HHS Blogs

From Storms to Rainbows: A Newly Emancipated Youth is Already Making Change

07/14/23, 12:01 PM
Chris Anderson, a resilient 19-year-old who has weathered numerous storms in his young life, is now using his experiences to provide support and guidance for those in need within our community. Having recently gained emancipation from the Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Foster Care Program, Chris is determined to effect positive change for youth who are now experiencing many similar adversities.
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OUR STORY: KINNECT HELPS FAMILY OVERCOME HARDSHIPS

06/21/23, 03:16 PM
In a heartwarming display of support and dedication, the Kinnect to Family program has successfully assisted a grandfather in maintaining placement of his one-month-old granddaughter despite facing financial hardships. The program, which aims to prioritize relative placement for children in need, has proven once again that familial connections and support can greatly benefit a child's well-being.
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Canopy Child Advocacy Center Prepares to Launch Cuyahoga County Child Protection Team

02/17/23, 11:32 AM
After much research and preparation Cuyahoga County will soon have a collaborative Child Protection Team (CPT) dedicated to detecting and preventing sometimes severe and hard to spot cases of child abuse and neglect. Clinicians from MetroHealth System, Cleveland Clinic, and University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children will join forces with the multidisciplinary team at Canopy Child Advocacy Center to form the CPT in an unprecedented collaboration between organizations.
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AffirmMe - County Program to Service LGBTQ Community Receives National Recognition

12/19/22, 01:54 PM
The culmination of a four- year federal grant project has not only changed the ways Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services address the needs of youth who identify as LGBTQ+ but has also provided a blueprint for Health and Human Services divisions throughout the nation to follow.
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Ticket to Hope

10/31/22, 03:32 PM
Ticket to Hope, an Ohio-based non-profit, successfully partnered with the Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to provide hockey tickets to the Cuyahoga County families.
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Centenarian Vaddie Todd exemplifies Older Americans Month motto "Age My Way"

05/11/22, 10:18 AM
In honor of Older Americans Month, the Division of Senior and Adult Services (DSAS) wanted to spotlight a Cuyahoga resident who embodies this year’s theme of “Age My Way.” We found the most amazing example in Centenarian Vaddie B. Todd. Todd was recently honored by the Cuyahoga Council, friends and relatives in celebration of her 105th birthday, which occurred on March 21, 2022.
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DSAS’ Community Social Services Program “Feels Like Family”

04/12/22, 04:11 PM
Social isolation – also known as loneliness -- is a big contributor to declining health in older adults. Did you know that social isolation is as detrimental to one’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day? Lack of meaningful social interaction among older adults can lead to obesity, depression, sleeplessness and a downward spiral of issues. DSAS helps seniors get social. Our Community Social Services Program works with 36 community partners across the County to ensure adults age 60 and over have opportunities to engage with one another.
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Adult Protective Services: Dedication, Support and Care with a Touch of Love

03/07/22, 03:42 PM
As we age, we can at times find ourselves in situations that put us in peril. Even the savviest, most independent of us can fall prey to any numbers of risks – from a physical injury, to a mental decline, a shady new acquaintance or a seasoned scam artist. While most people can safely navigate these pitfalls, some older adults need a helping hand to stay safe when these situations arise.
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Child Tax Credit Outreach Text Message leads to over $500,000 in Cuyahoga County Residents’ Pockets

02/24/22, 04:34 PM
As a result of federal legislation that expanded the Child Tax Credit, nearly 90 percent of families with children are eligible to receive up to $3600 per child under 6 and $3000 per child 6-17 years of age. Research has shown that the expanded Child Tax Credit reduced child poverty and allowed families to meet their basic needs. Child Tax Credit dollars were used to purchase food, pay rent, and afford other household needs.
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DSAS' 2021 Annual Advisory Board Meeting Highlights Growth, Age-Friendly Communities Concept

02/04/22, 03:22 PM
The Cuyahoga County Senior and Adult Services Advisory Board held its second Annual Board Meeting on January 28. The virtual meeting themed, “From Surviving to Thriving,” provided the community an opportunity to learn about the Board’s initiatives, and the Division of Senior and Adult Services’ (DSAS) mission, programs and services which have been helping older adults move 'from surviving to thriving' over the past year.
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Artists Help Youth in Foster Care Find Their Superhero

01/28/22, 11:32 AM
The Superhero Project, pairs artists with youth who are experiencing critical illness, a major change, trauma or special needs. Each child is virtually interviewed by an artist to determine what type of superhero best represents them. Afterwards, the artists design the superhero caricature, creating a visual representation of their strength and resilience.
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Hear to Help: Cuyahoga County sponsored program assists local residents’ auditory needs

01/03/22, 04:09 PM
In partnership with the Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center, Cuyahoga County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) provides funds to assist low- income residents with the purchase and repair of hearing aids and other assistive devices through the Audiology Patient Assistance Program (APA).
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