CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – Cuyahoga County residents can now meet with County caseworkers and apply for or renew benefits programs at three neighborhood nonprofit locations. Cuyahoga County’s Division of Job and Family Services (CJFS) staff will be placed at three nonprofit locations: Greater Cleveland Food Bank, Cuyahoga County Public Library – Garfield Heights Branch, and the Friendly Inn Settlement, Inc. Neighborhood Based Services will improve residents’ access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid benefit programs. “Improving access to critical services means bringing the government to the people,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. “We have to meet residents where they are to ensure that everyone has access to vital social services and resources. “ Neighborhood Based Service locations will reduce barriers to access like transportation and digital inequality that may make it harder for customers to apply for and remain connected to Federal benefits programs. County caseworkers also aim to assist customers in the community partner agencies with speaking to CJFS eligibility specialists about applying for benefits, case status questions, and renewal of benefits. “Neighborhood based caseworkers will allow us to better serve our residents in their own communities,” said Cuyahoga Job and Family Services Director Kevin Gowan. “By partnering with community organizations that serve our shared customers, we hope to make it easier for Cuyahoga County residents to access benefits.” The Greater Cleveland Food Bank and Cuyahoga Job and Family Services have been working together for years to increase the number of income eligible households that have access to SNAP benefits. It is true that SNAP is our nation’s first defense against hunger and a strong partnership between our organizations is critical to ensure that people have access to nutritious food. I am grateful for the County Executive and his leadership in making solving hunger a priority,” adds Kristin Warzocha, CEO and President of The Greater Cleveland Food Bank. “This partnership is a natural extension of the work we do every day at Cuyahoga County Public Library to help county residents access and maintain benefits,“ said Chief Public Services Officer Pamela Jankowski. “The Garfield Heights Branch is a trusted community hub where residents know they can turn to for support. Hosting CJFS onsite will make it easier for them to get the assistance they need.” “Friendly Inn Settlement, Inc. believes in Neighborhood Based Services since its inception 149 years ago. We value our residents and support the Division of Job and Family Services in making this important effort to come into our communities to meet our residents where they live,” remarks Yolanda Armstrong, President & CEO of Friendly Inn Settlement, Inc. “We have observed the program in its pilot stage and have begun seeing an increase in residents coming to our building to receive services from CJFS, therefore we know this new collaboration is working. Working together and knowing those you serve is key to making sure that services being provided will help our families thrive.” Eligibility specialists will assist customers at the three locations at these dates and times. CUYAHOGA JOB AND FAMILY SERVICES NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES | 
