ELYRIA, Ohio — Lorain County Commissioners have unanimously approved a $750,000 one-year service agreement between the Lorain County Department of Job and Family Services and the Educational Service Center to provide essential services to low-income students across the county.
The program, which focuses on wellness and prevention, places specially trained social workers in schools to serve as a critical link between students’ academic environments and their homes. These social workers support children and families by promoting academic, social, emotional and behavioral success, while also advocating for students and connecting them to community resources.
Chris Cabot, director of Lorain County JFS, told commissioners that the initiative has shown significant results. The program has led to decreased child abuse and neglect, improved mental health outcomes, higher academic achievement and better youth employability skills. He added that the program also works to reduce youth suicide risk — under the previous contract, 254 youth were screened for potential suicide risk — and helps address childhood hunger through mobile and summer food pantries, as well as home delivery services.
Cabot also highlighted the program’s professional development component, which supports educators, counselors, school psychologists and others working with at-risk youth. Over the past year, 130 trainings were conducted with 3,544 professionals participating.
Lorain County Commissioners approve $750,000 to support low-income students
