United Way of Greater Cleveland

Benefits Cliffs 101: The Hidden Cost of a Pay Raise
2025-02-25 12:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Imagine you receive a pay raise at work, only to discover that the increase led to a loss of a much-needed public benefit. What would you do?
That is the dilemma many low-income workers face in Ohio, where earning even just a dollar more means potentially losing access to benefits. These benefits cliffs can:

keep workers trapped at their current wages and on public support;
keep businesses from filling open positions and retaining workers; and,
cost taxpayers who are funding a public benefits system that does not support individuals achieving economic stability.

We are excited to announce the panelists joining us:

John Rees, a senior policy adviser on the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Community and Economic Development team. In that role, John is engaged in research and partnerships to identify barriers to economic mobility and mitigation strategies that can improve economic security for families and meet the talent needs of businesses for a healthy economy.
Mindy Kowalski, an assistant director of health and human services with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Mindy has held several leadership roles since joining the organization in 2014, including policy and operations chief and assistant deputy director in the Office of Family Assistance.
Jack Schron Jr., President and CEO of Jergens Inc., a former Cuyahoga County councilman, and a longtime leader in the worlds of education, workforce development, and community service.

Moderator Josh Boose of Ideastream Public Media will lead John, Mindy, and Jack in a panel discussion on the impact of the benefits cliffs on the individual, employer, and community levels, opportunities to reform public benefit policies to address the cliff effect, and ways individuals can achieve economic mobility.
Be part of the live conversation on February 25 at noon via Zoom. The event is free, but registration is required.
Click here to reserve your seat!

Embracing Change, Driving Growth: Professional Development Panel
2025-03-06 17:30 - 20:00 | The Union Club of Cleveland, 1211 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44115, United States
Register Today
Join United Way’s Emerging Leaders for our third annual professional development panel, Embracing Change, Driving Growth, on Thursday, March 6 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Union Club of Cleveland. The discussion will explore organizational leadership, transformational change management, and how you as our next generation of leaders can prepare to continue to work!
Panelists include:

Sharon Sobol Jordan, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Cleveland
Tony Richardson, President of The George Gund Foundation
Vanessa Whiting, President of A.E.S. Management Corp

Your $25 ticket includes access to the panel, heavy appetizers, one complimentary drink, and networking opportunities! Dress code is business casual, no jeans. Attendees may pay $15 cash for parking at the Union Club or park in nearby garages.
Special thanks to our sponsors:

Fore CLE at Topgolf Cleveland
2025-05-15 17:00 - 21:00 | Topgolf, 5820 Rockside Woods Blvd N, Independence, OH, 44131, United States
Our Emerging Leaders group is hosting its 4th Annual Fore CLE fundraiser!
This signature event benefiting United Way 211 is set for Thursday, May 15 at Topgolf Cleveland. Tickets include entry into the golf competition, food, drink, networking, and access to raffles.
When you support this event, you make sure that United Way 211 remains a vital connection to community resources for everyone in our region.
Registration Site: https://bit.ly/ForeCLE2025

More Money for Working Families: The Impact of Tax Credits
2025-05-20 12:00 | Virtual
Imagine an extra $1,000 for you and your children every year. What would you do with that money, and how would it impact your family’s life? One way the government provides additional funds directly to people is through tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC). These are dollar-for-dollar amounts taxpayers claim on their tax return to reduce the income tax they owe. The EITC helps low- to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break and the CTC helps families with qualifying children earn a tax break. Individuals may be able to claim these credits even if they don’t normally file a tax return, meaning they could receive thousands of dollars every year. These tax credits are a strategy for improving family economic stability and helping families move out of poverty.
Some states have begun offering state-level tax credits, which reduce the amount of state taxes an individual is required to pay. In February 2025, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine included in his executive biennial state operating budget the creation of a $1,000 refundable child tax credit for families with children under the age of 6. If this policy is adopted, Ohio will become one of 16 states to offer a state child tax credit. There have also been several bills introduced in the Ohio General Assembly that would make the current state EITC partially or fully refundable, which would get more money back into the pockets of working families.
Panelists include:

Aidan Davis, a state policy director at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy in Washington, D.C. In that role, Aidan coordinates ITEP’s state tax policy research and advocacy agenda and works closely with national and state organizations, policymakers, and legislative staff to advance policy solutions that aim to achieve equitable and sustainable state and local tax systems.
Marci Blue, a senior program officer at Enterprise Community Partners, which oversees the Cuyahoga Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition. With expertise in program management, data analysis, and research, Marci is committed to connecting the community to resources that promote financial security for individuals and families.
Danielle Sydnor, CEO of the Rise Together Innovation Institute, which is a capstone of a larger, Franklin County-funded strategic plan to help an estimated 400,000-plus county residents find paths toward economic stability. A licensed financial advisor who has worked in banking since 2002, Danielle continues to drive initiatives aimed at fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth.

Join moderator Stephanie Czekalinski from Ideastream Public Media and our panelists as they discuss the impact of tax credits on working families at the state and federal levels, current advocacy efforts to expand tax credits, where to get assistance with filing taxes, and how tax credits can help move families out of poverty and on a path toward self-sufficiency and economic prosperity.
Be part of the live conversation on May 20 at noon via Zoom. The event is free, but registration is required.
Click here to reserve your seat!

Emerging Leaders Drink to Donate
2025-09-16 18:00 - 21:00 | OH
United Way of Greater Cleveland Emerging Leaders is partnering with Lakewood Truck Park to bring you 2025 Drink to Donate event on Tuesday, September 16 from 6-9PM
One dollar of every beer sold will be donated back to United Way of Greater Cleveland. Attendance is FREE, but we ask you to RSVP at https://give.unitedwaycleveland.org/drinktodonate

Ohio United Way ALICE Policy Summit
2025-10-14 10:00 - 13:00 | Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
Join United Ways from across Ohio for the inaugural 2025 Ohio United Way ALICE Policy Summit. This free, in-person event will convene policymakers, business leaders, and community organizations from both urban and rural regions to spotlight the pressing challenges facing Ohio households that work full-time but still struggle to afford basic necessities, such as food, housing, and healthcare, challenges detailed in the 2025 United Way ALICE Report.
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When: Tuesday, October 14, 2025 10a.m.-1p.m.
Where: Ohio Statehouse Atrium; 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215
The event is FREE but registration is required

What to expect
The latest ALICE data:
The Report reveals that while 14% of Ohio households lived in poverty in 2023, another 25% are ALICE, Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Together, that means nearly 39% of Ohio households—almost 1.9 million—are working hard but unable to consistently meet basic needs.
Solutions and innovations:
Hear from panelists and speakers, including United Ways, legislators, nonprofits, and private sector partners, who will highlight strategies and policies aimed at strengthening economic stability and expanding upward mobility.
Collaboration for impact:
Connect with leaders across sectors who are committed to helping working families achieve financial stability and building a stronger, more prosperous Ohio. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how you and your organization can be part of the solution and help keep working people working in Ohio, creating a sustainable future for all Ohioans.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how you and your organization can be part of the solution and help keep working people working in Ohio, creating a sustainable future for all Ohioans.
Any questions? Contact Austin Spenzer

Thank you to our sponsor

Connect & Collect
2025-12-04 17:30 - 19:30 | Flannery’s Pub, 323 Prospect Ave E, Cleveland, OH, 44115, United States
You’re invited to the Third Annual Connect & Collect! For this event, we’re partnering with the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless to collect much needed items for their new seasonal shelter: bus passes, individually packaged snacks, cleaning supplies, towels, and visa gift cards. For every item you bring to donate, you’ll receive entry for a raffle – and there’s no maximum on the number of tickets you can get!
Date: Thursday, December 4
Time: 5:30 to 7:30 PM
Location: Flannery’s Pub (323 Prospect Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44115)
Price: $15 registration fee and your first drink is on us!
Register here

Day of Action
2026-02-11 13:30 - 17:30 | United Way of Greater Cleveland, 1331 EUCLID AVE, Cleveland, OH, 44115, United States
211 Day of Action
Join us on February 11 for an afternoon of service that brings volunteers together to support families across Cleveland. This year’s project focuses on creating 25 Blessing Boxes that will be installed at Cleveland Public Library branches. Each box will offer free essential items for neighbors who need them.

Event details
When: Wednesday, February 11 from 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Where: United Way of Greater Cleveland office in Playhouse Square

Volunteers needed!
Volunteers will assemble and decorate Blessing Boxes. Each team will build alongside a community member from the neighborhood where the box will be placed.
Register a group of 5-10 or sign up as an individual to be added to a team.
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/dayofact26

Donate supplies
You can also support the project by donating items to stock the boxes, including:

toilet paper
cleaning supplies
feminine care products
soap
toothbrushes and toothpaste
floss
non-perishable food
shampoo and conditioner
baby wipes

Emerging Leaders Panel: Civic Engagement as a Career Accelerator
2026-03-12 17:30 - 20:00 | The Union Club of Cleveland, 1211 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44115, United States
Emerging Leaders is hosting their 4th annual professional development panel on Thursday, March 12 at The Union Club. The topic: Civic Engagement as a Career Accelerator.
Young professionals increasingly want meaningful careers, and civic engagement is one of the most powerful ways to accelerate professional growth. This panel explores how volunteerism, committee work, and community leadership open doors to new industries, build personal credibility, and create unexpected career opportunities. Panelists will share real examples of how giving back can also advance you forward.
Ticket cost includes networking, headshot station, one (1) drink ticket, and heavy appetizers.
REGISTER TODAY
Meet the panel
Kate Connor Warren, Director of 311 with the City of Cleveland
Scott Skinner, CEO of North Shore Coast Waterfront Development
Devin Cotten, Founder & CEO of Universal Basic Employment
Angela O’Donnell, Moderator, Cleveland Leadership Center

Thank you sponsors

Inside the All In Plan with Baiju Shah
2026-04-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
United Way’s Emerging Leaders are partnering with Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP) on an exclusive virtual lunch and learn! GCP is the region’s leading business organization, working with partners to make Greater Cleveland a Great Region on a Great Lake.
Join Baiju Shah for a look at the priorities and projects moving Greater Cleveland forward. He will share insights on new strategies, development initiatives, and partnerships shaping a vibrant region for young professionals to live, work, and play. Following his remarks, Baiju will engage with the next generation of leaders, answering questions and hearing their perspectives.
Register here.
About the speaker
Baiju R. Shah is the President & CEO of Greater Cleveland Partnership, the region’s leading economic development organization and with over 12,000 members, the largest metropolitan chamber of commerce in the nation.
Prior to GCP, Shah served as the Senior Fellow for Innovation at The Cleveland Foundation, catalyzing economic growth initiatives including leading the Cleveland Innovation Project. Shah remains a member of the Impact Investing Committee which directs a $150 million portfolio allocation.
Previously, Shah was the CEO of BioMotiv and co-leader of The Harrington Project for Discovery & Development. Prior to that, he was CEO and co-founder of BioEnterprise, an industry growth initiative formed with Cleveland Clinic, Case Western Reserve University, and University Hospitals of Cleveland.
Shah serves as a Trustee of Destination Cleveland, Global Cleveland, Ohio Excels, and the Ohio Business Roundtable. Shah is recognized as one of Cleveland’s most influential leaders. He received a JD from Harvard Law School and a BA from Yale University.

Fore CLE
2026-05-07 17:00 - 21:00 | Topgolf, 5820 Rockside Woods Blvd N, Independence, OH, 44131, United States
Thursday, May 7 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Topgolf Cleveland
Join United Way of Greater Cleveland Emerging Leaders for Fore CLE, our annual fundraiser bringing together young professionals and community members for a fun, high-impact evening.
Enjoy golf, networking, raffles, food, and drinks while supporting United Way 211, a free, 24/7 resource that connects people across our region to help with food, housing, and more.
Reserve your spot today: buy tickets
Interested in sponsoring?Sponsorships are available online or by contacting Katie Martinovic at kmartinovic@unitedwaycleveland.org
Thank you to our sponsors

Breakfast on the Plaza
2026-08-11 07:30 - 09:30 | Playhouse Square Plaza, Euclid Ave. & East 14 St., Cleveland, OH, United States
Join United Way of Greater Cleveland for the Breakfast on the Plaza! This morning open house will bring together corporate partners, local leaders, volunteers, and donors to celebrate the impact we make together and set the stage for a successful year ahead.
REGISTER TODAY
📆Tuesday, August 11🕣 7:30 A.M. to 9:30 A.M.📍Playhouse Square Plaza🍳 A variety of breakfast options provided by RAKE Random Acts of Kindness Everywhere, Chris Cakes, and Enjoy My Donuts🎵Music by DJ Ik Dubaku, founder of The Early Start🎤 Emceed by Nicole Marcellino and Ahmaad Crump from the Cleveland Cavaliers🎉Special mascot guests from the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Guardians, Lake County Captains, and more!🎒Collection of school supplies and other necessities to benefit the Blessing Boxes
Everyone will have the option to purchase a delicious breakfast while connecting with fellow community champions. The morning will feature plenty of entertainment including mascots, music, interactive games, and special appearances from local celebrities.
The Campaign Kickoff will also feature a collection drive benefiting the Blessing Boxes stationed in Cleveland Public Libraries. Attendees are invited to bring school supplies and basic necessities, like hygiene products and non-perishable food, to ensure hardworking families in need of some extra support can get what they need.
Be a part of the excitement, learn how you can make a difference, and help us kickoff another successful year at United Way. Together, we can bridge the gap from crisis to stability to opportunity for Greater Clevelanders!
