Serving Together;Serving for All
A student-led social entrepreneurship initiative connecting Cleveland-area students with local nonprofits through engaging, hands-on service experiences.
Partner Organizations
Active Volunteers
Community Members Served
Volunteer Hours Logged
Recognized & featured
Congrats on making it to summer!
You showed up, served, and made Cleveland better all year long. Now it's time to soak up some sun — you earned it. ☀️
YouthServeCLE is officially off for the summer, but we're not disappearing. We'll be running pop-up service events here and there all summer long. Want in? Email us or keep an eye on our Instagram — that's where every summer event gets announced first.
Every summer pop-up gets announced on @youthservecle first. We're back in full swing this September. See you then!
While you're soaking up the sun, relive the year:
How YouthServeCLE Works
Click any step to learn more.
Choose a Cause
Explore our monthly themes to find an issue that matters to you.
Find an Organization
Browse our directory of vetted local nonprofits working on the ground.
Show Up and Serve
Connect directly with the organization and make a real impact.
Partner Organizations
Volunteer HubHomeless Hookup
Homeless Hookup delivers essential supplies, hygiene kits, and meals directly to Cleveland's unhoused residents on the street. Founded and run by community members who believe in direct, no-barrier support, they show up regardless of weather or circumstances. YouthServeCLE has partnered with Homeless Hookup to help pack and distribute hundreds of care packages to Cleveland neighbors in need.
VisitR.A.K.E. (Random Acts of Kindness Everywhere)
R.A.K.E. is a Cleveland-based organization founded by community activist Ricky Smith that mobilizes volunteers to perform large-scale acts of kindness across the city. From packing meals and care kits to distributing supplies to those experiencing hardship, R.A.K.E. turns compassion into direct community action. YouthServeCLE's November 2024 R.A.K.E. event brought together 150+ student volunteers who packed 750+ meals, 100 care kits, and 500+ handwritten kindness notes.
VisitKids' Book Bank
Kids' Book Bank fosters a love of reading by distributing free, high-quality books to the children who need them most. Every child deserves access to the transformative power of books, and Kids' Book Bank makes that happen at scale. Since their founding, they've distributed millions of books to children across Northeast Ohio through schools, shelters, and community partners. YouthServeCLE volunteered in January 2026, boxing up hundreds of books to be sent directly to Cleveland kids in underserved communities.
VisitEmpower Sports
Empower Sports creates inclusive athletic programs for children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities, giving every person the opportunity to experience the joy, confidence, and community of sport. Their programs span adapted sports, recreational activities, and competitive leagues across the Cleveland area. YouthServeCLE students have served as buddy volunteers and event assistants, forming meaningful one-on-one connections with participants during events.
VisitKosher Food Pantry
The Kosher Food Pantry provides nutritious, kosher-certified food to families and individuals in need across the Cleveland Jewish community and beyond, serving anyone who qualifies regardless of background. They operate with compassion and dignity, ensuring recipients receive quality food that respects their dietary needs and cultural practices. YouthServeCLE has partnered with the Kosher Food Pantry for food packing and distribution events that directly serve Cleveland families experiencing food insecurity.
VisitAnother Chance of Ohio
Another Chance of Ohio transforms lives in Slavic Village through transitional housing, job training, education support, and wraparound community resources for individuals returning from incarceration or overcoming homelessness. Their holistic model focuses on sustainable independence, providing participants with the tools and support systems they need to rebuild stable, fulfilling lives. YouthServeCLE has partnered with ACOO to support community events and service projects that demonstrate Cleveland's commitment to second chances.
VisitAchievement Centers for Children
Achievement Centers for Children empowers children and adults with disabilities to achieve their greatest potential through therapy, education, and inclusive programming tailored to each individual's needs. Serving Northeast Ohio for nearly a century, they offer physical therapy, speech services, adaptive recreation, and family support across multiple locations. YouthServeCLE students volunteer at ACC events and programs, forming genuine connections with participants and supporting the staff that make these life-changing programs possible.
VisitRec2Connect
Rec2Connect connects individuals with special needs to community recreation, wellness, and social programs that promote inclusion and belonging in Greater Cleveland. They believe that access to recreational activities is a right, not a privilege, and work tirelessly to remove the barriers that prevent people with disabilities from participating in community life. Student volunteers at Rec2Connect serve as peer companions and event assistants, making activities accessible and welcoming for every participant.
VisitLutheran Metropolitan Ministries
Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries has served Greater Cleveland for over 80 years, addressing homelessness, youth at-risk, and re-entry from incarceration through a network of programs and facilities across the region. One of Cleveland's most trusted social service organizations, LMM operates shelters, transitional housing, and youth programming that provides real pathways out of crisis. YouthServeCLE partnered with LMM for its inaugural September 2024 Homelessness campaign, where students served meals and packed supply kits for residents.
VisitFamily Promise
Family Promise of Greater Cleveland helps homeless and low-income families achieve sustainable independence through a network of congregation-based shelters, transitional housing, and financial coaching. Their model is unique in its community-centered approach, mobilizing volunteers from local faith communities to provide hospitality, meals, and support to families in crisis. YouthServeCLE students have supported Family Promise through meal service, supply drives, and community events that help families take their next step toward stability.
VisitEdgewater Beach
Edgewater Beach is one of Cleveland's most beloved public spaces, stretching along the shores of Lake Erie in Edgewater Park. A gathering place for swimmers, families, runners, and community events, Edgewater is a crown jewel of Cleveland's lakefront. YouthServeCLE partnered with Edgewater for an Earth Month community clean-up, mobilizing 50+ student volunteers to pick up trash and protect the Lake Erie shoreline for everyone to enjoy.
VisitPerk Plaza
Perk Plaza is a vibrant public green space in the heart of downtown Cleveland, located near East 12th and Euclid Avenue. Home to the beloved Walnut Wednesday food truck event and other community gatherings, Perk Plaza brings people together in one of the city's busiest corridors. YouthServeCLE volunteers helped clean and beautify Perk Plaza ahead of community events, making downtown Cleveland more welcoming for everyone.
VisitPublic Square
Public Square is the historic heart of downtown Cleveland, a 10-acre park and civic gathering space at the center of the city. Home to Food Truck Tuesday, holiday events, and year-round programming, Public Square is where Cleveland comes together. YouthServeCLE students have helped clean and prepare Public Square for community events, ensuring this iconic space shines for the thousands of Clevelanders who visit every week.
VisitFoodStrong
FoodStrong works at the intersection of food, education, and economic development to build healthier, more food-secure communities across Greater Cleveland. Through urban farming initiatives, culinary education programs, and community food access projects, they address food insecurity while also building local skills and economic opportunity. YouthServeCLE partners with FoodStrong to connect students with hands-on food systems work that makes Cleveland's communities stronger and more self-sufficient.
VisitCleveland Marathon
The Cleveland Marathon is one of Cleveland's premier annual events, bringing tens of thousands of runners and spectators downtown for race day. Beyond the race itself, the Marathon is powered by a massive community of volunteers who keep water stations, finish lines, and athlete services running smoothly. YouthServeCLE volunteers support the finish line, distributing medals, snacks, and beverages to athletes as they complete one of the most iconic races in the Midwest.
VisitSomething Good Social Kitchen
Something Good Social Kitchen is a Cleveland community space built around food, music, and connection. As the host of YouthServeCLE's year-end Something Good Takeover, they bring students from across Greater Cleveland together to celebrate a full year of service with food, DJs, yard games, and community. Their mission is rooted in creating welcoming, joyful spaces where Clevelanders of all ages can connect.
VisitHomeless Hookup
Homeless Hookup delivers essential supplies, hygiene kits, and meals directly to Cleveland's unhoused residents on the street. Founded and run by community members who believe in direct, no-barrier support, they show up regardless of weather or circumstances. YouthServeCLE has partnered with Homeless Hookup to help pack and distribute hundreds of care packages to Cleveland neighbors in need.
VisitR.A.K.E. (Random Acts of Kindness Everywhere)
R.A.K.E. is a Cleveland-based organization founded by community activist Ricky Smith that mobilizes volunteers to perform large-scale acts of kindness across the city. From packing meals and care kits to distributing supplies to those experiencing hardship, R.A.K.E. turns compassion into direct community action. YouthServeCLE's November 2024 R.A.K.E. event brought together 150+ student volunteers who packed 750+ meals, 100 care kits, and 500+ handwritten kindness notes.
VisitKids' Book Bank
Kids' Book Bank fosters a love of reading by distributing free, high-quality books to the children who need them most. Every child deserves access to the transformative power of books, and Kids' Book Bank makes that happen at scale. Since their founding, they've distributed millions of books to children across Northeast Ohio through schools, shelters, and community partners. YouthServeCLE volunteered in January 2026, boxing up hundreds of books to be sent directly to Cleveland kids in underserved communities.
VisitEmpower Sports
Empower Sports creates inclusive athletic programs for children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities, giving every person the opportunity to experience the joy, confidence, and community of sport. Their programs span adapted sports, recreational activities, and competitive leagues across the Cleveland area. YouthServeCLE students have served as buddy volunteers and event assistants, forming meaningful one-on-one connections with participants during events.
VisitKosher Food Pantry
The Kosher Food Pantry provides nutritious, kosher-certified food to families and individuals in need across the Cleveland Jewish community and beyond, serving anyone who qualifies regardless of background. They operate with compassion and dignity, ensuring recipients receive quality food that respects their dietary needs and cultural practices. YouthServeCLE has partnered with the Kosher Food Pantry for food packing and distribution events that directly serve Cleveland families experiencing food insecurity.
VisitAnother Chance of Ohio
Another Chance of Ohio transforms lives in Slavic Village through transitional housing, job training, education support, and wraparound community resources for individuals returning from incarceration or overcoming homelessness. Their holistic model focuses on sustainable independence, providing participants with the tools and support systems they need to rebuild stable, fulfilling lives. YouthServeCLE has partnered with ACOO to support community events and service projects that demonstrate Cleveland's commitment to second chances.
VisitAchievement Centers for Children
Achievement Centers for Children empowers children and adults with disabilities to achieve their greatest potential through therapy, education, and inclusive programming tailored to each individual's needs. Serving Northeast Ohio for nearly a century, they offer physical therapy, speech services, adaptive recreation, and family support across multiple locations. YouthServeCLE students volunteer at ACC events and programs, forming genuine connections with participants and supporting the staff that make these life-changing programs possible.
VisitRec2Connect
Rec2Connect connects individuals with special needs to community recreation, wellness, and social programs that promote inclusion and belonging in Greater Cleveland. They believe that access to recreational activities is a right, not a privilege, and work tirelessly to remove the barriers that prevent people with disabilities from participating in community life. Student volunteers at Rec2Connect serve as peer companions and event assistants, making activities accessible and welcoming for every participant.
VisitLutheran Metropolitan Ministries
Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries has served Greater Cleveland for over 80 years, addressing homelessness, youth at-risk, and re-entry from incarceration through a network of programs and facilities across the region. One of Cleveland's most trusted social service organizations, LMM operates shelters, transitional housing, and youth programming that provides real pathways out of crisis. YouthServeCLE partnered with LMM for its inaugural September 2024 Homelessness campaign, where students served meals and packed supply kits for residents.
VisitFamily Promise
Family Promise of Greater Cleveland helps homeless and low-income families achieve sustainable independence through a network of congregation-based shelters, transitional housing, and financial coaching. Their model is unique in its community-centered approach, mobilizing volunteers from local faith communities to provide hospitality, meals, and support to families in crisis. YouthServeCLE students have supported Family Promise through meal service, supply drives, and community events that help families take their next step toward stability.
VisitEdgewater Beach
Edgewater Beach is one of Cleveland's most beloved public spaces, stretching along the shores of Lake Erie in Edgewater Park. A gathering place for swimmers, families, runners, and community events, Edgewater is a crown jewel of Cleveland's lakefront. YouthServeCLE partnered with Edgewater for an Earth Month community clean-up, mobilizing 50+ student volunteers to pick up trash and protect the Lake Erie shoreline for everyone to enjoy.
VisitPerk Plaza
Perk Plaza is a vibrant public green space in the heart of downtown Cleveland, located near East 12th and Euclid Avenue. Home to the beloved Walnut Wednesday food truck event and other community gatherings, Perk Plaza brings people together in one of the city's busiest corridors. YouthServeCLE volunteers helped clean and beautify Perk Plaza ahead of community events, making downtown Cleveland more welcoming for everyone.
VisitPublic Square
Public Square is the historic heart of downtown Cleveland, a 10-acre park and civic gathering space at the center of the city. Home to Food Truck Tuesday, holiday events, and year-round programming, Public Square is where Cleveland comes together. YouthServeCLE students have helped clean and prepare Public Square for community events, ensuring this iconic space shines for the thousands of Clevelanders who visit every week.
VisitFoodStrong
FoodStrong works at the intersection of food, education, and economic development to build healthier, more food-secure communities across Greater Cleveland. Through urban farming initiatives, culinary education programs, and community food access projects, they address food insecurity while also building local skills and economic opportunity. YouthServeCLE partners with FoodStrong to connect students with hands-on food systems work that makes Cleveland's communities stronger and more self-sufficient.
VisitCleveland Marathon
The Cleveland Marathon is one of Cleveland's premier annual events, bringing tens of thousands of runners and spectators downtown for race day. Beyond the race itself, the Marathon is powered by a massive community of volunteers who keep water stations, finish lines, and athlete services running smoothly. YouthServeCLE volunteers support the finish line, distributing medals, snacks, and beverages to athletes as they complete one of the most iconic races in the Midwest.
VisitSomething Good Social Kitchen
Something Good Social Kitchen is a Cleveland community space built around food, music, and connection. As the host of YouthServeCLE's year-end Something Good Takeover, they bring students from across Greater Cleveland together to celebrate a full year of service with food, DJs, yard games, and community. Their mission is rooted in creating welcoming, joyful spaces where Clevelanders of all ages can connect.
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Follow Our Journey
@youthservecle
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Don’t wait till May to scramble for hours…
500+ PB&Js, all heading to those facing food insecurity in t
Our students got to work at Food Strong's new farm, helping
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