FROM OUR CEO
At the Better Business Bureau® (BBB), TRUST has been our mission for more than a century. Every day, we work to create a marketplace where buyers and sellers can build relationships grounded in honesty, transparency, and accountability. For older adults and their families, this mission has never been more important.
Today’s marketplace is filled with opportunities, but it can also present risks, especially when it comes to scams and misleading offers that often target older consumers. The good news is that you are not alone. BBB is here to help you make informed decisions, protect your finances, and find businesses you can count on!
When you see the BBB Accreditation Seal, it represents a business that has committed to our Standards for Trust. That means they operate with integrity, advertise honestly, safeguard your privacy, and respond to concerns fairly and respectfully. Choosing a BBB Accredited Business means you can feel more confident that the company you’re working with values the same principles you do.
But BBB is more than just a seal of trust. We are also your resource for education and protection. Through our free services—like the BBB Scam Tracker®, consumer tips, and dispute resolution—we empower you to shop wisely, avoid fraud, and take action if something doesn’t feel right. We believe that aging should bring peace of mind, not worry. Whether you’re planning a home improvement project, seeking healthcare services, or simply shopping online, BBB is here to guide you with tools and resources that put your trust and safety first.
On behalf of the Better Business Bureau®, thank you for welcoming us into your homes and lives. Together, we can ensure a marketplace where respect, honesty, and trust are always the standard.
All my best,
MELISSA A. AMES
BBB
President & CEO
Better Business Bureau® of Youngstown
AGING
BBB SERVING YOUNGSTOWN 201 East Commerce St. | Suite 137 Youngstown, OH 44503
BBB.ORG Phone (330) 744-3111
EDITORIAL TEAM
MELISSA A. AMES President & CEO
LANORE JONES Operations Manager
RACHEL GRIST Engagement Coordinator
MISSY VARGAS Program Coordinator
CHRISTIE HODGE Business Relations Representative
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ERIN TURK
CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN • TONI EADS EDITOR
JOSH BROWN DESIGNERS
TARA MCCARTY • JENNIFER MELLOAN
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011
PUBLISHER TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599
DIRECTOR OF SALES
JULIE STIS (317) 420-5794 julie@townepost.com
Hiring a HOME Health Care PROVIDER
1. DEFINE CARE NEEDS
Choosing a home health care provider for yourself or a loved one is an important decision—one that requires research, patience, and trust. The right provider can make a world of difference in ensuring comfort, safety, and quality of life. Here are key steps and considerations to guide you through the process.
Start by identifying exactly what type of care your loved one requires. Determine whether you need medical care provided by licensed professionals, such as nurses or therapists, or non-medical assistance with daily activities like bathing, meal preparation, and companionship. Clarifying your needs will help you decide whether to hire a home health agency or an individual caregiver—and what level of service is necessary.
2. GET RECOMMENDATIONS
Ask for referrals from trusted sources. Friends, family members, or neighbors who have had positive experiences with home care providers are a great starting point. Your doctor or healthcare professional can also recommend reputable agencies or certified caregivers. Personal recommendations can often lead you to dependable, high-quality care.
3. RESEARCH & REVIEW PROVIDERS
Before committing to any provider, take time to research their background:
Experience and Longevity
How long has the agency been in business?
Services Offered
Make sure they can meet your specific needs, including any language, cultural, or medical preferences.
Availability
Check whether caregivers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and whether backup coverage is provided if your regular aide is unavailable.
Licensing and Certification
Confirm the agency or caregiver is properly certified and licensed according to state requirements.
Insurance and Bonding
Ensure the provider carries appropriate liability insurance and bonding to protect you against loss or damage.
4. CONDUCT THOROUGH INTERVIEWS
Interview potential caregivers or agency representatives carefully. Ask about:
Training and Credentials
(such as CPR or First Aid certification)
Work experience and areas of specialization
Approach to client care and communication
Compatibility with your loved one’s personality and routines
During the interview, observe how the caregiver interacts with your loved one—it can reveal a lot about their patience, compassion, and professionalism.
5. CHECK REFERENCES AND BACKGROUNDS
A reputable provider should have no issue supplying references from current or past clients. Take the time to contact them and ask about reliability, attitude, and overall quality of care. If hiring through an agency, confirm that background checks are completed on all employees.
6. REVIEW POLICIES AND DOCUMENTATION
Ask the provider for written materials explaining their services, eligibility requirements, and fees. Review their Patient Bill of Rights, which outlines the rights and responsibilities of clients, caregivers, and the agency. This document is an important part of ensuring transparency and accountability in your care arrangement.
Also, verify whether the provider accepts Medicaid, Medicare, or other insurance plans, and request a detailed explanation of billing and payment procedures.
7. SET CLEAR EXPECTATIONS
Once you’ve chosen a provider, create a written care plan that outlines:
Daily responsibilities and schedules
Emergency procedures
Communication protocols
Goals and desired outcomes
Be sure both the caregiver and family members understand and agree to the plan. Regularly review and update it as needs change.
8. KNOW WHO TO CONTACT
Clarify who your main point of contact is for questions, concerns, or emergencies. A well-organized agency will provide clear communication channels and prompt responses to any issues that arise.
9. VERIFY TRUST AND REPUTATION
Before making your final decision, check the provider’s reputation. You can visit BBB.org to find BBB Accredited Businesses, read Business Profiles, and review any complaints or customer feedback. Working with a BBB Accredited provider gives you added confidence that the business meets BBB’s standards of trust, honesty, and integrity.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Hiring a home health care provider is not just about finding help—it’s about finding the right help. Take time to research, ask questions, and verify credentials before making a commitment. With careful planning, you can ensure your loved one receives compassionate, professional care from someone you can trust.
6 TIPS ON HIRING A CONTRACTOR
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DO YOUR RESEARCH
Start by identifying the right professional for your project and using BBB’s free Business Directory to find trustworthy local businesses.
KEY BENEFITS:
• It’s free and focused on local results.
• You can filter by BBB Accredited Businesses, which are vetted for ethical practices.
• Verified BBB Reviews and Complaints provide a balanced view of each business.
Also, check the company’s reputation online, confirm employee training, certifications, and background checks, and ask how workers will identify themselves when visiting your home.
2
REVIEW PREVIOUS WORK
Evaluate a company’s experience and professionalism by reviewing their past projects.
TIPS:
• View project photos/videos on their BBB Business Profile, website, or social media.
• View project photos/videos on their BBB Business Profile, website, or social media.
• Request references from past clients.
3
ASK FOR REFERENCES
Request a list of recent local clients to contact.
QUESTIONS TO ASK REFERENCES:
• Was the contractor reliable and communicative?
• Was the work quality good?
• Did they stay on budget and schedule?
• Would they hire the contractor again?
4
ASK FOR MULTIPLE QUOTES
Get at least three quotes from trustworthy businesses. Compare bids based on identical project criteria, not just price.
TIPS: THE LOWEST BID ISN’T ALWAYS BEST—LOOK AT WHAT’S INCLUDED AND WHY COSTS DIFFER.
Example:
• High bid: quality materials, longer timeline.
• Low bid: fast, but limited supplier options.
• Medium bid: custom work, but long waitlist.
Use BBB’s Get A Quote tool to gather local estimates easily.
Continue reading on next page.
GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING
Before work begins, ensure all agreements are written and signed.
INCLUDE:
1. Business contact info
2. Project timeline
3. Scope of work
4. Costs, warranties, and payment terms
5. Licenses, insurance, permits
6. Termination and dispute resolution clauses. Always read before signing.
VERIFY LICENSE & INSURANCE
Confirm that your contractor has valid licenses and insurance for your region.
• In the U.S., check your state licensing agency.
• Call the insurance carrier directly to confirm worker’s compensation, property damage, and liability coverage, so you aren’t liable for accidents or damages.
SMART TRAVEL TIPS
HOW TO PLAN SAFE, STRESS-FREE TRIPS
Whether you’re heading across the country or around the world, smart planning and careful research can help make your next trip enjoyable, affordable, and scam-free. Before you pack your bags, keep these essential travel tips in mind.
PLAN AHEAD
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The best travel experiences begin long before you leave home. Allow plenty of time to research destinations, compare flights, and review hotel options. Booking early not only helps you secure the best deals, but it also reduces the risk of destinations or accommodations being fully booked during peak seasons like spring break, summer vacation, or the holidays.
Early reservations can also lock in lower rates and protect you from price hikes as demand increases.
AVOID BROAD ONLINE SEARCHES
Typing vague terms such as “best travel deals” into a search engine can sometimes lead to fraudulent websites that look legitimate but are designed to steal personal or financial information.
Instead, go directly to the source. Visit official airline, hotel, or cruise line websites—or find a trustworthy, BBB Accredited travel agent at BBB.org. This ensures you’re booking through a verified, reputable source.
WATCH OUT FOR TRAVEL SCAMS
Be skeptical of phone calls, emails, or social media messages claiming you’ve “won a free trip.” These offers often sound exciting but are frequently scams meant to collect personal details or upfront payments for trips that don’t exist.
If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Visit BBB ScamTracker to see if others have reported similar “free travel” scams, and check out the FTC’s tips or avoiding fraudulent travel websites and offers.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Before you make reservations, take time to research thoroughly:
• Ask family and friends for travel agent or website recommendations.
• Check Business Profiles on BBB.org to review ratings, complaint history, and customer feedback.
• Read independent reviews for hotels, vacation rentals, and tour companies.
Be cautious if you notice a pattern of complaints or if the business has no physical address or phone number listed.
GET ALL DETAILS IN WRITING
Before paying, make sure you have written confirmation of every trip detail. This should include:
• Total cost and payment schedule
• Airline, hotel, and transportation names
• Restrictions, cancellation terms, and refund policies
Keep copies of all documentation—including airline and hotel cancellation policies—in case plans change or disputes arise later.
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CONSIDER TRAVEL INSURANCE
Even the best-laid plans can be disrupted by illness, weather, or other unexpected events. Travel insurance can protect your investment by covering cancellations, delays, or medical emergencies while abroad.
Compare different policies carefully and read the fine print to understand what is—and isn’t—covered. Ask questions before purchasing to ensure the plan fits your travel needs.
PAY WITH A CREDIT CARD
Always use a credit card when booking travel. Credit cards offer added protection against fraud and can make it easier to dispute unauthorized or unsatisfactory charges if something goes wrong. Avoid using cash, wire transfers, or prepaid debit cards for travel payments.
FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS
If your trip includes international destinations, take extra precautions:
• Review travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State or the Government of Canada for safety updates and regional alerts.
• Check for any health risks or vaccine requirements in your destination country.
• Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date.
• Keep digital and paper copies of important documents, such as your passport, travel insurance, and itinerary.
A little preparation can help prevent big problems while you’re away from home.
TRAVEL WITH CONFIDENCE
A successful trip depends on more than just good luck—it requires planning, awareness, and smart decision-making. Before you book, take time to verify businesses, read reviews, and understand the details of your arrangements.
For added peace of mind, visit BBB.org to find BBB Accredited travel agencies, read reviews, and stay informed about the latest travel scams and consumer alerts.
HOW WE BECAME SECOND HARVEST OF THE MAHONING VALLEY
It all started in 1982 when we began operating as a clearinghouse for large quantities of food and in 1994, we became a certified member of Feeding America.
Our mission is to solicit, store, and distribute food to hungerrelief organizations in Columbiana, Mahoning, and Trumbull Counties; and to provide education and advocacy. We believe that no one should go hungry, and we are dedicated to building a community food pantry that is accessible to everyone.
The Food Bank serves as a storehouse for large quantities of donated food and USDA commodities that are distributed daily to 160 hunger relief organizations and programs located throughout our tri-county service area. These partners include church pantries, homeless shelters and meal sites, shelters for battered women, and school pantries as well as after-school programs. All member agencies must hold a 501 © 3 designation from the IRS and have feeding hungry people as a major component of their program.
Second Harvest Food Bank’s programs are arranged to reach every demographic in every corner of the Mahoning Valley. If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance, our team will connect you with resources that can help provide the meals you need. Find a free food pantry at a convenient location near you by calling us @ 330-792-5522.
OUR PROGRAMS CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING:
School Pantry Program
These are located on school grounds and intended to provide a more readily accessible source of food assistance to students at risk of going without food in the evenings and weekends. The School Pantry is student focused and open to all students in the building. Participants are able to “shop” the pantry’s food donations and choose items that will best meet their needs at home.
Mobile Pantry Program
We partner with nonprofit organizations in our three-county service territory to provide healthy foods to underserved areas in the Mahoning Valley. Seniors, families and individuals can pick up shelf stable food, fresh produce (fruits and vegetables) and sometimes dairy, as they would from a regular
Commodity Supplemental Food Program
We have been selected as a Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) Partner to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. CSFP is a federally funded program designed to improve the health of senior citizens age 60+ and whose household income is 130% or less of the federal poverty guidelines by providing a supplemental box of food. The food provided through this program is a good source of nutrients often lacking in the diets of the elderly.
We could not do what we do without the help of our volunteers who are essential to the mission at Second Harvest. Every time you volunteer with the food bank, you know that you have helped put food on the table of our neighbors in need. Please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator, Penny Carsone @330-792-5522 ext. 102 or pcarsone@shfbmv.org to become a volunteer.
WHAT IS BBB ALL ABOUT?
Learn more about BBB’s programs and services.
What does BBB stand for?
BBB means Better Business Bureau, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting trust between businesses and consumers.
What is the BBB, and what does it do?
The BBB maintains Business Profiles, shows customer reviews, handles consumer complaints, and assigns ratings. Its role is to help consumers find trustworthy businesses and encourage ethical practices.
When was BBB founded?
The BBB was established in 1912 as a private nonprofit organization and operates throughout the US and Canada.
How can I contact or find my local BBB office?
Contact BBB Youngstown by calling 330.744.3111 or emailing info@youngstown.bbb.org. Information for other BBBs can be found by visiting bbb.org.
Having a problem? Let BBB Help!
A BBB complaint is a formal request for help resolving a marketplace dispute (goods or services) with a business.
Before filing a BBB Complaint, please contact the business first.
WHAT IS BBB ALL ABOUT?
If you don’t receive a satisfactory resolution, you can file a BBB Complaint by visiting bbb.org/ complaints or call 330.744.3111 for a form.
Once BBB receives your information, it will be sent to the business for a response. Each complaint averages 30 days and whatever the outcome of the complaint will be reflected in the company’s BBB Business Profile.
Did you have a Great Experience? Share it!
Submit a BBB Review: A consumer can share their customer experience with a business; it does not affect a company’s BBB rating.
BBB Reviews require a consumer to submit their name and are monitored to prevent abuse (e.g. paid reviews).
How can I check to see if a company is BBB Accredited?
You can verify a company’s BBB Accreditation status by searching for its profile on BBB.org. Accredited businesses will display the BBB Seal or call our office at 330.744.3111.
Does the Better Business Bureau only report on Accredited Businesses?
No, the BBB reports on both BBB Accredited and non-accredited businesses. All BBB Business Profiles indicate whether a company is Accredited or not.
What are the standards for BBB Accreditation?
The BBB Accreditation Standards are eight principles for honest and ethical business behavior that cement the foundation to build customer loyalty and success.
Does BBB monitor Accredited Businesses for compliance with their standards?
Yes, the BBB regularly monitors Accredited Businesses to ensure they continue meeting the BBB Standards for Trust and ethical practices.
What does it mean if a company is “Not BBB Accredited”?
A company that is not BBB Accredited either did not apply, did not meet the BBB’s Accreditation standards, or chose not to be BBB Accredited.
How do I check a company’s BBB rating online?
You can check a business’s BBB rating by searching for it on BBB.org/search.
How does the Better Business Bureau rating system work?
Ratings range from A+ to F, based on factors like customer complaints, transparency, and responsiveness. Customer reviews do not impact the BBB rating. BBB also seeks and uses information directly from businesses and public data sources.
RED FLAGS OF OLDER ADULT SCAMS
No matter your age, no one is immune to scams. In the most recent BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report, investment/ cryptocurrency scams continued to be one of the riskiest scams for ages 55+. Online purchase scams were the second riskiest for consumers 55-64, along with romance scams for consumers 65+. The third riskiest for both groups were home improvement scams. Regardless of the type of scam, BBB recommends the following precautions to avoid becoming a victim.
What are the tips to spot a potential scam targeting older adults?
Watch out for phone fraud. The Federal Trade Commission reports that fraudulent telemarketers often direct their calls to older adults. Scammers will claim to be with a government agent or pose as a bank employee. They may sound friendly and courteous or aggressive and threatening. They may even have a caller ID to match their claims.
However, caller IDs can be easily spoofed and government agencies DON’T make unsolicited calls. It is vital to cultivate a healthy distrust for unsolicited callers and avoid sharing personal information. Never feel pressured to act. When in doubt, hang up the phone and call the official source to verify unexpected or unusual claims. You can also reduce the number of unsolicited calls by registering your phone number with the National DoNot-Call registry at 1-888-382-1222 or Donotcall.gov.
Know the red flags. Most scammers use common tactics to get your money or personal information. Keep an eye out for the following toogood-to-be-true claims:
• “Free,” “low cost,” or “buy one, get one” deal
• Request for unusual payment types (i.e. prepaid debit cards or wired funds)
• Claims that you only pay postage or administrative fees
• Pressure to act now and/or aggressive tones
• Deals that must be secured with a credit card or bank account information
• Sure-fire investment opportunities
• Charities that send 100% of your donation directly to the victims
Only hire trustworthy, licensed contractors. Older adults often need extra help around the house and may hire someone to complete a renovation project and landscape work. However, never hire someone who just shows up at the door and don’t let them in or around your home for an inspection. Instead, if you need repair work, use BBB.org to search for Accredited Businesses and ask friends and family for recommendations. Then, research the companies, keeping a close eye on past reviews or complaints. Always make sure the contractor or company is properly licensed and never pay in full upfront.
Strange phone call? Might be an emergency scam: Older adults can be susceptible to emergency scams and other ploys because they aren’t familiar with the information about themselves and their families available online. This trick begins with a phone call from someone posing as a grandchild, niece or nephew, or other young family member. Scammers research victims using social media and often know family names, travel plans, and other details. The phony grandchild will claim to be out of town and in an emergency situation – anything from a car accident to wrongful arrest. The scam artist will urge you to send money ASAP and not tell Mom or Dad.
Watch out for Medicare fraud: Here is one scam typically directed towards older Americans: free medical equipment. Medicare fraud has cost the American public more than $6 billion, and a large part of that is fraud around “durable medical equipment,” such as knee braces or walkers. By making repeated calls, scammers badger Medicare recipients into taking “free” medical equipment. Then, they bill Medicare for it. By law, no one is allowed to make unsolicited calls to consumers about durable medical equipment. If you get such a call, just hang up.
Beware of government impostors: Similar to Medicare fraud, older adults are susceptible to bad actors pretending to be from various government agencies, such as the IRS, the Social Security Administration, and even Veterans Affairs. They typically claim the victim owes money or is in danger of losing benefits unless they provide sensitive information or make immediate payments, often through suspicious methods like gift cards or wire transfers.
Do your research before making an investment: Investment cons often target older adults because of their greater financial resources. They frequently prey on longstanding group connections – such as through a religious organization or an ethnic group – where members trust each other. Even if you are a savvy investor, you can still fall victim to this scam. Con artists are masters of persuasion, and they often learn the weaknesses of their targets and tailor their pitches accordingly.
Think before you click. Older adult may be less comfortable with technology making them more vulnerable to phishing schemes, fake tech support and hacking. Links found in unsolicited emails or messages on social media can be especially dangerous. They may look like they lead to an official website, but they will download malware onto your computer that gives scammers access to your sensitive information. Protect yourself by only clicking on links that come from people you know and trust and by keeping your antivirus software up to date.
Be on guard for “sweetheart” swindles. Older adults who are widowed or divorced are frequent targets of romance scams. If you meet someone online who shows romantic interest in you, don’t be too quick to trust them. These scams can often take months to develop to the point where money changes hands. Con artists create compelling backstories, and full-fledged identities, then trick you into falling for someone who doesn’t even exist. A common romance scam involves charming the victim and then asking for money for medical expenses, family concerns, or other reasons that pull at the heartstrings. Once the con artist receives the funds, they disappear for good.
Reach out to someone you trust. Scammers want victims to feel isolated. Don’t hesitate to contact a friend, family member, or organization you trust for advice. A second opinion can greatly reduce your risk.
Take time to research your purchases. Scammers often make unsolicited offers to older adults for medical supplies, anti-aging products, and vitamins and supplements. They might contact you over the phone, as a door-to-door salesperson, or via online messages. They make incredible offers with the goal of getting their hands on your personal information or money. Before you agree to purchase the next miracle product that comes your way, take a few minutes to research the company to make sure its products and offers are legitimate.
Guard your personal information carefully. Never share your personal information with a stranger on the phone, in an email, on a social media network, or otherwise. Keep careful records of your transactions by reviewing your bank and credit card statements regularly. Check them for accuracy and then shred any documents that include personal information before throwing them away.
For more information
To learn more about how to avoid common scams, visit BBB.org/ AvoidScams.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a scam that targets older adults, report it at BBB.org/ ScamTracker.
A TRUSTED PARTNER IN AGING AND DISABILITY RESOURCES
When it comes to caring for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers, trust is not just a virtue, it’s a necessity. For 50 years, Direction Home of Eastern Ohio (DHEO) has been that trusted partner, ensuring the most vulnerable in our community receive services that allow them to live with dignity, independence, and choice. As a nonprofit organization and designated Area Agency on Aging, DHEO manages a wide range of programs that help people remain safely in their homes, while also supporting their families and caregivers.
At its core, DHEO is about advocacy and accountability. The agency serves as the bridge between those in need of care and the services that make life at home possible. Through personalized assessments, care coordination, and connections to a network of providers, DHEO ensures every client receives the right level of support. This could mean anything from home-delivered meals and homemaker services to personal care, emergency response systems, and adult day services. Each service is carefully monitored for quality and impact, reinforcing DHEO’s reputation as a reliable steward of both public and private resources.
The agency is also a vital player in strengthening the broader business and service ecosystem in Eastern Ohio. By overseeing programs like the Mahoning County Senior Levy, DHEO has been able to channel funding directly into critical community services. Since the levy’s approval, tens of thousands of older adults have benefited from millions of meals, hundreds of thousands of hours of personal care, home modifications, transportation support, and other essential resources. For local providers, DHEO is not just a funder, it’s a partner that invests in their capacity to deliver excellence.
What sets DHEO apart is its commitment to continuous innovation and trust-building. In a changing healthcare and social services environment, the agency has embraced forward-looking solutions to meet complex challenges. For example, all staff were certified in Mental Health First Aid to ensure that employees can identify and respond to signs of mental illness or substance use, providing immediate and compassionate support. The organization has also expanded kinship caregiver support, recognizing the growing number of grandparents and relatives raising children. These
efforts reflect not just service delivery, but a deep responsibility to meet emerging needs with practical, sustainable solutions.
Behind every number is a personal story, an older adult who can remain in their home instead of entering institutional care, a caregiver who feels less alone, or a community strengthened by programs that promote safety, dignity, and independence. This human impact is why DHEO has earned the trust of families, providers, funders, and local leaders alike.
In today’s world, where skepticism about institutions can run high, Direction Home of Eastern Ohio stands out as a model of transparency, accountability, and compassion. For the Better Business Bureau’s audience, it demonstrates what it means to be a business, or in this case, a missiondriven organization that earns trust every single day. That’s why our phone lines, website, and text services are open 24/7.
For more information, please call Direction Home of Eastern Ohio at 1-800-686-7367 or visit dheo.org.
TRUSTED PARTNER
HELP NETWORK OF NORTHEAST OHIO
WHERE NORTHEAST OHIO FINDS HELP
For more than fifty years, Help Network of Northeast Ohio has been a trusted lifeline for individuals and families across Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, and Ashtabula counties. Our phones, our website, and our services are available every hour of every day, connecting people to the resources, guidance, and compassion they need most.
Aging brings both joys and challenges. We are honored to walk alongside older adults, caregivers, and families with programs that strengthen independence, reduce isolation, and provide safety and reassurance. At the heart of our work is a simple belief: no one should walk through life’s challenges alone.
“Every call we answer is more than a question … it’s a person trusting us with their story,” says Vince Brancaccio, CEO of Help Network of Northeast Ohio. “Our role is to meet that person with dignity, compassion, and the right resources at the right time.”
That belief is lived out daily. Through our 211 Information & Referral line, older adults and caregivers can connect to thousands of community resources. One call can open the door to reliable transportation, food assistance, caregiver support, or legal
aid. For someone struggling to navigate complex systems or unsure where to turn for specific help, 211 provides a trusted and compassionate guide.
When the need is urgent, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is answered by trained crisis counselors who offer compassionate listening and intervention. Suicide rates are highest among middle-aged and older men, making access to support especially vital. For seniors facing loneliness, depression, or health-related stress, the assurance that someone is always available brings comfort and hope.
Some callers simply need a voice on the other end of the line. Our
WarmLine Peer Support provides that connection … an opportunity to talk with someone who understands, who can listen without judgment, and who can encourage healthy coping and resilience.
Families raising children also find support through our Family Success Network, where we partner with caregivers to strengthen bonds, provide parenting support, and connect them with resources that build stability for generations to come.
These are only a few of the ways Help Network serves Northeast Ohio. Behind every phone call, every referral, and every conversation is a deep commitment to meeting people where they are. From crisis response to specialized programs, we offer so much more because every individual deserves dignity, compassion, and help at the right moment.
That’s why our phone lines, website, and text services are open 24/7. Call 211 or 988 anytime, text Help Network to 898211 to find food and resources nearby, or visit HelpNetworkNEO.org to learn more. At Help Network of Northeast Ohio, help is here.
