HELP Foundation (HELP) has been a leading provider of residential services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) since 1965. Beginning with a few dedicated families and one childrens’ home, HELP has grown to care for more than 700+ individuals each year in over 20 locations.

Our mission is to ensure that people with IDD have the homes, environments and opportunities to be valued members of their communities.  In serving this mission HELP provides residential support services in Cuyahoga  and Summit counties as well as our HELP Summer Program for children with developmental, behavioral, and medical disabilities, and the HELP Adult Day Support & Vocational Programs.  All of our programs are dedicated to providing the best quality services to our clients, based on their needs and desires so that they might live their best lives.

How We Began

• 1964 –  Baby Brian was born into the Kelly family with severe birth defects, including Down’s Syndrome and multiple physical impairments along with deformities of hands, feet and hips.
  • Marietta Kelly joined forces with her neighbor, Joanne McDonnell, who also had a child with Down’s Syndrome.
    • They recognized there were no meaningful programs or services available for children with intellectual or developmental disabilities except for dreadful state mental institutions.
    • They committed to teaming up to start their own agency that would specifically meet the needs of their disabled children.
  • By 1965 articles of incorporation were drafted and the initial board meeting was held at private residences.
• 1967 – The first home for children was purchased in East Cleveland.
• 1969 – The first child was admitted to the HELP Home.
• 1970 – The first child graduated.
• 1972 – Extended Summer Program is implemented
• 1978 –  Cleveland Foundation awards support grant for Six Chimney’s, and opens in 1983
• 1983 – Six Chimney’s opens
• 1987 – HELP contracted with Cuyahoga County Board to develop Joint Independent Living Program
• 1988 – 2000  – HELP continues to build homes in Northeast Ohio
• 1990 – HELP starts work in Lake County
• 1992 – HElP Housing for the Disabled created
• 2000 – HELP opens two new children facilities
• 2005 – Began serving Summit and Geauga counties
• 2008 – Adult Day Support Program begins
• 2013 – Programing for seniors begins
• 2015 – HELP U Crew begins offering vocational training
• 2016 – Adult Day Program in Northfield opens
• 2018 – HELP acquires Cornucopia, Inc in Lakewood, OH
• 2022 – HELP Harvest Greenhouse opens in May
• 2023 – Susanna’s Café by HELP Harvest opens in the new headquarters of the Cleveland Foundation