GoinG Home to Stay - CBCF - Cuyahoga County

2011-2012 Cuyahoga County Directory

GoinG Home to Stay

A Guide for Successful Reentry for Men and WomenCU

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to tHoSe CURRentLy oR FoRmeRLy inCaRCeRateDThe six of us served time in prison, but have successfully remained in the community by making changes in our lives. Everyone must find their own way, but we encourage you to use this booklet, and we offer our advice to help you in your reentry to the community.

— Dennis, Edward, Mansfield, Marques, Maryum and Rakin

• Changewhatisinsideyourhead-—reinventandimproveyourself.

• Liveinprisonhowyouwillliveoutside—focusonattitudes,behaviorsandhabits.

• Setrealisticgoalsandtakenecessarystepstoachievethem.

• Don’trushit—havepatience—onedayatatime.

• Persevere—developanattitudeofnotgivingup.

• Thinkbeforeyouact—onefalsemoveandyoucouldbeback.

• Nooneowesyouanything—nochiponyourshoulder.

• Findyourownspirituality.

• Stayinapositivelivingsituation.

• Apologizetoyourvictims.

• Keepintouchwithfamilymembers—rebuildrelationshipsandbondsoftrust.

• Talktoyourchildren—apologizefornotbeingthere—stayinvolved.

• Carryyourselfwithdignityandrespect—youwillbemorelikelytobetreatedthatway.

• Taketimeouttoreadthisbook.

WHat iS in tHiS GUiDePreparing for Your Release ...................................................................... iFirst Steps After Release ......................................................................... iiIndex ...................................................................................................... 89

toPiCSAlcohol and Other Drug Abuse Treatment ........................................... 1Caring for Older Adults .......................................................................... 3Case Management / Support / Information ........................................... 3Child Day Care and Parenting ................................................................ 6Child Support and Child Custody ........................................................... 7Clothing ................................................................................................. 11Drop-In Centers ..................................................................................... 13Education ............................................................................................... 14Employment .......................................................................................... 17Food ....................................................................................................... 24Health Care / Dental Care ..................................................................... 27Housing .................................................................................................. 33Identification / Paperwork .................................................................... 46 Arrest / Prosecution Record (RAP Sheet) ......................................... 46 Birth Certificate ................................................................................. 50 Credit Reports ................................................................................... 52 DD-214 (Military) ............................................................................... 53 Driver’s License / State ID / Auto Insurance ..................................... 54 Prison Records ................................................................................... 56 Selective Service Registration .......................................................... 59 Social Security Number / Card .......................................................... 60Legal Assistance ..................................................................................... 61Mailing Address / Voice Mail / Phone ................................................... 69Mental Health / Counseling .................................................................. 70Money Management ............................................................................ 72Parole / Post Release Control ................................................................ 78Transportation ....................................................................................... 79Voting .................................................................................................... 81Welfare / Public Income Benefits ......................................................... 82

PRePaRinG FoR yoUR ReLeaSeWhile you are in prison…

• Learnatradeorgetamarketableskill.

• Participateineducationprograms.GetyourGED.

• Addresspersonalissuesthroughtreatmentforaddictionsandmentalhealthcounseling.

• Modify(change)yourchildsupportorderifneeded.

• Worktowardfindingapositiveplacetolivewhenreleased.

• Applyforgovernmentbenefitsassoonasyoucan.

• Keepintouchwithfamilymembers.

• Seeiffamilymemberscansendyouclothingforyourrelease(checkwithyourinstitution).

• GetaSocialSecuritycardandbirthcertificate.

• Developarésumé.

• Practiceinterviewingforajob.

• Workwithyourcasemanagertoprepareforrelease.

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FiRSt StePS aFteR ReLeaSeWhen you are released, take it one day at a time…

• Contactareentryprogram(page3)and/oranemploymentprogram(page19).

• Stayinapositivelivingsituation(page33).

• Getproperclothing(page11),food(page24).

• Findyourwayaround—knowthebussystem(page79).

• Getabirthcertificateifyoudon’thaveone(page50).

• GetaphotoID/driver’slicense(page54).

• GetyourSocialSecuritycardifyoudon’thaveit(page60).

• Signupforgovernmentbenefits(page82).

• Keepintouchwithyourparoleofficer(page78).

• Takecareofhealthanddentalneeds(page27).

• Takecareofmentalhealthneeds(page70).

• Gethelpforalcoholorotherdrugabuse(page1).

• Makearrangementsforchildsupport(page7).

• Takecareofchildcareorparentingneeds(page6).

• Getmoretrainingoreducation(page14).

• Cleanupyourrecordandgetlegalhelpifneeded(page61).

• Cleanupyourcreditandspendmoneywisely(page72).

• Registerwithselectiveservice(page59).Registertovote(page81).

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aLCoHoL anD otHeR DRUG aBUSe tReatmentIf you need help for an alcohol or other drug related problem and don’t have insurance or the ability to pay, the phone number listed below can direct you to places that may help. Whether you’re in need of an assessment, sober housing, a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous, or a treatment program, there is hope.

Dial 211 or 216-436-2000 24 hrs. a day if you need to find a place that can help.

To help you understand your options, the following information may be helpful for you or someone you know.

• Agenciesthatoffertreatmentprovideanassessmentasafirststep.Anassessmentinvolvescollectinginformationfromyoutohelpdetermineiftreatmentisneededandifso,whattype.

• Detoxhelpslessenthebody’sphysicalneedforalcoholorspecificotherdrugs.Thisisonlyneededandavailableincertaincases.Servicesaregenerallyofferedovera3-to7-dayperiod.

• Inpatient or residential treatmentprogramsrequirethatyoustayatthetreatmentcenterwhileyouareinvolvedintheprogram.Stayscanlast30daysorlonger.

• Day treatmentprogramsdonotrequireyoutoliveatthetreatmentcenter,buttheyhaveaschedulethatissimilartoaninpatientorresidentialtreatmentprogram.Yougenerallyhavetoattendtheprogrameveryweekdayforafullday.

• Outpatient treatmentprogramsdonotrequireyoutoliveatthetreatmentcenteranddon’trequireasmuchtimeasdaytreatment.Servicescanrangefromafewhoursperweekto3hoursperday,3daysaweek,forseveralweeks.

• Counselingisgenerallyofferedonaone-to-onebasis,butmayalsobeofferedinagroup.Counselingservicesusuallyhaveaspecificfocusandsessionsarescheduledatmutuallyconvenienttimes.

• Relapse prevention programsofferstructuredsupport(generally1-2hoursperweek)forpeoplewhohavecompletedtreatmentandwantadditionalhelptomaintainanalcohol-anddrug-freelifestyle.

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Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Treatment

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• Support groupsofferpeer-to-peersupportandinformationtohelpintheongoingrecoveryprocess.BelowisalistofthemostcommonsupportgroupsfoundintheClevelandarea.

Alcoholics Anonymous 216-241-7387aacleveland.org

Al-Anon (for families, friends) 216-621-1381afgcleveland.org

Cocaine Anonymous 216-523-8701caohio.org

Families Anonymous 440-779-4357familiesanonymous.org

Marijuana Anonymous 800-766-6779marijuana-anonymous.org

Nar-Anon (for families) 800-477-6291nar-anon.org

Narcotics Anonymous 888-438-4673nabuckeye.org

Nicotine Anonymous 440-843-8197 or 877-879-6422ohio-nica.org

Smart Recovery (an alternative to 12-step) 440-951-5357smartrecovery.org

• Halfway Housesareresidentialfacilitiesthatprovideroomandboard,struc-turedalcoholorotherdrugaddictionservices,individualcounselingandlivingskillsinstruction.

• Sober Housingishousingforpeoplewhoarealcoholanddrugfreeandwanttoliveinaplacewithothersober,drugfreepeople.Nostructuredtreatmentprograms,supportservices,orcounselingservicesarerequired.Itisjustaplacetolivealcoholanddrugfree.Three-quarter(3/4)wayhousesareatypeofsoberhousing.

Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Treatment

http://www.aacleveland.org

http://www.afgcleveland.org

http://www.caohio.org

http://www.familiesanonymous.org

http://www.marijuana-anonymous.org

http://www.nar-anon.org

http://www.nabuckeye.org

http://www.ohio-nica.org

http://www.smartrecovery.org

CaRinG FoR oLDeR aDULtSIf you are caring for an elderly parent or other relative, there are services available to help you. Call 211 or 216-436-2000 for referrals to services for older adults and their caregivers.

CaSe manaGement / SUPPoRt / inFoRmationThese programs help people who have been in prison re-settle into the community. Comprehensive reentry programs generally offer a package of services that may include job search assistance, substance abuse education, housing assistance, peer support and referral to other community services.

Comprehensive Reentry ProgramsCommunity Re-Entry 216-696-27171468 W 25th St., Cleveland, OH 44113Providesacomprehensivereentryprogramformen.

Women’s Re-Entry Network 216-696-75351468 W 25th St., Cleveland, OH 44113Providesacomprehensivereentryprogramforwomen.

North Star Neighborhood Reentry Resource Center 216-881-54401834 E 55th St., Cleveland, OH 44103 northstarreentry.orgHelpsthoseinvolvedinthecriminaljusticesystemorwhowereformerlyincarcer-ated.ProvidesjobsearchandIDhelp,linkagetoservices,andotherclassesandprograms.

Other Reentry Support / Information

Access to Recovery

HUMADAOP 216-459-1222

Oriana House, Inc. 216-881-7882Providesrecoverysupportservicessuchashousing,transportation,jobtraining,counseling,etc.throughanetworkofproviderstothoseinvolvedwiththecriminaljusticesystemwithinthepastfiveyearsandwhoarerecoveringfromdrugoralco-holaddiction.Musthavehadadrugandalcoholassessmentcompletedinthepast12monthsandareferralfromanapprovedagency–othereligibilitymayapply.

Caring for Older Adults / Case Management / Support

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http://www.northstarreentry.org

Antioch Baptist Church 216-421-1516 Ext. 1518869 Cedar Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106Offerssupportgroupsforex-offendersandtheirfamilies.

Citizen Circles 216-698-2501Offersagroupforex-offendersandcommunityvolunteerswhowanttosupportthem.

The following locations offer Citizen Circles:Downtown Citizen Circle 216-751-1382NorthStarResourceCenter 1834 E 55th St., Cleveland, OH 44103

Mt. Pleasant Citizen Circle 216-752-1464Mt.PleasantWeedandSeed 12802 Kinsman Ave., Cleveland, OH 44120

Euclid Ave. Citizen Circle 216-421-0482 Ext. 282ChurchoftheCovenant 11205 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106

Cleveland Eastside Ex-offender Coalition 216-426-90123030 Euclid Ave., Ste. 300, Cleveland, OH 44115Providescounselingservices,casemanagement,mentoring,andbenefitsscreeningtoex-offendersandtheirfamilies.

Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities 216-736-26731275 Lakeside Ave. E, Cleveland, OH 44114Offerscasemanagementforpeoplewithdevelopmentaldisabilities.Notexclusivelyforex-offenders.

Gospel House Prison Ministry 440-439-655514707 Alexander Rd., Walton Hills, OH 44146Offersreentrysupportandinformation.

Just Like Us Enrichment Center 216-581-14004500 Lee Rd., Ste. 126, Cleveland, OH 44128Providescasemanagementandteacheslifeskillsforex-offenders.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) 216-651-5428Community Center of Greater Cleveland 6600 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44102OfferssupportfortheLGBTcommunity.Notexclusivelyforex-offenders.

Case Management / Support / Information

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Mental Health Services 216-623-68881744 Payne Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114Providesreferralstomentalhealthservices,includingcasemanagement.Althoughnotexclusivelyforex-offenders,thisisthegatewayagencytomentalhealthservicesinCuyahogaCounty.

Passages 216-881-6776 P.O. Box 91831, Cleveland, OH 44101Helpstoreconnectfatherswiththeirfamiliesandoffershelpfindingajob.

The Salvation Army 216-861-81852507 E 22nd St., Cleveland, OH 44115Providescasemanagementatseverallocations(seepage12forofficelocations).

Sure House Baptist Church Ministries 216-441-421111318 Miles Ave., Cleveland, OH 44105Mentoring,employmenthelp,andlinkagetoservicesforex-offenders.

For social service information and referrals,youcancall211or216-436-200024hoursaday,7daysaweek.Notexclusivelyaserviceforex-offenders.

Support Before ReleaseCenter for Families and Children 216-325-9400c4fc.org Greater Cleveland Integrated Re-Entry Project (GCIRP) Offeringcase-managementandsupportiveservicesforthosewhoareincarcerated,havethreetosixmonthsleftbeforerelease,andwillliveinCuyahogaCountyafterrelease.ServicesprovidedbeforeandafterreleasethroughtheCenterforFamiliesandChildrenandCommunityRe-Entry.Canonlyservealimitednumberofinmates.Contactyoursocialworkerorcasemanagerwhereyouareincarceratedtoseeifthisprogramisavailabletoyou.

Case Management / Support / Information

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CHiLD Day CaRe anD PaRentinG

Child Day CareStarting Point for Child Care and Early Education 800-880-09714600 Euclid Ave., Ste. 500, Cleveland, OH 44103Providesareferralservicetohelpfindchildcareforinfants,toddlers,pre-schoolandafter-schoolchildren.Alsoprovidesbookletsonwhattolookforwhenselectingandevaluatingachildcareprogram.

Cuyahoga County Employment 216-987-7346and Family Services 1641 Payne Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114Provideschildcarevouchersonaslidingfeescaleforlow-incomefamilies.

Parenting HelplinesBellflower Center for 216-431-8200 Tot Line Prevention of Child Abuse 216-229-8800 Family HelplineOperatestheTotLine,whereearlychildhoodspecialistsanswerparentingquestions,helpwithproblemsolvingandgivechilddevelopmentinformationonchildrenyoungerthansixyearsold.TheFamilyHelplineoffers24hourhelpandguidanceforthosewhofeeloverwhelmedoroutofcontrolindealingwiththeirchildrenaswellasgeneralparentinginformation,supportandreferral.

Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative 211 or 216-436-2000Providesreferralstoresourcesthathelpsupportfathers,includingparentingprograms,childsupportandchildcustodyresources.

Help Me Grow 216-698-7500Provideshomevisitstoeligiblemothersandfamilies(mainlythosewhoarelowincome).Offersdevelopmentalevaluationsandreferralstospecializedservicesforchildrenwithdevelopmentaldelaysordisabilitiesandprovidesinformationtofamilieswithyoungchildren.

City of Cleveland - Dept. of Public Health 216-664-4194MomsFirst-Helpspregnantwomengetcareforthemselvesandtheirbabythroughthebaby’ssecondyearoflife.MustliveintheCityofCleveland.

For referrals to parenting classes (there are many programs in Cuyahoga County), parent support groups and other parenting resources call 211 or 216-436-2000. Available 24 hours.

Child Day Care and Parenting

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CHiLD SUPPoRt anD CHiLD CUStoDy

Child Support Tips:• TheparentpayingchildsupportiscalledtheNON-CUSTODIALPARENTorOBLIGOR.

• TheparentreceivingchildsupportiscalledtheCUSTODIALPARENTorOBLIGEE.

• ASupportOrdertellsyouhowmuchchildsupportmustbepaideachmonth.Ifyouhavetopaychildsupport,youarestillresponsibleforthatamountthewholetimeyouareinprison.Infact,thetotalamountyouowekeepsincreas-ingunlesspaymentsarebeingmadeonyourcase.

• Ifyouareincarcerated,checkwithyourworker.Youmaybeeligibleforamodificationofyourorder.

• NotifytheSupportEnforcementAgencyanytimeyouraddress,phonenumberoremploymentchanges.

• Ifyouaretheonethatisowedchildsupport,contacttheSupportEnforcementAgencytoseewhatyoucandotostartcollectingagainonceyouarereleased.

• Donotmakepaymentsdirectlytothecustodialparent.Thatwillnotcount.Youwillstillowethatmoney.

• Paytheamountyouoweeachmonth.Ifyouarehavingtroublepayingthisamount,contacttheSupportEnforcementAgencyrightaway.YoumightbeabletogetyourpaymentchangedthroughaSupportOrderModificationifyouqualify.

Child Support and Child Custody

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FATHERS MATTER Social Services Designed for the Unique Needs of Fathers

Whatkindofhelpdoyouneed?

•Childbirtheducationfornewdads

•Educationandsupport

•Employment

•Father/childactivities

•Legalissues,childsupport,custody/visitation

www.fatherhoodinitiative.cuyahogacounty.us

We have options for you.

The Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative: 211 or 216.436.2000

Just For Dads - Information for FathersHealthy Fathering Collaborative

www.neofathering.net

• Ifyouaremorethanonemonthbehindinchildsupport,yourdriver’slicensecanbesuspendedbeforeyourincarcerationorafteryourrelease.Yourdriver’slicensewillnotbesuspendedwhileyouareincarcerated.If,uponrelease,youfindthatitwas,contactyourworkerrightaway.

• Theagencieslistedonpage10mayhelpwithissuesregardingchildsupport.

• Youcouldgobacktoprisonfornotpayingchildsupport.

Support Order ModificationInsomecases,youmayqualifytogetyourSupportOrdermodified(changed)whileyouareinprisonorrightafteryougetout,sothattheamountyouhavetopayeachmonthisless.Thisprocesstakesseveralmonths.

Modificationdoesnothelpwithwhatyoualreadyowe.Yournewpaymentamountwouldnotstartuntilthemonthaftertheentiremodificationreviewprocessiscom-pleted.EvenwithanewSupportOrderpayment,youwillstillhavetopayoffthe

pastduechildsupportthatyouowe.

BecausetheStateofOhiodoesnotconsiderbeinginprisonanautomaticreasonnottopaychildsupport,youmustqualifyformodificationunderoneofthefollowingreasons:

• ThreeyearshavepassedsincetheestablishmentoftheSupportOrderorthelastreviewprocess

• Lossofemploymentfor30consecutivedaysormore

• Verifieddisability

• Incarcerationbeyondthechild’s18thbirthday

• 30%changeingrossincome

•Childrenare18orolderandnolongerinhighschool

•Todeterminetheavailabilityofhealthinsurance

Don’tworrytoomuchaboutwhetheryouqualifyundertheseguidelines.Justcon-tacttheSupportEnforcementAgencyandexplainyoursituation,suchasalackofajob,andtheywillletyouknowifyouqualify.Ifyourequestamodificationwhileyouarestillincarcerated,thenewsupportpaymentwillbebasedontheamountofyourprisonwages.


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Uponyourrelease,contactthefollowingagencybyphone:Cuyahoga Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) See description Re-entry/Incarceration Team for phone #PO Box 93318, Cleveland, OH 44101Callthephonenumberlistedbelowaccordingtothefirstletterofyourlastname:A-K:(216)443-5166andL-Z:(216)443-5317

Forex-offenders6monthsormoresincerelease,contact:Cuyahoga Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) 216-443-5100PO Box 93318, Cleveland, OH 44101

ContactcanalsobemadeinpersonatallNeighborhoodFamilyServiceCenters(welfareoffices)throughoutCuyahogaCounty.

Getting your driver’s license back after not paying child supportIfyouoweonemonthormoreofyourchildsupportobligation(default),yourdriver’slicensecanbesuspended.

Ifyourdriver’slicensehasbeensuspended,youmusteitherpaythefullamountthatisowedorhavepaymentsdeductedfromyourpaycheckorbankaccount.Ifyourdriver’slicensewassuspendedwhileyouwereincarcerated,contactyourSupportOfficerworkerrightawayforresolution.YoumustcontactyourSupportOfficertodiscussthedetailsspecifictoyourcase.

Full payment of arrears (the amount that you owe) can be made as follows:Ifyouneedtomakeacashpayment,thenyoumustmakethepaymentinpersonattheCashier’sOfficeoftheCuyahogaCountyTreasurer.Makesureyougetareceipt.YoucantakeyourreceipttoCSEAtogetaReinstatementFormthesameday.

Cuyahoga County Treasurer - Cashier’s Office 216-443-74121219 Ontario St. Rm. 121, Cleveland, OH 44113YoucangotoCSEAandpaywithamoneyorderorcashier’schecktogetyourReinstatementFormonthesameday.Ifyoupaywithapersonalcheck,youwillhavetowaitupto10daysbeforeyougettheReinstatementForm.

PaymentsbymailmustbesenttoOhioChildSupportPaymentCentral(OCSPC).Theyacceptmoneyorders,cashier’schecks,andpersonalchecks.BesuretoincludeyourcasenumberorSocialSecuritynumberwiththepayment.Youwillhavetowaitupto10daysforthepaymenttoclearbeforeyoucangettheReinstatementForm.

Ohio Child Support Payment Central (OCSPC) 888-965-2676PO Box 182372, Columbus, OH 43218-2372

•OnceyougetyourReinstatementForm,takeittotheOhioBureauofMotorVehiclesReinstatementCenter.Youwillneedtopayanotherfeethere.

•Ifatanytimeyouhavequestionsorjustwanttochecktoseeifyourpaymentcleared,contactyourSupportOfficerforassistance.


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Child Support / Child Custody ResourcesThe following agencies may help with child support and/or child custody issues. Some may charge a fee or have other restrictions. Call or write them to see if you can be helped. For legal assistance, see the legal section on page 61.

Center for Fatherhood and Family Dynamics 216-769-97543631 Perkins Ave. Ste. 4HE, Cleveland, OH 44114Providesasupportgroupforfathersaswellasinformationandsupportforparentswithchildcustodyissues.

Children’s Rights Council of Cleveland 216-227-9111www.crckids.org1387 Marlowe Ave. Ste. 8, Lakewood, OH 44107Offersinformationforpeoplewhohavequestionsrelatedtochildsupportandcustody.Providesaspacewherenon-custodialparentsmayvisitwiththeirchildren.

Cuyahoga Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) 216-443-51001640 Superior Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114PO Box 93318, Cleveland, OH 44101Establishes,modifiesandenforcessupportordersandhelpswithpaternityestablishment.TherearealsositesinallNeighborhoodFamilyServiceCenters(welfareoffices).

Cuyahoga County Dept. of Children 216-431-4500and Family Services (DCFS) 3955 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115Providesinformationandassistanceforpeoplewhosechildrenareinthecustodyofthecounty,andthosewhohaveopencasesinvolvingabuseorneglect.Arrangessupervisedvisitationincaseswherethechildhasbeenplacedinthecustodyofthecounty.

Cuyahoga County Justice Services 216-443-3149Custody Intake and Mediation Services 1910 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115Providesinformationandmediationoncustodyissuesforpeoplewhowerenevermarried,thosewhoarecurrentlymarried(notlegallyseparated)andgrandparentsandlegalguardianswhowantcustody.


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Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative - 216-261-2300Parenting in Separate Households 310 W. Lakeside Ave., Rm. 500, Cleveland, OH 44113Providesinformationandclassesforunmarriedparentsseekingcustodyorvisitationwiththeirchildren.

Domestic Violence Center 216-651-8484 Ext. 355 3146 Scranton Rd., Cleveland, OH 44109SafeandSound-Offersaspacewherechildrencanvisitwithnon-custodialparents.

Ohio Dept. of Job and Family Services 800-686-1556Child Support Consumer Hotline Forchildsupportinformationandgeneralquestions.

CLotHinGIf you do not have clothing sent to you by your family or friends, you will have to wear your prison clothing when you are released. Some prisons will allow people to send you clothing to wear upon release. Ask your in-stitution if they will accept and keep a packet of clothing for you to wear when you are going home and what your family or friends will have to do to get the clothing to you.

If you do not have family or friends to help with clothing and you need clothing right after you are released, try the following:

• Ifyouarestayingatahomelessshelterorseekinghelpfromanagencythathelpsex-offenders,askthemiftheycanprovideyouwithsomeclothing.Sometimestheycanhelpifclothingisavailable.

• Thefollowingorganizationsmaybeabletoprovideyouwithclothingshortlyafteryourrelease.Itisbesttocallbeforegoing,becausetheymayonlybeopenoneortwodaysaweekandsomemayrequireanappointment.

• Ifyouneedmoreclothinglateron,call211or216-436-2000.Thisisa24-hourinformationservicethatcanhelpdirectyoutoplacesthatprovidefreeclothinginCuyahogaCounty.

Cleveland UMADAOP 216-361-2040 Ext: 25Mate Masie Re-Entry StoreProvidespersonalhygienekitsandclothing.Musthavereferralfromapartneragency(phoneforinformation).

Clothing

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Salvation Army 216-861-8185Phoneorgototheofficeclosesttoyou.TheymayprovidevouchersforyoutogetclothingfromaSalvationArmyThriftStore.BringyourReleasePapersorPrisonIDifyouhavethese.

Salvation Army - Hough 216-432-05006000 Hough Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103Salvation Army - Miles Park 216-341-16404139 E 93rd St., Cleveland, OH 44105Salvation Army - Ohio City 216-631-15154402 Clark Ave., Cleveland, OH 44109Salvation Army - Superior 216-229-60659000 Superior Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106Salvation Army - Temple 216-692-138817625 Grovewood Ave., Cleveland, OH 44119Salvation Army - West Park 216-252-359312645 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44111

St. Herman’s Monastery/House of Hospitality 216-961-38064410 Franklin Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44113MenOnly-mustcallfirst

West Side Catholic Center 216-631-47413135 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113

Clothing

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Drop-In Centers

DRoP-in CenteRSDrop-in Centers are places where people who are homeless can spend time during the day. Some offer snacks and beverages; some offer showers. Please check the listing below for more information.

DROP-IN CENTERS (Homeless) Showers Meals Phone Men Women

Bishop Cosgrove Center ✔ ✔* Pay ✔ ✔1736 Superior Ave., Cleveland OH 44114M-F:8am-3pm.Closed2ndMondayofthemonth.Showers:M-F:10am-noononly.

Catholic Worker Community Storefront ✔ Snack ✔ ✔4241 Lorain Ave., Cleveland OH 44113M-W,F:7pm-9pm;Sat&Sun:9:30am-11:30am

Norma Herr Women’s Shelter ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔2227 Payne Ave., Cleveland OH 441147days:9am-6:30pm

St. Herman’s House of Hospitality ✔ ✔* ✔4410 Franklin Blvd., Cleveland OH 44113Showers:M-F:2pm-3pm.Arriveby2:15pm

St. Malachi Center ✔ ✔* ✔ ✔2416 Superior Viaduct, Cleveland OH 44113Showers:M-Th:7:30am-10am,F:7:30am-11:00am;Drop-in:F-Su:7:00pm-7:00am

St. Paul’s Community Church Coffee ✔ ✔ ✔4427 Franklin Blvd., Cleveland OH 44113T-F:9am-12:30pm

West Side Catholic Center ✔ ✔* ✔ ✔ ✔3135 Lorain Ave., Cleveland OH 44113M-F:9am-3pm;Sat:9am-noonShowers:M&F:1pm-3pm.Signupbefore1pm

St. Philip Neri Coffee ✔ ✔799 E 82nd St., Cleveland, OH 44103M-Th: 9:00am-1:00pm

*Seethefoodsectiononpage26fordetails.

eDUCationIf you are in an employment program or are working with an agency that helps ex-offenders, ask them if they may be able to help you find or pay for your education. You may also try the options listed on the following pages.

GEDImprovingyourreadingandmathskillsmayincreaseyourchancesofgettingajob.Ifyoudidnotfinishhighschool,yourfirststepistoworktowardaGED.AGEDisacertificateforpeoplewhodidnotfinishhighschoolanddonothaveahighschooldiploma.InordertogetaGED,youwillneedtopassaGEDtest.ThereareprogramsthatwillhelpyouimproveyourskillssothatyoucanearnyourGED.

TheAdultBasicLiteracyEducation(ABLE)ProgramoffershelpforadultswhowanttoimprovetheirbasicreadingandmathskillsorpreparefortheGEDtest.SomeplacesofferEnglishforSpeakersofOtherLanguages(ESOL),socialstudies,science,employmentskills,andcitizenshippreparation.TheseclassesarefreeofchargebuttherewillbeafeefortheGEDtest.Thecostfortheinitialtestis$40whichincludesfivesections.Thecosttore-takeanysectionofthetestis$10foreachsection,withthemaximumfeeforretakingthetestbeing$40.

To find places offering GED classes and other literacy programs, call 211 or 216-436-2000.

Ohio Literacy Network 800-228-7323ohioliteracynetwork.orgProvidestheopportunitytostudyfortheGEDthrougheitheracomputer-basedprogramortelevision-broadcast.PracticetestsfortheGEDarealsooffered.

Project: LEARN 216-621-94832728 Euclid Ave., Ste. 400, Cleveland, OH 44115projectlearn.orgProvidesclassesandtutoringaswellasotherskillsinstruction.

Ohio Dept. of Education 877-644-6338StateGEDOfficeode.state.oh.us (click on GED)OffersinformationonwheretogoforGEDtestingandcopiesofGEDtestscores.

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Education

School and Career CounselingItisagoodideatospeakwithaprofessionalwhocanhelpyoumakedecisionsaboutyoureducation.Thereareplacesyoucangothatwillhelpyouchooseandapplytoacollegeorotherschool.

Cleveland Scholarship Programs 216-241-5587200 Public Sq., BP Tower, Ste. 3820, Cleveland, OH 44114cspohio.orgOffersaresourcecenterwithinformationaboutcolleges,careers,andfinancialaid.Providescareercounselingandhelpwithchoosingacollege,aswellascompletingcollegeandfinancialaidapplications.

Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) 216-987-6305Educational Opportunity Center 50 Public Sq., Ste. 200., Terminal Tower Bldg., Cleveland, OH 44113tri-c.eduFreecareerandfinancialaidcounselingforadultsinterestedinenrollinginGEDclasses,jobskillstrainingandcollegeprograms.

Trade and Technical SchoolsTheseschoolsteachtheskillsneededtoworkinareassuchascarpentry,welding,truckdriving,electricalwork,cosmetology,computersanddaycare.YoumayormaynotneedahighschooldiplomaorGED.

Lookunder“Schools”intheYellowPagestofindtechnicalandtradeschools.

Yourlocallibrarymaybeabletoprovideyouwithinformation.TheCuyahogaCountyPublicLibraryWebsiteoffersaCleveland Area Education Directory,whichliststradeschools,specializedtraining,colleges,adultbasiceducationandGEDclasseslocatedinNortheastOhio.Gotocuyahogalibrary.org.Ifyouneedassistance,askthelibrariantohelpyou.

Colleges / UniversitiesCollegesanduniversitiesoffercoursesforpeoplewhowanttoearnadegreebeyondahighschooldiplomaorGED.Therearemanycollegesanduniversities,andtheyeachhavedifferentrequirementsyoumustmeetbeforeyoucanbeacceptedasastudent.Twolocalschoolsarelistedbelow.Classesareofferedatseverallocations.

Cleveland State University (CSU) 216-687-20002121 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115csuohio.edu

Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) 216-987-4000700 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115tri-c.edu 15

Education

Paying for School / Financial AidThereareservicesthatcanhelpyoupayforyoureducation.CalltheFinancialAidOfficeattheschoolwhereyouwouldliketoattendandaskaboutthedifferenttypesofaidthatmaybeavailable.Ifyouareinanemploymentprogram,askthemforhelpwithfindingmoneytohelppayforyoureducation.

Thereismoneyofferedthroughthefederalgovernment,stategovernmentandschoolsthatmaybeavailabletoyoutohelpyoupayforyoureducation.Ifyouarelookingforhelptopayforschool,youshouldcompleteandsubmitaFAFSA-FreeApplicationforFederalStudentAid.Underanewfederallaw,studentswhowereconvictedofdrugcrimespriortotheirenrollmentandapplicationforfederalfinancialaid,willnolongerbesubjecttoadelayoradenialofaidduetotheircon-viction.AsofJuly1,2006,thefederalfinancialaidbanwillonlyapplytostudentswhoareconvictedofadrugoffensewhiletheyareinschoolandreceivingfederalfinancialassistance.

For more information about student financial aid:Cleveland Scholarship Programs 216-241-5587200 Public Sq., BP Tower, Ste. 3820, Cleveland, OH 44114cspohio.orgOffersaresourcecenterwithinformationaboutcolleges,careers,andfinancialaidandcounselorswhooffercareercounselingandhelpwithchoosingacollege,aswellascompletingcollegeandfinancialaidapplications.

Federal Student Aid Information Center 800-433-3243federalstudentaid.ed.gov

For information and to fill out and send in a FAFSA online: fafsa.ed.gov

16

Education

We can help.Are you

for a good job?looking

Our 4-week training program

is the first step along your pathway to success. We will help you to prepare for the job, get the job, keep the job and move into a career. New workshops start each month.

Call 216.696.5750 to learn more.towardsemployment.org

emPLoyment1. Gather all documents that an employer would need to hire you.

Hereareitemsyoumayneed:

•Driver’sLicenseorStateID

•SocialSecurityCard

•OriginalorCertifiedCopyofyourBirthCertificate

•HighSchoolDiploma,CollegeDiplomaorGED

•VocationalCertificates

•Inmateeducationalrecord/transcript

•Résumé

•Alistofthreereferences(namesandphonenumbersofpeoplewhocancommentaboutyourworkability)

2. Clean up your criminal record and credit report. Makesurewronginformationgetsfixedandseeifyoucanhaveapastconvictionorarrestexpunged/sealed.Seepage61forinformation.

3. Understand your rights.

• Anemployercannotgenerallyuseyourarrestrecordtodenyyouajob.

• Anemployermayreviewyourrecordofconvictionsandcanconsidertherelationshipbetweentheconvictionandthejobindecidingwhethertoemployyou.Theemployerhasalotoffreedomwhenmakingthisdecision.

• Anemployermayconductabackgroundcheckonyou.Iftheemployerconductsthebackgroundcheckhimself,hedoesnotneedyourpermissiontodoit.However,iftheemployerasksathird-partytodoit(likeasecuritycompany),theyneedtoletyouknowandgetyourwrittenpermission.Iftheyuseanythinginthatreporttodenyyouajob,youhavetobeprovidedwithacopyofthereportandaperiodoftimetodisputetheentries.

• TherearelawsinOhiothatprohibitpeoplewithcertainconvictionsfromworkinginsomejobs.Thetypesofjobswithlegalprohibitionsaregenerallyintheareasofchildcare,education,lawenforcement,nursingandhomehealthcare–areaswherethereare“vulnerable”populationslikechildrenandolderadults.

17

Employment

• Ifyouwantacareerwhereaprofessionallicenseisrequiredorhelpful(suchasasocialworker),makesureyoucheckwiththeagencythatgrantsthelicensebeforeyoudecidetogointothatcareer.Seeiftheywillgivealicensetosomeonewithyourtypeofconviction.Manyagenciesdonothaveanoutrightbanonallex-offenders.

• Therearenospecificlawsthatprotectex-offendersfromjobdiscrimina-tionsimplybecausetheyareex-offenders.But,therearelawsthatprotectpeoplefromdiscriminationbasedonrace,color,religion,nationalorigin,sex,age,disabilityandgenetics.Sometimes,itgetshardtotellwhatcausedthediscrimination.Ifyouthinkyouwerepassedoverforajob,ordiscrimi-natedagainstinotherwaysthathavetodowithemployment,youcanfileaChargeofDiscriminationwiththeagencylistedbelow.Youcanfileachargebytelephone,inpersonorovertheInternet.Theywillcontactyouaftertheyreceiveit.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 800-669-40001240 E. 9th St., Ste. 3001, Cleveland, OH 44199eeoc.govIfyouhavequestionsaboutfairlaborpracticessuchashowmuchyouarebeingpaid,workingovertimeorbeingfired,contact:

U.S. Department of Labor 866-487-9243Wage and Hour Division - Cleveland District or 216-357-54001240 E 9th St., Rm. 817, Cleveland, OH 44199-2054dol.gov/esaForlegalassistanceinmattersofemployment,seepage67.

4. Learn about Fidelity Bonding.

Ifyouwereconvictedofacrimesuchastheft,forgery,embezzlementorother“dishonest”act,thereisaFREEfederalfidelitybondingprogramthatmayhelpyougetajob.Thefidelitybondisashort-terminsurancepolicyfortheemployer.Itreimbursestheemployershouldyoustealanything.Youcanletemployerswhoarethinkingabouthiringyouknowaboutthisprogram.Thereareafewthingsyoushouldknow:

• Youhavetohaveajobofferforpermanentworkofatleast30 hours per week to qualify.

• Coverageisupto$5,000forsixmonths.

• Theemployershouldphoneforinformation.

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction 614-728-1534770 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43222 www.drc.ohio.gov

18

Employment

5. Learn about the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC).

WOTCisataxcreditfortheemployer.Itismeanttoencourageemployerstohireex-felonsandotherpeoplewhomighthaveahardtimefindingajob.Theemployercouldgetasmuchasa$2,400taxbreakperworker.Youcanletem-ployerswhoarethinkingabouthiringyouknowaboutthisprogram.

Theemployerjustneedstocompletetwoformswithinacertaintimeperiodafterthestart-to-workdate.Formsanddirectionsareavailablefromtheagencylistedbelow.ThisprogrammayendAugust31,2011.

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services 614-644-0966WOTC Section Bureau of Support Services P.O. Box 1618, Columbus, OH 43216-1618jfs.ohio.gov/wotc

6. Work with an agency that has experience with ex-offenders:

Community Re-Entry 216-696-27171468 W 25th St., Cleveland, OH 44113Targetsmen.

Women’s Re-Entry Network 216-696-75351468 W 25th St., Cleveland, OH 44113Résuméhelpandjobsearchassistanceforwomen.Nojobplacement.

Gospel House Prison Ministry 440-439-6555 14707 Alexander Rd., Walton Hills, OH 44146

Northeast Ohio Reentry Coalition 216-421-11423555 Hough Ave. Ste. 219, Cleveland, OH 44106Offersresumehelpandjobsearchguidance,butnotjobplacement.

Passages 216-881-67763631 Perkins Ave. Ste. 4E, Cleveland, OH 44114Menonly.Musthaveachildundertheageof18livinginCuyahogaCounty(doesnothavetolivewithyou)andmeetincomeguidelines.

Towards Employment 216-696-57501255 Euclid Ave. Ste. 300, Cleveland, OH 44115

7. Forthoseage55orolder,thereisaprogramcalledtheSenior Community Service Employment Programthathelpslow-incomepersonsgetpart-time,onthejobtraining.Thisdoesnotfocusonhelpingex-offenders,buttheymayservethem.Contactthefollowingagenciesformoreinformation(seenextpage).

19

Employment

AARP 216-881-1155

National Caucus on Black Aged 216-721-919712200 Fairhill Rd., Cleveland, OH 44120

Mature Services Senior Employment Center 216-731-4664

8. Try other programs that can help you get a job.

Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation 216-592-2900Cleveland Metro Office (other offices available)Musthaveadisability.

Catholic Charities Employment and Training 216-426-9870

Council for Economic Opportunities 216-651-5188in Greater Cleveland - Job Readiness

Employment Connection Brookpark 216-898-1366 Downtown 216-664-4673SeveralotherlocationsthroughoutCuyahogaCounty.employmentconnection.us

Hard Hatted Women 216-861-6500Helpswomenenterskilledlabortrades.

International Services Center 216-781-4560Servesrefugeecommunity.

Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential (LEAP) 216-696-2716Targetspeoplewithdisabilities.

Spanish American Committee 216-961-2100

US Dept. of Veterans Affairs 216-522-3535Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment ProgramRehabilitationandemploymentservicesforeligibleveteranswith a documented service related disability.

Vocational Guidance Services 216-431-7800Targetspeoplewithdisabilities(manyofwhomareformerlyincarcerated).Mayneedreferralfromoutsideagency.

West Side Ecumenical Ministry El Barrio Site 216-651-2037

20

Employment

9. Consider temporary employment agencies.

Theseagenciesplaceyouinjobsatdifferentcompaniesforshortperiodsoftime.Youareemployedbythetemporaryagency,notthecompany.Youmayworkatacompanyforoneday,oneweek,orformanymonths.Temporaryjobscan,butdon’tusually,resultinpermanentemployment.Youaregenerallypaidweekly.

Itisagoodideatosignupwithmorethanonetemporaryagencybecauseeachmayhavedifferentjobopeningsandpayrates.Makesureyouunderstandex-actlyhowmuchyouwillbepaid,andwhatbenefitsareoffered.Manytempo-raryagenciesdonotofferhealthcareorpaidvacations.Alwaysgetinformationaboutyourpayandbenefitsinwritingandkeepacopy.

Nonprofit Temporary Employment Programs Vocational Guidance Services 216-881-6006 2239 E 55th St., Cleveland, OH 44103

For-profit Temporary Employment Agencies Fortemporaryagencies,youcanlookintheYellowPagesunder EmploymentContractors-TemporaryHelp,orcontacttheCleveland BetterBusinessBureauforlistings.

Cleveland Better Business Bureau 216-241-7678 cleveland.bbb.org

10. Consider day labor temporary agencies.

Thesecompaniespaybytheday.Daylaborisnotasubstituteforpermanentemployment.Useitonlyforashorttimeandonlyifyoucannotfindanotherjob.Makesureyouunderstandexactlyhowmuchyouwillbepaid,thatyougetitinwriting,andthatyoukeepacopy.

AmeriTemps 216-621-44772332 Prospect Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115

Lake Land Employment Group 216-875-00001285 W 9th St., Cleveland, OH 44113

Minute Men Staffing 216-426-96753740 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115

21

Employment

11. Start your own business/entrepreneurial resources.

Startingyourownbusinessrequiresabusinessplanandmoney.Talkwithoneoftheagencieslistedbelowbeforeyoustartup.Theycanprovidefreeadviceandguidanceonself-employment.

Business Advisers of Cleveland 216-426-20534614 Prospect Ave. Ste. 401, Cleveland, OH 44103busadvcle.org

Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) 216-522-41941350 Euclid Ave. Ste. 216, Cleveland, OH 44115scorecleveland.org

U.S. Small Business Development Center 216-622-0999 Ext. 215at Urban League of Cleveland 2930 Prospect Ave., entrepreneurohio.orgClassesandone-on-onecounselingonstartingabusinessorimprovinganexistingone.

Women’s Business Center 216-707-0777at Alex Community Development 12200 Fairhill Rd., 4th Flr., Cleveland, OH 44120alexcdc.com

WECO Fund 216-458-02503209 Chester Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114wecofund.com

12. Use libraries as resources.

LibrariesusuallyhavecomputersandaccesstotheInternetavailableforfree.Theyalsohaveagoodselectionofbooksaboutcareersandjobs.Therearebooksthatarewrittenspecificallyforex-offenders.Someofthemmayalsohaveworkshopsonrésuméwritingandinterviewingskills.

Cleveland Public Library - Main Branch 216-623-2800325 Superior Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114cpl.orgThereare28additionalbranchlibrariesthroughoutCleveland.

22

Employment

Cuyahoga Community College 216-987-3029Key Career Place - Unified Technologies Center 2415 Woodland Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115tri-c.edu/keycareerplaceOffersaspecialemploymentlibraryandresourcecenteraswellasshorttermtraining.TherearethreemoresitesinCuyahogaCounty.

Cuyahoga County Public Library* 216-398-1800cuyahogalibrary.orgThereare28branchlibrariesthroughoutCuyahogaCounty.

Cuyahoga County Public Library 216-475-2225Maple Heights Branch Career Center 5225 Library Lane, Maple Hts., OH 44137cuyahogalibrary.orgOffersaspecialemploymentlibraryandresourcecenterwithworkshopsandcounseling.

*ClevelandHeights-UniversityHeights,EastCleveland,Euclid,Lakewood,RockyRiver,ShakerHeightsandWestlakeeachhavetheirownlibrarysystemthatisnotpartoftheCuyahogaCountyPublicLibrarySystem.Contactthesecommunitiesseparatelyforinformation.CityHallnumbersarelistedonpage87.

23

Employment

Neighborhood Reentry Resource Center

NORTHOSTAR

O

An innovative service center that helps individuals navigate the challenges associated with reentering their communities.

www.northstarreentry.org www.orianahouse.org216.881.5440

FooD

Food Assistance (Food Stamps)Thefoodassistanceprogramisforthosewithverylittleincomeandassets.Insteadoffoodcoupons,OhioissuestheOhioDirectionCard.Itworkslikeadebitcard.Eachmonth,moneyistransferredtothecardelectronicallyforyoutobuyfood.

• Peoplewhohavecommittedafelonymaystillapplyforfoodassistance.

• Singlemenandwomenmayapplyforfoodassistance.Itisnotnecessarytohavechildreninthehousehold.

• Forasinglepersonwithnochildren,youcanmakearound$1,174permonthor$14,088peryearandstillqualify.

• Ifyouthinkyoumightbeeligible,youshouldapply.

• Themaximumaone-personhouseholdmaygetis$200amonth.

Ifitlookslikeyoumightqualify,youwillbeaskedtoalsoapplyforunemploymentcompensationwhenyouapplyforFoodAssistance.YouwillstillgetFoodAssistancerightaway,butyourincomewillbebudgeted.

Cuyahoga County Employment and Family Services 216-987-7000Main Office (thereareseveralofficesthroughoutthecounty) 1641 Payne Ave., Room 520, Cleveland, OH 44114Youcanwalkintoanyofficetopickupanapplicationorcalltorequestthatonebemailedtoyou.

School Breakfast and Lunch ProgramThisprogramprovidesfreeorlowcostbreakfastandlunchforschoolchildrenfromlowerincomefamilies.Kidsinthisprogramreceivethesamefoodasthosewhopayfull-price,soyourchildwillnotfeelbadorsingledout.Contactyourschool’spupilservicesofficetoapply.AlistofCityHallnumbersislocatedonpage87.

Home-Delivered MealsTheseprogramsdelivermealstotheelderlyand/ordisabledwhocan’tshop,preparefoodforthemselves,ortraveltoalocationwheretheycangetfood.Unfortunately,manyofthefreeorlowcostprogramshavewaitinglists.

Call211 or 216-436-2000forthephonenumberoftheprogramthatservesyourarea.

24

Food

WIC (Women, Infants and Children) ProgramWICprovidesfoodcoupons,informationonhealthyeatingandreferralstohealthcare.Thefoodcouponscanbeusedatthegrocerystoretobuymilk,formula,babycereal,cereal,freshfruitsandvegetables,cheese,eggs,andlotsofotherproducts.Youcancontinuegettinghelpuntilyourchild’s5thbirthday.

Youmayqualifyif...

• Youarelowerincome(185%oftheFederalPovertyGuidelines)AND

• YouarepregnantOR

• YouhaveachilduptotheageoffiveOR

• Yougavebirth,hadamiscarriageoranabortionnomorethansixmonthsago.

MetroHealth Medical Center 216-957-9421WIC Program Office 5202 Memphis Ave., Cleveland, OH 44144Phoneforthenumberofthenearestclinic.AppointmentsarescheduledONLYatlocalclinics.Youcan’twalkinattheaddresslistedabove.Makesureyouaskwhatdocumentsyouwillneedtobringwithyoutotheappointment.

Food PantriesFoodpantriesareplacesthatwillgiveyouafreebagofgroceriesonceamonthorinemergencysituations.Call211 or 216-436-2000forthephonenumberofthepantrythatservesyourarea.

• Thebagisusuallypackedaccordingtofamilysizeandhasenoughfoodforaboutthreemealsadayforthreetofivedays.

• Youcanexpecttogetcannedandboxedfoodsuchascereal,pasta,tunaandsoup.Onoccasion,youmaybeabletogetfreshfruit,vegetablesormeat.

• Somepantrieswillalsogiveyoupersonalhygieneproductssuchassoap,toiletpaperandtoothpaste.Placesthatprovideclothingorshowersmayalsohavetheseitems.Seepages11and13formoreinformation.

• Mostpantriesrequestyoutoshowproofofincome,aphotoIDandproofofwhereyoulive(likeautilitybill).However,mostwillserveyouONCEwithouttheseitems.IfyouhavetroublegettingaphotoIDandneedtogobacktoapantry,calltheHungerNetworkofGreaterClevelandat216-619-8155x17forhelp.

25

Food

Hot Meals / Soup KitchensTheseareplacessuchaschurcheswhereyoucangotogetafreemeal.

• Youmustgoonthedayandtimethatthemealisserved.

• Yougenerallydon’tneedaphotoIDoranypaperwork.

• Thereareover100locationsinCuyahogaCounty.Listedbelowareafewcentralcitylocationsthatprovideameal.Notethattimesmaychangewithoutnotice.

Call211 or 216-436-2000fortheaddressofotherlocationsnearyou.

Bishop William M. Cosgrove Center 1736 Superior Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114Closedthe2ndMondayofeachmonth.Breakfast-M-F:8:00am-9:00am•Lunch-M-F:Noon-1:30pm

Salvation Army - Hough Corps 6000 Hough Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103Lunch-M-F:11:45am-12:30pm

St. Augustine 2486 W 14th, Cleveland, OH 44113Breakfast-7daysaweek:7:30am-8:00am•Lunch-7daysaweek:11:30am-Noon.Breakfastandluncharenotservedduringthefirstweekofthemonth,butdinnerisservedeveryFriday5:00pm-5:45pm.

St. Herman’s House of Hospitality 4410 Franklin Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44113Breakfast-7daysaweek:5:45amLunch-7daysaweek:11:15amDinner-7daysaweek:5:15pm

St. Malachi’s Church 2459 Washington Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113Breakfast/Lunch-M-Sat:8:30am-3:00pm,Sunday:8:30am-1:00pmDinner-Mondayat6:00pm

Trinity Cathedral 2230 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115Lunch:SundayNoon

West Side Catholic Center 3135 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113Breakfast-M-F:9:00am-9:30am,Sat:9:00a.m.-9:45a.m.Lunch-M-F:Noon-12:45pm

26

Food

HeaLtH CaRe / DentaL CaRe It is very important that you have medical care. One way of getting care is to get health insurance. Most people get health insurance through their employer because it is very expensive to get on their own. People who are low income, are disabled, or are 65 or older, may be able to get government health insurance to pay for their health care. If you don’t have health insurance, try the following options.

MedicaidMedicaidishealthinsurancepaidforbythegovernment.TherearetwotypesofMedicaid:CoveredFamiliesandChildren(CFC)andAgedBlindandDisabled(ABD).CFCisforlow-incomefamilieswithchildrenlivinginthehome(insomecasesmaycoveryoungadultsage18-21).ABDisforthosewhoareage65orolderand/orforthosewhoareblind,orhaveadisability.YoumustprovethatyouhaveappliedfororarereceivingSocialSecurityDisabilityincome(SSD)toreceivethiscoverageandthereareincomerestrictionsthatmayaffectthewaythiscoverageisprovided.CertainhealthcareprovidershaveagreedtoacceptMedicaidInsurance.Whenyouseekcare,youshouldalwaysasktheprovideriftheyacceptMedicaid.

Medicaidcoverssomeprescriptiondrugs,doctorvisits,hospitalcare,laboratoryandx-rays,medicalequipmentandsupplies,somedentalcare,mentalhealth(includingsomeprescriptionmedication),vision,alcoholanddrugrehabilitationandotherservices.Someserviceswillhavesmallfeesthatyouwillhavetopay.Forseniorsanddisabled,Medicaidmaypayforlong-termcare.

• YoumayapplyforMedicaidonthedayyouarereleasedfromprison.

• IfyouwereeligibleforMedicaidatthetimeyouenteredprison,andyouwereincarceratedfornolongerthan12months,youwillbeissuedatemporaryMedicaidcard(goodfor60days).YoumustreapplyforMedicaidduringthose60days.

• Ifyouare65orolderandlow-income,orifyouhavequalifiedbeforeforSocialSecurityDisabilityorSSI,youwillprobablyqualifyimmediatelyforMedicaid.

• Thisprogrammayhelppaymedicalbillsdatingbackthreemonthsfromyourapplicationdatebutnotfurtherbackthanyourdateofrelease.

YoucanapplyatyourlocalNeighborhood Family Service Center (welfare office).Call216-987-7000forlocations.Ifyouareafamilywithchildren,youcancall216-987-7346andcompletetheapplicationbyphoneandmail,butitmaytakealittlelongerthanapplyinginperson.

27

Health Care / Dental Care

MedicareMedicareisahealthinsuranceprogramforpeopleage65andolder,ordisabledpeopleyoungerthan65,whohaveworkedundertheSocialSecuritysystemoraredependentsofsomeonewhohas.

Medicareprovideshospitalizationcoverage(PartA),supplementalinsuranceforthingslikedoctor’svisits(PartB),andoffersprescriptiondrugcoverage(PartD).MedicarePartC(MedicareAdvantagePlans)isthroughprivatecompaniesthatprovidePartAandPartBbenefitstoanyoneeligibletoenroll,manyplanscoverprescriptionsaswell.

• Whenyougotoprison,youdonotloseyourMedicarePartA(hospitalinsurance)benefit,soyoudon’tneedtore-enroll.

• YouwillonlyloseyourPartB(SupplementalInsurance)andPartD(medication)ifyoustoppedpayingforitwhileyouwereinprison.

• IfyoustoppedpayingforMedicarePartB,orPartD,youshouldre-enrollwithin63daysofrelease.Otherwise,youmaybepenalizedforlateenrollmentoryoumayhavetowaituntilthenextgeneralenrollmentperiod(JanuarythroughMarch)forcoveragetostartthefollowingyear.Youmaybesubjecttoahigherpremiumwhenyoure-enroll.

• MedicareoffersasubsidytohelppaycostsassociatedwithitsPartDprogram.Ifyouqualifybasedonyourincome(150%orlessoftheFederalPovertyGuidelines)andassets,itmaypaypartofyourpremium,deductibles,and/orco-paymentsforservicesprovidedunderPartD.Theamountofhelpvariesdependingonincome,familysizeandtheperson’sresources.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 800-MEDICAREmedicare.govOffersinformationtothosewhoarealreadyonMedicare.

Ohio Senior Health Insurance 800-686-1578Information Program (OSHIIP) insurance.ohio.govForinformationabouthealthinsuranceoptions.Volunteerscanprovideone-on-oneassistance.

Social Security Administration 800-772-1213socialsecurity.govToapply/enrollforMedicare.

28


MedRefer Call 211 or 216-436-2000

Helpspeopleapplyfordrugcompanyprogramswhichprovideprescriptionmedica-tionsfreeofchargeoratareducedcost.Mustnothaveanytypeofinsurancethatcoversthemedication(mostprogramsarenotopentothosewhoareeligibleforMedicaidorMedicare).Youmusthaveadoctorwhocanprescribethemedications(ifyoudonothaveadoctor,consultoneofthecommunityhealthclinicslistedonpp.29-30).Thisserviceisonlyforprescriptiondrugsandcannothelpwithdurablemedicalsupplies(suchasOxygen,bedlifts,wheelchairs,etc.).Inmostcases,thereisnothingavailableforpainmedications/narcotics.Itcantakefourtosixweekstogetthemedication.Checkwithyourdoctorifyouneedimmediatemedications.Youwillneedtosupplyapermanentphonenumberandaddresswhenyoucall.

Community Clinics / Health ClinicsThesearehealthcareclinicsthatprovideprimarymedicalcareforpeoplewhoareuninsuredorunderinsured(althoughsomeclinicsmayalsoacceptMedicaid,Medicare,orotherinsurance).Servicesmaybeprovidedfreeofchargeor,morecommonly,forafeethatvariesaccordingtoyourincome.Ifyouneedprescriptions,manyclinicseitherpartnerwithadrugstore/pharmacysothatyoucangetyourmedicineforfreeorareducedfee,orhaveanon-sitepharmacy.Youmustbeapatientatthoseclinicstogethelpwithprescriptions.Theywillnotfillprescriptionswrittenbyotherdoctors.Mostclinicsrequireanappointmentandyoumayneedcertaindocuments,soitisbesttocallahead.Also,drugcompaniesoftenhave“patientassistance”programsthatgivemedicineforfreeorreducedcost.Staffatthehealthclinicmaybeabletohelpyouaccessthoseprograms.

Care Alliance Health Center 216-781-67241530 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114Focusisonthosewhoarehomelessorliveinpublichousing.Operatesotherclinicsatpublichousingestatesandshelters.

Fairview Hospital 216-941-8888Westown Physician Center Primary Medicine 10654 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44111

Free Medical Clinic of Greater Cleveland 216-721-401012201 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106

MetroHealth Medical Center 216-778-78002500 MetroHealth Drive, Cleveland, OH 44109Thisisthecounty-ownedgeneralmedicalandsurgicalhospitalthathasseveraloutpatientclinicsthroughoutCleveland.

29


HCAP (Hospital Care Assurance Program)Free Care at Ohio Hospitals

EveryhospitalinOhioisrequiredbylawtoprovidebasic,medicallynecessary,hospital-levelservices(bothinpatientandoutpatient)freeofchargetopeoplewhoseincomesareatorbelowthefederalpovertylevelandwhoarenotcurrentlyreceivingMedicaid(maybeonMedicaidspend-down,ifyouhavenotreachedyourspend-downamountforthemonthoftreatment).Thisprogramisindependentofimmigrationstatus,andrequiresnoproofofstatus.

Thehospitalisrequiredtonotifypatientsofthisprogramandmusthelppeopleapply.Askaboutthisprogram.HCAPappliesonlytocarebyhospitalemployeesinhospitalfacilities,nottoindependentcorporationsorprivatepracticesnotunderthehospital.However,apatientshouldrequestan“awardletter”statinghisorherqualificationforHCAP,andshowthistonon-coveredproviders,whomaychoosetoreducetheirfees.ThosewithlowincomeswhodonotqualifyforHCAPshouldaskaboutindividualhospitals’charitycareprograms.

MetroHealth Broadway Health Center Reentry Clinic 216-861-52926835 Broadway Ave., Cleveland, OH 44105Helpsformerlyincarceratedindividualswhoneedhealthcare(includingthosewithchronicconditionsandmentalhealthdisorders).NewpatientsseeadoctorthenchooseaconvenientMetroHealthclinicandaprimarydoctorforongoingcare.Providesreferralsforlegalhelpandhelpstheclientfindandapplyforfreeorreducedcostprescriptions.

Neighborhood Family Practice 3569 Ridge Rd., Cleveland, OH 44102 216-281-08722358 Professor Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113 216-334-2800

North Coast Health Ministry 216-228-7878 16110 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107Servespeoplewholiveincertainzipcodesonthewestside.

Northeast Ohio Neighborhood Health Services (NEON) 216-231-77008300 Hough Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103OperatesseveralcommunityhealthcentersthroughoutCleveland.

Parma Health Ministry 440-843-80877000 Ridge Rd., Parma, OH 44129Servesuninsured,employedresidentsofParma,Parmaheights,NorthRoyaltonorSevenHillswithincomeatorbelow150%ofthefederalPovertyGuidelines.

Health Care Center at St. Luke’s Pointe 216-721-690011201 Shaker Blvd., Ste. 102, Cleveland, OH 44104

30


Manyhospitalsystemsofferdiscountedservicesbasedonincome(often,abovetheHCAPincomelimits)fortheuninsured.Ifyouarereceivingcareorneedcarefromahospital–makesuretoaskabouttheseincomebaseddiscounts.

Southwest General Health Care Center 440-816-6444 Neighborhood Care Center 17951 Jefferson Park Dr., Middleburg Hts., OH 44130Servesemployed,uninsured,low-income(atorbelow200%oftheFederalPovertyGuidelines)residentsofBerea,BrookPark,ColumbiaStation,MiddleburgHts.,OlmstedFallsandStrongsville.Mustnotbereceivinggovernmentassistance.

St. Vincent Medical Center 216-861-62002351 E 22nd St., Cleveland, OH 44115ThisisageneralmedicalandsurgicalhospitalthathasseveraloutpatientclinicsthroughoutCleveland.

University Hospitals Richmond Medical Center 440-585-647927100 Chardon Rd., Richmond Hts., OH 44143

U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs 216-939-0699Outpatient Clinic at McCafferty Health Center 4242 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113Servesveteranswhoarehonorablydischargedorgeneraldischargeunderotherthandishonorableconditions.Formosthealthservices:ifdischargewasafterSept.7,1980,thenmusthaveservedatleasttwoyearsofactiveduty.Theremayalsobeincomerestrictions.ThosewhoalreadyhavebenefitsthroughtheVAandwhoareincarceratedforaperiodlongerthan61daysmayneedtore-applyforbenefitsuponrelease.

Veterans Affairs Medical Center - Wade Park 216-791-380010701 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106

Specialty Community Clinics

AIDS/HIV ClinicsProvidesmedicalcareandprescriptionsforpeoplewithHIV/AIDSwhocan’taffordtoseeadoctor.Call211or216-436-2000forinformation.

City of Cleveland Dept. of Public Health 216-664-2324Provideschildimmunizations,pneumonia/flushots,pregnancytesting,HepatitisCtestingandtreatment,TBtesting,HIVandSTDtestingandtreatment,AIDSandSTDcounseling.ThreelocationsinCleveland.

Planned Parenthood of Northeast Ohio 216-961-8804 ppneo.orgProvidesconfidentialfamilyplanningandreproductivehealthcareservices,birthcontrol,STDtestingandtreatmentandHIVtestingtomenandwomen.Offerscomprehensivegynecologicalhealthcare.Servicesarelow-costorfree.SeveralclinicslocatedinCuyahogaCounty.

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Dental CareTheseprogramsprovidefreeorreducedcostdentalcare.Pleasecallforanappointmentandtoseeifyouqualify.Therearerestrictionsonwhatservicesareprovidedandwhocanbehelped.

Care Alliance (East Side) 216-923-5000Care Alliance (Downtown) 216-781-6724Case Western Reserve School of Dentistry 216-368-3200Cuyahoga Community College 216-987-4413Free Medical Clinic of Greater Cleveland 216-721-4010MetroHealth Dept. of Dentistry 216-778-4725Northeast Ohio Neighborhood Health Services 216-231-7700

Dental ReferralsOhio Dept. of Health 888-765-6789Dental Options Program Linksuninsuredpeopleinneedofdentalcarewithdentistswhohaveagreedtotreatapprovedpatientsforreducedfees.Thisisnotforpreventiveoremergencydentistry.

Greater Cleveland Dental Society 440-717-1891Providesreferralstodentists.Youwillbeexpectedtopaythefullfeeforservice.

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HoUSinGAt least eight months before you are released, you should start thinking about where you will live. Work with your case manager to create a plan. Case managers on the outside at the reentry programs (see page 3 for a list) may also help you find housing. Think about the following options.

Permanent Housing1. LIVING WITH FAMILY OR FRIENDS

Livingwithfamilyorfriendsmaybeyourbestoption.Ifyouareplanningonlivingwithfamilyorfriends,makesureyoutellyourcasemanageraboutanycriminalhistoryofthepeopleyouwillbelivingwith.Youmaynotbeabletolivewithcertainpeople.Itisbettertotellthecasemanagerupfrontsoyoucangetapproval.Otherwise,youmaybeviolatingtheconditionsofyourparole/post-releasecontrol.

2. RENTAL HOUSING

Tofindanapartmentorhousetorent,trythefollowing:

• Lookintheclassifiedssectionofthelocalpaper,ThePlainDealer,ortrythefreeorlocalpapersaroundtown.ThePlainDealerapartmentlistingisalsoavailableonthewebatrealestate.cleveland.com/for-rent.

•UsetheHousingCleveland.orgwebsitetofindaffordablerentals.Youmayalsodial211or216-436-2000forinformation.

•Walkordrivearoundtheneighbor- hoodyouwanttolivein.ForRent signsareoftenpostedonlawns andinwindows.

Subsidized rental housingSomerentalhousingiscalledsubsidizedbecauseitisfundedinsomewaybythegovernmentorbyothersources.Becauseofthis,youpayrentbasedonyourincomeorafixedrentthatisgenerallylessthanotherunitsonthemarket.

Housing

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SomesubsidizedhousingunitscanbefoundontheHousingCleveland.orgwebsite.Youmayalsodial211 or 216-436-2000forinformationortrytheresourceslistedinthefollowingsections.

• Publichousing:Thisisgovernment-ownedhousing.TherearetwopublichousingagenciesinCuyahogaCounty—CuyahogaMetropolitanHousingAuthority(CMHA)andParmaPublicHousingAgency.ParmaPublicHousingAgencyisnotacceptingapplicationsatthistimebutestimatestheymaybeginacceptingthemby2013.Allpublichousingmayhavelongwaitinglists—twoyearsisnotuncommon.However,thisvaries.Somepersons(suchasolderadultsorveterans)maybegivenpriorityforcertainunitsandgetinfaster.

Thereareincomeandothereligibilityrequirementsthatvarybypublichousingauthority.Therearealsosomespecificrestrictionsaffectingex-offenders,butmanyex-offendersmaystillqualifyforpublichousing.Youaregenerallyexpectedtopay30percentofyourincomeforrent.

Here are some rules of all public housing authorities:

• Federallawprohibitsadmittinghouseholdsthatincludeamemberwhohaseverbeenconvictedofmethamphetamineproductiononthepremisesoffederally-fundedhousing.

• Federallawprohibitsadmittinghouseholdsthatincludeamemberwhoissubjecttoalifetimeregistrationrequirementunderastate’ssexoffenderlaw.

• Ultimately,thehousingauthoritymaydenyadmissiontoanyapplicantwhosehabitsandpracticesmayreasonablybeexpectedtohaveanegativeeffectonothertenantsoronthefacility.

CMHA-specific rules:

Youcannotbeplacedonthewaitinglistifyou:

• areovertheincomerequirementor

• areunder18andnotemancipatedor

• owemoneytoCMHA.

All others are permitted to apply and can be placed on the waiting list.

Fulleligibilityisnotdetermineduntilyoureachthetopofthewaitinglist.Thismeansthatyoumayapplybeforeyouactuallyqualifyforacceptance.Sinceyoumaybeonthewaitinglistforseveralyears,ifyouthinkthatyoumayqualifyforacceptancebythetimeyournamereachesthetopofthelist,youshouldapply.

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Thosewhohavebeenconvictedofthefollowingcrimesmayapply,butwillbebarredfromadmissionunlessithasbeenatleastoneyearsincethecompletionoftheirsentence(yoursentenceincludeslegalsupervisionafterbeingreleased).

• Felonydrug-relatedcriminalactivitythatinvolvesthemanufacture,saleordistribution,orthepossessionwiththeintenttomanufacture,sellordistribute,acontrolledsubstance.

• Homicide,rape,sexualassault,sexualbattery,grosssexualimposition,childpornography,corruptionofminor,childendangerment,childenticement,arson,kidnappingorabduction.

Thereareotherreasonsthatsomeonemaybedeniedadmission,includingcurrentalcoholordrugabuse,fraudinconnectionwithcertainhousingprograms,etc.Inaddition,anyoftheFederalbansmentionedonthepriorpagewillresultinautomaticdenialofadmission.

Tobeeligible,youmustalsohavesatisfactoryreferencesfrompreviouslandlord(s),havenooutstandingrentbalancesatCMHAoranyothersubsidizedhousing,beabletoobtainutilitiesinyourname,agreetocomplywiththeCMHAleaseagreement,haveaSocialSecuritynumberordocumentationsupportingitsnon-existence,andbeingoodstandingwithanyothersubsidizedhousingprograminwhichyouhaveparticipatedinthepast.

If you provide untrue information about your situation on purpose, you will lose your CMHA housing or will not be allowed to stay on the waiting list for CMHA housing.

CMHA application process

ApplicationsareacceptedMondaythroughFriday8:00a.m.to4:00p.m.atthefollowinglocation.Peopleage50orolderordisabledcanrequestthatapre-applicationbesenttothembymail.

Carl B. Stokes Social Services Mall, First Floor 216-361-37006001 Woodland Ave., Cleveland, OH 44104cmha.net

Youwillneedtobringthefollowingwithyou:

• PhotoIDforeachpersonage18orolder.

• SocialSecuritynumbersforallhouseholdmembers(ordocumentationsupportingitsnon-existence).

• Officialproofofbirthdate(birthcertificate,driver’slicense,stateID,cliniccard,etc.).

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• Thenames,addressesandphonenumbersofalllandlordsforthepastfiveyears.

• TheaddressesanddatesofresidenceifyoulivedinpublichousingbeforeorhadaHousingChoice(Section8)Voucher.

• Ifdivorced,acopyofthedivorcedecree.

• Ifpregnantordisabled,adoctor’sstatement.

• Verificationofincomeandassets(SocialSecurity,bankaccounts,paycheckstubs,childsupportorders,etc.)

CMHA appeals process

Ifyouweredeniedaplaceonthewaitinglist,orweredeterminedineligibleandyouthinkthatitwaswrong,youmayappeal.

• Youcanrequestareviewwithin14calendardaysofyourwrittennoticeofineligibility/denial.

• Thereviewmusthappenwithin30calendardaysofreceiptofyourrequest.

• Youcanpresentoralorwrittenobjectionsandyoumayberepresentedbyanattorneyoranyotherpersonthatyouchoose(butyoumustobtainyourownattorney).

• Thefinaldecisionmustbemadewithinthreedaysoftheinformalreviewandtheapplicantmustbenotifiedofthefinaldecisionwithinfivedaysofthedecisiondate(nottheinformalreviewdate).

Assistance with the appeals process

Trycontactingthefollowingfreelegalprogram:

Legal Aid Society of Cleveland 216-687-1900lasclev.orgHelpsthosewithincomesatorbelow125%oftheFederalPovertyGuidelines.Currently,thisisapproximately$13,500ayearforafamilyofoneand$27,500ayearforafamilyoffour.However,theywillconsiderpeoplewithincomesupto200%oftheFederalPovertyGuidelines.

Ifyoudon’tqualifyforfreehelp,youcantrycontactingthefollowingagenciestogetareferraltoanattorney:

Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association 216-696-3532clemetrobar.org

•Housing Choice vouchers: HousingChoicevoucherswereformerlyknownasSection8vouchers.Ifyouqualifyforavoucher,youhavetofindaprivatelandlordthatiswillingtoleasetoyouandacceptthevoucher.Youwillgenerallyonlypay30%ofyourincometowardrent.

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Housing

ThetwopublichousingagenciesinCuyahogaCountyeachoperatevoucherprograms.Neitherhasanopenapplicationprocess.Initialapplicationsaregenerallyacceptedonceeverythreetofouryears.Theseeventswillbepub-licizedabout20-30daysaheadoftimeandpeoplemustapplyasdirected.Eachagencyholdsalotteryandcreateswaitinglistsfromtheformssubmit-ted.Thereisnolotteryscheduledintheimmediatefuture.

Peoplewhoareverylowincomeandhavespecialneedsmaynothavetowaitforthelotterytogetavoucher.ThereareacertainnumberofHous-ingChoiceVoucherssetasideforpeoplewithspecialneeds.ThesevoucherscanbeaccessedthroughtheGatewayVoucherProgramortheMainstreamVoucherProgram.Peoplewhomayqualifyforthesevouchersareyouthwhoareagingoutofthefostercaresystem,peoplewithAIDS,peoplewithphysi-calormentaldisabilities,peoplewithdevelopmentaldisabilities,andpeoplewhoarehomeless.Eventhoughyoudonothavetogothroughalottery,thereisawaitinglistforthesevouchers.

Youapplyforthesevouchersatvariousparticipatingagenciesratherthanthroughthepublichousingagencies.Pleasecall211or216-436-2000formoreinformationandareferraltotheseagencies.

• OtherSubsidizedHousingforspecificpopulations:Thelistbelowrepresentssomeofthenonprofitandgovernmentagenciesthatoffersubsidizedhous-ingforpeoplewhohavespecialneeds.

AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland 216-621-07663210 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115PeoplediagnosedwithHIVorAIDS.

Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health 216-241-3400Service Board of Cuyahoga County 2012 W 25th St., 6th Flr., Cleveland, OH 44113Providesgrouphomes,adultcarefacilitiesandreferralstootherhousingoptionsforpeoplewithmentalillness.

Bridgeway 216-281-2660 8301 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44102Peoplewithadiagnosisofmentalillness.

Cleveland Tenants Organization 216-432-0616 Bridging the Gap Program 3631 Perkins Ave., Ste. 3A-4, Cleveland, OH 44114Refersfamiliesandsinglepeoplelivinginemergencysheltersortransitionalhousingtopermanent,subsidizedhousingandhelpsguidethemthroughtheapplicationprocess.Willneedreferralfromanoutsideagency.

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Cuyahoga County Board of 216-241-8230Developmental Disabilities 1275 Lakeside Ave. E, Cleveland, OH 44114Providesgrouphomesandreferralstosemi-independenthousingforpeoplewithdevelopmentaldisabilitieswhoqualify.

EDEN 7812 Madison Ave., Cleveland, OH 44102Peoplewithmentalillness,developmentaldisabilities,physicaldisabilityandthosewhoarehomelessandmentallyill,chemicallydependentorhaveAIDS.Mustalreadybeaclientofanoutsideagency.Dial211 or 216-436-2000formoredetails.

Jewish Family Service Assn. of Cleveland 216-292-3999Drost Family Center 24075 Commerce Park Rd., Beachwood, OH 44122 Adultswithmentalillnessorotherdisabilities.

Manna House Recovery and Resource Center 216-432-25988019 Cedar Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103Menandwomenwithasourceofincome.Focusisonsoberliving.

Maximum Accessible Housing of Ohio 216-231-722111607 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106Offersreferralsandoperatesrentalhousingunitsforpeoplewithphysicaldisabilities.

Mental Health Services 216-623-65551744 Payne Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114Menandwomenwhoarehomelessandmentallyill.

Recovery Resources 216-431-41313950 Chester Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114Homeless,singlepeoplewhohavecompletedadrugtreatmentprogramandaremovingfromtransitionalhousing.

Spectrum of Supportive Services 216-939-20652900 Detroit Ave. 3rd Flr., Cleveland, OH 44113Foradultswithmentalillness.

US Dept. of Housing 216-522-4058and Urban Development (HUD) 1350 Euclid Ave. Ste. 500, Cleveland, OH 44115hud.gov/apps/section8/Fundsprivatelyownedapartmentsforolderadults,peoplewhoarephysicallydisabledandfamilies.Waitinglistsmaybeverylong.Call,write,orusethewebsitetogetalistoftheseproperties.Youcanthenapplydirectlywiththeapartmentmanager.

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Temporary Housing1. EX-OFFENDER HALFWAY HOUSES

Halfwayhousesarecommunityresidentialprogramsprovidingsupervisionandtreatmentservicesforoffendersreleasedfromstateprisons,referredbyCourtsofCommonPleas,orsanctionedbecauseofaviolationofconditionsofsupervision.Halfwayhousesprovideservicessuchasdrugandalcoholtreatment,electronicmonitoring,jobplacement,educationalprogramsandspecializedprogramsforsexoffendersandmentallyilloffenders.Somefacilitiesmaynotacceptviolentoffenders,sexoffendersorthoseconvictedofarson.

SomehalfwayhousesoffertheTransitional ControlprogramwhichisavailabletoinmateswhoarereviewedanddeterminedeligiblebytheOhioParoleBoard.Uponthesentencingjudge’sapproval,appropriateinmatesmaybeplacedonTransitionalControlandtransferredtoahalfwayhousetocompleteuptothelast180daysoftheirprisonterm.Employedoffendersdoingwellintheprogrammaybesteppeddownonelectronicmonitoringinanappropriatehomeplace-ment.TheemphasisoftheTransitionalControlprogramistoprovideoffenderswithresourcesforemployment,education,vocationaltrainingandtreatmentsothattheymaytransitiontotheirhomecommunitymoresuccessfully.

HalfwayhousesmustmeetstandardssetbytheAmericanCorrectionalAssociation(ACA)andlicensingrequirementsoftheOhioDepartmentofRehabilitationandCorrection.

Thefollowingisalistofex-offenderhalfwayhousesinCuyahogaCounty:

ARCA 216-481-950016801 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44112Womenonly.

Community Assessment and Treatment Services 216-441-02008415 Broadway Ave., Cleveland, OH 44105

Fresh Start 216-431-25542415 E 55th St., Cleveland, OH 44104 (Main Site)(Menwithsubstanceabuseissues)

Oriana House 216-881-78821829 E 55th St., Cleveland, OH 44103

The Salvation Army Harbor Light 216-781-3773Ex-Offender Program 1710 Prospect Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115

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2. SUBSTANCE ABUSE HALFWAY HOUSES

Halfwayhousesforsubstanceabuseareplacesthatprovideroomandboard,structuredalcoholorotherdrugaddictiontreatmentservices,individualcounselingandlivingskillsinstructionforpeoplewithalcoholandotherdrugaddictions.Itisseenasaformoftreatment,ratherthanhousing,butitisoneoptionifyouhaveasubstanceabuseissue.Somehalfwayhouseswillonlyacceptpeoplewhohavebeenthroughtheirothertreatmentprograms,orthosewhohaveareferral.Theremayalsobeothereligibilityrestrictions.

Ifyoucommittedcertaintypesofcrimes,youmaynotqualify,ortheremaybeawaitingperiod.Youmayormaynotbeabletobereleaseddirectlytoahalfwayhousefromprison.

Community Assessment and Treatment Services 216-441-02008415 Broadway Ave., Cleveland, OH 44105

Fresh Start 216-431-25542415 E 55th St., Cleveland, OH 44104Menwithsubstanceabuseissuesonly.

Hitchcock Center for Women 216-421-06621227 Ansel Rd., Cleveland, OH 44108

Orca House 216-231-37721905 E 89th St., Cleveland, OH 44106

Stella Maris 216-781-05501320 Washington Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113

YMCA – Y-Haven I 216-431-20186001 Woodland Ave., Cleveland, OH 44104

3. TRANSITIONAL HOUSING

Thesefacilitiesprovideatemporaryplacetoliveandsupportiveservicesforpeoplewhoaretryingtoliveontheirown,butwhodonotcurrentlyhavethemoneytodoso.Transitionalhousingprogramsaregenerallyforpeoplewhoarehomeless.Peoplecomingfromprisonarenotconsideredhomelessrightaway.Seepage43foradefinitionofhomeless.Generally,peoplepay30percentoftheirincomeforrentandutilitiesoralowfee(lowerthanmostrentalunits).Lengthofstayvariesgreatlybutcouldbeuptotwoyears.

Securitydepositscouldberequired.Areferralfromasocialserviceagencyorcaseworkermayberequired.Youmaynotbeabletobereleaseddirectlytotransitionalhousingfromprison.Calltheindividualagencyfordetails.

Peoplewithmentalillnessaregenerallyacceptediftheyarestableandabletotaketheirownmedication.Theremaybesomerestrictionsontheages

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Housing

ofchildrenallowed,restrictionsonalcoholanddrugsand,ifyoucommittedcertaintypesofcrimes,youmaynotqualify,ortheremaybealongwaitingperiod.Thisisnotconsideredemergencyhousing.Seethe“Shelters”sectiononpage43ifyouneedimmediatehousing.

AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland 216-621-07663210 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115MenandwomendiagnosedwithHIVorAIDS.

City Mission 216-431-35105310 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103Men,womenandfamilieswithnosafeandaffordableplacetolive.

Continue Life 216-383-1984 17917 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44112Pregnantand/orparentingwomen(childrenundertheageof3)whoarehomeless.

Ed Keating Center 216-472-12762121 W. 117th St., Cleveland, OH 44111Menwhohavenosafeandaffordableplacetolive.Focusisonsoberliving.TwolocationsinCleveland.

Emmanuel Promise of Hope Ministries 216-391-5766PO Box 603019, Cleveland, OH 44103Employedmenwhohavenosafeandaffordableplacetolive.Focusisonsoberliving.

Hitchcock Center for Women 216-421-06621227 Ansel Rd., Cleveland, OH 44108Pregnantorparentingwomenwhohavecompletedadrugtreatmentprogram.Focusisonsoberliving.

Joseph’s Home 216-685-15512412 Community College Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115Homelessmen(usuallycomingfromahospitalorshelter)whohaveanacutemedicalconditionorarerecoveringfromanillnessorinjury.

Manna House Recovery and Resource Center 216-253-88508019 Cedar Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103Menwhoarerecoveringsubstanceabusersorex-offenders.Soberlivingenvironment.

Mental Health Services 216-623-65551744 Payne Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114Menandwomenwhoarehomelessandmentallyill.

New Life Community 216-751-73013470 E 152nd St., Cleveland, OH 44120Homeless,joblessfamilieswithminorchildrenintheircustody.Goalisfull-timeemployment.

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Northcoast Behavioral Healthcare 216-658-2095 1502 E. 118th St., Cleveland, OH 44106Foradultswithmentalillness.

Oriana House - Cleveland Transition Center 216-881-7882 1829 E 55th St., Cleveland, OH 44109CuyahogaCountyresidentswhowereincarceratedandreleasedfromprisonwithinthepastsixmonths.Willnotacceptconvictionsofmurder,TierIIorIIIsexoffenses,orcrimesinvolvingaminor.

Scarborough House 216-781-5538 2430 W 10th St., Cleveland, OH 44113Womenwhoareemployedorseekingemploymentwhohavecompletedadrugtreatmentprogramand/orhavebeensoberforamonth.Focusisonsoberliving.

YMCA – Y-Haven III 216-431-2018 6001 Woodland Ave., Cleveland, OH 44104Menwhoarehomelessandneedasoberlivingprogram.

The Salvation Army 216-861-81851710 Prospect Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115Homelessmen(includingthosewithdisabilities),menwithasourceofincome,families,andwomenwhoarecomingfromanemergencyshelterandwhoarepregnantand/orparenting.Alsoofferstransitionalsoberhousingformen.

Transitional Housing 216-781-22501545 W 25th St., Cleveland, OH 44113Womenwhoarehomeless.Willacceptwomenwithveryyoungchildren(under2yrs.).Musthaveagoalofemploymentandpermanenthousing.

University Settlement 216-441-2907, ext. 2334800 Broadway Ave., Cleveland, OH 44127Familieswhoarecomingfromahomelessshelter.Headofhouseholdmustbeabletowork.Pregnantwomenacceptediftheyhaveotherchildren.

Volunteers of America 216-621-01202710 Walton Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113Menwhoarehomeless.Specialprogramforhomelessveteransatanothersite.

4. SHELTERS

Sheltersprovideatemporaryplacetostay(usuallyafewdaystoafewweeks)forpeoplewhohavenohousing.Theseareplacesoflastresort.Theyarealsoknownas“emergencyshelters”becauseyouhavefairlyquickaccesstothem(thereisnocomplexapplicationprocess).Therearesheltersforspecificpopula-tionssuchasthosewhoarementallyill,havedisabilities,areolderadultsorarevictimsofdomesticviolence.

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Housing

Thesheltersystemismadeupofspecializedsheltersandoverflowshelters.Youwanttotrytogainaccesstoaspecializedshelterfirst.Youdothisbycalling211 or 216-436-2000.Theyknowwhichsheltershavebedsavailableandcanreferyoutotherightplacetomeetyourneeds.

Ifallthebedsarefullinthespecializedshelters,youcangotoanoverflowshelter,listedbelow.

2100 Lakeside Shelter 216-566-00472100 Lakeside Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114Thisistheoverflowshelterformen.Doorsopenat4p.m.M-F,and1p.m.Sat.,Sun.andholidays.Curfewis10p.m.,dinnerisat6:30p.m.

Norma Herr Women’s Center 216-479-0020(formerly Community Women’s Shelter) 2227 Payne Ave.,Cleveland, OH 44114Thisistheoverflowshelterforwomen.Womenwithchildrenshouldcheckwithallfamilysheltersbeforecomingtothisshelter.Youmaywalkinatanytime.

Foreclosure AssistanceIfyouownyourhomeandarebehindinyourpaymentsorthinkyoumaynotbeabletomakeyourpayments,youmaybeindangerofforeclosure(losingyourhome).Phone211 or 216-436-2000forreferralstoagenciesthatmaybeabletohelpyou.

Housing RightsContacttheagencybelowortryoneofthelegalservicesagencieslistedonpage67.

Cleveland Tenants Organization 216-432-0609InformsrentersoftheirrightsandresponsibilitiesunderOhioLandlord-TenantLaw.Providesadvicetorenterswholiveinunitsthatareunderforeclosureandhelpspotentialrentersfindappropriaterentalunits.

Housing Research and Advocacy Center 216-361-9240Helpspeoplefilediscriminationcomplaintsrelatedtofamilialstatus,race,gender,handicap,color,militarystatus,religion,sexualorientation,ornationalorigin.

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Who is Considered Homeless? Apersonwholivesinplacesnotmeantforhumanhabitation,suchascars,parks,sidewalksandabandonedbuildings.Alsoincludedarepeoplewholiveinemergencysheltersortransitionalhousing(whentheyoriginallycomefromthestreetsoranemergencyshelter).

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Map of Downtown Cleveland and Surrounding Area

45

Map of Downtown Cleveland and Surrounding Area

iDentiFiCation / PaPeRWoRK

Record of Arrest and Prosecution (RAP Sheet)Yourcriminalrecordmayconsistofyourarrests,convictionsand/orotherdispositions(suchasadismissalofyourcase).Hereareafewimportantthingstoremember:

• Youmayneedtocontactseveraldifferentagenciestogetcompleteinformationandtomakesureallrecordsarecorrect.

• Knowwhatyouwant.Doyouneedonlyyourarrestrecords,ordoyouwanttoseeyourdispositions(outcomeofyourcasesuchasadismissal)?Doyouwanttoseefelonies,misdemeanors,orboth?

• IfyoujustwanttoviewadetailedrecordofyourfelonycasesinCuyahogaCounty,trytheClerkofCourtsonlinedatabase.ItisFREEatwww.coc.cuyahogacounty.us.

• Ifyouwanttomakesureallrecordsarecorrect,somepeoplerecommendstart-ingyoursearchwiththecityinwhichyouwerearrestedandworkingyourwayupthroughthecounty.

Arrest RecordsTogetacopyofyourarrests,itisbesttostartwiththecriminalrecordsunitofthepolicedepartmentinwhichyouwerearrested.InOhio,yourarrestrecordispublicinformationandanyonewhohasyouridentifyinginformationcanrequestit.However,employersaregenerallynotallowedtouseyourarrestrecord(unlessitleadstoaconviction)todenyyouajob.

Arrestrecordsdonotshowwhetherthecasewasdismissedorifyouwerecon-victed.YouhavetogototheCountyClerkofCourts,theStateBureauofCriminalIdentification&Investigation,oraprivatesecuritycompanyforthatinformation(seepage48).

ForyourarrestrecordwiththeCityofClevelandPolice,usetheinformationlistedonthefollowingpage.Forallotherpolicedepartments,contactthecityhalllistedonpage87forthecorrectnumber.IfyouwerearrestedbytheCuyahogaCountySheriff,seepage47.

Identification / Paperwork

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CITY OF CLEVELAND ARREST RECORDS TheCityofClevelandDiv.ofPolicehasinformationonallfelonyandmisdemeanorarrestsmadebytheirdepartment.Youcanrequestthisin-personorbymail.Itisfastertogetitinperson.Itcantakeonetotwoweeksbymail.Youwillneedtocompletearequestform.Bepreparedtohavethefollowing:

• Firstname,lastnameandmiddleinitialofthepersonwhowasarrested,includingmaidennameoranyothernamesused

• BirthdateandSocialSecurityNumberoftheperson

• Yourphonenumber

• Self-addressedstampedenvelope(formailrequests)

• Fee(fivecentsperpage.Usuallyitisonlyonepage.Rarelydoesanyoneexceed25cents,italldependsonthelengthofyourrecord.)Cashormoneyorderonly.

Cleveland Div. of Police 216-623-5271 or 216-623-5272Criminal Records - 3rd Floor Justice Center 1300 Ontario St., Cleveland, OH 44113

CUYAHOGA COUNTY ARREST RECORDSTheCuyahogaCountySheriff’sDepartmenthasinformationonallfelonyarrests(andafewmisdemeanorstheyhaveprocessed)thathaveoccurredwithinCuyahogaCounty.

IfyouwerearrestedonfeloniesinmultiplecitieswithinCuyahogaCountyand/orbytheSheriff’sDepartment,thisiswhereyoucouldgetyourentirefelonyrecordforCuyahogaCounty.

Therecordwillshowthedateofthearrest,thecharges,andtheCuyahogaCountycasenumber.

Youcanrequestthisbymailorin-person.Itwillonlytakeafewdaystoprocessmailrequests.Bepreparedtohavethefollowing:

• Firstandlastnameofthepersonwhowasarrested,includingmaidennameorothernamesused

• BirthdateandSocialSecurityNumberoftheperson

• Self-addressedstampedenvelope(formailrequests)

• $6.00feeperrecord.Cashormoneyorderonly.

Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office 216-443-6105Records Division 1215 W 3rd St., Cleveland, OH 44113


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Cuyahoga County Criminal Court RecordsIfyouneedtoviewyourarrests,charges,convictionsandotherdetailsaboutyourfelonycasesinCuyahogaCounty,theClerkofCourtshasthisinformation.

YoucanviewyourinformationontheirWebsite,visitin-persontoreviewthepaperfiles,orusetheircomputersforfree.Youjustneedafirstandlastnametoretrieveafile.AdateofbirthandSocialSecurityNumberarealsohelpful.

Acertifiedcopyofyourrecordis$1.00perpage,andastandardcopyis10centsperpage.Cashormoneyorderonly.

Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts 216-443-3612Criminal Division - Certified Copy Unit 1200 Ontario St. 2nd Floor, Cleveland, OH 44113www.coc.cuyahogacounty.us

Out-of-County InformationIfyouhavecommittedfeloniesinothercountiesintheStateofOhio,contactthepolicedepartment,sheriff’sdepartmentandcountyclerkofcourtinthatcommunityforinformation.

Youcanalsogeta“backgroundcheck”onyourself.TheAttorneyGeneral’sOfficefortheStateofOhioprovidesOhioCivilianBackgroundChecks.YoucanviewallfeloniesreportedtothemthroughoutOhio.Informationonthesechecksisavailableinthefollowingsection.

Therearealsoprivatecompaniesthatofferbackgroundchecks.Insomecases,thesearelessexpensivethantheOhioCivilianBackgroundChecks.BesuretocheckwiththeBetter Business Bureauat216-241-7678orwww.clevelandbbb.orgtogetinformationonthesecompaniesbeforegivingthemmoney.

Ohio Civilian Background Checks / State Criminal Repository RecordsForarecordofyourOhiofeloniesthathavebeenreportedtotheStateAttorneyGeneral’sOffice,youcanrequestacivilianbackgroundcheckfromtheOhioBureauofCriminalIdentificationandInformation.Todothis,youmustgotoanagencythathasanelectronicfingerprintmachine.Feesvarybylocation,butareusuallyaround$30-$60.

Tofindalocationnearyou,gotoohioattorneygeneral.gov.Clickon“Services”andthen“Backgroundcheck.”Youshouldcallformoreinformationbeforeyougo.

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Bepreparedwiththefollowing:• PhotoID• Payment(oftenmustbecashormoneyorder)• Yourphonenumber• Yourmailingaddress

Ohio Bureau of 877-224-0043Criminal Identification and Investigation PO Box 365, London, OH 43140ohioattorneygeneral.gov

n Think carefullyaboutyourwords,movement,bodylanguageandemotions.

n Don’t get into an argument withthepolice.

n Remember,anything you sayordocanbeusedagainstyou.

n Keep your handswherethepolicecanseethem.

n Don’t run. Don’t touchanypoliceofficer.

n Don’t resistevenifyoubelieveyouareinnocent.

n Don’t complainonthesceneortellthepolicethey’rewrongorthatyou’regoingtofileacomplaint.

n Do not make any statementsregardingtheincident.

n In order to preserve your right to remain silent,youmustclearlytellthepoliceofficerthatyouareinvokingyourrighttoremainsilent.

n Ask for a lawyerimmediatelyuponyourarrest.

n Rememberofficers’ badge & patrol carnumbers.

n Write down everythingyourememberASAP.

n Trytofindwitnessesandtheirnamesandphonenumbers.

n Ifyouareinjured,take photographs of the injuriesassoonaspossible,butmakesureyou seek medical attentionfirst.

n Ifyoufeelyourrightshavebeenviolated,file a written complaint withthepolicedepartment’sinternalaffairsdivisionorciviliancomplaintboard,orcalltheACLUhotline,at216-472-2200.

What to do if you’re stopped by the police

Produced by the ACLU of Ohio Foundation4506 Chester Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103216.472.2200www.acluohio.org

3/11

Keep this card handy! If you have a police encounter, you can protect yourself.

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Birth CertificatesAcertified(official)birthcertificateisaveryimportantdocumentthatyoushouldhave.ItisoftenrequiredwhenapplyingforaStateID,driver’slicense,marriagelicense,passport,schoolenrollment,ortoaccessotherbenefits.Acertifiedbirthcertificatewillgenerallyhavearaised,embossed,impressedormulticoloredseal.Non-certifiedcopiesarenotacceptableforlegalpurposes.

Writeorvisitthevitalstatisticsofficeinthestate,cityorcountywhereyouwereborn.Oftentheseofficeswillbepartofthehealthdepartment,butnotalways.Thelibrarycanhelpyoulocateinformationforthecity,countyorstateyouneed.

Feesvary,butinOhio,youcanexpecttopayaround$15-20.Ifyoucannotpayforthis,asocialserviceagencymaybeabletohelp.Ifyouarealreadyworkingwithanagency,askthemforassistance.

TherearesomeplacesthatmayhelpyougetyourBirthCertificateevenifyouarenotworkingwiththem,buttheavailabilitymaychangefrommonthtomonth.Youcancall211or216-436-2000toseewhathelpisavailable.

Countyandlocalofficesusuallyprocessrequestsquickerthanthestateoffices.Thefastestwaytoobtainabirthcertificateisinperson(same-day).Ifyourequestitbymail,itmaytake3-8weeksfromthetimetherequestisreceived.Someofficesmayallowrequestsbyphonewithacreditcard.

ServicesontheInternetsuchaswww.vitalcheck.comcanexpeditedelivery(7-10businessdays)andcanhelpyougetout-of-statebirthcertificates,butyoumustpaybycreditcardandthecostishigher.

Be prepared with the following information to get your birth certificate:

• Yourfullnameandyourgender(sex)

• Yourfather’sfullname(ifavailable)

• Yourmother’smaidenname

• Yourmonth,dayandyearofbirth

• Placeofbirth(city/county/state;nameofhospital,ifknown)

• Telephonenumber

• Addresswhereitwillbesent(ifmailed)

• Notarizedswornstatement(Californiaonly)

• PhotocopyofpictureI.D.ifnecessary(notrequiredinOhio)

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IF YOU WERE BORN IN CUYAHOGA COUNTY...Cleveland Dept. of Public Health 216-664-2315Bureau of Vital Statistics or 216-664-2317601 Lakeside Ave. Rm. 122, Cleveland, OH 44114 www.clevelandhealth.orgOpenM-F:8:00am-4:00pm;Cost:$25

IF YOU WERE BORN IN OHIO (CUYAHOGA INCLUDED)...Ohio Department of Health 614-466-2531Vital Statistics PO Box 15098, Columbus, OH 43215-0098www.odh.ohio.govPhoneM-F:8:00am-5:00pm;Cost:$21.50

IF YOU WERE BORN ELSEWHERE IN THE UNITED STATES... US Department of Health and Human Services 800-232-4636National Center for Health Statistics 3311 Toledo Rd., Hyattsville, MD 20782cdc.gov/nchs/w2w.htmForinformationoncontactingthevitalstatisticsofficeintheareawhereyouwereborn.Costvariesbystate.

IF YOU ARE AN AMERICAN CITIZEN BORN ABROAD...US Department of State Passport Services 202-955-0307Vital Records Section 1111 19th Street NW Suite 510, Washington, DC 20036travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_825.html

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Credit ReportsAcreditreportisadetailedhistoryofhowyoupayyourbills(whethertheyareon-timeorlate)andhowyoumanageyourdebt,loansandcredit.Inaddition,publicinformationsuchasjudgments,bankruptciesanddelinquentchildsupportpaymentsareincluded.

Youshouldreviewyourcreditreportperiodicallytomakesureeverythingisaccu-rate.Itisnotunusualformistakestooccur,andyouwanttotakecareofthosesotheydon’taffectyourabilitytogetajob,rentanapartment,buyahomeorgetacreditcard.Landlords,employers(withyourpermission)andotherswithlegitimatebusinesspurposescangetacopyofyourreport.

Thereportmayincludea“creditscore,”whichisanumberthatisusedtopredicthowcredit-worthyyouare.Thehigherthescore,thebetter.Youmaybenefitfromtalkingwithacredit-counselingagencyifyouthinkyouneedhelpmanagingyourcredit.Herearehelpfulthingstoknow:

• Therearethreecompanies(TransUnion,EquifaxandExperian)thatmaintaincreditreportsandeachcompanymayhavedifferentinformation.

• YoucangetaFREEcopyofyourcreditreportonceevery12months(ONLYthroughtheAnnualCreditReportRequestService).Youcanrequestallthreereportsatoncesoyoucancomparethem,oryoucanspacethemoutsoyoucankeeptrackofchanges-aslongasyoudon’trequestthesamereportmorethanonceina12-monthperiod.However,yourfreecopydoesnotincludeyourcreditscore.

• Youcanalsogetafreecopyofareportthatwasusedtotakean“adverseactionagainstyou”suchasdenyingyouemployment,creditorinsurance,aslongasyourequestitwithin60daysofreceivingnoticeoftheaction.Thenoticewillgiveyouthenameofwhotocontacttogetthefreecopy.

• Ifyouareunemployedandintendtoapplyforemploymentinthenext60daysORyouareonwelfare,youcanalsogetafreecopyofyourcreditreport.

• Ifyoufindsomethingthatiswrongonyourcreditreport,contactBOTHthecompanythatproducedthecreditreportandthecompanythatprovidedtheoriginalinformation(suchasacreditcardcompany)todisputetheinformation.

• Generally,ifyoudisputesomething,thecreditreportingcompanymustbegintoinvestigateitandmakeanoteinyourfileordeletetheerrorwithin30daysofreceivingyouroriginalrequest.Theydon’thavetoFIXtheerrorwithin30days,justnotethattheyareworkingonit.

• Ifyouthinkyouwouldbenefitfromcreditorbudgetcounseling,oryouneedhelpunderstandingyouroptions,contactoneofthenonprofitagencieslistedonpage75.

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TogetaFREEcopyofyourcreditreportsonceevery12months,contactthefollow-ing.DONOTcallanyotheradvertisedservice;theyareusuallytryingtogetmoneyoutofyou,eveniftheysayitisfree.

Annual Credit Report Request Service 877-322-8228PO Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281www.annualcreditreport.comIfyouneedareportmoreoftenthanthat,oryouwantareportwithyourcreditscore,contactthefollowing.Thereisafeefortheseservicesunlessyouqualifyforafreereportbasedonthepointsmentionedonthepriorpage.

TransUnion 800-888-4213www.transunion.com

Equifax 800-685-1111www.equifax.com

Experian 888-397-3742www.experian.com

DD-214 (Military Discharge Papers)DD-214sareofficialdischargepapers.Thisisproofthatyouweredischargedfrommilitaryservice.

IfyoudonothaveacertifiedcopyofyourDD-214,itisimportantthatyougetandkeepacopy.YoumayneedaDD-214toaccessmanyservicesavailabletoveterans.

To get a copy of your DD-214:ContacttheNationalArchivesandRecordsAdministrationandaskforformSF-180.Youwillneedtocompletetheformandsenditbackbymailorfax.Awrittenrequestmaybesentwithouttheform,butyoushouldphonefirsttoreceivemoreinformation.YoumayalsoinitiateyourrequestthroughtheWebsitearchives.gov.Usually,copiesofDD-214sarefree.

National Archives and Records Administration 866-272-6272National Personnel Records Center FAX: 314-801-9195Military Personnel Records 9700 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132-5100AfteryoureceiveyourDD-214,itisagoodideatohaveitrecordedattheCuyahogaCountyRecorder’sOffice.Theywillkeepacopyonfileintheirofficeforyou.

If you had your DD-214 recorded with the Cuyahoga County Recorder’s Office, you may go there to obtain a certified replacement copy:

Cuyahoga County Recorder 216-443-73221219 Ontario St., 2nd Flr., Cleveland, OH 44113

www.recorder.cuyahogacounty.us

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Driver’s License / State ID

DRIVER LICENSE SUSPENSIONS IfyouwanttomakesurethatyouhaveavalidOhiodriver’slicenseoryouwanttoknowwhatsuspensionsorblocksyouhaveonyourlicense,calltheOhioBureauofMotorVehicles(BMV).Theycangiveyouinformationbyphone,youcanvisitin-person,oryoucanrequestthattheymailyouasummaryletterwhichlistsallsuspensionsand/orblocksandthefinesthatyouowetoremovethese.

Ifyouneedtohaveyourlicensereinstated(getyourlicenseback)andyouareeligible,youcandothisbymail(takes7-10businessdays)orin-person.In-personisfaster,butcallfirsttomakesureyoubringthecorrectdocuments.Ifyourlicensewassuspendedbecauseyoudidnotpaychildsupport,youmustpaywhattheChildSupportEnforcementAgencyrequiresbeforeyoucangetyourlicensereinstated.Seepage8fordetailedinformation.

Thereisalsousuallyafeetoreinstateyourlicenseandthatwillvarydependingonthenumberandtypeofoffenses.ThereisnoagencyinCuyahogaCountythatgenerallypaysthereinstatementfee.TheReinstatementCenterinCuyahogaCountyislistedbelow.

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles 440-845-2007Cleveland Regional Service Ctr. 12000 Snow Rd. Ste. N, Parma, OH 44130OpenMondaythroughFriday:8:00am-4:30pm

Mailcorrespondenceto:

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles 614-752-7500P.O. Box 16520, Columbus, Ohio 43216-6520 800-589-8247www.bmv.ohio.gov (Toll Free – can transfer you to the Call Center)

Ifyouarelowincomeandthinkyouneedlegalassistancetohelpreinstateyourlicense,trycallingthefollowing:

Legal Aid Society of Cleveland 216-687-19001223 W 6th St., Cleveland, OH 44113

DRIVER’S LICENSE RENEWALS/DUPLICATES/NEW LICENSES Ifyouneedaduplicatecopyofyourlicense(becauseyourlicensewasconfiscatedorlost),anewlicense,oryouneedtorenewyourdriver’slicense,contacttheOhioBureauofMotorVehicles.Ifyourlicensehasbeenexpiredformorethansixmonths,youwillneedtopurchasethetemporarypacketandretakethedrivingtest.

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If you have a Release Identification Card (see page 56), you can use this as the only form of ID needed to get a driver’s license(aslongastherearenoconflictsbetweenwhatisonthecardandwhatisontheBMVrecord).Ifyoudonothavethecard,youmustprovideproofofthefollowing:fulllegalname,dateofbirth,socialsecuritynumber,proofofresidency,andcitizenshiporlegalalienstatus.Severalformsofdocumentsareacceptable.VisittheWebsiteorcallforalistofacceptabledocuments.

Currentfeesare:TemporaryInstructionPermit:$22;Driver’sLicenseRenewal:$25.75;DuplicateDriver’sLicense:$24.50.

Youcanwalkintoanylicenseagencyforservice.TherearemanylocationsinCuyahogaCounty.Thedowntownlocationislistedbelow.

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles 216-431-1445Downtown - Cleveland East 2765 E 55th St., Cleveland, OH 44104Open8:00am-5:00pmeveryweekday,exceptMondayuntil6:30pm.Saturdayhoursare8:00am-2:00pm.

Forotherlocations,ormoreinformation,call:

Driver License Information Center: 614-752-7600License Plate Registration: 800-589-8247 www.bmv.ohio.gov

AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE/CAR INSURANCEInOhio,itisillegaltodriveanymotorvehiclewithoutinsuranceorotherfinancialresponsibility(FR)proof.Itisalsoillegalforanymotorvehicleownertoallowany-oneelsetodrivetheowner’svehiclewithoutFRproof.

Ifyouareaskedtoshowproofofinsuranceorfinancialresponsibilityandcannot,youwillloseyourdriver’slicenseforatleast90daysforthefirstoffense(workprivi-legesareavailableafter30daysinsomecases),andyoumayfaceotherpenalties.

Formoreinformation,contactthefollowing:

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles 614-752-7700Safety Responsibility Division - Driver License Suspensions Section P.O. Box 16583, Columbus, Ohio 43216-6583www.bmv.ohio.gov

Ohio Dept. of Insurance 800-686-152650 W Town St., 3rd Flr., Columbus, Ohio 43215www.insurance.ohio.govThisagencyoffersa“ShoppersGuidetoAutomobileInsurance”underpublicationsontheirwebsitethatmaybehelpful.

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STATE IDIfyoudonothaveavaliddriver’slicense,youcanapplyforaStateIDCard.TherearetwoformsofaStateID—temporaryandpermanent.Ifyouhaveasuspendeddriver’slicenseandyouplanondrivingagain,askforatemporaryID.IfyougetapermanentID,you’llhavetore-taketheexamifyouwanttodriveagain.Anappli-cationforapermanentStateIDwillcanceloutyourdriver’slicense.Makesureyouknowthestatusofyourdriver’slicensebeforeyouapplyforaStateID.

If you have a Release Identification Card (see below), you can use this as the only form of ID needed to obtain a State ID.Ifyoudonothavethat,youmusthavetwodocumentstoobtainaStateID:onethatverifiesyournameandbirthdate(likeacertifiedbirthcertificate)andanotherthatprovesyourSocialSecurityNumber(suchasaSocialSecurityCard).Severalformsofdocumentsareacceptable.VisittheWebsiteorcallforalistofacceptabledocuments.

ThecurrentfeeforaStateIDis$8.50.Youcanwalkintoanylicenseagencyforservice.TherearemanylocationsinCuyahogaCounty.Thedowntownlocationislistedbelow.

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles - 216-431-1445 Downtown - Cleveland East 2765 E 55th St., Cleveland, OH 44104Open8:00am-5:00pmeveryweekday,exceptMondayuntil6:30pm.Saturdayhoursare8:00am-2:00pm.

Forotherlocations,ormoreinformation,call:

Driver License Information Center 614-752-7600TollFreeNumber(youwillbetransferredtotherightoffice): 800-589-8247 www.bmv.ohio.gov

Prison Records

RELEASE IDENTIFICATION CARDAfree,non-replaceablephotoIDwillbegiventoyouonthedayofyourreleaseifyouhaveaSocialSecuritynumberthatcanbeverifiedbytheSocialSecurityAdministration.ThecardwillincludeyourbirthdateandSocialSecuritynumber.YoucanshowthiscardtotheOhioBureauofMotorVehiclesasdocumentationtogetaStateID,temporarypermitordriver’slicense.However,youstillhavetopaythecostofgettingthelicense,permitorStateID.

RELEASE PAPERS Ifyoudonothavetobesupervisedwhenyouarereleased-called“straightrelease,”thenyouwillreceiveadocumentcalledExpirationofSentence.ItisalsoknownasanExpirationofStatedTerm.ItprovesthatyouarenolongerunderthesupervisionoftheOhioDepartmentofRehabilitationandCorrection.Keepthisdocument.

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Ifyouhavetobesupervised,thenyouwillreceiveaParoleCertificateoraPostReleaseControlCertificateinformingyouofwhoyourparoleofficerisandwhereyoushouldreport.FormoreinformationonParole/PostReleaseControl,seepage78.

CERTIFICATION OF INCARCERATION Ifyouloseyourreleasepapersoryoujustneedtoverifyyourreleasefromprisonand/orthedatesofyourincarceration,theOhioDepartmentofRehabilitationandCorrectioncanprovidethatpaperwork.Thisserviceisfree.Requestsgenerallytake10-14daystoprocess.

Allrequestsmustbeinwritingandmustcontainthefollowing:

• Firstandlastname

• InmatenumberORbothSocialSecuritynumberandbirthdate

• Explanationofwhatyouneed

• Returnaddress

• Yoursignature

Requestsmaybefaxedormailedto:

ODRC Bureau of Records Management Phone: 614-752-1076770 Broad St., Columbus, OH 43222 Fax: 614-752-1086www.drc.state.oh.us

INMATE EDUCATIONAL RECORDSWhenyoucompleteeducationalprogramswhileinprison,suchascareer-technicalclassesoryourGED,arecordiskeptofwhatyoucomplete.Thatrecordiscalledatranscript.Youcanrequestatranscriptfreeofcharge.

Allrequestsmustbeinwritingandmustcontainthefollowing:

• Firstandlastname

• InmatenumberorSocialSecuritynumberandbirthdate

• Nameoftheinstitutionwhereyoureceivedthetraining

• Yearyoureceivedthetraining(ifremembered)

• Explanationofwhatyouneed

• Returnaddress

• Yoursignature


Ohio Central School System Phone: 614-877-2306 x3360PO Box 207, Orient, OH 43146 Fax: 614-877-0704

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A word about your GED: AlthoughcompletionofyourGEDisnotedonyourinmateeducationaltranscript,someemployersorschoolsmaywantacopyofyourGEDtranscriptfromtheOhioDept.ofEducation.ThattranscriptisfreeifyounoteonthetopoftheformthatyouwereincarceratedwhenyoureceivedyourGEDandyounotewhichinstitution.Youcangetafreecopyonlyonce,afterthatthereisafee.Toreceiveafreecopy,youmustorderbymailratherthanontheWebsite.

CallandrequestthattheymailaformorprinttherequestfromtheWebsite.Youcannotfaxrequests.Onceyousubmityourrequestbymail,ittakesuptotwoweekstoprocess.

Ohio Department of Education 877-644-6338 GED Office 25 South Front St. Columbus, OH 43215education.ohio.gov

INMATE MEDICAL / MENTAL HEALTH RECORDSWhenyouareprovidedwithhealthormentalhealthcarewhileinprison,theseservicesarenotedonpaper.Thatisyourmedicalrecord.

Onlyalicenseddoctororalawyercanrequestyourmedicalrecord,andonlywithyourpermission.Youcannotrequestyourownmedicalrecord.TheSocialSecurityAdministrationandtheU.S.DepartmentofVeteransAffairsmayalsorequestacopyofyourrecordbecausetheyhavelicenseddoctorsonstaff.

AcopyoftherecordisfreeanditwillcomeintheformofaCD.YouareonlyallowedONErequestperpatient/clientina12-monthperiod.Requestsgenerallytake10-14daystoprocess.

Allrequestsmustbeinwritingonofficialletterheadandmustincludethefollowing:

• AMedicalReleaseformsignedbythepatient/client

• Firstandlastnameofthepatient/client

• InmatenumberorbothSocialSecuritynumberandbirthdate

• Explanationofwhatisneeded

• Returnaddressoftherequestingprofessional


Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Phone: 614-752-1080Bureau of Records Management Fax: 614-752-1086 777 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43222drc.state.oh.us

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RECOVERY SERVICES - RECORDSIfyouparticipatedinanalcoholand/orotherdrugrecoveryprogramwhileinprison,andyouneedarecordofthis,youmaycontacttheOhioDepartmentofRehabilita-tionandCorrections.Theproceduretorequestyourrecordsisthesameasrequest-ingaCertificationofIncarceration(seepage57).

Selective Service RegistrationTheSelectiveServiceSystemistheagencyoftheUnitedStatesGovernmentthatexiststoregistermenwhocouldbeaskedtohelptheMilitaryinatimeofwarorothernationalcrisis.AlmostallmaleU.S.citizens,andmalealienslivingintheU.S.,whoareage18through25,arerequiredtoregister.Eligiblepeopleareautomati-callyregisteredwhenissuedadriver’slicenseorStateID.Registrationformsarealsoavailableatpostofficesoronline.Registrationisfree.

Whensomeonereachesage26,theycannolongerregister.IftheywerebornonorafterJanuary1,1960anddidnotregisterbeforetheyturned26,theymaybeineli-gibleforcertainFederalbenefits,includingU.S.citizenship,jobtrainingprogramsandstudentfinancialaid.However,theycanstillgetadriver’slicenseorStateIDintheStateofOhio.

Itisimportanttoknowthatsomeonewhofailstoregistercannotbedeniedanybenefitifhecan“showbyapreponderanceofevidence”thathisfailuretoregisterwasnotknowingandwillful.Thefinaldecisionregardingeligibilityforprogramsismadebytheagencygrantingthebenefit,nottheSelectiveService.Someagenciesmayhaveanappealsprocess.

AgenciesmayaskyoutoprovideanofficialresponsefromtheSelectiveServiceregardingthefactthatyoudidnotregisterbeforeage26.Inthatcase,itispossibletorequesta“statusinformation”letter.Youwillhavetodescribewhatstoppedyoufromregisteringandprovidedocumentsshowingperiodsthatyouwereincarcer-ated,hospitalized,etc.,betweenyour18thand26thbirthdays.Processingtimeforthisdocumentmaytakeupto90days.

FormoreinformationonSelectiveServiceissuescontact:

The Selective Service System 888-655-1825P.O. Box 94638, Palatine, IL 60094-4638www.sss.gov

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Social Security Number / CardASocialSecuritynumberisimportantbecauseyouneedittogetajob,openabankaccount,getcredit,collectcertainbenefitsandreceivesomeothergovernmentservices.

IfyouhaveneverappliedforaSocialSecuritynumberbeforeandyouareage12orolder,youmustapplyinpersonatabranchoffice.IfyouhaveaSocialSecuritynumber,andyoujustneedareplacementcard,youcandothisbymailorinperson.

Thisserviceisfree,butyouwillneedcertainORIGINALdocuments(orcopies“certi-fiedbythecustodianofrecord”).Thedocumentsyouwillneeddependonyourstatusandwhatyouarerequesting.CallorvisittheWebsitebeforeyouapplysothatyouknowexactlywhatdocumentsyouneed.Acopyoftheapplicationisavail-ableontheSocialSecurityWebsite.

Itmaytakeanywherefrom10daystoseveralmonthstoprocessyourapplicationdependingonyourstatus.AU.S.CitizenfromOhiocanusuallyexpecttheprocesstotake4-5weeks.

Forinformationandthenumberofabranchnearyoucontact:

US Social Security Administration 800-772-1213www.socialsecurity.gov TTY: 800-325-0778

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Legal Assistance

LeGaL aSSiStanCe

Expungement of Adult Criminal RecordsExpungementisthesealingofacriminalrecord(convictions,acquittals,dismissals,etc.).Ifyourrecordisexpunged,youdon’thavetotellpeoplethatyouhavebeenconvicted,arrested,orchargedwhenyouapplyformostjobsorhousing.However,yourexpungedconvictionscanstillbeseenbycertainemployersandlawenforce-mentagenciesandyourfingerprintswillnotbesealed.Theexpungementprocesscantake6-8months.Itisuptoajudgewhethertograntyourrequest.

ELIGIBILITY FOR EXPUNGEMENT OF CONVICTIONS• Expungementofconvictionsisonlyforfirsttimeoffenderswithnochargespendingandnoarrestwarrants.Iftwoormoreconvictionsareconnectedwiththesameact,theymaycountasoneconviction.Threeoffensesthatoccurredwithina90-dayperiodandweretriedatthesametimemaycountasoneconviction.

• Peoplewhohavecommittedcertaincrimesarenoteligibleforexpungement.Thosecrimesinclude,butarenotlimitedto,sexualcrimes,firstorseconddegreefelonies,crimescommittedwhilearmed,feloniesinvolvingaminor,convictionswithamandatoryprisonterm,motorvehiclecrimes(includingDUIs),andcrimesofviolenceexceptforasimplemisdemeanorassault.

• Forfelonyconvictions,youmustwaitatleastthreeyearsfromthetimeyouareoffprobation,paroleorstraightreleaseandafterallcourtcostsandanyfines,restitutionorcommunityservicehavebeenpaidorcompleted.However,ifallyouhavelefttopayarecourtcosts(you’vepaidyourrestitutionandfines),youmightqualifyforexpungement.

• Formisdemeanorconvictions,youmustwaitatleastoneyearfromthetimeyouwereconvictedandafterallcourtcostsandanyfines,restitutionorcommunityservicehavebeenpaidorcompleted.However,ifallyouhavelefttopayarecourtcosts(you’vepaidyourrestitutionandfines),youmightqualifyforexpungement.

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Legal Assistance

ELIGIBILITY FOR SEALING RECORDS OTHER THAN CONVICTIONS• Youdonothavetobeafirst-timeoffendertogetadismissal,findingofnotguilty(acquittal)ornollesealedfromyourrecord.Thereisnowaitingperiod.Youcanapplyrightaway.However,ifyouhavemorethanoneconviction,thecourtmaynotsealtherecord.

• IfyouwereindictedandtheGrandJuryreturnedanobill,youmustwaittwoyearstofile.Youdonothavetobeafirst-timeoffendertofile.

• IfyousuccessfullycompletedaDiversionCompletionorTreatmentinLieuofIncarcerationprogram,thereisnowaitingperiod.Youcanapplyrightaway.

• Ifyouwerearrestedandreleased(nocourtwasinvolved),youdonotneedtofileforexpungementorrecordsealingwiththecourt.Youcanwritealettertothechiefofpoliceorheadofthelawenforcementagencythatarrestedyouandrequestthatheorsheremoveorsealyourarrestrecord.Youdonothavetobeafirst-timeoffendertorequestthis.However,whetheryourrequestisap-provedisuptothediscretionofthechief.

GETTING HELP WITH EXPUNGEMENTYoufileyourmotionforexpungementinthecourtwhereyouwerecharged.Forexample,ifyouwerechargedwithafelonyinCuyahogaCounty,yourexpungementpaperworkwouldbefiledwiththeCuyahogaCountyClerkofCourts.

Itisrecommendedthatyoufileforexpungementwiththehelpofanattorney.Ifyoucannotaffordone,youmaybeabletogethelpfromthefollowingorganizations.

Remembertoaskthemaboutfilinga“PovertyAffidavit”form.Thisformrequeststhatthecourtwaivethefilingfee,whichisusually$50-$100.

Makesureyoukeepacopyofallpaperworkthatyoucomplete.

Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts 216-443-7985 x2235Criminal Division 1200 Ontario St. 2nd Floor, Cleveland, OH 44113Doesnotprovidelegalassistanceorforms.

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Legal Assistance

Cuyahoga County Public Defender 216-443-7223310 Lakeside Ave. Ste. 400, Cleveland, OH 44113HelpspeoplecompletethepaperworktoexpungeconvictionsfromcasesprocessedthroughCuyahogaCountyCommonPleasCourt.Thisofficewillhelpdetermineifyouroffenseiseligibleforexpungement.Inmostcases,youfilethepaperwork“prose”(onyourown-withoutanattorney).However,ifyousuccessfullycom-pletedadiversionorselectiveinterventionprogram,theymayactuallybeabletorepresentyou.Walkinforassistanceorcallandtheywillmailyouapacket.Onceformsarecompleted,youwillbedirectedabouthowandwheretofile.

Legal Aid Society of Cleveland 216-687-19001223 W 6th St., Cleveland, OH 44113www.lasclev.orgHelpswithexpungementofmisdemeanorconvictionsforthosewithincomesatorbelow125%oftheFederalPovertyGuidelines.Currently(2011),thisisapproximately$13,000ayearforafamilyofoneand$28,000ayearforafamilyoffour.However,theywillconsiderpeoplewithincomesupto200%oftheFederalPovertyGuidelines.Willnothelpexpungeafelonyconviction.

Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association 216-696-3532clemetrobar.orgIfyoudon’tqualifyforfreehelp,youcancontacttheClevelandMetropolitanBarAssociationtogetareferraltoanattorney.

Keysource Legal Document Service Corp. 216-469-5160keysource.orgReviewslegaldocuments.Helpsindividualsobtainandcompletedocuments/forms.Fixedfeeforfirstappointmentandthenslidingscale.

ThefollowingWebsitesmayhelpyoubetterunderstandtheexpungementprocess.

Ohio Legal Services ohiolegalservices.org

The Cleveland Law Library Association clevelandlawlibrary.orgClickontheFrequentlyAskedQuestionslink

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Legal Assistance

Expungement and Sealing of Juvenile RecordsYoufileforexpungementorsealinginthecourtwhereyourcasewashandled.InCuyahogaCounty,thiswouldbetheCuyahogaCountyJuvenileCourt.Expunge-mentmeansthatyourrecordisdestroyedanditislikeyouneverhadone.Sealingmeansthatyourrecordis“hidden”andthatmostpeople/organizationscannotseeyourrecord,buttherearesomeexceptions.

• Ifyourcasewasdismissed,oryouwerefoundnotdelinquent,youwouldapplytohaveyourrecordexpunged.

• Ifyouwerefoundtobedelinquent,unrulyorajuveniletrafficoffender,youwouldapplytohaveyourrecordsealed.YouhavetowaitatleasttwoyearsfromtheterminationofthecourtorderoryourunconditionaldischargefromtheOhioDepartmentofYouthServicesinordertoapply.Thereisafee.

• Afteryourrecordhasbeensealed,itwillautomaticallybeexpungedafterafiveyearperiodoruponyour23rdbirthday(whichevercomesfirst).However,youcanapplytohaveyourrecordexpungedatanytimeafteritissealed.Ifyouarealready23whenyourrecordisapprovedtobesealed,itwillautomaticallybeexpunged.

• Youcannotsealrecordsforthefollowingcrimes:rape,grosssexualimposition,sexualbattery,aggravatedmurderandmurder.

• Itisrecommendedthatyouseekassistancefromanattorney.

ForinformationorapplicationsforCuyahogaCountycasescontact:

Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court 216-698-4716Clerk’s Office - Expungement Unit 9300 Quincy Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106juvenile.cuyahogacounty.us

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Legal Assistance

Waiving Court Costs, Fines and Supervision FeeDuringyoursentencing,youhavetherighttoaskajudgetoremovethecourtcosts,discretionaryfinesandthesupervisionfeethatresultedfromyourcriminalcase.Youcan’trequestthiswaiveronceyouhavebeensentenced.Thisprocessisforthosewhoarepoorandcannotaffordtopaythesecosts.Thejudgehastherighttosayyesorno,andmayrequestthatyoudocommunityservice(volunteer)topayoffthesefinesandcosts.Youcannotrequestawaiveroftherestitutionfeesyouhadtopayyourvictimorforanymandatoryfines.

Executive ClemencyExecutiveClemencyisgrantedbytheGovernorofOhio.ApplicationsforclemencyareprocessedthroughtheOhioParoleBoard.Requestsforclemencygenerallytakesixtoeightmonthstoprocess.TherearethreetypesofExecutiveClemency:

• Apardongrantsforgivenessofguilt.Apardondoesnoteraseorsealyourconviction.Ifgranted,youwillgetacertificatefromtheGovernor.Thiscertifi-catemaybehelpfulingettingajoborinotherareas.Italsoreinstatesyourcivilrightsandprivileges.Apardonisgenerallyrequestedbythosewhohaveservedtheirtime,arenolongerundersupervisionandarenowlivingcrime-free.How-ever,anyonemayapply.

• Acommutationisthereductionofapenaltytoonelesssevere.Commutationsaregenerallyrequestedbyinmatesservingextremelylongminimumordefinitesentences.

• Areprieveisthetemporarypostponementoftheexecutionofasentence.Thisisrarelyusedexceptforinmatessentencedtodeath.

Allrequestsforanapplicationforclemencymustbemadeinwriting(email,faxormail).Submityournameandaddressalongwithyourrequest.Itwillgenerallytake7-10daystoprocess/sendyouanapplication.Youmayalsoobtainanapplicationbygoingtowww.drc.state.oh.us/web/ExecClemency.htm

Ohio Parole Board 888-344-1441Attn: Clemency Fax: 614-752-0600770 W Broad St., Columbus, OH 43222Email: [email protected]

66

Legal Assistance

Help for Non-U.S. Citizens Upon ReleaseIfyouarenotaU.S.citizen,andyouhavebeenconvictedofcertainfelonies(includingbutnotlimitedtomurder,manslaughter,rape,drugtrafficking,certainfirearmsoffenses,andcertaincrimesrelatedtonationalsecurity)thereisachancethatyouwillbedeportedafteryouhavecompletedservingyoursentence.

Nomatterwhatyourcriminaloffensewas,itisextremelyimportantthatyouhirealawyerwhocanrepresentyouwellinthematterofyourimmigrationstatus.Youshoulddothisbeforeyourreleaseifpossible,butdefinitelyassoonasyoucan.

Thefollowingorganizationsmayhelpyoufindalawyerwhospecializesinimmigrationcases.

American Immigration Lawyers Assn. 800-954-0254ailalawyer.comFeeswillvarydependingonwhatservicesareneeded.

Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Assn. 216-696-3532clemetrobar.org

International Services Center 216-781-45601859 Prospect Ave., Cleveland OH 44115

internationalservicecenter.orgThisorganizationcannotrepresentnon-citizensincriminalmatters,butmaybeabletoprovidecounselingandinformationaboutimmigrationmatters,orhelpyouwithpaperwork.Theyalsomaybeabletohelpifyoucan’tspeakorwriteEnglishverywell.

Legal Aid Society 216-687-19001223 W. 6th St., Cleveland, OH 44113lasclev.orgProvideslegalhelpforimmigrationmatters,includingfamilypetitions,naturalizationanddefenseremovalproceedingsforcertaindocumentedpersons.

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Legal Assistance

General Legal AidTheorganizationslistedbelowprovidefreelegalinformationand/orrepresentationforlowincomepeoplewhoneedassistancewithlegalmatters.Calltoseeiftheycanhelpyou.

Case Western Reserve University 216-368-2766Milton A. Kramer Law Clinic Provideslegalcounselingbythird-yearlawstudentsonavarietyoflegalmattersincludingconsumerhomerepair,predatorylending,misdemeanorcriminalcases(inselectsuburbancourts),benefitsadvocacy,SocialSecurityDisabilityappealsandguardianshipremoval.CANNOThandlefamilylawcases,bankruptcy,feloniesorexpungement.

Cleveland State University 216-687-3947Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Provideslegalcounselingbylawstudents(supervisedbyattorneys)forlegalmattersinvolvingemployment,discriminationandunemploymentcompensation.CANNOThandleWorkers’Compensationcases.

Cuyahoga County Public Defender 216-443-7223ProvideslegalrepresentationforpeoplechargedwithacrimeinCuyahogaCounty(felonyoffensesandsomemisdemeanors).Willalsooffersomegeneralinformationaboutlegalissuesandthecourtprocess.

Legal Aid Society of Cleveland 216-687-1900Provideslegalcounselingandrepresentationonavarietyoflegalmattersincludingbankruptcy,consumerlaw,housing(includingpublichousing),publicbenefits,CivilProtectionOrders(CPOs),somefamilylaw,employment,educationdiscriminationforspecialneedschildren,immigration,incometaxdisputes,licensereinstatement,expungement(misdemeanorsonly),lastwillsandtestaments,livingwillsanddurablepowersofattorneyforhealthcare(thelastthreeareforolderadultsonly).CANNOThandlecontingencycasessuchaspersonalinjuryandmedicalmalpracticeorcriminalcases.Helpsthosewithincomesatorbelow125%oftheFederalPovertyGuidelines.Currently(2011),thisisapproximately$13,000ayearforafamilyofoneand$28,000ayearforafamilyoffour.However,theywillconsiderpeoplewithincomesupto200%oftheFederalPovertyGuidelines.

68

Legal Assistance

Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH) 216-432-0543Cleveland Homeless Legal Assistance Program Provideslegalclinicsforhomelesspeopleandthosethreatenedwithhomelessness.Offershelpwithcivilissues.CriminalsituationsarereferredtothePublicDefender.Basiclegalquestionsarehandledin-housebyClevelandMetropolitanBarAssociationvolunteerattorneys;morecomplexonesarereferredtovolunteerattorneysintheirareaofexpertise.Theprogramalsooffersassistancewithfilingforadivorceforpartnerswithoutchildrenorassets.ThisprogramiscollaborationbetweenNEOCHandtheClevelandMetropolitanBarAssociation,andthecompletescheduleoflegalclinicscanbefoundateitheroftheagency’swebsite.Nolegaladvicecanbeofferedonthephone,theindividualmustgotoaclinicforhelp.

Ifyoudon’tqualifyforfreehelp,youcantrycontactingthefollowingagencytogetareferraltoanattorney.

Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association 216-696-3532clemetrobar.org

69

Mailing Address / Voice Mail / Phone

maiLinG aDDReSS / VoiCe maiL / PHoneMailing AddressTheaddresswhereyouhaveyourmailsenttoiscalledyourmailingaddress.Mostpeopleusetheaddresswheretheyliveastheirmailingaddress.Ifyoudonothaveapermanentaddressorthinkyoumaybemovingalot,youshouldestablishoneplacetopickupyourmail.Afewoptionsarelistedbelow.

• Checkwiththeshelter,halfwayhouse,transitionalhousingorotherresidentialfacilitywhereyouarelivingtoseeiftheywillallowforyourmailtobesentthere.

• Thefollowingplaceswillletyouusetheiraddressasyourtemporarymailingaddress.Youcanhaveyourmailsentthereandtheywillkeepitforyouuntilyoucanpickitup.Youmustarrangeforthisservicebeforeyouhaveyourmailsentthere.

Bishop Cosgrove Center 216-781-8262 West Side Catholic Center 216-631-4741

• Apostofficebox(P.O.Box)isalockedboxlocatedonthewallinthepostofficewhereyourmailwillbedelivered.Akeytoopentheboxwillbegiventoyou.Onlyyouwillhaveakey.Youwillhavetogotothepostofficewhereyourboxislocatedtopickupyourmail.Someitemssuchaspackagesmaynotbesenttoapostofficebox.Thereisamonthlyfeeforapostofficebox.Thesmallestboxwillcostaround$22-$30forsixmonths.

• Toapplyforapostofficebox,youwillhavetowalk-intothepostofficebranchwhereyouwouldlikeyourmailsent.Beforegoingin,itisbesttophonefirsttofindoutifboxesareavailableatthatlocation.Tofindtheaddress,phonenumberandhoursforyourlocalpostoffice,phone800-275-8777orgotowww.usps.com.

Free Voice MailIfyoudonothaveatelephoneoraplacewheretelephonemessagescanbeleft,youcanapplyforafreevoicemailbox.Thisallowsyoutocommunicatewithothersregardinginterviews,joboffers,housingopportunitiesandotherimportantbusiness.Youwillbeabletorecordapersonalgreetingforpeoplewhocallyou,andpickupyourmessagesonatwenty-fourhourbasis.

Cleveland Community Voice Maildial211or216-436-2000.

PhoneIfyouarehomeless,thedrop-incenterslistedonpage13mayhaveaphoneavailableforyouruse.Ifyouarerentingorownahomeandarelowincome,askthephonecom-panyaboutaprogramcalled“LifelineorLinkUp”fordiscountedservice.

YoumaybeeligibleforaprogramthatprovidesacellphonewithverylimitedmonthlyservicecalledSafelink.Phone800-977-3768orgotosafelinkwireless.com

70

Mental Health / Counseling

mentaL HeaLtH / CoUnSeLinGMental health deals with how your brain functions and with your emotions and feelings. It deals with how you interact with others, how you react to change or stress, and your self-esteem.

Peoplewhoneedhelpfrommentalhealthprofessionalsmayfeeldepressed,angryornotabletocopewithpartsoftheirlives.Or,theymaysimplyneedtotalktosomeoneaboutalifeproblem.

Ifyouarediagnosedwithamentalhealthissuewhileinprison,youwillmeetwithaCommunity Linkage Social Workerbeforeyouarereleased.Thissocialworkerwillmakeanappointmentforyouatamentalhealthagencyinthecommunity.Ifyouaretakingmedication,theinstitutionyouareleavingwillprovideyouwithatwo-weeksupplyuponrelease.

Ifyouhavenotbeendiagnosedinprison,andyouarereadingthisafteryourrelease,thefollowingmayhelp:

• Ifyoufeeloutofcontrolorsuicidal,seekhelprightaway.CallMental Health Services–Crisis/Suicide Hotline at 216-623-6888.Remembertocall911ifyoursituationislife-threateningoramedicalemergency.

• Ifyouneedsomeonetotalkto,Spectrum of Supportive Serviceshasawarmlinewhererecoveringmentalhealthconsumerswilllistenandprovideassistance.Call440-886-5950between9amand1am.

• Ifyouhaveadoctor,talktohimorheraboutareferraltoamentalhealthprofessional.

• Ifyouhavehealthinsurance,callthecompany.Someorallofyourtreatment,includingprescriptions,maybepaidthroughyourinsurance.IfyouareonMedicaidorMedicare,makesureyouunderstandwhatiscovered.GotoaprofessionalthatacceptsMedicaidorMedicare.IfyoudonothaveMedicaidorMedicare,youmaywanttoapply.Seepage27forinformation.

• Ifyouarehavingtroubledealingwithanger,personalissues,stress,depression,trauma,sexualabuse,orothermentalhealthissuesthataregettinginthewayofwork,relationships,ordailyactivities,youshouldseekhelp.

TheSCALEprogramoffersmentalhealthassessments(toseewhathelpmaybeneeded)tothosewhodonothaveinsuranceandarenotalreadyintreatment.Call877-236-8676toseeifyouqualify.

Therearemanyotherplacesthatoffertreatment,counselors,andsupportgroupsthatcanhelpyousortthingsout.Call211or216-436-2000,24hoursadayforinformationandreferralstoplacesthatoffertheseservices.

71

Mental Health / Counseling

Psychiatric Emergency RoomsYoumaywalkintoapsychiatricemergencyroomforhelp.Ifyouhaverunoutofyourmedication,theymaybeabletoprovideyouwithalimitedsupply.Thecentralcityemergencyroomislistedbelow.

St. Vincent Charity Hospital 216-363-2538Psychiatric Emergency Room 2351 E 22nd St., Cleveland, OH 44115

CRISIS LINES – Available 24/7

Adult Protective Services Hotline 216-420-6700Forreportingabuse/neglectofolderorimpairedadults.

Child Abuse Hotline 216-696-KIDS

Domestic Violence Center 216-391-HELP

Mental Health Services and 216-623-6888Suicide Hotline

Rape Crisis Center Hotline 216-619-6192

Remember to call 911 if your situation is life threatening or a medical emergency.

72

Money Management

money manaGementIf you have a history of managing your money well, you may have a better chance of getting a job, a car, a house and other things. Managing your money means paying your bills on time, sticking to a budget, building good credit and staying out of debt. A list of organizations that can help you manage your money appears at the end of this section.

Checking and Savings AccountsYourfirststepwhenyouhaveanincomeistoopenupacheckingaccount.Thisisabankorcreditunionaccountthatallowsyoutowritechecksand/oruseadebitcardsoyoucanpayyourbillseasier.Italsohelpsprotectyourmoneyfrombeinglostorstolen.

• Openanaccountwithabankorcreditunionclosetoyourworkorhome.

• Aimforafreecheckingaccountthathasnominimumbalance(theamountofmoneyyouhavetokeepintheaccounttogettheservice),lowinitialdepositandnomonthlyfees.

• Somebankshave“secondchance”programsforpeoplewhohavebeenturneddownforcheckingaccountsbeforeandarelistedinChexSystems(forwritingbadchecks,havinglotsofoverdrafts,etc.)Theremaybeaminimumamountyouneedtodepositandotherrestrictions,butthismaybeaverygoodwaytogetacheckingaccount.

• Somenonprofitorganizationsmayhelpyouopenanaccountorhelpyousave.Seepage75foralistoforganizations.

Toopenanaccount,justwalkintothebank.Youwillgenerallyhavetoprovide:

• Yourfirstandlastnameandaddress

• SocialSecuritynumber

• Driver’slicenseorStateID

• Ifyourdriver’slicenseorStateIDwasissuedinthelast60days,youmayneedverificationofaddresssuchaspaycheckstub,recentutilitybillorotherofficialcorrespondence(SSI,unemployment,etc.)withyournameandcurrentaddress.

Thrift Storesmayofferusedfurniture(suchasbeds,tablesandcouches)andotherhouseholdneedsatlowcost.Therearefewplacesofferingfreefurniture.Phone211or216-436-2000toseewhatprogramsexistortofindanearbythriftstore.

73

Money Management

BudgetingAssoonasyouhaveincomecomingin,youshouldcreateabudgettohelpyoupayyourbills.Abudgetlistsallofyourexpensesandhowmuchyoucanspendoneachitemsuchasrentandfood.

Trytogoeasyonyourexpensesuntilyoucanestablishthatyouhaveenoughmoneytopayforeverything.Don’tbuynewcarsorexpensiveclothes,don’tspendalotofmoneygoingouttoeat,don’tbuyextraslikecable/DISHandwatchyourphoneexpensesuntilyouknowyoucanaffordit.

Payyourbillsbeforeyouspendmoneyonthingslikeclothesandentertainment.

• Makealistofallthebillsyouhavetopayandthedatestheyaredue.

• Ifyouarepayingyourbillsbymail,mailthematleastoneweekbeforetheduedate.

• Don’tpayattentionto“graceperiods.”Justmakeitahabittopayyourbillsatleastaweekbeforetheduedate.

• Makepayingcreditcardsorbankloans(includingcarloans)ahighpriority.Nonpaymentcanaffectyourcredit.

• Payingyourrentormortgageshouldalsobeapriority.

• Stayuptodateonyourinsurance.

• Staycurrentonyourutilities.

• Workwithanagencythatwillhelpyoubudget.Seepage75foralistoforganizations.

DebtIfyouarehavingtroublepayingyourbills,thereareagenciesthatcanhelpyousetupabudgetandworkwithyourcreditorstoarrangepaymentplans.Thereareevenagenciesthatcanhelpwithagamblingproblemifthatiswhatiscausingthedebt.Assoonasyousenseyouarehavingaproblempayingyourbills,contactoneoftheorganizationslistedonpage75.

CreditWhenyoubuythingsusing“credit,”acompanygivesyoualoanthatyouarepromisingtopaybackalittleatatime.Youareborrowingsomeoneelse’smoney.Whenyougetaloantobuyacar,youareusingcredit.Whenyoubuysomethingatadepartmentstoreusingacreditcard,youarealsousingcredit.

74

Money Management

Itisimportantforyoutobuildagood“credithistory”ifyoueverwanttogetahomeloan,autoloanorgetgoodinterestratesonyourcreditcards.Acredithistoryissimplyarecordofhowyouusecredit.

Therearepeoplewhohaveabadcredithistorybecausetheydonotpaytheirbillsontime,andtherearepeoplewhohavenocredithistorybecausetheyneverhadanyloansorcreditcards.

Ifyouhaveneverhadanycredit,itisveryimportanttostartbuildingyourcredithistory.Withoutacredithistory,itmaybehardtogetacar,ajob,rent,orstartphoneserviceandotherservices.Youmaybeturneddownoryoumaybeaskedtopayahighinterestrate.Theinterestrateistheamountyouarebeingchargedtoborrowthatmoney.

Tips on Building a Credit History:• Beforeyouapplyforcredit,makesureyouhavesteady,verifiableincome.

• Trytostayatonejobandliveatoneaddressforaslongasyoucan.

• Beforeyouapplyforanycreditcard,makesurethatthelenderreportstoacreditbureau.Ifnot,youwillnotbebuildingyourcredithistory!

• GetacardwithNOANNUALFEEifpossible.

• Watchoutforhighinterestrates.Shoparoundforthebestratesbeforeyoudecidetoapply.READTHEFINEPRINT.

• Ifyouthinkyoucannotgetacreditcardonyourown,thinkaboutgettingaco-signer–someonewhowillberesponsibleforpayingoffthecardifyoudon’t.

• Openabankaccount.Thismakesyoulookbettertoalender.Ifyouneedmoreinformationaboutthis,seepage72.

• Onlyapplyforthecreditcardswhoserequirementsyouthinkyoumeet—thereareusuallyminimumincomerequirements.Gettingturneddownalotlooksbad.

• Don’tapplyforabunchofcreditcardsatonceorobtainmorecreditcardsthanyoutrulyneed.

• Securedcreditcardsarealastresort,butareanoption.Thesecardsrequireyoutopayadeposittogetthecard–thedepositcouldbeafewhundreddollars.Ifyoudon’tmakeyourpayments,youmayloseyourdepositANDstillhavetopayyourbalance.Thesecardsoftenhavefeesandhigherinterestrates.Trytofindthelowestfeeyoucan.Afterafewmonthsofmakingpaymentsontimeonthesecuredcreditcard,youmaybeabletogetaregularcreditcard.

75

Money Management

Maintaining Good Credit:• Toavoidpayingalotofinterest,itisbesttopayoffthebalanceinfullandontimeeverymonth.

• Attheveryleast,youmustpaytheminimumpaymentinfullandontimeeverymonth.

• Don’tpayattentionto“graceperiods.”Justmakeitahabittopayyourbillatleastaweekbeforetheduedate.

• Ifyouthinkyouneedhelpunderstandingyouroptionsoryouneedhelpmanagingyourcredit,contactoneoftheorganizationslistedbelow.Theremaybeafeeforsomeservices.

Money Management OrganizationsReadthefollowingdescriptionsandseewhichorganizationsseembestforyou.Callthemtoseeifyouqualifyforhelp.

Cleveland Housing Network Community Training Center 216-881-84432999 Payne Ave., Ste. 134, Cleveland, OH 44114www.chnnet.comOffersclassesonbudgeting,savingandimprovingcredit.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service 800-355-2227apprisen.comProvidesfreeindividualcounselingtohelppeopledevelopabudget,understandtheircreditreportandmanagedebt.Cancontactcreditorstodeveloppaymentplans.ManylocationsinCuyahogaCounty.

Consumer Protection Association 216-881-34343030 Euclid Ave. Ste.105, Cleveland, OH 44115cpa3030.orgProvidesindividualcounselingtohelppeopledevelopabudgetandmanagetheirdebt.Cancontactcreditorstodeveloppaymentplans.Alsooffersarepresentativepayeeprogram.

Debtors Anonymous 216-481-5669debtorsanonymous.orgSupportgroupsforoverspenders.

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Money Management

Gam-Anon 718-352-1671gam-anon.orgSupportforfamiliesandfriendsofproblemgamblers.

Gamblers Anonymous 888-424-3577gamblersanonymous.orgSupportgroupsforproblemgamblers.

Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential 216-696-2716 2545 Lorain Ave.,Cleveland, OH 44113Helpspeoplewithdisabilities(generallythoseonSSIorSSD)understandtheirfinancialstatus.

WECO Fund 216-458-02503209 Chester Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114Providesbothclassesandoneononecoachingtohelpindividualsdealwiththeirfinances.

IDENTITY THEFTIdentitytheftiswhensomeoneusesyourpersonalinformationandtakesonyour identitywithoutyouknowing. Ifyouthinkyouareavictimof identitytheft,reportittotheFederalTradeCommission(FTC).Theywilltellyouhowtoworkwithcreditbureausandlawenforcementagencies.Theycanalsoprovideinformationonpreventingidentitytheft.

Federal Trade Commission 877-438-4338www.ftc.gov/idtheft

77

Money Management

Income TaxesThemoneyyoumake,suchasyourinmateincomeormoneyyouearnonajob,mayneedtobereportedtothegovernment.Therearefederal,stateandlocalgovernmenttaxingagencies.Attheendofeachyear,youmayberequiredto“file”ataxreturnwitheachagency.ItisthelawthatemployersandothersmailoutthedocumentsthatyouwillneedforyourtaxreturnsbyJanuary31stofeachyear.TheW2formisthemostcommononeoftheseforms.

Youmaynotberequiredtofilecertaintaxreturnsifyourincomeisveryloworinsomeothersituations.However,youmaywanttofilejusttoseeifyoucangetmoneyback–ataxrefund.

Therearefreeprogramstohelpyoufileifyoumakelessthan$60,000peryear(2011taxyear).Theseprogramswilldoyourtaxesforyou.Theywillnotforceyoutofile.Manysitesofferbothpaperfilingandfreeelectronicfiling(E-File)whichallowsyoutoreceiveyourrefundfast—inaslittleas7-14days.Ifyouhaveacheckingorsavingsaccount,youcanhaveyourreturndepositeddirectly.Tolocateafreetaxpreparationsiteinyourarea,dial211or216-436-200024/7forhelp.

Watchoutforplacesthatofferyouanimmediaterefund.TheserefundsareactuallyloanscalledRefundAnticipationLoans(RALs).Theycouldkeepasmuchashalfofyourrefundasafee.And,ifyourrefundislessthantheythought,youcouldowethemmoney.Remember,therearefreetaxpreparationsitesavailabletoyou.

For Federal Income Tax Questions — call: 800-829-1040IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center 1240 E 9th St., Rm. 493, Cleveland, OH 44199irs.govMustwalk-intomakeanappointment.

For State Income Tax Questions — call or visit: 800-282-1780The Ohio Department of Taxation 615 W Superior Ave, 5th Flr., Cleveland, OH 44113tax.ohio.gov

Forlocalincometaxinformation,contactyourcitylistedonpage87.

For FREE taxfiling

Dial: 2-1-1

or 216-436-2000

refundohio.org

78

Parole / Post Release Control

PaRoLe / PoSt ReLeaSe ContRoLIf you did not come out of prison on “straight release,” then you were probably told you had to report to a parole officer. You would have re-ceived a Parole or Post Release Control Certificate informing you of who your parole officer is and where you should report.

WithintheClevelandregion,thefollowingagencyisresponsibleforinvestigationandsupervisionservices.Theyareresponsibleforpeopleonparole—whichmeansreleasefromprisonbeforeyoursentenceexpires,andthoseonpostreleasecontrol—whichmeanssupervisionafteryoursentenceisover.PostreleasecontrolcanonlybemandatedforcrimescommittedafterJuly1,1996.

Youareresponsibleforreportingtoyourparoleofficeraccordingtotheconditionsofyoursupervision.Thisincludeslettingyourparoleofficerknowofachangeinemploymentorwhereyoulive.IfyouwanttomoveoutofCuyahogaCounty,youwillhavetodiscussthetransferrequestwithyourparoleofficerbeforeyoumove.Thecountythatyouwanttomovetohastoapprovethetransfer.

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation 216-787-3010and Correction – Adult Parole Authority - Cleveland Region 615 W Superior Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113

Parole / Post Release Control

79

tRanSPoRtation Contact a friend, family member, or other person you know to pick you up from the institution when you are released. If you have no one to pick you up, the institution will take you to the nearest bus station.

Fromthere,ifyoudon’thavesomeonetopickyouup,youwillhavetobuyyourownbustickettowhereveryouneedtogo.Ifyouhavenomoney,theinstitutionwillbuyaticketforyou,butthishastobearrangedBEFOREyouleavetheprison.

Bus Service in Cuyahoga CountyTheRTA—GreaterClevelandRegionalTransitAuthority—isthecompanythatop-eratesbusandrapidserviceinCuyahogaCounty.ItalsooperatessmallcommunitybusescalledCirculators,LoopbusesandTrolliesthattravelaroundDowntown,andadoor-to-doorsystemcalled“Paratransit”forpeoplewithdisabilities.

Youcanbuyone-rideoranall-daypassonthebus,butyouneedexactchange.Youcanbuyotherpassesorfarecardstoo,butyoucan’tbuytheseonthebus.

Passesandfarecardscanbepurchasedatmanylocationsincludinglocaldrugstores,supermarkets,conveniencestoresandon-siteattheRTA’sCustomerServiceSatelliteOffice,locatedinsideTowerCityCenteratPublicSquare,ashortdistancefromtheGreyhoundBusStation.

Youcanalsogetbusschedules/time-tableswhichshowthebusroutesandtimes,attheCustomerServiceSatelliteOffice,atRapidstationsoronRTA’sWebsite.YoucanalsogetinformationbyphonefromRTA.

RTA Customer Service Satellite Office 216-781-485150 Public Sq., Tower City Rapid Transit Station Cleveland, OH 44113 M-F:8:00am-4:00pm(or24-hoursthroughfare-cardmachines).

RTA Answerline 216-621-9500www.riderta.comLiveinformationM-F:7:00am-6:00pmandSaturday:8:00am-4:30pm.Automatedinformationafter-hours.

RTA Sample Bus / Rapid Fares*

(March 2011)

$2.25 – One-Ride Bus Fare

$2.25 – One-Ride Rapid Fare

$5.00 – All-Day Bus/Rapid Pass

$22.50 – Weekly Bus/Rapid Pass

$85.00 – Monthly Bus/Rapid Pass

Ask about discounts for children, seniors and

people with disabilities.

*Does not apply to Community

Circulators, Park and Ride services,

or out-of-county rides.

80

Transportation

Long-Distance Bus ServiceGreyhound Bus Lines 800-231-22221465 Chester Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115 216-781-0520www.greyhound.com

Walk-inforserviceorphoneforinformation24hrsaday,7daysaweek.Youshouldpurchaseyourticketatleastonehourbeforeyourbusisscheduledtoleave.Thepriceofabusticketwillvarydependingonwhereyouaregoing.

81

Voting

VotinGFormerly incarcerated people are allowed to vote in the State of Ohio even if they have a felony conviction, as long as they meet all other general eligibility requirements for voting (U.S. citizen, age 18 or older on the day of the election, meet residency requirements, etc.)

Peoplewhohavenevervotedbeforeneedtoregisterbeforetheycanvote.Thosewhowereincarceratedduetoafelonyconvictionneedtore-registertovote,eveniftheyhaveregisteredbefore.Also,peoplewhohavenotvotedinrecentelectionsand/orhavemovedshouldcheckwiththeBoardofElectionstoseeiftheyneedtore-register.

BepreparedtohavethelastfourdigitsofyourSocialSecuritynumberoryourdriver’slicensenumberhandywhenyouregister(thiswillpreventyoufromhavingtosendinadditionalpaperwork),aswellasyourpermanentaddress.Youwillneedtoregisteratleast30daysbeforetheelection.Registrationisfree.

Voterregistrationformsareavailableatlibraries,BureauofMotorVehicleoffices,CountyBoardsofElectionsandotherlocations.

Formoreinformationaboutvotingcontact:

Cuyahoga County Board of Elections 216-443-32002925 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115boe.cuyahogacounty.us

League of Women Voters of Cleveland 216-781-8376Voter Information Center 850 Euclid Ave., Ste. 1010, Cleveland, OH 44114www.lwvcef.org

82

Welfare / Public Income Benefits

WeLFaRe / PUBLiC inCome BeneFitS

OWF – Ohio Works First (Cash Assistance)OWF(OhioWorksFirst)providestime-limitedcashbenefitsandsupportiveservicestolow-incomefamilieswithchildren.

• Benefitsarelimitedto36monthsinalifetimeunlesstheCuyahogaCountyDept.ofEmploymentandFamilyServicesgrantsanextension.Therearetwokindsofextensions:hardshipandgoodcause.

• Recipientsarerequiredtoparticipateinacombinationofactivities(parentingclasses,lifeskillstraining,counseling)and/orwork/trainingactivitiestoremainintheprogram.

Toapply,callthefollowingagencytogetareferraltoaNeighborhoodFamilyServiceCenter(welfareoffice)inyourneighborhood.CertainZIPcodesareassignedtoeachcenter,soitisbesttocalltoensureyouaregoingtothecorrectcenter.

Cuyahoga County Dept. of Employment and Family Services 216-987-7000

PRC - Prevention, Retention, ContingencyThisprogramprovidesaidtofamiliesintheformofavouchertobuyitemsorpayforservicesthatareemergenciesandnon-recurring(asituationnotextendingbeyondfourmonths)andwhichcannotbeaddressedusingexistingcommunityresources.Thisprogramisgenerallyforfamiliesat200%orlessofthefederalpovertyguidelineswithatleastoneminorchild.Applicantsmustalsoshowachangeincircumstancethatcausedtheneedforassistance.

Ingeneral,PRCcanhelpthosewhofallintoatleastoneofthefourfollowingcat-egories,butyouwillwanttophonetheagencybelowformorespecifics:

1. Familiesneedinghelptoseek,begin,ormaintainemploymentorthosewho areenrolledinanapprovedcollegeprogram

2. Thosewhoneedrentorsecuritydeposithelpandwhohaveevidenceofacourt proceedingorleadpoisoninginthehome.

3. ThoseinvolvedwiththeDepartmentofChildrenandFamilyServices,Department ofSeniorandAdultServices(includingrelativecaregivers),adomesticviolence programorhomelessprogramwhoareestablishingahousehold.

4. Familiesimpactedbyafireorstatedeclareddisaster

Ifyouhaveacasemanager,askhimorheraboutthisprogram.Ifyoudonothaveacasemanager,callthefollowingagencytogetareferraltoaNeighborhoodFamilyServiceCenterinyourneighborhood.CertainZIPcodesareassignedtoeachcenter,soitisbesttocalltoensureyouaregoingtothecorrectcenter.Familiescanpickuptheapplicationon-siteormayapplyoverthephone.

Cuyahoga County Dept. of Employment and Family Services 216-987-7000

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Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability (SSD)• SSIprovidespaymentstopeoplewithlimitedincomeandresourceswhoareage65andolder,blindordisabled.

• SSDpaysbenefitstodisabledworkersandtheirfamilies.Tobeeligible,youmustbedisabledandmusthaveearnedaminimumnumberofcreditsfromworkcoveredunderSocialSecurity.Therequirednumberofcreditsvariesdependingonyourageatthetimeyoubecomedisabled.

• Toqualifyasdisabled,youmustbeunabletodoanykindofsubstantial,gainfulwork“duetoaphysicalormentaldisabilitythatisexpectedtolastatleast12monthsorresultindeath.”

• YouarenoteligibletoreceiveSSIbenefitsforanyfullcalendarmonthyouareinprison.

Federal Poverty GuidelinesEachyear,theFederalgovernmentestablishesguidelinesforwhatitconsiderspoor.TheseguidelinesareusedtodetermineeligibilityforcertainsocialserviceprogramssuchasHeadStart,FoodStamps,WICandothers.Youmayhearaboutthisifyouapplyforbenefits.

Theguidelinesbelowarefor2011.Agenciesthatusetheseguidelinestodetermineeligibilityfortheirservicesmaybeusingthecurrentorformeryear’sguidelines.Thetablebelowrepresents100%oftheFederalPovertyGuidelines.Someprogramsstatethatyoucanqualifyupto200%oftheFederalPovertyGuidelines.Forthoseprograms,justdoubletheamountlistedbelowtogettheincomecap.Otherpercentagesarealsopossible(suchas150%or133%).

2011 HHS Poverty Guidelines Persons 48 Contiguous in Family States and D.C. Alaska Hawaii 1 $10,890 $13,600 $12,540 2 $14,710 $18,380 $16,930 3 $18,530 $23,160 $21,320 4 $22,350 $27,940 $25,710 5 $26,170 $32,720 $30,100 6 $29,990 $37,500 $34,490 7 $33,810 $42,280 $38,880 8 $37,630 $47,060 $43,270

For each additional person, add: $3,820 $4,780 $4,390

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• SocialSecurityhasapre-releaseprocedureyoumayusetoapplyforSSIbenefitswhilestillinprison.Itisnotavailableatallfacilities.Checkwithyourcasemanagerattheprison.

• Itmaytakeawhiletogetyourbenefits.Itcouldtakesixmonthsorlonger.Forinformationandthenumberofabranchnearyoucontact:

U.S. Social Security Administration 800-772-1213www.socialsecurity.gov

Social Security Retirement Benefits• Ifyouareage62orolderandhaveworkedenoughundertheSocialSecuritySystem,youareeligibleforSocialSecurityretirementbenefits.

• Working“underthetable”doesnotcounttowardsyourworkrequirementforSocialSecurity.Youmightwanttokeepthisinmindwhenyouarelookingforjobs.

• Youcanreceivethisfinancialassistanceinadditiontounemploymentcompensation(althoughitmayaffectyourunemploymentbenefits).

• Youshouldapplyatleast3monthsbeforeyouwantbenefitstobegin.

• Ifyouchoosetoreceivebenefitsbeforeage65,youwillnotbeeligibleforMedicare(healthinsurance)untilyouturn65orunlessyouqualifybasedondisabilityorcertainhealthconditions.

Forinformationandthenumberofabranchnearyoucontact:

U.S. Social Security Administration 800-772-1213www.socialsecurity.gov

Unemployment Compensation UnemploymentCompensationprovidesfinancialassistanceforthosewhohavebeenlaidoffandwhoarecurrentlyunemployedthroughnofaultoftheirown.Toqualify,applicantsmusthaveworkedatleast20weeksandearnedanaverageofatleast$213aweekduringthepastyear.

• Eligibleworkersreceiveupto26weeksofbasicbenefits-butthoselaid-offastheresultofforeigncompetitioncanreceiveextendedbenefitsknownasTradeReadjustmentAllowance(TRA).Sometimesbenefitsareextendedbythegovernmentiftheunemploymentrateishigh.

•ApplyforUnemploymentCompensationimmediatelyafterlosingyourjob.Thismayhelpyoureceivethemaximumbenefitamountanditmaybeseveralweeksuntilyoureceiveyourfirstcheck.

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• Ifyouaredeniedbenefits,youhavetherighttoappeal.

•Youmayworkandcollectunemploymentatthesametime.However,workingmayreduceyourpayment.

Forinformationandanapplication,contact:

Ohio Dept. of Job and Family Services 1-877-644-6562 unemployment.ohio.gov

Veterans BenefitsTheU.S.DeptofVeteransAffairsisthegovernmentagencyresponsibleforveterans’benefits.Theycananswerquestionsregardingeligibilityforbenefits,howtosignupforbenefits,andreinstatingbenefits.

U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs - Regional Office 800-827-10001240 E 9th St., Federal Bldg., Cleveland, OH 44199va.gov

REINSTATING YOUR BENEFITSDuringyourtimeinprison,yourveterans’benefitsmayhavebeenstoppedorreduced.Afteryouarereleasedfromprison,itmaybepossibleforyoutostartreceivingyourveterans’benefitsagain.

Ingeneral,toreceivebenefitsyoumusthavebeendischargedfrommilitaryserviceunderhonorableorgeneralconditions.Noveterans’benefitsareprovidedtoveteransortheirdependentsthatarewantedforanoutstandingfelony.

Tofindoutifyoucanstartreceivingveteransbenefitsagain,youwillhavetonotify(inwriting)theU.S.Dept.ofVeteransAffairsthatyouhavebeenreleasedfromprisonandthatyouwouldliketohaveyourveterans’benefitsreinstated.

Makesuretoincludeinyourletter:

• Yourname

• SocialSecuritynumberorVAclaimfilenumber,

• Addressandphonenumberwhereyoucanbereached

• Yoursignatureanddate

• Acopyofyourprisonreleasepapers

Beforesendingtheletter,youmayphoneformoreinformation.

Mailto:U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs – Regional Office 800-827-10001240 E 9th St., Federal Bldg., Cleveland, OH 44199

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GETTING HELP WITH YOUR BENEFITSThefollowingplaceshelpveteransunderstandandobtainmilitarybenefits,andmayhelpthemwithotherneedsifpossible.

Disabled American Veterans 216-522-35071240 E 9th St., Rm. 1015, Cleveland, OH 44199dav.orgFocusesonhelpingveteranswhohaveaservice-connecteddisability.Assistswithfil-ingclaimsforveterans’disability,compensation,rehabilitation,education,pensions,deathbenefits,training,andotherprograms,andrepresentsveteransinappeals.

Military Order of the Purple Heart 216-522-72371240 E 9th St. Rm. 1023 - Federal Building, Cleveland, OH 44199purpleheart.orgProvidesservicessuchasexplainingbenefits,fillingoutforms,forwardingclaimstotheU.S.Dept.ofVeteransAffairsforprocessing,andrepresentingveteransinappeals.

Paralyzed Veterans of America 216-731-101726250 Euclid Ave. Ste. 115, Euclid, OH 44132pva.orgProvidesbenefitsadvocacyandinformationforveteranswhohavespinalcordinju-riesordysfunction.

Veterans Service Commission 216-698-26001849 Prospect Ave., Rm. 200, Cleveland, OH 44115vsc.cuyahogacounty.usHelpsveteransandwidowscompletepaperworkandfileclaimswiththeU.S.DepartmentofVeteransAffairsfordisability,pensionsand/oreducation.Alsoprovidesemergencyfinancialassistancetoveteranswhoareexperiencinghardship.

Volunteers of America - Veterans Resource Center 216-541-9000775 E 152nd St., Cleveland, OH 44110voa.orgHelpsveteranswhoarehomelessobtainhousing,employmentandotherbenefitstowhichtheyareentitled.

Cities, Villages and Townships

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CitieS, ViLLaGeS anD toWnSHiPSBay Village ......................................................................440-871-2200

Beachwood .....................................................................216-464-1070

Bedford ...........................................................................440-232-1600

Bedford Hts. ....................................................................440-786-3200

Bentleyville .....................................................................440-247-5055

Berea ...............................................................................440-826-5800

Bratenahl ........................................................................216-681-4266

Brecksville .......................................................................440-526-4351

Broadview Hts. ...............................................................440-526-4357

Brooklyn ..........................................................................216-351-2133

Brooklyn Hts. ..................................................................216-749-4300

Brook Park ......................................................................216-433-1300

Chagrin Falls Township ..................................................440-247-8422

Chagrin Falls Village .......................................................440-247-5050

Cleveland ........................................................................216-664-2000

Cleveland Hts. .................................................................216-291-4444

Cuyahoga Hts. ................................................................216-641-7020

East Cleveland ................................................................216-681-5020

Euclid ...............................................................................216-289-2700

Fairview Park ..................................................................440-333-2200

Garfield Hts. ....................................................................216-475-1100

Gates Mills ......................................................................440-423-4405

Glenwillow ......................................................................440-232-8788

Highland Hills .................................................................216-283-3000

Highland Hts. ..................................................................440-461-2440

Hunting Valley ................................................................440-247-6106

Independence .................................................................216-524-4131

Lakewood .......................................................................216-521-7580

Linndale ..........................................................................216-251-6000

Lyndhurst ........................................................................440-442-5777

Maple Hts. .......................................................................216-662-6000

Mayfield Hts. ..................................................................440-442-2626

Cities, Villages and Townships

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Mayfield Village .............................................................440-461-2210

Middleburg Hts. .............................................................440-234-8811

Moreland Hills ................................................................440-248-1188

Newburgh Hts. ...............................................................216-641-4650

North Olmsted ................................................................440-777-8000

North Randall .................................................................216-662-0430

North Royalton ...............................................................440-237-5686

Olmsted Falls ..................................................................440-235-5550

Olmsted Township ..........................................................440-235-3051

Oakwood ........................................................................440-232-9988

Orange ............................................................................440-498-4400

Parma ..............................................................................440-885-8000

Parma Hts. .......................................................................440-884-9600

Pepper Pike .....................................................................216-831-8500

Richmond Hts. ................................................................216-486-2474

Rocky River .....................................................................440-331-0600

Seven Hills .......................................................................216-524-4421

Shaker Hts. ......................................................................216-491-1400

Solon ...............................................................................440-248-1155

South Euclid ....................................................................216-381-0400

Strongsville .....................................................................440-580-3100

University Hts. .................................................................216-932-7800

Valley View .....................................................................216-524-6511

Walton Hills ....................................................................440-232-7800

Warrensville Hts. ............................................................216-587-6500

Westlake .........................................................................440-871-3300

Woodmere ......................................................................216-831-9511

Index

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inDeXAddress ............................................................................................................................ 69Adult Protective Services ................................................................................................ 71AIDS ...................................................................................................................... 31, 37, 41Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse ........................................................................................ 1Anger ............................................................................................................................... 70Arrest Records ................................................................................................................. 46Automobile Insurance ..................................................................................................... 55Birth Certificates .............................................................................................................. 50Birth Control .................................................................................................................... 31Budgeting ........................................................................................................................ 73Bus Service ....................................................................................................................... 79Business Plan .................................................................................................................... 22Car Insurance ................................................................................................................... 55Career Counseling ........................................................................................................... 15Caring for Older Adults .................................................................................................... 3Case Management ............................................................................................................ 3Certification of Incarceration ......................................................................................... 57Checking and Savings Accounts ..................................................................................... 72Child Abuse Hotline ........................................................................................................ 71Child Custody ..................................................................................................................... 7Child Day Care ................................................................................................................... 6Child Support ..................................................................................................................... 7Civilian Background Checks ............................................................................................ 48Clemency .......................................................................................................................... 65Clothing ........................................................................................................................... 11Cocaine .............................................................................................................................. 2Colleges / Universities ..................................................................................................... 15Community Clinics ........................................................................................................... 29Commutation .................................................................................................................. 65Counseling ................................................................................................................... 1, 70Court Costs ....................................................................................................................... 65Court Records .................................................................................................................. 48Credit ............................................................................................................................... 73Credit Reports .................................................................................................................. 52Criminal Court Records ................................................................................................... 48Crisis Lines ........................................................................................................................ 71Day Care ............................................................................................................................. 6Day Labor ......................................................................................................................... 21DD-214 ............................................................................................................................ 53Debt ................................................................................................................................. 73Dental Care ...................................................................................................................... 32Depression ....................................................................................................................... 70Detox .................................................................................................................................. 1

Index

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Doctor. See Health Care / Dental CareDomestic Violence ........................................................................................................... 71Driver’s License Suspensions ....................................................................................... 9, 54Driver’s License Renewals / Duplicates / New Licenses .................................................. 54Education ......................................................................................................................... 14Educational Records ........................................................................................................ 57Emergency Shelters ......................................................................................................... 43Employment .................................................................................................................... 17Entrepreneurial Resources .............................................................................................. 22Executive Clemency ......................................................................................................... 65Expungement, Adult ....................................................................................................... 61Expungement, Juvenile ................................................................................................... 64Fatherhood ................................................................................................................ 6, 7, 8Fidelity Bonding .............................................................................................................. 18Financial Aid .................................................................................................................... 16Food Pantries ................................................................................................................... 25Food Stamps .................................................................................................................... 24Foreclosure ...................................................................................................................... 43Furniture .......................................................................................................................... 72Gambling ......................................................................................................................... 76Gay/Lesbian Support ......................................................................................................... 4GED ............................................................................................................................ 14, 58Halfway Houses ............................................................................................................... 39Health Care / Dental Care ............................................................................................... 27HIV ........................................................................................................................ 31, 37, 41Home Delivered Meals .................................................................................................... 24Homeless Drop-In Centers .............................................................................................. 13Homeless Shelters ............................................................................................................ 42Hospital. See Health Care / Dental CareHot Meals / Soup Kitchens .............................................................................................. 26Housing ............................................................................................................................ 33Housing Choice Vouchers ............................................................................................... 36Housing Rights ................................................................................................................ 43ID .............................................................................................................................. 54, 56ID Theft ............................................................................................................................ 76Identification / Paperwork .............................................................................................. 46Immigration ..................................................................................................................... 66Immunization .................................................................................................................. 31Independent Housing ..................................................................................................... 40Insurance .................................................................................................................... 27, 55Job Discrimination ........................................................................................................... 17Jobs. See EmploymentLabor Practices ................................................................................................................. 17Lawyer. See Legal AssistanceLegal Assistance ............................................................................................................... 61

Index

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Lesbian/Gay Support Services ........................................................................................... 4Libraries ........................................................................................................................... 22Literacy ............................................................................................................................. 14Mailing Address ............................................................................................................... 69Meals ................................................................................................................................ 26Medicaid .......................................................................................................................... 27Medical Care. See Health Care / Dental CareMedical Records .............................................................................................................. 58Medicare .......................................................................................................................... 28Mental Health/Counseling .............................................................................................. 70Military Discharge Papers ............................................................................................... 53Military Service .................................................................................................... 53, 59, 85Money Management ...................................................................................................... 72Moving Out of County .................................................................................................... 78Older Adults - Caring for .................................................................................................. 3Overflow Shelters ........................................................................................................... 43OWF – Ohio Works First .................................................................................................. 82Pardon .............................................................................................................................. 65Parenting ........................................................................................................................... 6Paternity .......................................................................................................................... 10Permanent Housing ........................................................................................................ 33Phone ............................................................................................................................... 69Police, Getting Stopped by ............................................................................................ 49Post Office Box ................................................................................................................ 69PRC – Prevention, Retention, Contingency .................................................................... 82Pregnancy Testing ........................................................................................................... 31Prescription Drugs. See Health Care / Dental CarePrison Records ................................................................................................................. 56Psychiatric Care ................................................................................................................ 70Public Housing ................................................................................................................. 34Public Transportation. See TransportationRAP Sheet ........................................................................................................................ 46Rape ................................................................................................................................. 71Reentry Programs .............................................................................................................. 3Release ID Card ................................................................................................................ 56Release Papers ................................................................................................................. 56Rental Housing ................................................................................................................ 33Reprieve ........................................................................................................................... 65Savings Accounts ............................................................................................................. 72School ............................................................................................................................... 15School Breakfast and Lunch Program ............................................................................ 24Section 8 .......................................................................................................................... 36Selective Service Registration ......................................................................................... 59Self-Employment ............................................................................................................. 22Sexual Abuse ................................................................................................................... 70

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Index

Shelters ............................................................................................................................ 42Shower Facilities .............................................................................................................. 13Smoking Cessation ............................................................................................................ 2Social Security Disability (SSD) ........................................................................................ 83Social Security Numbers / Cards ...................................................................................... 60Social Security Retirement .............................................................................................. 84Soup Kitchens .................................................................................................................. 26SSD ................................................................................................................................... 83SSI .................................................................................................................................... 83State ID ............................................................................................................................ 56STD Testing ...................................................................................................................... 31Student Aid ...................................................................................................................... 16Suicide .............................................................................................................................. 70Supervision Fee ................................................................................................................ 65Supplemental Security Income (SSI) ............................................................................... 83Support Groups ....................................................................................................... 2, 4, 70Taxes ................................................................................................................................. 77TB Testing ........................................................................................................................ 31Temporary Employment ................................................................................................. 21Toiletries .............................................................................................................. 11, 13, 25Transitional Control ........................................................................................................ 39Transitional Housing ....................................................................................................... 40Transportation ................................................................................................................. 79Unemployment Compensation ...................................................................................... 84Universities ...................................................................................................................... 15Veterans Benefits ............................................................................................................ 85Voice Mail ........................................................................................................................ 69Voting .............................................................................................................................. 81Waiving Court Costs, Fines and Supervision Fees .......................................................... 65Welfare ............................................................................................................................ 82WIC (Women, Infants and Children) .............................................................................. 25Work Opportunity Tax Credit ......................................................................................... 19

Inclusioninthisdirectorydoesnotimplyendorsementofservicesnordoesexclusionimplydisapproval.Everyefforthasbeenmadetosupplycompleteandaccurateinformation;however,211/FirstCallForHelpandUnitedWayofGreaterClevelandmakenorepresentationwithrespecttotheaccuracyandcompletenessofthecontentsofthisdirectoryandspecificallydisclaimany

No part of this publicationmay be reproduced by anymeans, developed into adatabase,usedfortheconstructionofanycommercialmailinglistortransmittedinanyformorbyanymeanselectronic,mechanical,photocopying,recordingorother-wisewithoutthepriorwrittenpermissionofUnitedWayofGreaterCleveland’s211.

UnitedWayofGreaterCleveland211/FirstCallForHelp1331EuclidAvenueCleveland,OH44115

211Cleveland.org

The listings in this guide represent only a small part of all the social services that may help. If there is something you can’t find in this guide, or if there is anything you don’t understand, please call us at 211 or (216) 436-2000. We are available 24 hours a day, every day. If you have access to the Internet, you can also visit us at 211cleveland.org.

Going Home to Stay: A Guide for Successful ReentrywasdevelopedthroughtheGreaterClevelandReentryStrategy,acommunityplandesignedtoimproveoutcomesassociatedwiththetransitionfromprisontothecommunity.TheGeorgeGundandClevelandFoundationsprovidedfundingtoconducttheplanningphasesoftheinitiative.TheServiceDirectoryWorkgroupoftheGreaterClevelandReentryStrategyjoinedwithUnitedWayofGreaterCleveland’s211programtocreatetheDirectory.Fundingforthe2011printingofthedirectorywasprovidedbyCuyahogaCountyExecutiveEdFitzgerald,theCuyahogaCountyCouncil,andtheExecutiveOfficeofHealthandHumanServices.

Going Home To Stay: A Guide for Successful ReentrywascreatedformenandwomencomingoutofprisonwhoarereturningtoCuyahogaCounty.Thisguidegivespracticalinformationabouthowtoprepareforrelease,andthestepstotaketobeginanewlifeoutsideofprison.Itprovidesinformationaboutservicessuchashealthcare,housing,clothing,legalassistance,employmentandotherprogramsthatareavailabletohelppeoplereenterthecommunitysuccessfully.

Theprocessofreentryisaboutmakingchangeandhavingtheinformationneededtobesuccessful.Thisbookoffersguidanceontopicsthatareimportantforusalltobesuccessful–gettingajob,buildingcredit,registeringtovote,gettinganeducationandconnectingwithourfamiliesandcommunities.

GoingHomeToStayistheresultoftalkingandworkingwithmanysuccessfulanddeterminedmenandwomenwhohaveservedtheirtimeinprison.TheyhavereturnedtoGreaterClevelandandhavemadeanewlifeforthemselves.Theysharetheirideasinthisbooklet.

Aprogramof

1331 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115 unitedwaycleveland.org

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