Help for Local Family

[Phil Florian]

I have a unique request that I am putting out to Lakewood citizens of the 'Deck, especially those parents who might drive to pick up or drop off their children at Taft and/or Lincoln Schools.

I work for the Cuyahoga County Board of MR/DD. We serve adults and children with disabilities and their families. I have a situation where a family (mom, dad, two kids) lost their home that they were renting from another relative when their ceiling collapsed a couple of weeks ago. They have had plenty of family support to replace clothing, some furniture and so on but there is one area we can't get any consistent help.

The biggest issue right now is transportation for their two children to keep them in school in Lakewood. Their daugther is in Kindergarten at Taft and gets out of school at 3:05 and their son is in Project 1-2-3 at Lincoln and gets out at 2:45. They get to school by dad who has a car but he leaves for work on second shift and can't get them home 2-3 days per week. Due to some health and disability related issues, mom has a hard time using the RTA system to get them.

I am looking to see if there is a kind family or individual who might be willing to help this family out to help get their kids home after school. They are currently living near the corner of Triskett Ave. and Warren/W. 150th in Cleveland and are hoping to get back to Lakewood soon when they can find a new place to live.

If anyone is interested or has ideas, please e-mail me at florian@ccbmrdd.org or drop me a line at my office at (216) 221-5724. Lakewood Division of Youth is already helping out (a ton...they are fantastic!) as is a number of other agencies but this bit is one area not cleanly covered by any one agency or gathering of agencies. City of Lakewood schools has not been able or willing to provide even temporary transportation when requested by the parents due to crossing border into Cleveland.

We would accept any help and will even try to find a way to pitch in for gas if needed. Hopefully this won't be needed for more than the next couple of weeks.

Thanks for your time. Take care.


Phil Florian
Support Administrator
CCBMRDD