Proposed Federal Budget Puts Key Funding - and Local Services - at Risk

At Step Forward, we work every day to help individuals and families in Cuyahoga County overcome poverty and move toward stability. One of the most important tools that helps us do this is the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG).

What is CSBG?

CSBG is a federal funding source that supports community-based programs across the country. What makes it unique is that it gives local agencies like ours the flexibility to decide how best to use the funding based on real needs in our own community.

How We Use It

Each year, Step Forward uses CSBG funds to support critical services such as:

• Job training and workforce readiness

• Infant & Senior Wellness programs

• Youth Opportunity Center & work experience

• Financial empowerment and coaching

• Annual events to support expecting mothers

  
  

Because of this funding, we’re able to serve thousands of individuals and families every year. These are people who are working hard to build better lives but may be facing barriers that put them one step away from crisis. CSBG allows us to provide targeted support, tailored to what each family needs.

What’s at Risk

If CSBG funding were eliminated, Step Forward could lose millions of dollars in resources. That loss would directly affect our ability to offer services, provide support, and meet urgent needs in the community.

This isn’t just about numbers, it’s about real people. In Cuyahoga County, there are parents trying to keep the lights on. Jobseekers learning new skills. Families working toward self-sufficiency. CSBG is not about handouts, it’s about helping people move forward.

We are committed to keeping our community informed. As updates become available, we’ll share more about what this means for our agency and how we can continue to serve our neighbors.

Thank you for being part of the work we do every day.