Advocacy and Resource Center – ARC

Bass Library, first floor
View campus map
(440) 366-4ARC (4272)
arc@lorainccc.edu 

Monday – Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Live Chat
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Need Help?

Please schedule an appointment, call the ARC at 440-366-4272, email us at arc@lorainccc.edu or stop in to chat with a member of our team.

Schedule an Appointment

We’ve Got You Covered

The Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC) can help you access food, financial, and other resources and support so you can spend less time worrying and more time focusing on your future. Schedule an appointment at your convenience at (440) 366-4ARC (4272) or arc@lorainccc.edu.

We Care Fair

Wednesday, September 13, 2023
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
LCCC’s Spitzer Conference Center

Explore the resources that LCCC and its community partners provide. We are here to help our students with financial, food, housing, food and transportation insecurities. You’ll also learn how to find help with suicide and mental health concerns, and addiction.

Counseling Appointments

If interested in scheduling a counseling appointment please do not schedule online, contact the ARC directly at 440-366-4272 or email at arc@lorainccc.edu for the next available appointment.

Well Track Interactive Self-Help Therapy

WellTrack Boost Interactive Self-Help Therapy

WellTrack Boost is a free resource that is available to all LCCC students. It can help you to understand your feelings of stress, anxiety and/or depression, and teach you techniques to minimize these feelings. WellTrack is a self-guided and interactive way to manage your mental well-being.

To register for an account, download the WellTrack Boost app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and register using your school email address.

          

Emergency Aid

Do you need help dealing with an unexpected financial challenge? We know life can take sudden turns that make it hard to focus on your education. To help, we offer emergency aid including small loans and one-time emergency grants for students. 

Help with Technology

We know having the right technology is a crucial part of being successful. If you need help getting a computer, webcam, internet access, or other technology to support online learning, please contact the ARC for available technology loans and additional information on campus and community resources. Consider applying for a refurbished computer through our Recycled Computer Program. 

Food Assistance – SNAP Benefits

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency.

Eligibility requirements for these benefits have been temporarily expanded to include students enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education.  Find out if you meet the new criteria to receive SNAP benefits. 

CARE Center – Addiction Recovery

We understand it’s tough to manage recovery from addiction while earning your education. To help, we offer addiction recovery group meetings, along with opportunities for personal counseling and information about professional recovery resources.

Learn more about the CARE Center

Commodore Cupboard

The Commodore Cupboard provides food assistance to students and community members who meet income eligibility guidelines (household income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level).  

Commodore Career Closet

Need an outfit to make the right impression for your job interview, first day at your internship, or other professional opportunity? The Commodore Career Closet can help! The Closet provides gently used business attire for students and alumni for job interviews and/or internships. 

Student Services Navigator

The Student Services Navigator can help you access services, navigate policies and procedures, and provide direct student service to address complaints and concerns.

Contact the Student Services Navigator

Advice. Resources. Connections.

Our goal is to help you overcome barriers to your success. We do this through advice, resources and connections. We can help get you over the hurdles you are facing – no matter how large – and get you back on track to finish your degree.

What we can help with….

  • Housing
  • Food assistance through LCCC’s Commodore Cupboard
  • Utility assistance
  • Transportation
  • Childcare
  • Legal services
  • Mental health, addiction, and personal counseling through the CARE Center and other partners
  • Help for those who have experienced sexual assault or domestic violence
  • And more

Stop in and see us today on the first floor of the Bass Library. No appointment necessary. 

Mothers’ Room and Private Restroom Locations

Common Resources for Students

Tutoring 

LCCC offers free Tutoring and eTutoring for all classes. Tutors are also an excellent resource if you are having difficulty using the technology you need. Tutoring is available online or through eTutoring.

Canvas  

Do you need help navigating CANVAS? eLearning helps provide support on how to use CANVAS. Learn more on how to access CANVAS and useful tips on how to navigate its features. Information on how to access your LCCC student email is also available.

Computer Labs 

Computer Labs are open and available at various locations on campus. eLearning staff are also available to answer your technology questions.

Email/Help Desk

Would you like to forward your LCCC student email to your personal email account? From your student email inbox, click “settings” in the upper right-hand corner of the screen, and then select “Forwarding and POP/IMAP.” Add your email address to the “Forwarding” section.

If you have questions or are having difficulty accessing your account, email the Help Desk. Be sure to include your full name, your student number and a description of the problem.

Course Materials 

Do you have the necessary tools and materials required for your class?  Are you having difficulty purchasing books or other course materials you need for class? If you don’t have financial aid or have other obstacles to getting what you need, contact the Advocacy & Resource Center (ARC) to further discuss your needs arc@lorainccc.edu or (440) 366-4ARC (4272).

We’re Here to Help 

If you would like to speak to someone and discuss your unique situation, please schedule an appointment. You may also request an appointment by calling (440) 366-4ARC (4272).  We also suggest following the ARC on Facebook and Instagram @LCCCARC. We post current information on many valuable community resources.

LCCC Student Navigator

The Student Services Navigator can help you access services, navigate policies and procedures, problem-solve, and provides direct student service to resolve your complaints and concerns in alignment with Lorain County Community College’s commitment to student access, success and completion. The Student Services Navigator supports the College’s focus on strong customer service, contributes to a supportive and integrated student experience, and may address and resolve individual student concerns related to admissions, academic advising, student assessment, counseling, registration, financial aid, records and academic policies.

Learn more about discounted cell phone and internet service.

LCCC has a 5-star Rated Child Care Center On Campus 

LCCC Children’s Learning Center

The LCCC Children’s Learning Center is a 5 star rated program licensed through the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services providing care for children ages 18 months to 12 years old.

They are open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.,  Monday through Friday.

Enrollment for children of LCCC Students is based on your class schedule. This flexibility in scheduling allows them to provide care at an hourly rate of $2.75 per hour, and also allows for schedule changes from semester to semester. Most of the student-parents are able to use financial aid to cover most, if not all, of their childcare charges.

If you are interested in child care during your classes please complete the online Student Parent Form or call 440-366-4038 for more information.

More Child Care Referrals  

The Child Care Resource Center offers free and confidential child care referrals so you can make the right child care decision for you and your family.

  •  SEARCH ONLINE – 24/7
    Search for Child Care in Erie, Huron, Lorain, Sandusky or Seneca Counties in Ohio.
  • Parent Hot Line – FREE phone referral service
    Helps families child care that meets their need or early learning option.
    440-242-0413 ext. 229 – CCRC Main Office
  • Email a Parent and Community Services Specialist
    Email their parent services specialist to help you focus your FREE search and to receive resources.
    Parent and Community Services Specialist  dnelson@ccrcinc.com
  • In-person FREE referrals
    Child Care Resource Center – Main Office
    5350 Oberlin Ave., Lorain, Ohio 44053
  • If you need assistance in locating child care in other counties throughout Ohio, find your local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency. 

Help With Affordable Child Care   

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) helps parents who are working or in school pay for child care through the Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) program. Through this program you may be required to pay for part of your child care in the form of a monthly copayment. The amount you pay is based on your gross income and family size.

You may apply for PFCC online. The ARC also has a Lorain County Department of Job and Family Services scanning KIOSK available to scan paperwork to your caseworker.

If you need help completing your application, you may use the ODJFS helpful directions and tip and tricks.

We’re Here to Help 

If you would like to speak to someone and discuss your unique situation, please schedule an appointment. You may also request an appointment by calling (440) 366-4ARC (4272).  We also suggest following the ARC on Facebook and Instagram @LCCCARC. We post current information on many valuable community resources.

Need an outfit to make the right impression for your job interview, first day at your internship, or other professional opportunity? The Commodore Career Closet can help!

The Commodore Career Closet provides gently used business attire for students and alumni for job interviews and/or internships.

GradReady

Financial literacy for today’s college students – this site provides information about paying for college, money management, and real-world finance thru video lessons, helpful resources, tools, and tips to help you succeed- financially, academically and personally.

Ohio Department of Commerce Consumer Credit Info

Ohio Department of Commerce

Federal Trade Commission

Report fraud, get a free credit report, report identity theft, register for Do Not Call list, and much more.

National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)

Get out of debt with The National Foundation for Credit Counseling, a non-profit trusted network of credit counseling agencies. Connect with a counselor!

Ohio BMV- Free ID Cards

Report a scam- Ohio Attorney General’s Office

Ohio Department of Labor

LCCC Scholarship Page

Need help writing a scholarship essay? Reach out to the LCCC Writing Center.

Other Scholarship Resources

LCCC Financial Aid

LCCC Student Navigator

Nurse Education Assistance Loan Program (NEALP)

OhioMeansJobs- Lorain County

What is OhioMeansJobs Lorain County?
OhioMeansJobs Lorain County is a partnership of organizations that have joined together to deliver a comprehensive system of high-quality, customer-friendly services designed to meet your education, training, employment or supportive services for adults and youth (ages 16-24).

OhioMeansJobs Lorain County
42495 N. Ridge Road, Elyria, OH  44035
Phone:  440-324-5244

LCCC has pledged to do all we can to ensure no student goes hungry—nor their families.  Here are resources that may help if you do not have enough to eat.

Commodore Cupboard Food Pantry

LCCC’s food pantry, the Commodore Cupboard, is available Mondays through Thursdays from 1-5PM for curbside pick-up.  To be eligible, your household income must be at or below 200% of the Federal poverty level.  Patrons may receive food weekly and the pantry offers a variety of items each week including meat and vegetables when available.  Personal care packs with items such as toothpaste, soap, and shampoo are also available monthly. Visit the LCCC Commodore Cupboard Food Pantry for more info or call (440) 366-7486.

Community Food Pantries

Visit Second Harvest Food Bank’s list of pantries by zip code to find food resources in your community.  Hours and terms vary.

Mobile Food Pantry

Second Harvest Food Bank provides a mobile food pantry on various dates and at various locations.  Offering a wide variety of items, these mobile pantries can help you feed your family. Check this link often as dates/time change and new listings are added.

Need Help Paying for Groceries? 

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance in the form of a preloaded debit card for those who qualify. Household income and other circumstances may impact your eligibility.  Currently, students with $0 Expected Family Contribution on the FAFSA or those eligible for Federal Work Study employment may be eligible for $234 or more a month in SNAP.  Visit SNAP Benefits for more information or call the ARC at (440) 366-4272 to see if you might be eligible or for help applying.

We’re Here to Help 

If you would like to speak to someone and discuss your unique situation, please schedule an appointment. You may also request an appointment by calling (440) 366-4ARC (4272).  We also suggest following the ARC on Facebook and Instagram @LCCCARC. We post current information on many valuable community resources.

Lorain County Free Clinic

Serves pre-screened patients between the ages 19-65 with incomes at or below 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.  Eligible patients can receive medical, vision, and prescription drug services.  Services are for residents of Lorain County and non-residents with exceptions.

Lorain County Community College Dental Clinic 

Services include: oral cancer screenings, periodontal charting, dental health instruction, sealants, cleaning and polishing teeth, necessary x-rays, home care kit, fluoride treatment.

Lorain County Public Health

Provides services to all ages such as immunizations, environmental home services (food, water, and lead), home visits/case management, Help Me Grow Program, Head Start location.

Ohio Department of Health

Available programs are listed on website, under “Our Programs.”  Assist Ohioans with financial barriers to obtain dental care, offering 89 safety net dental care programs.

Cuyahoga County Board of Health

Services available to Cuyahoga County and Northeastern Ohio.  Programs available such as Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, Children with Medical Handicaps, HIV/AIDs, Vaccines, Family Planning, Children & Family Health Services, School-Based Dental Sealant Program, Newborn Welcome Home, Teen Wellness Initiative, Prevent Premature Fatherhood and Personal Responsibility and Education Program.

UH St. John Medical Center

Services for insured, underinsured, and uninsured.  Contact Financial Counseling Department.

Neighborhood Family Practice

Assistance for individuals and families at or below 250% of poverty level, serving Western Cuyahoga and Eastern Lorain Counties.

Mercy Community Health Partners- Occupational

Services for insured, underinsured and uninsured.  Contact Financial Counseling Department.

Mercy Regional Hospital 

Services for insured, underinsured and uninsured.  Contact Financial Counseling Department

Medicine Assistance Tool

Worried about affording your medications?  Whether you have insurance or not this tool will allow you to search for public, private, and pharmaceutical company programs for the medications you need.  It is user friendly and a three-step process.

Medworks

Are you struggling to afford health care? Medworks can help you:

  • Understand insurance options & benefits
  • Enroll in health insurance
  • Find high-quality, low-cost health care and more!

Lorain County Health and Dentistry

Has six clinics in Lorain County providing low-cost health services for all ages.  These medical services include family medicine, pediatrics, OB GYN/midwifery, asthma/allergy, podiatry, and STDS.  Dental services include cleanings and hygiene, fluoride treatments, oral cancer screenings, fillings, and extractions.  Vision services include vision exams and glasses.

North East Ohio Neighborhood Health Services (NEON)

NEON health clinics has seven locations in the Cleveland area providing low-cost health services for adults and children.  These services include primary care for adults, pediatrics, and prenatal medical needs.  Additional services include, OB/GYN and family planning, mammography, ultrasound, lab and x-ray, dental, optometry, pharmacy, podiatry, behavioral health, nutrition, health education, social work and referral services.

Free or Reduced Cost Prescriptions

$4.00 for a 30-day supply (generic prescriptions)

$10.00 for a 90-day supply (generic prescriptions)

Available at: Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Giant Eagle (also offers free qualifying generic antibiotics), Target, Discount Drug Mart (for certain generic drugs $1.99 for 30 days–see Drug Mart for list). Check your local pharmacy for more information.

GoodRX.com

Compare prescription medication prices and print coupons

Health Insurance:

If you are looking for health insurance as a college student here are some suggestions, but only suggestions.  You may want to talk to an independent insurance agent who can find a policy that fits your needs and budget.

Other Helpful Websites

Ohio Department of Insurance 

Ohio Association of Free Clinics

Prevent Blindness Ohio 

WebMD
National Health Information Center

The National Women’s Health Information Center

National LBGT Health Education Center  

National Men’s Health Information Center

United States Department of Health and Human Services

Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation

We’re Here to Help 

If you would like to speak to someone and discuss your unique situation, please schedule an appointment. You may also request an appointment by calling (440) 366-4ARC (4272).  We also suggest following the ARC on Facebook and Instagram @LCCCARC. We post current information on many valuable community resources.

The ARC has partnered with several community organizations to help students and community members find a safe and affordable place to call home.  Learn more about available housing resources.

Save the Dream

Having Trouble Paying Your Mortgage?

Save the Dream Ohio provides assistance to Ohio homeowners facing foreclosure and/or who cannot afford to pay their mortgage payments or other related housing costs as a result of economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is administered by the Ohio Housing Finance Agency and is expected to continue through September 30, 2025, or until the available funding is depleted.

HUD– U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

HUD provides housing support and uplifts communities. Find resources and more.

The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland

Driver’s License Suspension Resources

Lorain County Domestic Relations Court Help Center

Lorain County Bar Association- Modest Means Program

This program is geared to assist low-income individuals in the Lorain County area living paycheck to paycheck that cannot afford market-rate legal representation or a large retainer fee. This program will match these individuals with an attorney willing to assist them with their legal needs for a reduced fee.

Disability Rights Ohio

Disability Rights Ohio is a non-profit corporation with a mission to advocate for an equitable Ohio for people with disabilities.

Student Loan Borrower Assistance- National Consumer Law Center

Student Loan Borrowers Assistance provides information about student loan rights and responsibilities for borrowers and advocates.

Ohio Legal Help

Family & Youth Law Center

The Foster Youth Advocacy Center (FYAC) is a multidisciplinary legal clinic staffed by Capital University Law School faculty, National Center for Adoption Law & Policy staff attorneys, and law and social work students. The FYAC team responds to the needs of emancipating foster youth with information, legal counseling, and representation in areas such as self-advocacy, access to medical coverage, housing disputes, understanding educational rights and processes, money and credit management skills, identity theft, and criminal records management. The clients FYAC serves are an especially vulnerable population – many are homeless, have aged out of foster care, and/or are victims of crime.

LCCC offers counseling and crisis intervention services for any currently enrolled student. Licensed counselors and social workers are available during business hours.

Lorain Citizen Circle, Amy Levin Center
1165 North Ridge Road E,
Lorain, Ohio
Phone (440) 670-8790

Provides reentry support, including employment assistance, job readiness, support groups, and job training.

P2R Training and Resource Center Inc

Connects individuals actively reentering society with resources and information that can improve their quality of life, assist with adjustment and help them become gainfully employed, as well as equip professionals with tools that promote positive outcomes.

CANVAS Student Support

Technology Resources for Students

At LCCC, we take student success seriously. We understand that to be successful, you need the right tools. We are pleased to provide all LCCC students with access to Office 365 products at no charge.

These products include:

Office 2016 for PC or Office 2016 for Mac

  • Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote
  • includes up to 5 installs on PC, up to 5 installs on MAC and up to 5 installs on mobile devices for Office

One Drive
Cloud-based data storage – 1TB

Sway
Create and share interactive reports, presentations, and more

Video
Upload, share, and play back video messages

Skype for Business

Newly-enrolled students will have access to Office 365 products within 24 hours of their enrollment.

Please contact the LCCC Help Desk at (440) 366-4351 or helpdesk@lorainccc.edu if you have any questions.

Lorain County Transit (LCT)

LCT has four fixed routes in the cities of Lorain and Elyria and one downtown Elyria loop.  All college students can receive discounted rates, by purchasing their bus passes at LCCC’s college bookstore.  Students may also use their financial aid to buy bus passes.  To use the bus, it is best to call LCT Scheduling line to access more information on how to use the bus and bus stop locations at, (440) 365-0224.  In addition, LCT also have a Dial-A-Ride service, which will pick you from home and take you to the place you need to go.  This service can be used to get to medical appointments, work, and school.  Please note, medical appointments will always be a priority and depending on this service to get to school is not always reliable.  Appointments are required 2 – 14 days in advance.  Discounted tickets are also available at LCCC’s bookstore.  If you plan to use the Dial-A-Ride service often, please let LCCC’s Bookstore know in advance, so they can have the appropriate number of passes available to you in the bookstore for purchase.

Bus line Routes

Service Options

Medical Appointments

Provide A Ride

Provide A Ride is for health care and medical appointments

These services are low cost for those with Medical Managed Care within the Medicaid and Medicare community.  For additional information on transportation to medical appointments, some agencies and facilities have their own services. Contact Lorain County United Way 211 

Assistance with Car Repairs

Lorain County Job and Family Services, Prevention Retention and Contingency Program (PRC) 

Ohio’s Prevention Retention, and Contingency program provides work supports and other services to help low-income parents overcome immediate barriers to employment. In Lorain County and some other counties, qualifying residents may be able to use PRC funds for car repairs.  Visit your county Job & Family Services website for more information and to see if you qualify. PRC services vary between counties based on community needs. Each county has a PRC plan stating the types of services available in that county and the eligibility criteria for them.

Lorain County PRC Information

PRC Application

We’re Here to Help 

If you would like to speak to someone and discuss your unique situation, please schedule an appointment. You may also request an appointment by calling (440) 366-4ARC (4272).  We also suggest following the ARC on Facebook and Instagram @LCCCARC. We post current information on many valuable community resources.

Transportation

By Car Program

By Car helps income-eligible clients purchase a used vehicle while learning savings strategies and vehicle care.

Overview

Eligible clients use their earned income toward a vehicle purchase.

The LCCAA By Car Program now partners with OhioMeansJobs- Lorain County to increase the maximum match and provide funds for insurance.

OMJ matches participants’ funds 3 to 1 (match ceiling is $6,000). Participants attend a one-time financial literacy course as well as review the costs of owning a vehicle and the value of continued savings.

Move Lorain County

Transportation Guide and much more.

Find Help Where You Need It

United Way of Greater Lorain County- 211

United Way of Greater Cleveland- 211

United Way of Erie County

United Way of Sandusky County

United Way of Medina County- 211

Tiffin-Seneca United Way

Great Lakes Community Action Partnership

State of Ohio Programs

Home Energy Assistance Program- HEAP program provides a one-time utility or heating bill payment to qualified households who are faced with a service disconnection or threat of disconnection to their home energy source. The HEAP program was created to help eligible low- and moderate-income Lorain County residents pay for their home energy costs.

Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) Plus program -PIPP helps eligible Ohioans manage their energy bills year-round. Payments are based on a percentage of household income and are consistent year-round.

Home Weatherization Assistance Program – HWAP provides eligible Ohioans with assistance to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and reduce their energy costs. Ohioans participating will receive a home inspection to identify the services necessary to improve their home’s energy efficiency.

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services’ Prevention, Retention and Contingency (PRC) program is intended to provide benefits and services needed to overcome immediate barriers to help families become and stay self-supporting. An eligible family must include a minor child who resides with a parent, specified relative, legal guardian,  or legal custodian. There are also income restrictions for the PRC program.

PRC services vary between counties based on community needs. Each county has a PRC plan stating the types of services available in that county and the eligibility criteria for them.

Cuyahoga County

To be eligible for PRC benefits in Cuyahoga County, you must meet certain criteria. For more information about PRC in Cuyahoga County, see this flyer. PRC applications can be found here or picked up at a Neighborhood Family Service Center. Applications and verifications can be submitted by any of the following methods:

  • Email – Submit as an attachment to Cuy-PRC-Application@jfs.ohio.gov
  • Phone – Call 216-987-7392 to leave a message. Calls are returned to complete an application.
  • Fax – Submit application to 216-987-8655
  • Neighborhood Family Service Center Drop Box
  • Virgil E. Brown – 1641 Payne Ave
  • Old Brooklyn – 4261 Fulton Parkway
  • Quincy Place – 8111 Quincy Ave
  • Westshore Document Drop-Off – 9830 Lorain Ave

Lorain County

To be eligible for PRC benefits in Lorain County, you must meet certain criteria.

Application for PRC in Lorain County

Submit Forms Online.

Lorain County Community Action Agency
936 Broadway Avenue
Lorain, OH 44052

Lorain County Community Action Agency’s Home Energy Assistance Program provides financial assistance to eligible individuals with the high cost of home energy such as:

Water and Sewer Payment Assistance for COVID-19- 2021 CARES Water Assistance Program

Utility Bill Payment Plans- PIPP Plus- Year Round

Utility Bill Payment Assistance- Emergency HEAP – Winter Crisis Program until March 31, 2021. Summer Crisis Program runs July – September.

We’re Here to Help 

If you would like to speak to someone and discuss your unique situation, please schedule an appointment. You may also request an appointment by calling (440) 366-4ARC (4272).  We also suggest following the ARC on Facebook and Instagram @LCCCARC. We post current information on many valuable community resources.

CARE Center

The CARE Center (Caring Advocates for Recovery Education) provides free services for students dealing with addiction and those in recovery. Weekly support group meetings are available. Please call the CARE Center at (440) 366-4848 for more information.

Going Tobacco-Free

All LCCC campuses are tobacco-free campuses. This includes the use of all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes (vaping) and chewing tobacco. Free support and resources are currently available for all employees, students, community members, and visitors who are ready to quit or manage their needs while on campus.