Social Change
photo Bob Perkoski
Like other industrial cities around the turn of the 20th century, Cleveland prospered and grew rapidly, earning many of its residents handsome nest eggs. Fortunately for future Clevelanders, wealthy industrialists made a habit of digging deep to give back. Generous contributions lead to the creation of the Metroparks system, Cleveland Orchestra, Playhouse Square and numerous other enduring regional assets. Who's leading the charge these days to affect change for the public good? Social innovation requires us to think differently about how to solve tough social problems. It's getting new people around the table, from techies and artists to those already working on the issues. It's not just coming up with ideas; it's putting good ideas to work.
The Western Reserve Historical Society's Cleveland History Center is observing Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with free admission and special exhibits on Black history, art, and culture. Visitors can explore photography exhibits, learn about Dr. King's involvement in the 1968 Poor People's Campaign, and engage in various activities celebrating Dr. King's legacy.
The Community West Foundation awarded $566,100 in fourth quarter grants to support nonprofit organizations in Cleveland and Western Cuyahoga and Lorain Counties. The grants aim to advance the health and well-being of the community through the organizations that provide essential services to those in need.
The Saint Luke's Foundation has approved grants totaling $1,769,760 to 20 organizations in its fourth-quarter board meeting. These grants aim to address social determinants of health, including educational attainment, financial stability, healthy living, housing, social connections, and neighborhood strengthening.
What started 10 years ago as a high school senior project for then-16-year-old Maria Paparella, has evolved into the thriving Chair-ity—a nonprofit that furnishes apartments for young adults who are aging out of foster care.
Yesterday, almost 900 volunteers from throughout Cleveland joined together in observance of 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, and Hunger Action Month, with a donation of 245,000 meals to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.
The Cuyahoga County Office of Homeless Services and Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry announced that the 2100 Lakeside Men’s Shelter is opening a newly renovated addition to the largest homeless shelter in Ohio. The new shelter will have about 400 beds with more personal space and more privacy.
In late 2023, the City of Cleveland used $10 million in ARPA money to create and support the Cleveland Neighborhood Safety Fund, which helps grassroots organizations fight the root causes of crime with educational, inspirational, artistic classes. FreshWater Cleveland talks to six of the grant recipients and what the programs are doing.
EDWINS founder Brandon Chrostowski is on a seemingly endless mission to feed and help people around to who are in need—from the homeless in Cleveland to Ukrainian and Israeli refugees. Earlier this month he traveled to Djibouti, Africa to cook for people living in a refugee camp in Ali Addeh.
In his first year as Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne has made strides in environmental stewardship, community development, and social justice—with a focus on improving services and a commitment to enhancing the quality of life in the county.
As University Settlement's Earl Pike prepares to "pivot" from his role as executive director, he shares his thoughts on the work he's done in Slavic Village and what his next role will be.
This fall, Cuyahoga County Executive Chis Ronayne initiated the Neighborhood Based Services program, partnering with Greater Cleveland Food Bank, Cuyahoga County Public Library, and Friendly Inn Settlement to bring services closer to residents and increase accessibility.
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With a mission of advancing the health and well-being of the Northeast Ohio community, the Community West Foundation recently approved $765,500 in fourth-quarter grants to 18 local nonprofit agencies.
There's a lot happening in the CLE this weekend! It's sometimes hard to keep track of all the weekend entertainment and activity options, so we chose three not-to-miss events hosted by Lake Erie Ink, 78th Street Studios, and Towards Employment.
Last week, world-renowned sculptor Timothy Schmalz's bronze 20-foot sculpture, "Let the Oppressed Go Free," was placed in Public Square by Community West Foundation and the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking to raise awareness of the ongoing plague happening around the world. Schmalz is also the artist behind the Matthew 25 sculpture series placed around Cleveland.
EDWINS founder Brandon Chostowski is offering $250 in credit to use in his restaurants and shops to anyone who turns in a gun in an effort to reduce gun violence in Cleveland.
Kids' Book Bank founder Judy Payne was hit with a notion in early 2021 that she should use her good fortune and resources to help Cleveland's changemakers make life better for others. By 2022, she had opened Goods Bank NEO—a place where nonprofits can "shop" for the resources their clients need most.
Every year on Dec. 21, the Winter Solstice and the longest night of the year, NEOCH honors those who died in the homeless community with a candlelight memorial.
When his classmates in architecture school were dreaming of building skyscrapers and office towers, Sai Sindondit was dreaming of creating affordable, sustainable, and functional permanent communities to house displaced populations—from the homeless to refugees and disaster victims. With the launch of I_You Design Lab, he has started to fulfill that dream.
The Greater Cleveland Food Bank yesterday opened the doors to its new 197,00-square-foot Partner Distribution Hub—the first step in the Food Bank’s long-term plan to serve more people in its coverage area and make sure those in need have a full range of services.
The National Council of Jewish Women Cleveland last week celebrated the official transition to its role in caring for and stocking Little Free Libraries in Cuyahoga County. The organization kicked off the celebration with partners Krylon and CleveHome with a new library at Franklin D. Roosevelt in Glenville.