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Building Hope in the City's Mission:
Advance the good of the city.
Magnify the mission of Jesus.
Unleash the capability of underestimated people.
Leaders in Faith Together (LIFT)
You Can Directly Impact a Local Faith Leader
and Their Influence in Cleveland
LEARN MORE BELOW!
"It started with looking at the urban landscape, the heart of the city, places that are often in the margins, under-resourced and neglected. When I saw the realities of what was common in the city, I had a question, what is the Church supposed to be doing? Because of my faith, I believe the Church was set up to continue the work of Jesus on the earth, not just the institution of the church but the people of the Church, i.e. urban faith leaders." - Vatriesha Nyemba, Director of Leader & Community Development at Building Hope in the City (BHITC). "This is why God led us to create LIFT."

LIFT has OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED! LIFT is a new pilot program of BHITC and centers around accelerating the work, effectiveness, and overall growth of nonprofit organizations and small businesses in Cleveland started by people of faith who are following God's calling on their lives. The goal is to build and leverage relationships, establish meaningful connections and develop our city's faith leaders to positively impact their communities.
To Follow God's Calling Requires Bold Faith. Supporting Bold Leaders Matter to BHITC.
Learn How You Can Partner With Us
to Invest in Local Faith Leaders.
Bold leadership in our city’s neighborhoods, churches or businesses isn’t easy. According to Forbes and data from the National Center on Charitable Statistics (NCCS), at least half of nonprofits and small businesses will fail within the first five years.

This is why BHITC is bringing together a network of partner advisors to leverage professional relationships and know-how. As a result, everyone involved will experience personal and spiritual transformation while learning from one another as they collaborate to grow each entity.
What a Privilege it is to Introduce to You These Bold + Brave Leaders Within Our City:
Tenisha Gant-Watson
Founder, Jordan Community Resource Center

Calling & Mission: To provide transformative and supportive services to women in crisis, especially those exiting human trafficking.

Structure: Nonprofit organization, founded 2004 www.jordan4change.org

Communities: Cuyahoga County with locations in the Fairfax, Collinwood and Mt. Pleasant  neighborhoods
Courtney Hauser
Founder, Healing Care Counseling Center

Calling & Mission: To offer compassionate, culturally 
competent, Christian and non-religious trauma-focused therapy and life coaching to teens and adults. 

Structure: Small business, founded 2019

Communities: City of Cleveland and beyond, primarily serving African-American residents
Sheila Locatelli
Founder, Women of Hope

Calling & Mission: To provide safe housing and programs that serve women experiencing homelessness  
by empowering them towards a healthy lifestyle and self-sufficiency. 

Structure: Nonprofit organization, founded 2007 www.womenofhopeoh.org

Communities: Cuyahoga County with locations in Cleveland’s Slavic Village neighborhood and Garfield Heights
Tanisha Valez
Founder, Cleveland Fresh

Calling & Mission: To reconnect people back to nature and increase local food access while decreasing food deserts in Cleveland. Tanisha is shown here with her family because she sees them as integral to her business.

Structure: Small business that grows and sells microgreens, founded 2019 www.clevelandfresh.com

Communities: Cleveland’s near west side
Justin & Leah Ross
Founder, New City Cleveland

Calling & Mission: Empowering Cleveland’s Buckeye-Shaker neighborhood through faith, equity and justice

Structure: Nonprofit organization, started 2015 www.newcitycle.org

Communities: Buckeye-Shaker neighborhoods of Cleveland
Thank You, Thrivent!
A special thank you to Thrivent for early grant funding for this initiative and kickstarting LIFT in 2020!
Upcoming Classes, Trainings & Events!
BHITC offers many free or low-cost classes throughout the year as an opportunity to help you grow in your walk with Jesus and show His love each day to those around you. Plus, save the date for several events! 
  • Sunday, July 18 at 3:00 pm
  • Sunday, August 22 at 3:00 pm

  • Wednesday, July 21 at 6:00-7:00 pm
  • Saturday, August 21 at 9:00-10:00 am

  • Saturday, July 24 at 9:30-11:00 am
  • Thursday, August 26 at 6:00-7:30 pm

  • Wednesday, July 28 at 6:00-7:30 pm
  • Saturday, August 28 at 9:30-11:00 am

  • Friday, August 13 at 7:15 am

  • Sunday, November 7 at 4:00-7:00 pm
Give to City Transformation
& Kingdom Advancement!
When you give financially to BHITC, you're giving to support Gospel transformation in the city. 

Your gift today will help reach more people with the good news of Jesus through free classes and programs and meaningful relationships. Please consider joining us in this work as you are able and feel led by the Lord.

God bless you for all the ways you give to Him and those in need.
Building Hope in the City | 216.281.4673 | www.buildinghopeinthecity.org
Building Hope in the City (BHITC) believes in communities, leaders and faith as it seeks to renew Cleveland. It uniquely links local congregations and volunteers with the many people it serves to foster relationships that spur personal and community transformation. Programs and initiatives include building the capacity of faith and nonprofit leaders, community development and affordable housing, refugee and immigrant integration and social enterprise business ventures seek to make the hope of the Gospel tangible across our city.