Step Forward

2024 marked 60 years since Step Forward, originally known as the Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland, was established as the state’s anti-poverty agency for Cuyahoga County. While much has changed over the past six decades, one thing remains constant: our unwavering commitment to helping individuals and families address immediate needs and build long-term skills to transform their lives. From our earliest programs, such as Head Start, to our current offerings, including adult skills training and other supportive services, we have quietly and steadfastly opened our doors to help low-income individuals and families in Cuyahoga County take steps toward brighter futures. As this year comes to a close, we continue to stand by you, our neighbors, partners, and friends in transforming lives and strengthening Cuyahoga County, one individual, one family, one step at a time.

We are thrilled to welcome Theresa Carter to Step Forward's Board of Directors! Theresa’s passion for community service and dedication to creating opportunities for families have already made a tremendous impact through her prior work with Step Forward as a member of our Head Start Policy Council. We are excited to continue building stronger communities together!

Last Thursday, Step Forward Head Start teaching staff, site administrators, and managers had the honor of attending the Silver and Gold Gala celebrating 10 years of PRE4CLE! We’re thrilled to share that Gloria Chambers, Site Administrator at our Memphis Head Start Early Learning Center, received the Leadership Excellence in Early Childhood award! Additionally, Step Forward was recognized as a Legacy Pre4CLe Preschool, celebrating our 10 years as a Pre4Cle provider working to ensure high-quality education for all of Cleveland's 3- and 4-year-olds. We’re proud to partner with PRE4CLE to serve our community. Congratulations on 10 years, PRE4CLE—here’s to many more of supporting Cleveland’s students and families!

Step Forward congratulates Marcia Egbert and Margaret Hulbert on receiving Groundwork Ohio’s inaugural Groundbreaker Award, honoring their visionary leadership that laid the foundation for decades of impactful change. Step Forward’s Vice President of Children and Families, Dr. Thea Wilson, is honored to be in Columbus today to celebrate Marcia and Margaret at this important event. Their support has contributed significantly to the success of organizations like Step Forward and the Head Start program, helping drive our mission forward in countless meaningful ways. Congratulations to Marcia and Margaret for this well-deserved recognition!

This month, we proudly recognized three dedicated board members for their service and commitment to Step Forward’s mission. Thank you, Kira Hewko, Deidra Davis, and Cecil Lee, for your invaluable contributions and unwavering dedication. We’re honored to have such passionate members on our board, working alongside us to empower Cuyahoga County communities!

Thank you to Congresswoman Shontel Brown for visiting our William Patrick Day Head Start Early Learning Center today! She took time to read with students and met with Step Forward leadership to discuss the importance of programs like Step Forward Head Start for families in Cuyahoga County. A special thanks to the Department of Health and Human Services and our congressional leaders for your continued support of programs like Head Start that help families thrive and succeed!

Congratulations to Step Forward President & CEO Dr. Jacklyn Chisholm and Board Chair LaRese Purnell on being named two of Crain’s Cleveland Business Notable Black Leaders! 🏅🎉 Their dedication to empowering our community and driving impactful change is truly inspiring. Join us in celebrating their leadership and commitment to creating a brighter future for Cuyahoga County.

Step Forward is seeking a Director of Development to join our team! As Cuyahoga County’s designated Community Action Agency, this role will lead our fundraising efforts to drive impactful community support, enabling us to continue transforming lives. Learn more about this position at: https://bit.ly/3MUm5hg

We are thrilled to announce that Step Forward has been selected to receive a 2024 Community Service Award from the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. - Cuyahoga County Section! 🎉🏆 This year’s theme, "Honoring Trailblazers: Organizations Influencing Future Generations Through Service, Leadership, Excellence, and Resilience," reflects our mission and dedication to serving the community. Being recognized for our impact and leadership is a tremendous honor, and we’re grateful to the Cuyahoga County Section members for this nomination! #NCNWCCS #NCNWStrong

Sixty years ago today, Step Forward—then known as the Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland—was incorporated. Established as the state’s designated anti-poverty agency for Cuyahoga County in response to President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty, Step Forward has been entrusted with leading the fight against poverty in our community. While much has changed over the past six decades, one thing remains constant: our unwavering commitment to helping individuals and families address immediate needs and build long-term skills to transform their lives. From our earliest programs, like Head Start, to our current offerings like adult skills training, and other supportive services, we have quietly and steadfastly opened our doors to help low-income individuals and families in Cuyahoga County take steps toward brighter futures. As times and needs evolve, we continue to stand by you—our neighbors, partners, and friends— to transform lives and strengthen Cuyahoga County, one individual, one family, one step at a time. #60YearsOfStepForward #60YearsOfService