HELP’s reputation for being an innovator in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is extremely rewarding and has been a tremendous resource for the Northeast Ohio community and beyond. From its humble beginnings, we always had one goal to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through residential, day support, vocational and summer education programs to choose services and opportunities as respected members of the community. HELP accomplishes our mission by evolving our service delivery model to meet the needs of their consumers in significant and relevant ways.

“We are proud that our Board of Trustees and staff leadership are continually making efforts to improve, take calculated risks, and gain and maintain the vote of confidence of our community,” states Tami Honkala, HELP’s President & CEO. “With this in mind, we are excited to introduce HELP Harvest. The newest HELP program incorporates three important initiatives that enhance our vocational habilitation training and moves individuals toward a successful path to employment.”

  • The HELP Harvest Greenhouse will be located in Euclid and will expand HELP’s vocational habilitation programming and integrated employment services for adults with IDD. HELP’s Greenhouse leverages and modifies a best practice model of vocational training by providing individuals with IDD the basic workplace skills, behaviors, and hands-on paid training important to ensuring their personal and professional success in the workforce.
  • The HELP Harvest Kitchen, located in Lakewood, will serve as the training ground to prepare the produce grown at the Greenhouse.  Here, individuals will learn the basic skills that will lead to meaningful community employment, which is the goal of HELP’s Employment Services Program.
  • The HELP Harvest Grab & Go Café will be located in the new Cleveland Foundation headquarters, will serve as the stepping-stone for individuals who are ready to “graduate” into community employment.  This program will integrate employment services with vocational habilitation, a first for HELP.  Equally important, HELP’s presence in a new community will provide an opportunity to share our mission with a different audience, highlighting the idea of creating an inclusive community where we all have the chance to thrive.

As it has been throughout HELP’s long history, it will again be the dedication of its supporters that help make their vision a reality.  As HELP“Grows Our Mission,” the organization reflects on the decades of leadership, philanthropic partnerships, and tradition the community had helped them uphold. As a visionary donor, partner, and leader, you not only validate HELP’s mission, but embody the legacy and traditions of its founders, Board of Trustees, and staff. We invite you to join us as we embark on another exciting journey to expand HELP’s mission. To attend the opening of the HELP Harvest Greenhouse or to learn how to support the capital campaign, which includes naming opportunities, contact Joan M. Palumbo, Chief Philanthropy Officer at (216) 432-4810 ext. 331.

Learn how you can help.