Refugee Support & Community Focus
Refugees are an important part of Cleveland's story. We showed up for them.
Why it Matters
Cleveland has been a city of immigrants and refugees for over a century — and that continues today. Refugees bring new cultures, ideas, foods, and traditions that make our community stronger. But arriving in a new country without language, resources, or community is one of the hardest things a person can experience.
In March 2026, YouthServeCLE focused on refugee support across Cleveland. Students packed meals for refugee families at the May Dugan Center and organized donations at Another Chance of Ohio. 22 high school students from YouthServeCLE, YouthServe THS, and YouthServe Solon mentored middle school scholars at BPS Midtown — discussing Women in Business and leaving an impression strong enough that one student asked: "Can they come back tomorrow?"
The month also brought a major milestone: YouthServeCLE took first place at the Veale Foundation thinkBIG! Pitch Contest, delivering a live pitch in front of investors and judges about their vision for youth-led civic engagement in Cleveland.
What We Did
22 high school students from YouthServeCLE, YouthServe THS, and YouthServe Solon mentored middle schoolers at BPS Midtown. 'Can they come back tomorrow?'
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🏆 BIG WIN FOR YOUTHSERVE — 1st place at the Veale Foundation thinkBIG! Pitch Contest!
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Giving back by building up — YouthServeCLE spent the day at Another Chance of Ohio helping organize donations for Cleveland neighbors.
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March focus: Refugee Support — supporting access to basic needs, community resources, and dignity as refugees in Cleveland build new beginnings.
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Rescheduled but still showed up strong — packing meals for refugee families at the May Dugan Center.
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Knowledge builds empathy.
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Refugees are an important part of Cleveland’s story.
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Understanding builds empathy. Empathy builds community.
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22 high school students from YouthServeCLE, YouthServe THS, and YouthServe Solon mentored middle schoolers at BPS Midtown. 'Can they come back tomorrow?'
❤️ 135 likes
🏆 BIG WIN FOR YOUTHSERVE — 1st place at the Veale Foundation thinkBIG! Pitch Contest!
❤️ 127 likes
Giving back by building up — YouthServeCLE spent the day at Another Chance of Ohio helping organize donations for Cleveland neighbors.
❤️ 111 likes
March focus: Refugee Support — supporting access to basic needs, community resources, and dignity as refugees in Cleveland build new beginnings.
❤️ 35 likes
From the Event
22 high school students from YouthServeCLE, YouthServe THS, and YouthServe Solon mentored middle schoolers at BPS Midtown. 'Can they come back tomorrow?'
March focus: Refugee Support — supporting access to basic needs, community resources, and dignity as refugees in Cleveland build new beginnings.
Refugees are an important part of Cleveland’s story.
Refugee-owned businesses are helping make Cleveland more vibrant and diverse.
🏆 BIG WIN FOR YOUTHSERVE — 1st place at the Veale Foundation thinkBIG! Pitch Contest!
Rescheduled but still showed up strong — packing meals for refugee families at the May Dugan Center.
Understanding builds empathy. Empathy builds community.
Local organizations across Cleveland are stepping up to support refugees and help families build new lives in our city.
Giving back by building up — YouthServeCLE spent the day at Another Chance of Ohio helping organize donations for Cleveland neighbors.
Knowledge builds empathy.
Food is a universal language. No matter where someone comes from, a meal can tell a story, share a culture, and bring pe
Our Partners
May Dugan Center
The May Dugan Center has served the Near West Side of Cleveland for over 50 years, providing comprehensive services including food assistance, emergency help, youth programs, and senior support. Their mission is to enrich and advance the lives of individuals and families through accessible, compassionate service. YouthServeCLE students have supported their food pantry and community programming to help neighbors in one of Cleveland's most historically underserved areas.
Another 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.
Lutheran 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.
The Reality
Want to Help?
Join us at our next event or connect with one of our partner organizations.
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