Word of Righteousness Family Life Center is unique in that is a faith-based and community-based organization located in a suburb of Greater Cleveland providing accessibility to a growing number of families in need of social services due to the troubled economy. WORFLC offers a number of programs and services to meet the needs of the community, including:
Social Services
Food & Clothing: In continuation of the partnerships with United Way First Call for Help and Cleveland Foodbank, we operate a ‘client choice' pantry that provides a selection of nutritious and well-balanced groceries to clients. In establishment of a partnership with the Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives and the Council for Economic Opportunities of Greater Cleveland (CEOGC), we operate a feeding program that provides summer nutrition and learning opportunities for young people. In continuation of the partnerships with the community, we also provide coats and clothing to families in need.
Housing: In partnership with Empowering and Strengthening Ohio's People (ESOP) and the Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland (CEOGC), we respond to crisis requests for financial assistance to acquire safe, affordable housing, and pay energy costs by providing emergency home energy assistance and homelessness prevention and housing assistance. In continuation of the partnership with Cleveland Saves and various financial institutions, we offer workshops to facilitate home ownership.
Public Benefits: In partnerships with the Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives and the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks, we operate an Ohio Benefit Bank (OBB) by providing web-based, counselor aided help to connect low and moderate income Ohioans with the assistance they need to attain self-sufficiency, including access to free federal and state income tax assistance and work supports such as tax credits and public benefits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, food stamps, home energy assistance, health insurance and child care subsidies.
Education
Child Enrichment: We established an after school program that promotes both reinforcement of academic objectives through computer instruction and homework assistance, and exposure to arts and culture through poetic and dramatic exercise in an effort to: (a) engage youth in activities that strengthen their intellectual and creative interests; (b) curtail unsupervised and unproductive activities in at-risk youth; (c) support parents by offering meaningful opportunities and quality care for their children in their absence; as well as, (d) assist parents with computer training as noted below.
Early Learning: We will establish a center for early childhood development that will respect the individual needs of each child, provide a warm and nurturing atmosphere in a safe setting and promote open and daily communication with families in a learning environment with opportunities for creativity and exploration.
Adult Education: We will support adults in their quest to obtain basic literacy education, parenting training and life skills through individual tutoring, seminars and support groups.
Economic Empowerment
Computer Access: We provide much needed computer access for underprivileged children and adults. Students and job seekers are able to complete assignments and seek employment using these facilities. Additionally, adults will have access to computer training and educational assistance for housing, job placement and business development through the community computer center.
Job Training & Placement: We help clients identify strengths, areas of interest and employment potential to establish plans and set goals. We also teach youth and adults vocational skills through training, education, and connection to various resources available in the community. Additionally, we prepare clients for entering the workforce, with emphasis on self-esteem, identifying skills, soft skills, and job retention.
Financial Literacy: We teach clients skills such as budgeting and money management, as well as offer credit repair seminars and workshops in partnership with WECO Fund, Inc. and financial institutions to empower individuals to achieve economic objectives for their families.
Youth Employment: In cooperation with Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.), we serve as a worksite for the youth employed by Y.O.U. for summer employment and provide the necessary supervision and motivation to empower youth to succeed in the workplace and in life.
Recreation
Sports Activities: In partnership with local community groups, we will establish a sports league for a number of sports including: basketball, co-ed volleyball and soccer, to name a few.
Youth Activities: We will host a number of programs for youth and teens including a kid's night out, a teen summit, and Cleveland Idol, a talent-show modeled upon the popular show, American Idol.
Senior Activities: In collaboration with area senior groups, we will offer activities for seniors, including a senior prom, classic movies and other special services just for the elders in the community.
"Times have changed. Community needs can no longer be addressed through bureaucratic silos. Strong community partnerships are essential, and the Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives is doing good work in this regard."
- Helen Jones-Kelley, Director, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
