Director's Corner

As summer winds down I want to wish all the students going back to school this fall a wonderful school year! 

I want to thank our summer intern, Max Malley, for his amazing work with SCSDC this summer and wish him well as he embarks on his junior year at John Carroll University. An additional thank you to John Carroll for all the interns you provided this neighborhood over the years!

We had so much fun out in the community in July. To list a few things we did... pop up BBQs at the St. Clair Plaza (6321 St. Clair Ave.) with our Neighbor 2 Neighbor and partner organizations, Neighbor Nights at Goldhorn Brewery with Ingenuity Cleveland, tours of neighborhood locations with Upcycle Parts Shop, and attending the groundbreaking of Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries first home in their Breaking New Ground Campaign that provides housing for formerly homeless families. There is more to come this year!

Over the next couple months, you may start to see some changes at the St. Clair Plaza. We received a grant to give it a refresh and I look forward to sharing our progress with you. I also look forward to introducing you to our next Assistant Director and our next Community Engagement Specialist. 

Some of you may remember that I started out as a community engagement coordinator on the west side of Cleveland, where I enjoyed supporting residents in applying for grants through Neighborhood Connections. That grant is for some resident groups of 3 or more to apply for up to $5,000 to do a project in their neighborhood. Have you ever had an idea for a small project in the neighborhood? Maybe you wanted to start a block club, or community garden, or create a resource pantry, but you didn’t feel like you had any monetary or project management support. The Neighbor Up Action Grant is just the opportunity for you to bring your idea to life to strengthen the neighborhood! The deadline is quickly approaching, and you will find details on how to apply here. If you need more guidance, give us a call!

Jeremy Taylor, SCSDC Executive Director
Congrats to our very own Crobar for winning a local competition that featured some of the best cocktail bars in Cleveland!
In Our Neighborhood... Graffiti HeArt

Inspired by graffiti and street art, Stamy Paul founded Graffiti HeArt in 2013 as a grassroots volunteer-run nonprofit with the mission to bring art to the walls of St. Clair Superior. The organization is heavily engaged in curating international and local artist engagement, wall sourcing, and project management. 

While beautifying the neighborhood is always a goal of Graffiti HeArt, it is not their only mission. Through their own fundraising and mural arts program, Graffiti HeArt has helped generate scholarships for more than 40 underserved youths through the Cleveland Institute of Arts' Pre-College Program. They have funded more than $100,000 in scholarships!

When speaking to the president of Graffiti HeArt, Stamy Paul, the thing she loves the most about working out of the St. Clair Superior neighborhood is having a one-of-a-kind graffiti museum in her backyard. It’s a place where international and renowned legends in street art have visited and left their mark. Such artists include internationally renowned artist Blek le Rat from France. Graffiti HeArt with be hosting Blek le Rat August 11-13, when he will be installing his stencil art around Cleveland including at the Graffiti HeArt location. Free youth stencil workshops will be available with registration only on August 13th. Please register here.

Paul’s hope for the future of St. Clair Superior is to make the neighborhood more pedestrian-friendly, encouraging nonprofits and small businesses to come to the neighborhood and creating a more walkable neighborhood. “The sky is the limit”, said Paul when talking about her hopes for the neighborhood. She knows that St. Clair Superior has so many resources that haven’t been fully leveraged that could continue making the neighborhood great. 

To learn more about Graffiti HeArt or to donate, please visit their website.
"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."
-African Proverb-
Upcoming Events...
Join Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) for their 2022 Tech Fest & Back-to-School Bash. Learn how CMSD is leading the way in providing technology and other resources for learning, creating, and succeeding! This kick-off event is filled with plenty of opportunities to play and to learn for all family members.

When: Saturday, August 13th, 10am-2pm
Where: East Professional Center, 1349 E 79th St.

Download the flyer in English or Spanish/Español.
Literary Cleveland’s Inkubator Writing Conference is one of the largest free writing festivals in the country. Free virtual panels September 6-8 will lead up to a two-day in-person conference at the Cleveland Public Library on September 9-10.

Whether you are new or experienced, dedicated or curious, and even if you don't consider yourself a writer—you should attend! In addition to fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and publishing events, there are also sessions on starting a podcast, reviewing books, posting about books on YouTube, dealing with impostor syndrome, and much more.

This conference is free to attend but registration is required. Spread the word and register today before workshops fill up!

When: September 6th - 10th

View the full lineup and register for free here.

SHE BUILDS brings together corporate, community leaders and volunteers who are dedicated to advancing the housing and community issues affecting women. Volunteers, homeowners and community members come to the builds with a myriad of experiences and skills to share and learn from one another.

The SHE BUILDS Workshop is an opportunity for women to attend interactive workshops on carpentry, electric, plumbing, working with contractors, working with tools and painting – all led by women.

When: Saturday, September 17th, 8:30am-12pm
Where: Tri-C Metro Campus, 2900 College Ave.

Join Saint Martin de Porres High School for a Digital Detox Retreat. The retreat will be an opportunity for individuals ages 13+ to leave the screens behind and come together for deeper connection, authenticity and community. The retreat is free, however registration is required.

When: Saturday, August 27th, 10am-6pm
Where: Saint Martin de Porres High School, 6202 St. Clair Ave.

Contact Ms. Aja Barrett, Service & Community Engagement Specialist with questions: 216.881.1689 ext. 373 // abarrett@stmdphs.org

Join Ingenuity Cleveland at Ignite! Neighbor Nights, a FREE, family friendly monthly event celebrating our neighborhood! August's topic will be Sweet Street: Community Space + Visual Art.

When: Thursday, August 18th from 5-8pm
Where: Goldhorn Brewery, 1361 E 55th St.


Learn more about Ingenuity Cleveland and how to get involved in this year's Ingenuity Fest in September.
A Run in Living Color: Be who you are... we'll meet you where you are. Join Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry (LMM) for the 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk + Post-Run Celebration. The Run in Living Color is a celebration of being your unapologetic selves, speaking your truth, seizing new opportunities, joy and following what lights your fire.

When: Saturday, September 17th, 8am
Where: 4515 Superior Ave.

In response to the increased rise in anti-Asian/American, xenophobic harassment, and anti-hate towards marginalized communities of color, OCA is providing educational and awareness tools to combat these types of systemic oppression. The workshops are free, 1.5-hour, interactive trainings to teach people on how to be a confident and effective bystander against racism and discrimination.

When: Monthly on third Tuesdays at 6pm CT (7pm EST)
Where: Virtual (details provided upon registration)

Join Ms. Cookie at her WEEKLY Saturday art class! Every Saturday from 1pm to 5pm kids in the neighborhood are welcome to join for arts and crafts, including paint by numbers, coloring and drawing.

When: Saturdays, 1-5pm
Where: 9380 St. Clair Ave. (first floor, lobby)

Call 216-804-9262 with questions.
Are you hosting an event in the neighborhood? Do you have news or resources you would like to share with the community? Contact Julia at jferra@stclairsuperior.org to be included in the next Spotlight!
REMINDER: The City of Cleveland Curbside Recycling Program began last month! Residents can still opt-in to receive curbside recycling services. To enroll, complete the online form at clerecycles.com or call 216.664.3030.
Upcoming Food Distributions & Pantries...

St. Martin de Porres Monthly Food Pantry
Where: Saint Martin de Porres High School, 6202 St. Clair Ave
When: Every 3rd Friday, 2-3pm
Details: Call 216-881-1689 with questions. Click here for more information about St. Martin de Porres.

Food Not Bombs Produce Giveaway
Where: 6321 St. Clair Ave. Cleveland, OH 44103
When: Second and fourth Sunday of every month from 3:00-4:00pm

Asian Services in Action (ASIA) Food Pantry
Where: ASIA Cleveland, 3631 Perkins Ave. Cleveland, OH 44114
When: Fourth Friday of every month
Details: Call 216-881-0330 to register by the Thursday before each month's distribution. Click here for more information.

Where: NORA, 1400 E. 55th St. Cleveland, OH 44103
When: Third Monday of every month from 10am-12pm
Details: No residency or income requirements. Call 216-391-6672 for the emergency pantry, which is available Mon. through Fri. from 10am-3pm. Click here for more information.

Famicos Food Distribution Food Pantry
Where: Hough Multipurpose Center, 8555 Hough Ave. Cleveland, OH 44106
When: The last Thursday of every month from 10am-1pm
Details: Open to all residents of Wards 7, 9, or 10. Please bring photo ID and your own bags or boxes. Fresh produce, canned goods, boxed items. Click here for more information.

Greater Cleveland Food Bank Food Locator Tool
Details: Use this tool to enter your address and find information for food distributions near you.
Cleveland Student Technical Enrichment Program (STEP)

Since 1994, Cleveland STEP (Student Technical Enrichment Program) has given students the opportunity to visit premier institutions, interact with professionals in the field, meet new friends and work together, performing exciting activities and experiments developed and led by STEM professionals.
The Cleveland STEP experience, a partnership between Cleveland Water and Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD), encourages students at any school within the Cleveland Water/NEORSD service area to build toward a career in STEM.
WHO: Students entering the 6th through 9th grades at any school in the Cleveland Water or NEORSD service areas.
WHAT: Free, fun, safe monthly field trips and activities vetted by STEM professionals.
WHEN: 9am to 11am one Saturday of each month, September through April
WHERE: Drop-off and pick-up from Cleveland Water (1201 Lakeside, Cleveland, OH 44114)
Students will be transported via chartered bus to the following locations:
  • September 17, 2022: Parent/student orientation at Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District
  • October 15, 2022: Baldwin Water Treatment Plant
  • November 19, 2022: United States Coast Guard
  • December 10, 2022: The Foundry
  • January 21, 2023: First Energy
  • February 25, 2023: Cleveland Department of Public Health
  • March 18, 2023: Cleveland State University

Less than 25 spots remain for children to experience an opportunity of a lifetime! Learn more here.
COVID-19 Resources...
  • This map shows a combination of COVID-19 testing sites throughout Ohio at private companies and retail sites, community health centers, libraries and other local partners. Make sure to call in advance to ensure tests are available and to determine how to access tests when you find a testing site. If testing is not available for any reason, many partners can direct you to an alternate location. Click here for more information.
Free At-home COVID-19 Tests (Still available!)
  • As of January 19, every home in the U.S. is now eligible to order four at-home COVID-19 tests at no cost. The U.S. Government is providing these tests to be shipped through the U.S. Postal Service at no cost to purchase or ship. Click here for more information and to order your at-home tests.
  • Click here to check vaccine eligibility, book your appointment and to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccines.
  • Call the Cleveland Department of Public Health helpline: 216-664-2222. Staff are available Monday-Friday, 9 to 5 p.m.  
  • View the COVID-19 Booster Shot fact sheet.
LAST CHANCE: Neighborhood Leadership Development Program Seeks 2022 Applicants

If you are passionate, committed and dedicated to taking an active role in improving your community, you may be excited by, and ready for, a valuable leadership development program in Cleveland. NLDP is a program of the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation and is provided at no cost to participants.
 
The Neighborhood Leadership Development Program (NLDP), for 15 years, has offered community engagement leadership training for residents of Cleveland, and its inner ring suburbs, who are working on projects in the City of Cleveland and who are determined to make a positive impact on their communities.
    
The deadline for NLDP applications is August 14th. For additional information on NLDP and to view the curriculum and online application, visit nldpcleveland.com or call 216-776-6170.

Think you have what it takes? Apply to make a difference!
Job Opportunities...
Homeownership Center Manager, CHN Housing Partners
Maintenance Technician, Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry
Custodian, Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry
Multiple Positions, SIFCO Industries, Inc.
Multiple Positions, City of Cleveland
Not sure what you're looking for? Take a look at our Business Directory to find businesses in our neighborhood that may be looking for new employees!
DON'T FORGET: Enroll in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library

If you're looking for a way for your child to spend the summer days, look no further than the Dolly Parton Imagination Library!

This book gifting program, presented by The Literacy Cooperative and created by Dolly Parton, mails free, new, age-appropriate, high-quality books to registered children's homes from birth until they turn five. Parents of children ages four-and-a-half years old and younger can enroll online at www.literacycooperative.org or by texting FREEBOOKS to (216) 412-9005.

Books arrive eight-to-ten weeks after the initial order. There is no cost or obligation to the child's family. Enjoy this free resource from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library! Program available in all Ohio counties.
Upcoming Programs at the Addison Branch

Take-and-Make: All About Me Vision Board — Thursday, August 18
Pick up your free take-and-make kit and create a vison board to showcase your skills, interests, ideas, and dreams for the future. Kits will be available for pick up August 15–21 while supplies last. (Ages 6–11.) 

Family and Community Movie Night — Thursday, August 18 | 4pm
Join us for a free, family-friendly movie and connect with your neighbors and friends. This event is presented in collaboration with St. Clair-Superior Development Corporation.

Saturday Family Time — Saturday, August 20 | 1pm
Join us for an afternoon of FUN with the family. We will have games, show a family friendly movie, and weather permitting outdoor activities. It's Family Game time! Come and beat the staff in game of UNO or Giant Jenga.

Preschool Storytime (ages 3–5) — Tuesday, August 23 | 10:30am
Story times for preschoolers ages 3 to 5 include stories, songs, activities, and rhymes specially designed to support reading readiness and foster the social and emotional skills that kids need to succeed as they enter Kindergarten.

The Addison Olympics — Tuesday, August 23 | 4pm
Learn about famous Cleveland Olympians and how they helped shape the sports world, then have some fun in the sun and take place in an Olympic event or two to show off your athletic skills.

Take-and-Make: Make-Believe Mini Laptop — Mon., August 29 & Tues., August 30
Study the keyboard and learn computer parts by creating your own make-believe mini laptop. Pick up your free take-and-make kit (while supplies last.)

Preschool Storytime (ages 3–5) — Tuesday, August 30 | 10:30am
Story times for preschoolers ages 3 to 5 include stories, songs, activities, and rhymes specially designed to support reading readiness and foster the social and emotional skills that kids need to succeed as they enter Kindergarten.

Contact the library:
6901 Superior Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44103
Phone: 216-623-6906

Library hours:
Mon-Sat: 10am–6pm
Sun: Closed

For more information on events and programs at the Addison branch, click here.
ICYMI...