Introducing the 2023 LIFT Cohort!
It is with great pleasure that we introduce to you our LIFT Cohort for 2023. These individuals have called on their faith and use their talents to nourish those around them. As mouthpieces of God, the leaders of these five organizations pour into their community and are allowing Building Hope in the City to walk alongside the process with them.
LIFT is a ministry of Building Hope in the City that centers around supporting the work, effectiveness, and overall growth of these local leaders of faith. In its sophomore year, LIFT is helping to develop the capacity of work that these five organizations can accomplish in their respective communities.
In Isaiah 6, the prophet Isaiah begins his ministry following a vision of the Lord asking "whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" and Isaiah, without hesitation, volunteers. He willingly serves the God who has forgiven and saved him.
Our fearless ‘Leaders In Faith Together’ strongly embody that of Isaiah as they are mouthpieces of God to their communities and those they serve through their ministries. “
Advancing the good of the city is musically driven non-profit and first 2023 LIFT Cohort member we’d like you to meet, Renovare. Rebecca Shasberger and Laila Mangione maintain their mission to “love our neighbor, affirm the value of all people, and cultivate reconciled communities.” They do so by sharing their talents to those underserved in the Cleveland area.
Second, Fun T.E.C (Therapy Enrichment Center) founded by Yolanda Latham, joined LIFT as a cohort member to connect with others with a similar mission, and to continue to serve children who have experienced trauma and adversity. It is through Fun T.E.C that children use the arts as a resource for healing and overcoming various challenges.
Wesley Fluellen is the founder of our next LIFT 2023 organization, Fundamentals First Basketball Club. He offers a safe space for youth around the world to discover their purpose and reach personal goals through sports and movement. We are excited to see how God uses Wesley to teach the youth of his community and for him to grow in his leadership.
Next, Feeding Souls Ministries, founded by Brian Jurek and Michael Haag, is the definition of a ‘boots on the ground’ organization. We are so blessed to witness them as they nourish the bodies of our neighbors who need it most— those who are lost, the marginalized and those who often go unnoticed. Their hands are busy, their hearts are kind, and their leadership is growing as we work with them.
Free the City from founder Brandon Beckwith seeks to develop the minds and faith of youth in East Cleveland through enrichment programming and mentoring.
A key part of Building Hope in the City’s mission is the “advance the good of our city.” Through initiatives such as LIFT, we’re extending support beyond our core programs and blessing other faith-forward leaders in their calling. Together, the Body of Christ can bridge long-held divides in our city and create a dynamic network of Christian leaders and efforts.
Why not join us? All of these LIFT participants and their organizations need your prayer and volunteer support. To learn more about how to volunteer with BHITC by amplifying the good work of these LIFT leaders, contact David Van Hal, BHITC’s Manager of Ministry Engagement: David@buildinghopeinthecity.org.
Supporting these five faith ventures in 2023 is a great way to immerse yourself in new contexts where God is moving, to stretch your faith and show these leaders their work matters.
