Poverty affects thousands of families in Cuyahoga County.
Every day, local families struggle to make ends meet. Step Forward supports people in finding hope, believing in their potential and taking meaningful steps toward a better future. We aim to improve education and help families across Cuyahoga County become financially independent.
Your gift doesn’t go somewhere far away. It stays here in our community. In fact, 91% of every dollar goes directly to programs and services that help our neighbors — from giving children a strong start to empowering parents and strengthening families.
When you give to Step Forward, you’re fueling a mother’s confidence, a child’s future, and a family’s chance to thrive. Your generosity helps build stronger neighborhoods and a stronger community for all of us.
8,505 children
have taken what they learned in Head Start with them to kindergarten classrooms across Cuyahoga County since 2017.
1,915 families
found support through Head Start and Early Head Start in 2025, giving children a strong start and parents more opportunity to work, learn, and build toward what's next.
14,379+ households
turned to Step Forward in 2025 for help keeping the heat, lights, and other essential utilities on.
30,000+ individuals
turn to Step Forward every year for support, resources, and opportunities to help them move forward.
Building community strength depends on the generosity of local donors like you.
For decades, Step Forward has been more than a resource - we've been a partner to families right here in Cuyahoga County. When hardship hits, we walk alongside our neighbors, helping them take meaningful steps toward brighter, more stable futures.