Advocacy and Resource Center – ARC
Bass Library, first floor
View campus map
(440) 366-4ARC (4272)
arc@lorainccc.edu
Monday through 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Visit Second Harvest Food Bank’s list of pantries by zip code to find food resources in your community. Hours and terms vary.
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.
If you would like to speak to someone and discuss your unique situation, please email the ARC at arc@lorainccc.edu, and ask to schedule an appointment. In your email, tell us some days and times that are convenient for you. You may also request an appointment by calling (440) 366-4ARC (4272). We also suggest following the ARC on Facebook @LCCCARC. We post current information on many valuable community resources.
LCCC offers counseling and crisis intervention services for any currently enrolled student. Licensed counselors and social workers are available during business hours.
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.
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 are open and available at various locations on campus. eLearning staff are also available to answer your technology questions.
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.
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).
If you would like to speak to someone and discuss your unique situation, please email the ARC at arc@lorainccc.edu, and ask to schedule an appointment. In your email, tell us some days and times that are convenient for you. You may also request an appointment by calling (440) 366-4ARC (4272). We also suggest following the ARC on Facebook @LCCCARC. We post current information on many valuable community resources.
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
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 or by printing a paper copy (in your preferred language) and mailing, faxing, or emailing your application to your county agency. 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.
If you would like to speak to someone and discuss your unique situation, please email the ARC at arc@lorainccc.edu, and ask to schedule an appointment. In your email, tell us some days and times that are convenient for you. You may also request an appointment by calling (440) 366-4ARC (4272). We also suggest following the ARC on Facebook @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.
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.
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.
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.
Services for insured, underinsured, and uninsured. Contact Financial Counseling Department.
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.
Services for insured, underinsured and uninsured. Contact Financial Counseling Department
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.
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.
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.
- College Student Health Insurance/Sentry Student Security Plan
- The Affordable Care Act at the Market Place
Other Helpful Websites
Ohio Association of Free Clinics
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
If you would like to speak to someone and discuss your unique situation, please email the ARC at arc@lorainccc.edu, and ask to schedule an appointment. In your email, tell us some days and times that are convenient for you. You may also request an appointment by calling (440) 366-4ARC (4272). We also suggest following the ARC on Facebook @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.
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.
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.
Medical Appointments
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.
If you would like to speak to someone and discuss your unique situation, please email the ARC at arc@lorainccc.edu, and ask to schedule an appointment. In your email, tell us some days and times that are convenient for you. You may also request an appointment by calling (440) 366-4ARC (4272). We also suggest following the ARC on Facebook @LCCCARC. We post current information on many valuable community resources.
Find Help Where You Need It
United Way of Greater Lorain County- 211
United Way of Greater Cleveland- 211
United Way of Medina County- 211
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
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.
- Appointment line is available 24 hours a day at 440.538.6999.
- You may also book an appointment online.
- You may also apply online at the Ohio Development Services Agency website.
If you would like to speak to someone and discuss your unique situation, please email the ARC at arc@lorainccc.edu, and ask to schedule an appointment. In your email, tell us some days and times that are convenient for you. You may also request an appointment by calling (440) 366-4ARC (4272). We also suggest following the ARC on Facebook @LCCCARC. We post current information on many valuable community resources.