Re:Source Cleveland

Graduation season energy has carried us through a busy spring, celebrating an amazing 80 high school seniors graduating from our Teen Response program across area schools. In these photos, Re:Source staff joined students and families at Cleveland Metropolitan School District John Marshall School of Civic and Business Leadership for a day celebrating these hard working students' achievements and the bright futures ahead of them. Former Re:Source youth program participant and JM grad Neema David spoke at the ceremony as Alumni Keynote Speaker, bringing it all full circle!

Many social services, one stop. Last month's Newcomer One Stop Shop Day at the Cuyahoga County Welcome Center served 75 Swahili-speaking families for a total of 463 individuals supported. In collaboration with Peoples Bank, Re:Source navigators also hosted a workshop on the homebuying process, prompted by the unfortunate frequency with which newcomer families are the targets of real estate fraud. The workshop (translated into Swahili) helped families:
- Understand the U.S. homebuying process
- Recognize common real estate fraud schemes and warning signs
- Learn safe decision-making strategies before committing funds
- Build confidence navigating homeownership opportunities
- Connect with trusted educational resources for support

Thank you to all of the community partners who came together to serve our newcomer neighbors in this impactful way!

In recent weeks we've been reveling in graduation season here at Re:Source, with staff attending ceremonies for current and former participants in our programs for newcomer youth and young adults. When someone graduates it's about more than just checking off an accomplishment (though what an accomplishment it is)—it's a recognition of a chapter completed through whatever challenges arose along the way, and a huge step toward the future that student is building for themselves.

In the photos above, we celebrated Fatuma, a former Youth Mentoring program participant who graduated with her Bachelor's of Science in Professional Pilot from the College of Aeronautics and Engineering at Kent State University this spring. In 2016 Fatuma joined the Youth Mentoring program and was introduced to her mentor Katie, with whom she shared her dream of becoming a pilot. Katie has been a part of her journey ever since, continuing to support and celebrate her milestones along the way. Today Fatuma is one step closer to that goal, and is the first in her family to graduate from college. This was an especially proud day for her mother Sara (a former team member at Ohio City Farm!) who her children outfitted with Fatuma's cap and gown to acknowledge this happy day belonged just as much to her.

If you'd like to get involved and become a Re:Source Youth Mentor, visit resourcecleveland.org/volunteer to learn more and apply. We are currently recruiting mentors for the upcoming school year.

Save the date! We're hosting an ice cream social fundraiser at Jeni's Ice Cream in Chagrin Falls on Monday June 15th from 2-5pm. 25% of all sales during that time will be donated to Re:Source Cleveland-- come enjoy scoops of your favorite flavors while supporting our work!

Happy Pride! This month we remember that safeguarding and advancing LGBTQIA+ rights is inextricably linked to protecting immigrant rights, so we celebrate progress and continue to work toward a more inclusive and just society for all. Wishing safety, freedom of self-expression, and happiness to those around the world and in our own community this month and always!

Looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity? We have space for a few volunteers to support our Post-Secondary Bridges program's summer college prep and success camps. Running weekly in late July and early August, each camp is Mon-Thu from 10am-2pm. Volunteers must be able to commit to one full camp session.

Visit the link in our bio and tap VOLUNTEER to complete an application, or email [email protected] for more information.

Alice came to Cleveland as a refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, joining our very first Post Secondary Bridges program cohort as a senior in high school as she prepared for the next steps in her education and career journey. She's now finishing her last classes in a Medical Assisting program, getting straight A's, and looking forward to beginning her externship at . We're rooting for you, Alice!

Paper mâché under way! This group of Re:Source's youth are letting their creativity run wild at 's Westside Community Arts Center as they learn about one of Cleveland's most special community traditions, Parade the Circle.