party payments to utility companies for heating bills to income eligible households in all three counties. Similarly, the Summer Crisis Cooling Program provides assistance to eligible customers in all three counties for electric bills during summer months of July and August. Customers may also receive an air conditioner with verifiable medical documentation. In Huron County, CACEHR also provides the Emergency Shelter Grant Program and Emergency Food & Shelter Programs for various utility assistance to eligible persons or households. In Richland County, CACEHR also provides a Utility Assistance program to eligible individuals and families. Senior Services Programs: CACEHR’s largest senior program is a congregate meal program in Mansfield in partnership with our local Area Office on Aging. CACEHR also provides transportation within the City of Sandusky to seniors to keep medical appointments, to go to their banks, for employment and shopping. CACEHR also owns two apartment complexes for persons age 62 or older, which offer a safe and secure setting for residents. In Erie County the Erie Community Plaza is located in Sandusky and offers 29 one bedroom apartments. It is managed by Erie Metropolitan Housing. In Huron County, Windy Acres is located in New London and offers 36 one bedroom apartments. Both apartment complexes offer extremely affordable apartments for low-income seniors. Collaborations & Partnerships: CACEHR works with 73 local non profit providers, including financial and banking institutions, school districts, universities, for profit busi-nesses, housing consortiums / collaborations, health service institutions, and state and

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local government agencies in all three counties to accomplish our work. V. Conclusions CACEHR will continue to work diligently to serve and empower low-income persons to become self-sufficient and expand services to the working poor. CACEHR will complete the Pathways To Excellence process and will implement an agency-wide Scorecard in January 2013. Our new 2013 Strategic Plan also addresses agency capacity, tighter internal operations, staff development, diversified fundraising, a comprehensive employment plan for our customers, internal / external communications and marketing, and collaborations and partnerships. CACEHR Community Assessment co-chairs set priorities for the completion of this Community Assessment process in January 2013. The results are: 1. To develop a comprehensive employment plan that will enhance the employability of CACEHR customers over the next three years.

2. To continue to increase agency capacity by addressing staff development and adequate facilities issues. 3. Provision of shelter / housing and transportation.

*ROMA (Results Orientated Management Accountability) is currently used as a project management tool for CSBG programs and our Federal Head Start program. The national ROMA goals are:

Goal 1: Low-income people become more self-sufficient. Goal 2: The conditions in which low-income people live are improved. Goal 3: Low-income people own a stake in their community. Goal 4: Partnerships among supporters and providers of service to low- income people are achieved. Goal 5: Agencies increase their capacity to achieve results. Goal 6: Low-income people, especially vulnerable populations, achieve their potential by strengthening family and other supportive systems.

CACEHR’s Head Start Policy Council and the Board of Trustees have reviewed and approved this report. For further inquiries and information, please refer to the back cover of this report for contact information. CACEHR welcomes your questions and comments.

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Community Action Commission of Erie, Huron & Richland Counties, Inc. 908 Seavers Way

Sandusky, OH 44870

Please Contact:: Janice W. Warner, CCAP. President / CEO or Debra S. Fisher, Director of Research & Development for more information. PH: 419-626-4320 www.cacehr.org

Head Start Policy Council Review: January 30, 2013. Board o f Trustees Review: January 26, 2013.

2013 cacehr community assessment report

Documents

community assessment

community survey summary

community child issues

community action planthat

cacehrs head

community service block

willard head

cacehr services