County Commissioners Grant $150,000 to NR Community Care and CRS

North Ridgeville Community Care and Community Resource Services of Avon and Avon Lake were granted $75,000 each at last Wednesday’s virtual meeting of the Lorain County Board of Commissioners.

Commissioners granted each group the monies from CARES Act funding, catching both Pam Ohradzansky, Executive Director of CRS, and Heather Kaesgen, Executive Director or NRCC by surprise on the video call.

“Pam, I am crying for you,” exclaimed Kaesgen as Commissioners Matt Lundy, Lori Kokoski and Sharon Sweda unanimously approved the CRS grant. “That is what social workers do – cry together!” she laughed.

Moments later, Kaesgen was tearing up again as the board unanimously approved a second $75,000 grant for NRCC.

Both Kaesgen and Ohradzansky said it is the Food Pantries they host that see the most need.

“Last year, we distributed 113,000 pounds of food to 477 individuals,” said Ohradzansky. “This year, we’ve moved through 110,000 pounds through November.” Stocked through donations and food drives, CRS also belongs to Second Harvest Food Bank.

“Phenomenal for us is the support we have received from Avon Meijer’s since they’ve moved into town.” They have donated $50,000 in food only cards. “They understand what it means to be in a community and be part of a community,” she added.

Clients, who qualify under minimum income guidelines, also turn to CRS to assist with energy bills (up 10 per cent this year), mortgage and rent assistance and car repairs, which have been on the upswing.

“We have passed out 200,000 pounds of food this year. Our biggest program is our food pantry,” said Kaesgen of the North Ridgeville Community Care services. “For the first time in our history this year we had to purchase food for our pantry. We work closely with Second Harvest and they have been a Godsend to us.

“We have seen 74 new families who have never seen a food pantry before, never had food insecurity before, and 2 business owners, one who has kept his business open but doesn’t receive a paycheck so he can pay his employees. He comes to our food pantry for his own family. These are the stories we hear all day long. He has kept two single moms from going under.”

NRCC once had 85 volunteers, all over 70, who are unable to work now because of safety considerations.

Heather’s assistant (Daphne) and their husbands have made a pact to keep the center open, working about 70 hours a week because there is no staff at this time.

But, says Heather, there is a silver lining, even though community needs surged in September and October.

“It’s been overwhelming but gratifying. Lots of silver linings. United Way, Trader Joe’s, Giant Eagle, people from the community….

“I can’t thank you enough.”