Logo for the Spanish American Committee, featuring abstract figures of adults and a child alongside the text Spanish American Committee for a better community in various colors.
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Families First Social Services Program

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How the Families First Program Helps Our Latino Community

The mission of the Families First Program by the Spanish American Committee is to provide ladders of opportunity that help low-income individuals and families break the cycle of poverty and become self-sufficient. The Families First Program takes a comprehensive approach to support families who are struggling to meet their basic needs. Our clients gain access to a wide range of culturally competent case management social services. Our case managers and social workers help our clients to navigate community resources.

Case Management

  • Encouraging individuals to identify their primary barriers and seek guidance from case managers with prioritizing their needs
  • Connection to community resources for those experiencing homelessness
  • Help applying for public assistance programs including (but not limited to): SNAP, Medicaid, PRC, Unemployment, Social Security, Childcare Vouchers, and Utility Assistance
  • Distribution of basic needs items including toiletries, baby products, and school supplies
  • We have partnered with the McGregor Foundation to provide Spanish-speaking senior citizens with affordable housing, employment assistance, and healthcare services.
  • Client advocacy, especially for Spanish-only speaking clients
  • Spanish translation services for phone calls and documents related to accessing benefits or basic needs (excludes legal documents and tax forms)
  • Technology assistance, including navigating online systems 
  • Assistance with applying for ID documents including birth certificates, passports, licenses and replacement social security cards
  • Community activities and events to meet the current needs of our clients 
  • Referrals to Cleveland Furniture Bank of qualifying families (client must cover the $180 cost of furniture and delivery)

Walk-In Hours

  • Weekly on Thursday’s from 8:30am – 11:30pm
  • We serve clients in the order that they arrive

Domestic Violence Support

  • Referrals to community resources in cases of domestic violence
  • In partnership with the Journey Center for Safety & Healing, we offer weekly onsite domestic violence counseling

Identification Crisis Collaborative

  • We provide vouchers that cover the cost of ID documents for income eligible clients 
  • Support in navigating the process when clients have expired documents

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