Step Forward has served residents of Greater Cleveland for 55 years. The Community Action Agency formed in 1964 in response to Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. In the past half a century, we have helped thousands of Greater Cleveland residents. We understand how hard it can be to make ends meet and how difficult it is to ask for help or know where to start. Step Forward counselors, coaches and teachers work with each individual or family to sort through the chaos and connect them with help to restore hope in the future. We do this by addressing four key areas: Step Forward is one of the State’s leading providers of Head Start, the preschool program that offers a holistic approach to learning for children and their families. Assisting people with job placement and earning a living wage or higher; Step Forward career planning and job training opportunities enable people to learn or improve skills, earn certification or improve readiness to pursue and win better job opportunities. Encouraging and teaching personal development; Our Neighborhood Opportunity Centers help low-income individuals and families access resources and support to address immediate needs and build long-term skills and opportunities to transform their lives. Step Forward helps ensure Cuyahoga County residents are warm in the winter and cool in the summer through energy assistance programs that help low-income individuals and families with their home energy bills during crisis 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 seven Head Start centers, four Neighborhood Opportunity Centers, and one Home Energy Assistance Program located throughout Cuyahoga County. Please click here to find the location that is most convenient for you.

Step Forward operates four Neighborhood Opportunity Centers located in Cuyahoga County. The centers allow Step Forward to meet people in need where they live and work. NOCs are accessible and convenient locations designed to reduce or eliminate the need for transportation into Downtown Cleveland. Staff who work at Step Forward's NOCs assist clients by connecting them to early childhood education, the Home Energy Assistance Program, emergency assistance such as food, clothing, and rent and internet payments, personal development including counseling, anger management and Baby and Mommy Support, and professional development like workshops, job training and employment connection.

When a family calls or files an online application to enroll a child, one of Step Forward's recruitment staff will answer the call or follow up on the application. The recruitment staff will complete the application process with the family member and depending on their location preference, will make a referral. At that time, one of Step Forward's Family Service Workers from the particular center will follow up with the family to finalize the enrollment process and gather required documentation to determine eligibility.

Enrollment at Step Forward's Head Start is a collaborative process and our Family Service Workers are here to assist every step of the way. To complete the enrollment process, we require certain documents to ensure that we can provide the best care for your child. These include: -Proof of Birth: Birth Certificate, shot records, birth letter, etc. -Proof of Income: Two most recent pays stubs, 1040 tax form from previous year, W2, or written statement from employer, etc. -Proof of Residency -Medical Card -Shot Records -Physical Exam within 30 days of enrollment Our team is ready to help ensure that you experience a smooth and supportive enrollment experience.

Head Start preschool begins each fall in accordance with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District's academic calendar. However, Early Head Start and Head Start are always accepting new students. 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. Call (216) 589-9922 or click here to start the enrollment process today.

Early Head Start and Head Start are available at no cost to income-eligible families. Eligible participants include children whose families are living at or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Other eligible participants include children who are in the foster care system and those who are experiencing homelessness. Our program also accepts a limited number of children who do not meet the aforementioned criteria. Families can call (216) 589-9922 for more information.

Step Forward does not provide transportation to and from the agency's Head Start centers. We have made it our mission to provide seven convenient and accessible locations across Cuyahoga County. Each location can be found here.

Step Forward and Step Forward's Head Start ensure that all children, including those with disabilities, have access to early childhood education. Through our Early Head Start and Head Start programs, we support each child’s development and provide a structured learning environment. Staff is trained to meet various needs, helping children build essential skills. Early childhood education for children with disabilities is important for their growth. It promotes social interaction, tailored learning experiences, and skill-building. Programs like Head Start offer the resources and support needed to help children succeed. If a child has a physical or mental disability, they are automatically eligible for Step Forward's Early Head Start or Head Start program. The family will be required to provide medical documentation for the child's diagnosis.

Step Forward provides support for children whose primary language is not English. When a child does not speak English, our programs have bilingual staff members who can communicate with the child and their family. We also make arrangements to help families access our services in their native language, ensuring that language barriers do not prevent participation in our programs.

At Step Forward, we prioritize the health and well-being of all enrolled children. For Early Head Start children, we provide formula and diapers to ensure their basic needs are met. For Head Start children, we offer breakfast, lunch, and a snack as part of our nutrition program. Step Forward's Health and Dental Coordinators collaborate with each center to schedule essential health services, including dental checkups, medical checkups, hearing screenings, and more, ensuring that every child receives the comprehensive care they need to thrive.

To apply for energy assistance services, a customer must go to energyhelp.ohio.gov to apply online or mail an application to Energy Services Programs, State of Ohio, P.O. Box 1240, Columbus, Ohio 44114. Those interested in emergency energy assistance because of a disconnection notice or a need to have service restored will need an appointment in order to receive service. Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. You can make an appointment via phone at (216) 480-HEAP or you can schedule online at https://stepforward.itfrontdesk.com. Most appointment slots secure very quickly. Due to the volume of requests for assistance, we encourage everyone who can't secure an appointment right away to keep trying. Customers with scheduled appointments should complete an online application at energyhelp.ohio.gov immediately upon securing an appointment. To reduce the length of an appointment or a determination of eligibility, the application should include all required documents. Scheduled customers need to have all necessary paperwork in-hand to receive assistance at the time of appointment. If additional documentation is required, the intake worker will provide the customer with instructions of next steps In compliance with our funding and in support of information security, the agency does not accept, respond, or process energy assistance applications emailed to us at any agency email address. Customers are reminded to not email personal financial information as the information may cross unsecured networks. Learn more here.

Please read the PDF here for a complete list of required documents.

Step Forward uses an automated scheduling system to offer appointments on a first-come, first-served basis, following State of Ohio program guidelines. During seasonal crisis periods, new appointments become available on weekdays at 8:00 a.m. Additionally, appointments may become available throughout the day if cancellations occur.

Step Forward’s Energy Assistance Services now uses a documents-upon-request system for crisis appointment clients. Any previous HEAP document email addresses are no longer active.

We operate by appointment for service requests and are currently unable to accept general questions via email due to staffing limitations. For general inquiries, please call (216) 480-HEAP (4327).

From October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024, we partnered with United Way of Greater Cleveland and CHN Housing Partners to offer a unified call center. However, the funding for that initiative has ended and United Way of Greater Cleveland is no longer able to schedule Step Forward appointments or escalate calls to Energy Assistance Services staff. Separately, the United Way 2-1-1 Help Center continues to offer free, confidential, 24-hour access to professionals who can review your options, create a plan, and advocate on your behalf if you encounter service barriers. To access this support, dial 2-1-1

Step Forward ensures that all HEAP appointments are available through our automated scheduling system to maintain equitable access. You can schedule an appointment online or by phone—no internet access is required. We do not reserve appointments or offer alternative scheduling methods.

Internet access is not required. If you do not have internet, you can schedule an appointment by phone at (216) 480-HEAP (4327).

Your PIPP reverification date is printed on your monthly utility billing statement. If you cannot locate a billing statement, contact your utility provider for your reverification date.

PIPP applications and reverifications in Ohio are not processed on request. The processing time can take up to 12 weeks, and applications are handled in the order they are received by the State of Ohio. If you need to expedite the process, it's recommended to apply online at energyhelp.ohio.gov. Creating an online Ohio Energy Programs account will also enable you to track the status of your application until it is completed.

Step Forward does not provide drop-off services, and there are no Energy Assistance Services drop boxes available at any location.

According to the application instructions, paper applications must be mailed to: Energy Assistance Programs P.O. Box 1240 Columbus, Ohio 43216 Ohio residents can track their application status by applying for HEAP/PIPP/PIPP reverification online at energyhelp.ohio.gov. The status of an online application will be updated throughout the processing until completion.

For questions about the application process, contact the Ohio Department of Development (800) 282-0880. Additionally, you can request information by visiting their website at https://development.ohio.gov/help-center. When filling out the form, please select 'resident' for the service needed and 'Energy Assistance Programs (HEAP/PIPP)' for the sub-topic.

We apologize for the login difficulties you're experiencing. For technical support with energyhelp.ohio.gov, please click 'Contact Us' on the website. You can also reach the Ohio Department of Development's business response line at (800) 848-1300. In some cases, you may be referred to Step Forward for assistance, along with specific instructions to resolve the issue. Starting in 2025, Ohio’s Energy Assistance Programs (energyhelp.ohio.gov) will require an OH|ID—a secure, single sign-on for Ohio state services. When the transition occurs, you’ll be directed to sign in with OH|ID when accessing these portals, including Step Forward’s Energy Assistance Program pages.

The State of Ohio is updating the login process for several online services, including the Ohio Energy Assistance (energyhelp.ohio.gov). Starting the weekend of March 28, 2025 the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal will require users to create an OH|ID—a secure, single sign-on used across Ohio state services. In 2025, Ohio’s Energy Assistance Programs will also transition to OH|ID. When the time comes, you will be directed to sign in with OH|ID when accessing energyhelp.ohio.gov or Step Forward’s Energy Assistance Program pages. To avoid delays in accessing your benefits, including those through the Home Energy Assistance Program, we encourage you to set up your OH|ID as soon as possible.