Steve's story began by participating in the Ohio City Power (OCP) - Community Greenhouse Partners collaboration, bringing years of landscaping experience to add to the projects there. With the help of Steve and others at OCP, food is harvested and provided at low-cost to the neighborhood, improving personal health while generating training, mentoring and employment opportunities.

Community Greenhouse Partners is a sustainable urban farm that applies ecological design principles and engages community participation to grow wholesome food year-round in Cleveland, Ohio. 

• OCP Employer: HyperTool
  

• OCP Partner: Community Greenhouse Partners
  

• OCP Partner: Saint Herman House-FOCUS Cleveland
  

Another partner organization, The Saint Herman House-FOCUS Cleveland, is a charitable and educational organization, which works to manage the house of hospitality, promote the Orthodox ministry in the community, and help those in need in the Ohio City area. Steve is currently a guest at The Saint Herman House, whose drivers have assisted with his transportation to Chagrin Falls.

It takes many people and organizations giving different ways to help people get back on the road of self-sufficiency. Here are a few of the ways Steve was helped by individuals and charitable organizations working together:

• Lisa Braun, Executive Director, Ohio City Power, encouraged Steve to join the group scheduled to help out at Community Greenhouse Partners
• Albert Wagner, Operations Officer, Ohio City Power and also a guest at The Saint Herman House, encouraged Steve to join their Saturday farming group
• Lisa Braun asked Mort to consider Steve for employment
• Mort hired Steve and, realizing he needed eyeglasses, bought Steve a new pair of glasses for $350  
• The Saint Herman House helps Steve with transportation so he can get to Chagrin Falls for his job
• Mort is helping Steve get a driver's license

With a new outlook on life and a chance to pursue new dreams, Steve speaks now of wanting to move to the Chagrin Falls area!

This article is published with special thanks to Albert Wagner.

Support Ohio City Power not for profit programs and services in faith-based economic development to improve the spiritual and physical well-being of the homeless, hungry and jobless of Cleveland, Ohio and surrounding cities. Every dollar is gratefully received.

Lisa Braun, Executive Director, Ohio City Power introduces Aaron Gregory, a recipient of OCP student financial assistance to fund his enrollment at Cuyahoga Community College.