MARTINS FERRY – Families across the Ohio Valley who might have gone without will be enjoying cookouts this July 4 and through the summer courtesy of the Family Support Specialist program.
Family Support Specialist Mary Kakascik said when they found funding was available from the FSS grant, administrators knew they could help the families by providing a supply of fresh meats for summer.
Administrated through the Jefferson County Educational Service Center and offered to the Family and Children First Council communities in Belmont, Carroll, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Jefferson, Monroe, Muskingum, Noble and Tuscarawas Counties, the FSS uses a peer support position to advocate for families in crisis. The program will be in its third year in July.
Kakascik was already receiving excited texts when she stopped by Jacob & Sons Quality Meats to pick up the first load of boxed meat.
The boxes include packs of boneless chicken breasts, hot dogs, sausage, strip steaks, burgers, kielbasa, pork chops, ribs and wings, to be delivered to 40 families.
This will be welcome for households that are 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 extra assistance is making a difference.
“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.”
Kakascik helps navigate through new and ongoing challenges, with tasks ranging from making appointments and setting up transportation to going to food pantries for them.
“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’s duties include assisting them in 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 added financial worries are hitting hard.
“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.”
She typically sees 20 families per 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.”
This includes going to medical and behavioral health appointments with them, and assisting them in applying for Social Security.
Kakascik said many of the parents she works with have medical and mental needs of their own. She has connected those with serious medical issues to the Home Health Waiver program for assistance in the home and in caring for their children.
She noted the FSS program has been bearing fruit, with many participants able to gain a steady income and needed services.
Dr. Nicole McDonald, Family Support Specialist Supervisor and JCESC Director of Grants, said the initiative is part of the program’s ongoing commitment to addressing food insecurity and supporting the overall well-being of families throughout the region.
“The joy these meat boxes bring to families is truly heartwarming,” said 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. We are incredibly fortunate to have Mary serving our families. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure each family feels valued, respected, and supported. Whether she is delivering resources, connecting families to services, or simply taking the time to listen, Mary exemplifies the compassion and dedication that are at the heart of the Family Support Specialist Program. Her commitment has made a lasting impact on countless families, and we are grateful for the care she provides every day.”
More information can be found at https://www.jcesc.k12.oh.us/FamilySupportSpecialist.aspx 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.
