Y-Haven

Today, the YMCA of Greater Cleveland Board of Directors welcomed new Board Chair Justin Binns and recognized the outstanding leadership of outgoing Chair LaRese Purnell.

LaRese's service as board chair helped guide our YMCA through both challenges and opportunities, leaving our organization stronger and better positioned for the future. As we celebrated his contributions, LaRese reflected on his own YMCA journey, sharing that he was once a "Y kid" who found positive role models, safe spaces and life-changing opportunities through the YMCA. He remarked that the YMCA was one of the organizations that helped save his life and shaped many of the decisions he made during his formative years.

Today, his story has come full circle. From a young person impacted by the Y to the leader of our Board of Directors, LaRese's journey is a powerful reminder of the lasting difference the YMCA can make in a person's life.

Thank you, LaRese, for your leadership, your passion and your continued commitment to strengthening our community. 💜

Be part of something bigger than the finish line. As a Charity Partner of the Cleveland Marathon, the YMCA of Greater Cleveland is proud to champion We Run This City. Save 20% with code YGC26 and help us continue making a lasting impact for youth in our community: https://bit.ly/4mH4WJc

Last night, something truly powerful happened on stage.

In collaboration with Cleveland Public Theatre, the YMCA of Greater Cleveland presented the 27th annual Y-Haven Theatre Project, also known as Steps & Stages, and it was nothing short of extraordinary.

Fourteen residents of Y-Haven courageously shared their journeys through an original performance rooted in real-life experiences of addiction, struggle, resilience and hope. With honesty, humor and raw emotion, this year’s story explored how quickly life can unravel, and how even in the aftermath, redemption is always possible.

A packed house witnessed a performance that moved hearts, inspired reflection and reminded us all of the power of second chances.

We are incredibly proud of our residents and grateful to our partners at Cleveland Public Theatre for their guidance and commitment to this life-changing work.

Special thanks to our presenting sponsors, Pysbill and Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, and to our generous supporters: Anthem, Forest Hill Church, studioTECHNE architects, Tom and Beth Zych, Jeff and Anne Smith, Fred DeGrandis and Rosemary Creeden and Tom Otto.

This is what well-being and belonging look like in action. ❤️

Tomorrow night 🎭

Steps & Stages takes the stage at Cleveland Public Theatre—and this is your last chance to be part of it.

Experience “The Origin of a Villain” and support the life-changing work of Y-Haven.

Seats are limited.

🎟️ Get your tickets now:
https://bit.ly/3NDVs4h

📍 Cleveland Public Theatre

Be there. Be moved. Be part of the impact.

We’re proud to recognize our Presenting Sponsors, Psybill and Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, for their generous support of Y-Haven’s 27th Annual Steps & Stages Performance.

Their commitment helps make this powerful event and the life-changing work behind it possible.

Do not miss your chance to support this incredible program. Tickets are still available.

🎟️ Support Y-Haven today: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/2026stepsstages/event/stepsandstages26/

One week away 🎭

Steps & Stages is coming to Cleveland Public Theatre—don’t miss this powerful performance featuring “The Origin of a Villain.”

This is more than a show. It’s a story of transformation, resilience, and the impact of Y-Haven.

🎟️ Get your tickets now:
https://bit.ly/3NDVs4h

📍 Cleveland Public Theatre

Secure your seat before it’s too late.

Steps & Stages Benefit Performance

Join us for Steps & Stages, a powerful performance supporting Y-Haven. Experience “The Origin of a Villain” and help support life-changing programs. Get tickets today.

https://bit.ly/3NDVs4h

From setbacks to the stage 🎭

We’re proud to see our Y-Haven Theatre Project featured in FreshWater Cleveland. This powerful collaboration with Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT) brings the real-life stories of Y-Haven residents to life through an original production, “The Origin of a Villain.”

Created under the guidance of CPT staff and performed by residents in recovery, the play explores how life’s pressures can shape our choices, but also reminds us that hope, redemption and transformation are always possible.

This is what the YMCA is all about: helping individuals strengthen their spirit, mind and body—and find belonging, even in life’s most challenging moments.

📖 Read the story: https://bit.ly/479OaMd

🎟️ Join us March 26–29 and experience it for yourself. Benefit performance tickets: https://bit.ly/3NDVs4h

Purchase Performance Tickets or Make a Donation Created and performed with participants of Y-Haven: YMCA of Greater Cleveland's addiction treatment center and transitional housing provider that serves all of Greater Cleveland. The play is based on true stories of empowerment and survival co-written by members of this year’s Y-Haven Theatre Proj...