Three summers ago, Concerned Citizens, Inc. Director Anita Gardner took Cuyahoga Land Bank President Gus Frangos and staff on a neighborhood tour of Kinsman Avenue.  Many buildings had decayed and were abandoned in the aftermath of the foreclosure crisis post-2008.  One building had housed the small offices of a neighborhood child enrichment center known as the “Discovery Center,” run by Gardner.  “Our children need mentoring, job and citizenship training in order to be productive citizens when they grow up,” she said.  Gardner partnered with Shirley Ellington (who has since passed away) in serving children from the neighborhood at their small offices near East 138^th and Kinsman.
Gardner and Ellington volunteered their time, efforts, and resources to help train and support children with community activities, arts, crafts and computer training. But alas, the offices suffered from a roof leak, building decay and vandalism which the owner would not fix.  As a result, the center closed.
Undaunted, the tour with Cuyahoga Land Bank staff resulted in a pact between Gardner and the Cuyahoga Land Bank that together they would find another suitable, safe and clean building to serve as a permanent home for “Anita’s kids.”
After reviewing vacant and abandoned properties for three years, a property on East 137^th Street became available.  This was a large two family home with parking and plenty of space where children could engage in activities both inside and outside.
While the building was structurally sound, it needed significant renovation.  Cleveland Councilman Ken Johnson and Councilman Terrell Pruitt answered the call each by providing support to help in the renovation.  Additionally, the Cuyahoga Land Bank invested funds to complete the work.  The rehabilitation was completed by Beneficial Properties whose principal owner is Marvin Stover.  The property was finally finished in October, 2015.
“I cannot tell you how beautiful Mr. Stover made this building.  He went above and beyond in making this accessible to our kids including handicapped individuals.” said Gardner.  The finished property came equipped with a handicap ramp and customized renovations throughout the home.

At a recent tour of the building, Concerned Citizens, Inc. Board Member Jefferson D. Tufts praised the success of this project and the combined work of Anita Gardner, Cuyahoga Land Bank, Councilmen Johnson and Pruitt as well as the contractor Marvin Stover.  “This means a great deal to the children of this community,” said Tufts.

This spring, all of the children’s programming will once again begin but with enhanced activities such as entrepreneurship, community workshops, art festivals, educational tutoring and family support services.  â€œThis is the kind of investment in our children that will help them make wise and healthy choices,” said Gardner. 

For Gardner, this is a dream come true.  It is a dream she refused to let die.  A grand opening for the new center will be announced in the Spring of 2016.

On a chilly December evening, friends, parishioners and staff of several partner organizations came together to welcome Ms. Tauri and her three children into their new home in Slavic Village.  The home renovation was made possible through the partnership between the Cuyahoga Land Bank, The City Mission, Renew Communities, Hope Church and Cuyahoga Valley Church.

Staff and volunteers had thought of every last detail down to pink and purple painted walls for Tauri's daughters, a playpen in the living room, a fully decorated Christmas tree and stockings draped over the handrail.  Tauri’s son beamed from ear to ear as he warmed a mug of cocoa in the kitchen packed with people there to celebrate with him and his family.

“Thank you, thank you to everyone,” Tauri exclaimed to the crowd at the welcoming celebration.  “This home is a blessing!”

Most recently, Tauri and her family had been living at Laura’s Home, a Women’s Crisis Center run by the City Mission.  They came to the City Mission when Tauri and her family became homeless.  At Laura’s Home, Tauri found the opportunity to begin a new chapter in her life and for her family.  Classes and counseling helped Tauri gain the skills and confidence needed to find a job at the local library. 
Tauri credits her faith in God for the positive change in her life.  “If I do go into another depression, I don’t have to stay there,” says Tauri.  “God will provide for us!  I’m not in it by myself,” she stated.