Gaining independence: After 34 years, Ben is living on his own
Since age three Ben Hill has lived with autism and other health issues, which prompted his mother, Cindy, to be a full-time caregiver. Now, at age 34, and thanks to technology, Ben is finally on his own, and Cindy is able to enjoy her own independence as well.
Art as activism: Tamir Rice Foundation and SPACES collect art supplies for justice-affected youth
The Tamir Rice Foundation and SPACES have joined forces to collect art supplies for incarcerated youth in an effort to provide a creative and healing outlet to tell their stories.
One vision: MAGNET lays out blueprint for Northeast Ohio’s manufacturing future
Last week MAGNET announced the launch of “Make it Better: A Blueprint for Manufacturing in Northeast Ohio"—a vision to revitalize Northeast Ohio as a leader in high-tech smart manufacturing and creates thousands of new jobs.
Permanent housing development planned for young people transitioning from homelessness
A partnership between Cuyahoga County’s Housing First initiative and A Place 4 Me will create a new $12 million 50-unit permanent supportive housing development for transition-aged youth ages 18 to 24 at risk for or experiencing homelessness.
 
Emotional rollercoaster: Area restauranteurs optimistic about the future, but more help is needed
Cleveland’s bars and restaurants spent the last 15 months scrambling to survive, and even if the recent lifting of health orders brings a surge of business, the region’s restauranteurs will still be seeking help—financial and otherwise—in the coming months.

 
Historical charm: New campaign hopes to bring businesses, residents to Erieview District
Team NEO and the Downtown Cleveland Alliance (DCA) have launched a campaign to bring businesses, tenants, and overall activity to the newly-designated Erieview Historic District.
Buckeye Renaissance: Burten, Bell, Carr develops master plan to boost neighborhood assets
Burten, Bell, Carr Development, which covers four square miles through various eastern Cleveland neighborhoods, is focused on improving Buckeye.
Green Ribbon Coalition resumes dialogues around downtown lakefront development and the stadium
The Green Ribbon Coalition will resume its Possibilities Dialogue forum around an accessible, connected ribbon of neighborhood, community and regional parks, trails, and nature preserves along the Lake Erie waterfront.
Preservation celebration: Cleveland Restoration Society, AIA recognize notable restoration projects
Cleveland Restoration Society's annual Celebration of Preservation awards will take place virtually on Thursday, May 20. Get a sneak peak at some of the winners here.
Spicing things up: Restauranteur Bebenroth is reinventing take out with Keep the Change Collective
After a dark year and making the decision to close Spice Kitchen + Bar, culinary innovator and restauranteur Ben Bebenroth has reinvented the takeout scene with Keep The Change Kitchen Collective.
Photos: The 2021 NFL Draft in Cleveland
The 2021 NFL Draft came to Cleveland this past weekend, and FreshWater managing photographer Bob Perkoski captured some of the highlights in this photo essay.
New MAGNET program designed to boost manufacturing companies’ post-pandemic recovery
The pandemic has been especially tough on small to medium-sized manufacturing companies that have been hit by furloughs, supply chain disruptions, and production shut-downs. MAGNET's new program aims to change this trajectory by providing hands-on consulting and assistance through newly-secured grant funds.
Returning to arts: Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, ioby continue crowdfunding match for third year
The match is on! For the third year in a row, Cuyahoga Arts & Culture and ioby have teamed up to support organizations and residents as they make Cuyahoga County more vibrant through the arts.
Black Cleveland churches host vaccine clinics to protect their flock, and their communities
To combat the racial disparity in COVID-19 vaccinations, several historically Black churches in Cleveland have hosted vaccine clinics since February, through an initiative started by the Greater Cleveland Congregations’ interfaith coalition.
Team players: Cleveland Innovation District is a group effort for local healthcare investment
By working together as a team in the Cleveland Innovation District, the five big local healthcare providers and educators can bring jobs, investment, and breakthrough technologies to the region. 
Praying for an angel: Strangers discover they are a match for a kidney transplant
Twelve years ago, La'Tanya Foster and Christy Crocker did not know each other. But a mutual friend brought two together in a lifesaving friendship.
Vaccination navigation: United Way's 2-1-1 has helped thousands get appointments
A dedicated vaccine helpline through the United Way of Greater Cleveland's 2-1-1 system has helped more than 52,000 area residents get registered for the vaccine, or otherwise answered their questions about vaccination.
Health Department struggles with language barriers and data collection during pandemic
Although Cleveland has made small steps in its communications with non-English speaking residents, it still has not beefed up its bilingual staff—making COVID-19 contract tracing operations difficult. Advocates are working to change the situation.
Criminal justice reform: What is it and why is it important?
Most people want to believe that the criminal justice system will never intersect with their lives. But according to a 2019 report by Cornell University, about 45% of Americans at one time have seen an immediate family member incarcerated.
 
A space of their own: The curtain will rise on LatinUS Theater Company’s Blackbox Theater
LatinUS Theater Company will be the first Latino theater company in Ohio with its own dedicated theater—the Blackbox Theater—when it premiers “La Casa de Bernarda Alba” in September.