Residents and union say Lorain County JFS delays are harming families; they dispute county 'impasse' claim

Dozens of residents and employees told the Lorain County Board of Commissioners on April 21 that delays at Jobs and Family Services are causing immediate harm to families, and a union representative disputed a commissioner’s public claim about bargaining during the strike.

Candace Nagadosh read a statement on behalf of a disabled mother who said her child lost Early Childhood Education grant hours after a district change and was unable to return to preschool. "I was told the switch was easy... a week later I heard nothing and my son was not in the school system," the statement said. Multiple speakers described delayed Medicaid, SNAP or childcare vouchers and interrupted recertifications.

Becky Krywonis, a 28‑year JFS employee, told commissioners the agency has lost staff and that she often processes Spanish‑language renewals alone. "We cannot retain workers," she said, warning that wage steps for new hires may not keep experienced employees. Other public commenters described urgent medical and income needs, including a pregnant resident who said she had been unable to obtain insulin because insurance was delayed.

The remarks came amid a dispute over bargaining with striking workers. Commissioner Riddell was quoted in the meeting record as saying, "We reached an impasse, and the problem is that once they are on strike, we can't really talk to them." A commenter reading a union statement cited Chapter 4117 of the Ohio Revised Code and said that bargaining can continue during a lawful strike and that the county’s messaging was prolonging hardship on families. "Telling workers to get back to work and then negotiate is not how the process works," the reader said.

Speakers urged the board to restore service capacity, speed case processing and pursue a negotiated resolution. Several requested a state hearing or other external review; no formal board action was taken on the substance of these complaints during the meeting. The public‑comment period closed and the board adjourned; staff said they would follow up with maps, contact information and additional details where requested.

What happens next: Commissioners did not adopt new JFS policy or a bargaining directive on April 21. Commenters requested follow‑up and some items were held for the board’s Friday session for additional information.