Erie County authorizes one-year, up-to-$125,000 to continue Project Strength truancy pilot

Erie County Commissioners on June 18 approved a one-time county contribution of up to $125,000 to continue Project Strength, a pre-petition diversion program run by the Erie County Public Defender’s Office that aims to reduce juvenile court filings for truancy and child-services cases.

James Murray, lead attorney with the Erie County Public Defender’s Office, told the board that Project Strength began as an Ohio Supreme Court pilot in November 2021 and that Erie County is one of six pilot counties and the only pilot combining truancy and children-services cases. Murray said the Ohio Supreme Court grant funded the program for four years (Year 1: $150,000; Year 2: $120,000; Year 3: $120,000; Year 4: $75,000) and that the grant funding ends Sept. 30, 2025.

Stacie Myers, parent advocate with the program, described Project Strength as a "voluntary pre-petition program" that connects families to community resources, supports them in meetings with schools and avoids duplication of services. Myers said the program has helped about 300 children and 100 families since 2022 and currently serves 13 families; she said the pilot is scheduled to end in September 2025.

Kade Gravenhorst, a licensed social worker with the program, summarized the program’s rationale, saying chronic absenteeism in early grades is linked to lower third-grade reading proficiency and long-term risks that include higher likelihood of substance use, violence and adult criminality.

Murray told commissioners the county request is for a one-year contribution of $125,000 — most of which can be reimbursed through the Ohio Public Defender’s Office — because program leaders are pursuing other, longer-term funding sources, including potential Title IV-E funds at the federal level. Murray also said the program has received smaller local community grants totaling about $58,000 but that those funds would not support a full-time program next year.

Commissioner Mr. Shoffner said he understands the program’s value but noted the county’s historical practice of not continuing local funding after a grant ends. President Shenigo suggested greater coordination with Job and Family Services director AJ Lill. The board voted to authorize the one-year payment on a motion by Mr. Old, seconded by Mr. Shoffner; roll call: All Aye.

The county’s authorization is limited to one year; commissioners and program staff said they will seek state and federal funding and other partnerships before the pilot’s grant expires on Sept. 30, 2025.