While homelessness takes a heavy toll on our nation’s children, the outlook on supporting this vulnerable population is not all bleak. The Cleveland Metropolitan School District launched a comprehensive program in the 1990s that, to this day, serves as a shining example of educational reform. Project ACT (Action for Children in Transition), founded by current director, Marsha Zashin, takes a holistic approach to providing instructional and support services to ensure students’ ongoing participation in the educational system.
According to Angeline Sulak, Project ACT Crisis Manager, the roughly 1400 clients include families living in shelters, those who are residing with extended family members, and unaccompanied youth (students who are residing with anyone who is not considered their legal guardian.) Students are supported academically and socially by 13 Life Skills Coaches who work full time in high need buildings. While there is a great deal of need, community partnerships assist in making the work manageable. The Department of Children and Family Services, the Office of Homeless Services, the IDEA Center at Playhouse Square, Instacart and the Cleveland Food Bank are just a few of the local connections that support the work of Project ACT. In addition, Sulak regularly provides presentations at other local organizations in order to spread the word about their mission and garner support. Posters and flyers can be found throughout the city at locations such as recreation centers and libraries. According to Sulak, their consistent message is that “homeless families have rights” and she communicates frequently with building administration in order to educate them around these rights, which are guaranteed under the McKinney-Vento Act, the Federal law that protects students and families experiencing homelessness.
Services provided by Project ACT are far-reaching. They include counseling through the behavioral health agency Beech Brook, assistance to unaccompanied youth (age 18+) to obtain medical coverage, food stamps and social security, and weekly food bags at some district schools. High school seniors receive especially intensive support to ensure they make it to graduation. While McKinney-Vento funding focuses on academic achievement, Sulak emphasizes that “you can’t focus on academics without providing social-emotional support.” As a licensed independent social worker she also is able to provide therapy to students as needed.
Since its inception, Project ACT has demonstrated impressive results and the commitment to excellence and inclusivity will remain at its core as the program continues to evolve. Its impact extends beyond Cleveland, as it serves as a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together to transform education.