LEAP to offer free benefit screenings

Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential, also known as LEAP, a Cleveland nonprofit that works to advance participation and equality in society for people with disabilities in Northeast Ohio, is coming to the Lorain Public Library System Main Branch, 351 W. Sixth St., to provide benefits screenings to disabled individuals in the area.

“We are typically connected to people by state organizations, but this does not allow us to get in touch to all people with disabilities in the area that may require our services,” said Cheryl Gorham, independent living services director for LEAP.

“This will give us three days to reach people we normally wouldn’t.

“So, it’s a very exciting opportunity and we thank the library for making it happen. We will also be there with a local representative to help people with housing, food utilities and other related areas.”

Gorham said LEAP assists those with disabilities in finding benefits.

“It can be certain things like Medicaid, HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program), SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or food stamps) or other benefits that we help them apply for,” she said. “We also help with certain issues or confusion people may have with benefits they are currently enrolled in.”

Barb Judah, benefits team leader and certified benefits specialist for LEAP, said the organization links disabled individuals with a multitude of services.

“We help with those in assisted living,” Judah said. “We also have our employment program for youth and adults to help them get jobs and the process it will take for them to get hired.

“We also help in the area of social recreation and providing the information and referral assistance disabled individuals need for receiving eligible benefits.”

Judah said there is a lack of awareness and confusion that comes when understanding the disabled-benefits landscape.

“There is, unfortunately, complexity to it,” she said. “It can be tough understanding what is out there and what someone may be eligible for.

“Some people have said they simply don’t understand what benefits they can utilize. We make the system more simplified and help point people in the right direction.”

Judah said the organization can help anyone with disabilities.

“We cover everyone with a disability,” she said. “That’s what makes us unique.

“We don’t have a specific disability or area. We cover a wide range of disabilities and work to make people self-sufficient.”

Those who are interested in receiving a benefits screening can go to the Main Branch from noon to 4 p.m., Dec. 18, 19 and 20.

A form of identification is all that is required for the screening.