Center for Families and Children
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The Centers fights for equity by healing, teaching, and inspiring individuals and families to reach their full potential.
- Income
- $24.9 million
- Spending
- $25.7 million
- Spent on programs
- 87%
- Reserves
- -3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- government grants, 75%
- Employees
- 351
- Volunteers
- 27
- Highest pay
- $407,369, chief executive officer
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Weak: 48 out of 100. Higher than 24% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
10 of 20It owes 36% of what it owns.
Living within its means
8 of 15Spending exceeded income by 3% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 0% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1587% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 90 out of 100. Higher than 16% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).
Independent board
25 of 2524 of 24 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
0 of 10Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (2)
- $19.2 million spent. Early LearningThe Centers provides early learning programs through the Early Head Start, Head Start, and Universal Pre-kindergarten programs. It provides early learning programming at centers across Greater Cleveland and through a comprehensive, home-based service team.The Centers' First 2,000 Days of Learning takes place at seven early learning centers across Northeast Ohio. Each offers:- Part- and full-day programs available at most locations- Well-rounded curriculum taught by highly qualified teachers and staff- Comprehensive support services that respond to the unique needs of each child- Clean, safe, and inviting indoor and outdoor space- Healthy meals (breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack)The Centers understands that each child and family is different so we offer several program options to deliver the best results. For our families who cannot travel to our centers, we provide an in-home early learning program that includes home visits by qualified teachers and frequent opportunities for group socialization. We are recognized by the State of Ohio Step Up to Quality rating system. A child's experiences during the first 2,000 days, from birth to the start of kindergarten, have a lasting impact on later success in school and life. Our 2,000 Days Pledge is an educational promise between teachers and parents that emphasizes the importance of a shared partnership and approach for putting children on the right path to high school graduation and beyond.
- $3.2 million spent. Integrated Health CareThrough its integrated health model, The Centers provided behavioral health treatment and access to primary health care to low-income patients. The range of services includes psychiatry, pharmacy counseling, case management, and alcohol and other drug services. Extended support services include programming that emphasizes nutrition, fitness, and social recreation. The Centers and Circle Health Services provide services in locations across Cuyahoga County offering daytime, evening and same-day appointments for primary care and mental health services. Our staff also frequently provides services in community locations and in client homes. Our clients are active participants in their treatment and care coordination plans. Circle Health and The Centers have come together to have a more positive impact on the Northeast Ohio community. Together, we provide a broad scope of essential services, including:- Primary care- Dental care- Behavioral health- Pharmacy services and medication management- Addiction and substance abuse treatment- HIV/AIDs prevention and support services- Trauma recovery services- Comprehensive wellness including nutrition education and access to healthy foodMental Health CareEveryone's brain is different and mental health challenges are common. In fact, one out of five people over the age of 18 has been diagnosed with a mental illness including anxiety, depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and schizophrenia. The Centers offers:- Counseling - Psychiatry - Case ManagementPrimary CareCircle's primary care program introduces our clients to our team of doctors and nurse practitioners. At an initial appointment, a client's height, weight, temperature, blood pressure, and heartbeat are checked. A doctor or nurse practitioner will talk with the patient about health history and current habits.Addiction and Substance Abuse Counseling and CareAddiction is on the rise in our community and intervention is key to recovery. The Center' drug and alcohol counselors conduct one-on-one assessments with clients to determine the degree of potential substance abuse and then work with the client, family members, or a close friend on a recovery plan which can include individual counseling and group therapy. PharmacyClients can receive and pick up a prescription at one of our five community pharmacies. If it's determined that it would be helpful to visit a client at home to help them with medication compliance, our pharmacists make home visits. Our home visit program is the first of its kind and is showing impactful results.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since December 1970.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.