LISTEN --> FreshFaces Podcast: Steph Buda of The Kids of 216

Stephanie Buda - Kids of 216Bob PerkoskiStephanie Buda - Kids of 216

What started as a graduate school project at John Carroll University has blossomed into The Kids of 216, a nonprofit that empowers at-risk youth to become better versed in vocational trades. Each year, 30 high school students enter a 10-week cohort during which they are not only paid for their time, but participate in an array of projects that benefit both their learning and the community at large. The curriculum ranges from life skills classes to residential renovations to community projects—now that's what we call fresh! On this edition of the FreshFaces podcast, we interview founder Steph Buda to learn more about her vision and how it's taking shape around Cleveland.

Produced in partnership with Evergreen Podcasts and hosted by contributing editor Jen Jones Donatelli, FreshFaces is the podcast of FreshWater Cleveland, an online publication focused on the people, places, and projects shaping and transforming Cleveland., This podcast focuses on the first part of that equation: the catalytic talent making change in Cleveland. Listen to in-depth interviews with Cleveland's trailblazers and changemakers! 

Listen and subscribe on Spotify here.

Listen and subscribe on iTunes here.

Jen Jones Donatelli
Jen Jones Donatelli

About the Author: Jen Jones Donatelli

As an enthusiastic CLE-vangelist, Jen Jones Donatelli enjoys diving headfirst into her work with FreshWater Cleveland. Upon moving back to Cleveland after 16 years in Los Angeles, Jen served as FreshWater's managing editor for two years (2017-2019) and continues her work with the publication as a contributing editor and host of the FreshFaces podcast.

When not typing the day away at her laptop, she teaches writing and creativity classes through her small business Creative Groove, as well as Literary Cleveland, Cleveland State University, and more. Jen is a proud graduate of Ohio University's E.W. Scripps School of Journalism.