JCESC Family Support Specialist program provides summer relief to families in need

MARTINS FERRY -- Families across the Ohio Valley who might have gone without received help this summer through the Jefferson County Educational Service Center's Family Support Specialist program.

Family Support Specialist Mary Kakascik said when administrators learned funding was available through the FSS grant, they knew they could help families facing economic challenges by providing fresh meat during the summer months.

The Family Support Specialist program, administered through the Jefferson County Educational Service Center and offered through Family and Children First Council communities in Belmont, Carroll, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Jefferson, Monroe, Muskingum, Noble and Tuscarawas counties, uses a peer support position to advocate for families in crisis. The program has entered its third year.

Kakascik recently picked up the first load of boxed meat from Jacob & Sons Quality Meats after receiving messages from excited families who learned they would be receiving the assistance.

The boxes included boneless chicken breasts, hot dogs, sausage, strip steaks, burgers, kielbasa, pork chops, ribs and wings. Forty families received fresh meat to help ease the burden of rising costs and provide meals throughout the summer.

The assistance provided relief for households struggling to put food on the table.

"I have a lot of families, just because of inflation, that are facing economic hardships, and so I just thought these boxes might not only be some financial relief, but they could redirect some of their monthly income to other things such as utilities, gas," she said.

"I have some that actually have to make that decision: buy groceries or buy gas to get to work, pay utility bills," she said. "This is a huge help to them as far as staples in their house for the summer."

The support made an immediate impact for many families.

"When I told them they were getting the meat, some of the families had tears in their eyes because they are very thankful, they've been struggling and this is something they needed," she said.

"They were in disbelief that we were able to do this for them, that it's just coming at a great time, because the kids are home in the summertime, a lot of the families schedule appointments in the summertime because they don't have to work around the school schedule. They were thrilled."

Through the Family Support Specialist program, Kakascik helps families navigate challenges ranging from scheduling appointments and arranging transportation to accessing community resources.

"Many of my families don't have transportation, so those types of things that we take for granted are very difficult for them," she said. "All of my families have children with special needs. That requires a lot more appointments. Not only do they have medical appointments, they have behavioral health appointments, occupational therapy, speech therapy, there are a lot of additional appointments that they have."

Kakascik assists families with scheduling those appointments and arranging transportation.

"Sometimes it just starts with finding a provider for them, because they get overwhelmed and they don't know where to start."

She said financial struggles can prevent families from accessing critical services.

"I have a lot of families who have children that they have to take to Akron Children's, to Nationwide in Columbus, and so sometimes they've cancelled appointments because they haven't had the gas money to get there. These are critical decisions that our families make every day."

Kakascik typically works with about 20 families each week.

"The service I provide is boots on the ground. I go with them to court hearings. I go with them to IEP meetings. I help them in their homes just organizing things and day-to-day life."

Her work includes accompanying families to medical and behavioral health appointments and helping them apply for Social Security benefits.

Kakascik said many parents she works with have medical and mental health needs of their own. She has connected families with serious medical issues to the Home Health Waiver program for assistance in the home and support in caring for their children.

She said the FSS program continues to make a difference, with many participants gaining steady employment and connecting with needed services.

Dr. Nicole McDonald, Family Support Specialist supervisor and JCESC director of grants, said the initiative is part of the program's ongoing effort to address food insecurity and support families throughout the region.

"The joy these meat boxes bring to families is truly heartwarming," McDonald said. "For many of the families we serve, this support provides not only healthy meals but also peace of mind. Knowing that someone cares about their well-being and is willing to help makes a tremendous difference."

McDonald praised Kakascik's work with families, saying she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure families feel valued, respected and supported.

Whether delivering resources, connecting families with services or simply listening, McDonald said Kakascik represents the compassion and dedication at the heart of the Family Support Specialist program.

More information can be found at the JCESC website or by calling 740-283-3347, choosing zero and asking for the Family Support Specialist. Anyone wishing to make a referral should email FSS@jcesc.org.