Step Forward has served Greater Cleveland residents for more than 60 years. The Community Action Agency formed in 1964 in response to Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. Over the decades, Step Forward has supported thousands of residents across Cuyahoga County by helping address immediate needs while creating pathways toward long-term stability and well-being. Our staff works alongside children, families, older adults, and individuals to provide guidance, education, and access to services that strengthen communities and improve quality of life. We do this through four key areas of service: Head Start + Early Head Start Step Forward is one of Ohio’s leading providers of Head Start and Early Head Start programs, offering high-quality early childhood education and comprehensive family support services that promote school readiness, healthy development, and long-term success for children and families. Community Services Step Forward provides community-based services designed to strengthen families, support wellness, and promote economic stability across generations. Through programs such as career planning and workforce readiness, youth work experience, Infant Wellness, Senior Wellness, Triple P for Baby, Financial Literacy, and Income Tax Preparation Assistance, residents can access education, resources, and support that encourage long-term success and well-being. Energy Assistance Services Step Forward helps Cuyahoga County residents stay safe and comfortable year-round through energy assistance programs that provide support with home heating and cooling costs during both emergency and non-emergency situations.

For decades, we quietly, steadfastly opened our doors to help low-income individuals and families in Cuyahoga County take steps toward brighter futures. Throughout our 55-year history, we continuously evolved to meet people’s changing needs as the barriers and challenges of poverty changed. Our new name, Step Forward, reflects the next step forward for the organization to continue to be a vital resource to Cuyahoga County and the low-income residents who call it home. By stepping forward, we can help transform more lives and further strengthen our communities. We are stepping forward, but we are not walking away from the legacy of our organization. In fact, throughout our history we have shown that we must continuously takes steps to help us better serve low-income individuals and families in our community. To learn more about the name change from our President and CEO, Dr. Jacklyn Chisholm, please click here.

All customers must be Cuyahoga County residents. The majority of Step Forward’s programs also have income requirements in order to qualify. Requirements differ based on the specific program. To find out if you qualify for our Early Head Start and/or Head Start programs, please call (216) 589-9922. To find out if you qualify for one of our personal or professional development courses, please call the Neighborhood Opportunity Center nearest you.

Our programs take applications throughout the year. Head Start and Early Head Start are always enrolling children and families at their locations throughout Cuyahoga County. If a particular center is full, you can apply and be placed on a waiting list. The center will contact you as soon as a spot is available. The Personal Development/Family Development and Professional Development programs accept applications throughout the year at all of our locations. Step Forward's Home Energy Assistance Program has a select number of programs available year-round. The HEAP Winter Crisis Program operates from November 1st – March 31st. No new applications are accepted after March 31. For applications in process on or before March 31, all documentation for the Winter Crisis Program must be submitted to Step Forward's HEAP office by April 9, 2024. Documentation submitted after April 7th, 2024 is at risk of not being processed. The HEAP Summer Cooling program operates from July 1st – August 31st.

Step Forward has nine Head Start centers, two Opportunity Centers, and one Home Energy Assistance Program Center located throughout Cuyahoga County. Please click here to find the location that is most convenient for you.