Committee moves Benefit Bridge pilot amendment to council but asks for program data before final approval

The Health and Human Services and Aging Committee voted on Sept. 13, 2025, to move Resolution R2025-0271 to the full council under second reading suspension with a specific request that county staff provide program data to committee members before the council vote. The resolution would amend a contract with Catholic Charities to extend services for the Benefit Bridge pilot through June 30, 2026, and authorize additional funds not to exceed $1,996,754.24, effective March 1, 2025.

County staff described the Benefit Bridge pilot as an 18-month program operating in 10 Ohio counties to mitigate the "benefits cliff"—when small wage increases or gaining employment cause a household to lose public benefits and suffer a net financial loss. "The benefits bridge program is intended to be an 18 month program to help with life skills, career skills, peer mentoring, and provide financial literacy," Marcos Cortez said on behalf of Cuyahoga Jobs and Family Services. Andrea Turry, identified in the record as a Benefit Bridge program staffer, said, "We are currently serving 40 enrollees in the program." Turry added that the program began last year and that by the end of that first operational year there were approximately 30 enrollees.

Committee members pressed for program performance data before approving another year of funding. One committee member noted the dollar amount that has been associated with the program to date and pressed staff for evidence of outcomes: "we got $3,900,000, for 40 people," the committee member said, seeking clarity on how funds were being used and what outcomes have been achieved. County staff responded that implementation took time and that comprehensive outcome data for the pilot are still being assembled; staff committed to provide the requested information to the committee by the Tuesday before the next council meeting. Members emphasized prudence in stewarding county funds; committee discussion also covered the contract-expiration mechanics (staff confirmed an expired contract prevents vendor payment even if funds remain available).

Formal action in committee: Councilmember Conwell moved that R2025-0271 be moved to full council under second reading suspension with the caveat that staff provide program data; Councilmember Casselberry seconded. The committee recorded a voice vote of "aye." Members agreed the item would be halted at full council if the requested data were not delivered.

What happens next: The resolution will proceed to the full council with the committee’s data requirement noted. County staff pledged to supply the program metrics requested prior to the council meeting.