10/24/2026
Yesterday we hosted Newcomer Day for Central and Eastern African families at The Centers on Euclid Avenue.
107 households came through our doors. That is 664 people.
Most of the families we served are Congolese and speak Swahili. Many have spent their whole lives in conflict and displacement. They came here as refugees, they are building lives in Cuyahoga County, and many are now facing new barriers as SNAP and Medicaid eligibility rules change. Newcomer Day brings the help to them, in one room, in their language.
Here is what happened in a single day:
Health screenings on site, with medical and dental appointments scheduled
3,000 lbs of food distributed
6 full racks of clothing distributed
100 bags of cleaning supplies and toiletries distributed
About 15 interviews with Job and Family Services. Demand was high enough that we expanded to three rooms.
Two workshops: the home buying process and Medicaid changes
Job opportunities shared and interviews scheduled
Library cards, books, and resources shared
Parenting tips and resources shared
Laptops sold at low cost
Scam prevention information shared
None of this happens alone. Thank you to our partners:
Health: The Centers, Neighborhood Family Practice, MedWorks
Workforce: US Cotton, AlphaStar, Dress for Success, and Greater Cleveland Works, who helped connect employers
Children and Families: Bright Beginnings, , Peoples' Bank, PCs for People
County: Cuyahoga County Job and Family Services, Scam Squad
Newcomer Market: Smart Development Inc., St. Ambrose Parish, Greater Cleveland Food Bank, and the Bishop Pilla Center and Knights of Columbus at Communion of Saints Parish
Thank you also to Smart Development Inc. for co-hosting and to every volunteer who greeted, guided, and translated.
This community has waited a long time for systems that work for them. Yesterday, 664 people saw what that can look like.