Step Forward

⚠️ October Service Update

Step Forward’s Central Neighborhood Opportunity Center and HEAP office will be closed to the public during October, with staff working remotely. Services remain available.

▪️Community Services: (216) 357-2621
Central NOC appointments will be conducted virtually during October. Please call to schedule an appointment or inquire about services. Documents may be faxed with a cover sheet to (216) 516-0090. Our East and West NOC locations remain open for in-person assistance. The Central NOC will resume in-person operations November 2.

▪️HEAP: (216) 480-HEAP (4327)
The Summer Crisis Program ended September 30; the Winter Crisis Program begins November 1. Those who need to upload their required documents may do so through the online scheduling system or via fax with a cover page to (216) 516-0091.

All Head Start centers remain open as usual.

Visit stepforwardtoday.org for more information.

🎒 Proud Head Start parent? Looking for some fun gear for your little learner? Check out our Head Start Shop for apparel for adults and kids!

Every purchase supports Step Forward's mission and helps us continue serving children and families throughout our community.

👉 Get yours: headstartspirit.itemorder.com/shop/sale/.

We recently welcomed Brook Park City Councilman and congressional candidate Brian Poindexter to our Memphis Early Learning Center! He met with members of our Leadership Team and Board of Directors before spending time reading and sharing a few high-fives and hugs with our students.

Our doors are always open to elected officials, community leaders, candidates and partners who want to learn more about our programs and see our work firsthand.

🗳️ Are you registered to vote?

We’ll never tell you how to vote, but we will always encourage you to make your voice heard.

Ohio’s voter registration deadline is October 5. Take a few minutes to check your registration, see what’s on your ballot and make a plan to vote.

📅 October 5: Voter registration deadline
📅 October 6: Early in-person and absentee voting begins
📅 November 3: Election Day

Already registered? Send this reminder to someone who might need it! 💛

💤 Today is the last day to register for our Safe Sleep Summit on Wednesday, October 7.

Register for the opportunity to learn essential safety practices and receive free safe sleep equipment: stepforwardtoday.org/safe-sleep

Congratulations to our own Dr. Thea Wilson, Vice President of Children and Families, and recipient of the 2026 Invest in Children Legacy of Early Childhood Award! 🎉

Dr. Wilson has dedicated more than 50 years to early childhood education, all right here in Cuyahoga County. Her decades of service have helped shape opportunities for generations of children and families across our community.

We are incredibly proud to see her legacy recognized! 💙

🖍️ Meet our Louis Stokes Early Learning Center Senior Site Administrator, Gregory Jones! 🖍️

Now in his 16th year in early childhood education, Jones began his career in banking before his family recognized a need in the community and opened a school serving children ages 18 months to 12 years. When that school later closed, Jones brought that same commitment to Step Forward, where he now works with some of Cuyahoga County’s youngest learners.

Meet Muhammad, a Head Start dad. ✏️

For Muhammad, supporting his children's education has always been a priority. As a father of five, he understands the value of giving children a strong start, which is why Head Start has been a part of his family's journey for years.

Today, his son Muhkai is thriving in Head Start. The early education program has helped Muhkai learn his ABCs, count, write his name, and build friendships with other children.

🔗 Read more about how Step Forward helped Muhammad and his family: stepforwardtoday.org/news/forward-futures-meet-muhammad.

Family Fun Day is always a good day! 💛

Our Head Start families came together at The Children's Museum of Cleveland this week! Kids got to run, play, explore and learn, and we loved having families from all of our Early Learning Centers together in one place.

There were lots of smiles, lots of exploring and SO many cute moments. 😊 Take a look at some of the fun! 📸

📣 Calling all parents!

Join us for an 8-week long Positive Parenting Program starting on September 29. Learn about child development, how to respond to challenging behaviors, how to set achievable goals and more.

📍 Step Forward's Central Neighborhood Opportunity Center located at 1801 Superior Ave. in Cleveland
🕙 10am-2pm

Space is limited. Register by calling 216-696-9077 ext. 621.