In 2002, residents from Cleveland's downtown neighborhoods embraced a program to improve good health and growth in their lives, neighborhoods and community.
This effort, known as Building Healthy Communities, started when St. Vincent Charity Medical Center and several partners commissioned a community health survey to provide a broad view of the needs of the Central Neighborhood, where the hospital is located.
Since then, Building Healthy Communities staff members have been working in collaboration with residents and service organizations to extend education and practical tools to Central Neighborhood.
Building Healthy Communities and its broad network of neighborhood partners motivate residents to work together with local organizations for positive change, good health and growth in their own lives, their neighborhoods, and the community through numerous programs, efforts and events.
Programming for all ages includes annual health fairs, Great American Smoke Out events, National Nutrition Month events, health-related Red Hat Society programming, youth employment opportunities, nutrition training and exercise classes, E.M.B.R.A.C.E. (Embracing African Cultural Experiences) events, MyCom after-school activities, and the Garden Boyz urban farm project, which has received support from Reimagining Cleveland.
Building Healthy Communities also presents opportunities for local residents to participate in and advocate for programs related to community diversion and delinquency avoidance. And, it includes leadership training and opportunities to help increase the neighborhood's voter registration, voter participation and understanding of government issues.
Today, the program continues as a grassroots collaboration that supports and empowers residents to address quality of life concerns. It has had a positive effect on hundreds of residents in the Central Neighborhood by providing a vision of what can be, as well as a vehicle for achieving the vision. Major sponsors of the Building Healthy Communities program include Arbor Park Village, Councilwoman Phyllis Cleveland, Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland, Tri-C Metro Campus, Sisters of Charity Health System and St. Vincent Charity Medical Center.
2475 EAST 22ND STREET
CLEVELAND, OH 44115
P: 216.696.5560
Recent Blog Posts
July 29, 2025
Joseph & Mary's Home dedicates relocated and renovated Joseph's Home medical respite facility
Joseph & Mary's Home recently hosted nearly 75 supporters and staff for the blessing and dedication of the relocated Joseph's Home space. When residents move in later in August, Joseph’s Home will be a modernized and 100% handicapped accessible medical respite facility for 11 male residents. Diocese of Cleveland Auxiliary Bishop Michael G. Woost performed the blessing.
June 16, 2025
Joseph & Mary's Home newsletter highlights 2024 outcomes, resident stories and more
The recent issue of The Journey, the biannual newsletter of Joseph & Mary’s Home, features a cover article about Dennis, a Marine veteran who came to Joseph & Mary’s Home after facing both cancer and housing loss. The newsletter also features the 2024 Outcomes Report, an update on the Joseph’s Home Relocation Project construction, donor and staff spotlights, news updates, and more.
April 29, 2025
A Father's Place receives $95,000 grant to prepare young men for fatherhood and life
A Father’s Place (AFP), which is a program of the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families, received a $95,000 grant in March from Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SC Student Loan Corporation. The grant supports AFP’s Reality Check Program, which actively engages both current and yet-to-be fathers in a conversation about making smart choices for their future.
April 21, 2025
Work of Healthy Learners highlighted in Index-Journal article
The Index-Journal in Greenwood, South Carolina, recently highlighted the work of Healthy Learners as it serves students from K4 through 12th grade across the state, collaborating with school nurses, health care providers and families to assist children who lack adequate access to health care.