Front Steps Featured in Cleveland Magazine

Executive Director Sherri Brandon had the opportunity to sit down with Cleveland Magazine to talk about how FSHS has been able to provide homeless individuals with shelter and programs that help get them back on their feet. Read the story here.  

Sherri Brandon, executive director, is working to expand the reach of Front steps’ programs and services throughout the community.

SOAR Employment

Graduation Class and Instructors, January 25, 2017

The SOAR Employment Training Program helps Front Steps clients obtain employment. Programs and services include the following:

• Workforce Readiness Workshop (time management and goal setting, resume writing and interview skills, job search skills, job training and shadowing)

• Job Coaching (employer relations, ongoing support and retention)

Evidence-based Practice: Assisting individuals with disabilities in finding and maintaining meaningful competitive jobs of their choice in the community.

Workforce Readiness: Promotes best practices in job readiness training and content in addition to industry-specific training and instruction on the expectations of employers and co-workers in the work environment. Class sizes are small to provide the opportunity for personal attention and additional instructional help when needed.

Services: Resume Writing, conflict resolution, interview preparation, mock interviews, job search, and more!

Pam's Story

Resident Spotlight

Pam on the day of her workforce readiness graduation

After only being at Front Steps for a few months, Pam has already made a significant impact on both staff and fellow residents.

Since a young age, Pam always had a job and was able to support her family, including her children who are now 26, 19 and 18. Her most recent position was a nursing home housekeeper, which lasted eight years until she was unexpectedly laid off in 2013. With no income, Pam could no longer keep her apartment, so she resorted to staying with friends and family. Once she wore out her welcome, Pam went to the Norma Herr Women’s Homeless Shelter.
 
Pam doesn’t have many good memories from her two years spent at Norma Herr. She shared a room with twenty other women, had little to no privacy and never felt comfortable or at home. While at Norma Herr, Pam started attending the Art Therapy Program at Front Steps. After interacting with Front Steps resident and staff, she decided she would make every effort to make Front Steps her next home and that is exactly what she did.
 
Pam became an official Front Steps resident in May of 2015. Since then she has graduated from the Workforce Readiness Workshop, continues to participate in the Art Therapy Program and tries to take advantage of the other programs as much as she can. Pam feels that Front Steps has given her the opportunity to work on herself, while gaining necessary skills and experience.  Pam is currently applying and interviewing for jobs. Once she is stable in her employment, she plans to move out onto her own again.
 
Pam credits Front Steps staff and residents for helping her be where she is today – happy, healthy and hopeful about the future. She considers the staff and residents her family and is not sure where she would be without them. Pam continues to be a true inspiration to those at Front Steps and we are excited to see what her future holds! 

Pam's Favorites:

Book: Anything by Stephen King
Movie: Any horror movie
Cleveland landmark: Tower City
Food: Seafood
Color: Royal Blue
Music: Jazz
Hobby: Cooking
Destination: Las Vegas
Holiday: 4th of July

Will's Story

Will enjoying social hour at Front Steps

Front Steps resident, Will Johnson, said the biggest things he has learned while residing at Front Steps is patience and perseverance. 

He believes these are life lessons that are helping him achieve his goals now and for the rest of his life. Will was born in Cleveland, grew up in a suburb of Columbus and returned to Cleveland years later. After struggling to maintain stable housing, Will found himself at 2100 Lakeside Emergency Men's Shelter in downtown Cleveland. From there he was referred to the Y Haven program, where upon graduation, he was placed at Front Steps Housing and Services in February of 2014.

“Front Steps allowed me to get my life back.”

— Will Johnson

In the past Will had struggled with a career path, changing majors three times while attending college. It was with encouragement from his mother, who said he needed to use his artistic talent before he lost it, that he decided to go to Cosmetology School. Will had always done hair, makeup and nails as a hobby, but decided to turn his passion into a career. After attending Cosmetology School full-time from January-December of 2014, Will passed his Cosmetology test with flying colors on March 17, 2015. Will is now working full-time at The Hair Extensions! in Euclid and is excited to continue fulfilling his passion. Eventually Will plans to open his own salon, but understands that this again will take a lot of patience and perseverance.

 Will credits Front Steps staff and fellow residents as the reason he is where he is today. Not only does Front Steps provide a roof over his head, but also offers many services, which Will took full advantage of including Health and Wellness, Group Fitness, Morning Reflection and Art Therapy. His favorite program has been Art Therapy, where he feels he can really let go and let his artistic energy out. Now that Will feels like he is in a good spot and has achieved many of his goals, he sees himself as a role model for his fellow residents. He is proud that his accomplishments act as an inspiration for others. Will is a perfect example of why Front Steps is important to our community. Will was given a chance and is paying it forward every day. We are extremely proud of him! 

WILL'S FAVORITES

• Favorite color: Black
• Favorite movie: 50 Shades of Gray
• Favorite music: R&B, gospel
• Favorite food: Soul Food and Ohio City Burrito
• Favorite activity: Art Therapy
• Favorite thing about Front Steps: Plenty of resources