15.1 The Role of Nonprofits in Health & Human Services

Nonprofit organizations play an important role in delivering health and human services, particularly for underserved and vulnerable populations. While government agencies and private healthcare providers contribute to this sector, nonprofits often step in to fill service gaps, provide specialized care, and address social determinants of health.  

In Cleveland and Northeast Ohio, several nonprofit organizations deliver essential services ranging from mental health counseling and addiction recovery to community-based healthcare and food assistance.  

Community Health and Primary Care  

Many Cleveland-area nonprofits focus on community-based healthcare, ensuring that low-income and uninsured individuals can access medical services.  

• Neighborhood Family Practice (NFP) is a federally qualified health center (FQHC) that provides primary care, prenatal care, mental health services, and substance use disorder treatment. NFP serves Cleveland’s west side communities, offering affordable healthcare to individuals regardless of their ability to pay.

• Care Alliance Health Center operates community health clinics that provide medical, dental, and behavioral health services to low-income residents and people experiencing homelessness. Their mobile health units expand access to care for those unable to visit traditional clinics.

• The Free Medical Clinic of Greater Cleveland (now Circle Health Services) has long provided free and low-cost healthcare services to uninsured residents, helping bridge healthcare gaps for those who lack access to private insurance or public programs.

Entry-level jobs in community health and primary care focus on assisting medical professionals and ensuring patients receive essential care. Roles like medical assistant and patient navigator involve helping individuals access medical services, educating communities on preventive care, and supporting clinics that serve uninsured or low-income populations. These positions are common in community health centers, nonprofit clinics, and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and provide a strong foundation for those interested in healthcare careers.  

Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Services  

Nonprofit organizations also play a significant role in mental health and addiction services, offering counseling, crisis intervention, and recovery programs.  

• FrontLine Service provides crisis intervention, housing assistance, and behavioral health services to individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, or trauma. Their 24/7 crisis hotline and mobile response teams offer immediate support to those in crisis.

• Recovery Resources focuses on mental health treatment, addiction recovery, and employment services, helping individuals reintegrate into their communities after overcoming substance use disorders.

• Signature Health operates multiple community health centers offering integrated primary care and mental health services, with a focus on opioid addiction treatment and medication-assisted therapy.

Entry-level jobs in mental health and addiction recovery focus on supporting individuals in treatment and connecting them with needed resources. Positions such as peer support specialist, crisis hotline operator, and residential treatment assistant involve providing emotional support, helping individuals navigate recovery programs, and assisting clinical professionals in behavioral health settings. These roles are often found in mental health clinics, addiction treatment centers, and crisis intervention organizations and require compassion, patience, and strong communication skills.  

Food Assistance and Nutritional Support  

Access to healthy food is a key social determinant of health, and many nonprofit organizations work to reduce food insecurity in Northeast Ohio.  

• The Greater Cleveland Food Bank distributes millions of pounds of food each year to food pantries, shelters, and community meal programs. It also runs the Help Center, which assists individuals in applying for food assistance programs like SNAP.

• Meals on Wheels Cleveland provides home-delivered meals to seniors and individuals with disabilities, ensuring that those with mobility limitations receive nutritious food.

• The Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland operates food pantries and meal programs, focusing on improving nutrition for low-income families while also providing health screenings and wellness programs.

Careers in food assistance and nutrition offer entry-level roles such as food pantry coordinator, meal program assistant, and SNAP outreach worker. These jobs typically involve distributing food, coordinating meal services, educating individuals about food assistance programs, and supporting community nutrition initiatives. Many positions exist within food banks, community kitchens, and hunger relief organizations, requiring both organizational skills and a commitment to addressing food insecurity.  

Housing and Social Services  

Housing stability is directly connected to health outcomes, and nonprofits play a critical role in providing housing support, emergency shelter, and case management for individuals experiencing homelessness. While the previous chapter highlighted several organizations addressing this problem in Northeast Ohio, here are additional nonprofits making an impact. Despite the efforts of these organizations, the number of people experiencing homelessness each night still exceeds the available shelter beds, leaving many without a safe place to stay.

• The Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry runs permanent supportive housing programs, homeless shelters, and reentry services, assisting individuals in securing stable housing and employment.

• EDEN (Emerald Development and Economic Network, Inc.) provides housing solutions for individuals with mental illness or disabilities, ensuring they receive both shelter and supportive services.

• Family Promise of Greater Cleveland helps families experiencing homelessness by offering temporary housing, job assistance, and child care support to help them regain stability.

Entry-level jobs in housing and social services focus on supporting individuals and families facing housing insecurity. Positions like housing case manager, shelter advocate, and intake coordinator involve helping clients secure stable housing, navigate assistance programs, and connect with supportive services. Many of these roles are based in homeless shelters, housing nonprofits, and transitional living programs, requiring strong communication, problem-solving, and advocacy skills to assist those in crisis.  

Public Health and Health Equity Initiatives  

Several nonprofits advocate for health equity and public health improvements, addressing disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.  

• United Way of Greater Cleveland funds numerous health initiatives, including programs focused on maternal and child health, early childhood development, and access to affordable healthcare. Through the 211 helpline, United Way connects residents to essential services, including healthcare providers, mental health support, and housing assistance.

• First Year Cleveland works to reduce infant mortality rates in Cleveland, particularly among Black infants who face disproportionate health risks. The organization focuses on prenatal care, community education, and policy advocacy to improve birth outcomes.

• The AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland provides HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, and treatment services, as well as case management for individuals living with HIV.

Entry-level positions in public health and health equity focus on education, outreach, and program coordination. Roles such as community health worker, public health outreach coordinator, and health educator involve connecting individuals to healthcare resources, promoting wellness programs, and addressing health disparities. Many of these positions are found in nonprofits, local health departments, and community organizations and often involve advocating for underserved populations, organizing health campaigns, and assisting with data collection for public health studies.  

The Impact of Nonprofits in Health and Human Services  

Nonprofits in the health and human services sector serve as a safety net, providing medical care, mental health support, food assistance, and housing solutions for those who might otherwise go without. Unlike government programs, which can be bureaucratically complex and slow to adapt, nonprofits often respond quickly to emerging health crises, tailor services to specific populations, and advocate for systemic change.  

Through collaborations with hospitals, government agencies, and community partners, nonprofit organizations continue to play a critical role in improving health outcomes and addressing social determinants of health in Northeast Ohio. Their work ensures that all residents—regardless of income, background, or insurance status—have access to essential health services.