Taylor Now at Helm of Department

posted 1/3/21 -- After more than 20 years in social services in Lorain County, LCCAA’s Bobby Taylor now takes his place as Director of Planning and Community Service.

Taylor was promoted to Deputy Director in October to work with retiring Director Frank Prihoda until Dec. 31. Taylor said he hopes to continue on the same path Prihoda steered the department on.

“Big shoes leave big footprints,” he told his retiring boss. “I know I won’t be able to fill your shoes, but I will walk in your footprints.”

Taylor has been Youth Services Coordinator at LCCAA since 2017. Under his leadership, the program for 16 to 24-year-old men and women expanded its reach throughout the community. Well-connected throughout the county, Taylor took the youth to many locations to perform community service, opening their eyes and giving them a strong sense of their own value while teaching them usable skills.

Taylor led the youth program as it established its own food assistance, the monthly Care Cupboard, in March 2018. He also oversaw the youth’s training and opening of the LCCAA Bike Shop on West 10th Street in Lorain. He has been mentoring his successor, Josh Smith, who began as Youth Coordinator at the end of November.

“A lot of people looked out for me,” Taylor said in a 2019 interview. “My parents have always instilled to give back and to always serve. When I wake up every day, I think about those that helped me and hope I can be that for someone else.”

As Director of Planning and Community Services, Taylor will oversee all LCCAA programs funded by the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). In addition to Youth Services, CSBG funds Getting Ahead, Operation Warm, Tech Connect and By Car. Taylor will also oversee Community Connections, funded by Ohio Partners for Affordable Energy, and HEAP, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.Taylor is also directing CARES Act funding for rental, water and mortgage assistance for low-income residents of Lorain County.

Learn more about Bobby Taylor in his 2019 Staff Spotlight.