Spotlight on El Barrio

The Centers is a nonprofit organization with a goal of creating life-changing solutions for people in Northeast Ohio to lead healthier and more successful lives, and the El Barrio workforce development programs and family services are an impactful part of the resources they offer.

The partnership between First Federal Lakewood and El Barrio provides life-changing opportunities to the job seekers participating in the program and adds value to the trainings offered. Beyond the monthly financial literacy sessions, the relationship between the First Federal Lakewood Human Resources team and El Barrio connects students with employment opportunities.


“El Barrio job seekers are sometimes faced with significant life challenges and need the support of a network of great partners,” said Melissa Russoniello, Director, El Barrio and Workforce. “First Federal Lakewood has long been committed to being one of those critical partners.”

“First Federal Lakewood, through its partnership with The Centers’ El Barrio Workforce Development program is giving these job seekers opportunities that may lead to long-term professional success and self-sufficiency. Through a generous First Federal Lakewood donation, El Barrio was able to add language software to its already robust suite of services leading to further building job seekers’ vocational vocabulary and moving them more quickly through training and into employment.”


Additionally, an interactive learning library, FFL University, offers an online suite of financial literacy webinars that not only assist job seekers in preparing for work but also helps them master the tasks of managing their finances and budgeting. Using FFL University as a base, El Barrio has developed a rich curriculum of assignments and activities that enhance their students’ experiences and improve their financial literacy.