New Logo. Same Mission.

Big Plans Call for Big Changes at The City Mission

Hear from our CEO, Rich Trickel, and continue reading below to learn about exciting plans in store for The City Mission and the men, women, and children we serve.

New Logo, Same Mission: An Open Letter to the Cleveland Community

Dear Cleveland,

For the past 107+ years, The City Mission has developed a reputation and relationship with our community based on integrity and stewardship. While we’re proud that this city is advancing in economic, educational, and social opportunities, we’ve also seen the need for The City Mission’s services increase. In fact, the Mission is the only organization in Cleveland that provides long-term, wraparound services, empowering men, women, and children to break the cycle of poverty.

Some of you reading this letter may know the depth and breadth of what we offer to men, women and children, but many in our community still view The City Mission as a drop-in center – a one-dimensional place to grab a free meal or spend the night.

The truth is, we understand that recovery and change do not happen for an individual overnight, which is why most of our guests at both Laura’s Home Women’s Crisis Center and Crossroads Men’s Crisis Center stay with us 6+ months to complete our life-changing programs.

Every day, 110+ men at Crossroads and 155+ women and children at Laura’s Home are engaged in life-changing programming. Children are cared for in a safe, loving environment. Men and women participate in life-skills classes, continuing education, group therapy, and more, so that they’re prepared to independently care for themselves and their families.

Our ministry did not begin in 1910 with these advanced wraparound services. For over 100 years, The City Mission constantly adapted our programs to meet the needs of our community. In the 1930’s, we helped families and individuals weather the Great Depression. In the 1950’s, we instituted a cutting edge long-term program for men. In the 1980’s, we opened Cleveland’s first shelter for women. And in the 21st century, we’re providing transformational care for hundreds of our hurting neighbors. As we look toward the future, we desire to represent who we are today – relevant and faithful to clients and supporters alike.

In July, we launched our new logo. Our prayer is that this will rally our city to do something about the widespread desperation we see in our communities today – especially amongst women and children.

Continue reading for a preview of why we made this change and check out the video above for a more complete response to this update.

What our new logo represents

Our new logo is made up of three distinct components that portray The City Mission of the 21st century.

1. Commitment to sharing the Gospel of Grace

The cross points to the idea that The City Mission was founded as a Christian organization, and we will always share Christ’s hope and forgiveness with our clients. The Bible directs our decisions, and our staff is held to the highest standards of love and kindness. We live this out practically by following our mission to provide help and hope to all people through the transforming power of God’s love.

2. Connection to Cleveland

The building elements express that The City Mission is committed to Cleveland and collaborating with the people who call this city home. These invaluable partnerships reveal themselves in our relationships with the Church, our clients, and our community. We do not simply seek to serve the city of Cleveland, but to truly be a part of it.

3. Catalyst for transformation

The house represents our goal for every client – that they would not only recover, but also move forward into stability and community. Moving someone from homelessness to housed is not enough. True transformation is moving someone from homelessness to home.

These three elements better reflect the Mission’s role in community. We’re more than a shelter – we’re a program that welcomes every person in the name of breaking cycles of poverty, addiction, and homelessness; and we do that through empowering people with practical help, restored hearts, and sustainable homes.

A final note

I hope you are just as excited for this change as we are, because this new logo represents you just as much as it represents our staff, clients, and ministry. Because of the Cleveland community’s support, transformation is possible. We pray that you’ll continue to partner with us as we consider the future of our service to Cleveland – especially as it relates to the current women and children’s homelessness crisis.

You have likely seen the stories in the news about the massive unable to shelter numbers at Laura’s Home. Our women and children’s program is regularly having to turn away 75+ people every night, because our program is full. Sadly, these families and single women have few other safe options for shelter.

After watching this crisis unfold and increase over the past two years, we’re finally ready to share that The City Mission is preparing to take radical action to assist more people experiencing homelessness. Our plan is to soon begin a capital campaign in order to build a new, larger campus for moms, kids, and single women. The vision for this campus will provide families and individuals with unprecedented opportunity to break generations of poverty and alter the city as a whole. Please consider if you might be interested in partnering with us in this project, and feel free to email our staff with any questions.

Now, we have major work to do. Explore our new website and learn more about our transformational programs and the role you can play in furthering our goal to reach hearts and change lives in Cleveland.

With sincere thanks for all you’ve done and all we will do,

Rev. Richard Trickel

CEO, The City Mission

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