5 Local Resources Families Might Not Know About
Leading a family household comes with lots of surprises along the way. Luckily, Cuyahoga County has an abundance of resources. Here are 4 resources parents might not know of to keep your family healthy and safe and 1 under-the-radar family fun destination.
You don’t know what life is going to throw your way. The Hebrew Free Loan Association of Northeast Ohio (HFLA of Northeast Ohio) offers interest-free loans to help with family budget woes. Whether it’s paying tuition, running a business, handling home repairs, managing high-interest debt, covering emergency funerals, or catching up on bills, these challenges can bring stress to the whole family. HFLA provides loans when most banks will not, helping families avoid turning to other high-interest rate options. You can read more about them here.
Triple P Positive Parenting Program offers Cuyahoga families free consultations that can help to reduce their stress. All parents could use a lifeline from time to time. Triple P at Bright Beginnings offers practical solutions to common behavioral challenges. Consultations are flexible, working around your schedule, and can take place virtually. Areas of interest include bedtime routines, disobedience, toilet-training, homework routines, and many others. Caregivers of children 12 and under in Cuyahoga County can request a consultation by clicking here.
Did you know that most housing in Cuyahoga County was built before 1978, before toxic lead-paint was banned? Children under 6 years old who live in or visit these homes could be at a high risk of lead poisoning. Making repairs can stir up lead dust and put kids at risk. Find out how to safely renovate your home and prevent lead poisoning by joining a free, one-day Renovation, Repair, and Paint (RRP) Certification training. Go to the Lead Safe Resource Center website for more information. There is no safe level of lead exposure for children or adults. Get ahead of lead!
Why buy tools that you will only use once a year? Did you know that there are two tool loan programs in the area? Any resident of Cuyahoga County can become a member of the Home Repair & Resource Center to borrow tools. Browse their tool inventory online to find hundreds of tools, most of which are free to borrow or have a low rental fee. Community Housing Solutions (CHS) lends tools to Cleveland residents, with tools available for free for 1-5 days. Both organizations teach how to use tools and complete home repairs. Both also offer housing counseling for home buyers and homeowners.
Many families may be surprised to learn that the Cleveland Museum of Art has a west-side location at The Pivot Center Community Arts Center. It is open to families every weekend of the year from 10am-5pm and Fridays 2-7pm. Inside, children will find humongous puppets, sculptures, and more from over 30 years of Parade the Circle at University Circle. No tickets are needed! Open Studio offers hands-on art for the whole family every Saturday and Sunday 1-4pm. Family FUNdays take place on the 1st Sunday of every month and feature family-friendly games and activities.
About the author:
In late 2022, Rachel Napolitano joined Bright Beginnings as a Community Liaison to connect community organizations and families in Cuyahoga County to direct services for the parenting journey and their child's development. Rachel has over 20 years of non-profit experience: in community organizing, civic marketing, youth development, fundraising, workforce development, training facilitation, community mediation, special events, service coordination, and non-profit administration. Most recently, she relished the chance to plan special events around racial equity working at YWCA Greater Cleveland and coordinate services at the county's emergency shelter for adults, YWCA's Norma Herr Women's Center. Rachel served seven years on the board of the InterReligious Task Force on Central America and Colombia and continues to throw Latin dance parties for them. She just graduated in aunthood to the status of Great.