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GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT - YOUTH DEVELOPMENT & MENTORING
COMMUNITY HEALTH - RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMING
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SPRING EDITION
APRIL 2026 E-NEWS
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TWO IMPORTANT NLC ALUMNI EVENTS
SCHEDULED FOR APRIL
NLI invites the alumni of Neighborhood Leadership Cleveland (NLC) to join us for two of our premier annual events, each designed to strengthen civic engagement, community leadership, and collaborative impact across the City of Cleveland.
The first evening will feature our Annual City Hall Visit, where the current cohort, Class 42, will observe and engage with Cleveland City Council meeting proceedings. This experience provides participants with valuable exposure to municipal governance, public policy, and the decision-making processes that directly influence neighborhood development, community empowerment, and equitable outcomes throughout our city. There is FREE parking on the top level behind City Hall.
The second evening will be hosted at NLI and will highlight the NLC Class 42 Group Presentations. During this session, participants will present comprehensive analyses of pressing community issues, accompanied by innovative, solution-driven strategies aimed at fostering sustainable change, strengthening neighborhoods, and advancing collective community well-being. These presentations reflect a deep commitment to civic responsibility, grassroots leadership, and transformative community impact.
Food and refreshments will be provided at both events. We look forward to reconnecting with our valued alumni as we continue to build a stronger, more engaged, and resilient community together.
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NOW HIRING!
WE'RE SEEKING FACILITATORS FOR THE TRUE2U SUMMER LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
Apply today to be an SLA Facilitator! Seasonal, part-time positions are available for this summertime student leadership program that is an extension of the True2U program. We are seeking enthusiastic individuals to engage with scholars and lead curriculum activities. To apply, visit the Indeed job posting linked below.
All applications must be submitted via Indeed by Monday, April 20th, at 5:00 p.m.
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JOIN US FOR THE PATTISON PARK
CLEAN-UP ON MAY 2
Neighborhood Leadership Institute is proud to invite residents, families, and community supporters to join us for our annual Pattison Park Clean-up in the City of East Cleveland.
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Pattison Park
1115 Thornhill Drive
East Cleveland, Ohio 44112
Since NOAH was integrated into Neighborhood Leadership Institute in 2023, we have continued a long-standing commitment to caring for this important community space. Collectively, this marks our 11th year maintaining and improving Pattison Park. This cleanup is about more than beautification. It reflects our shared pride in East Cleveland and our commitment to creating a clean, safe, and welcoming outdoor space for families, young people, fitness, and community enjoyment.
Everyone who wants to help keep our neighborhood strong and beautiful is welcome to attend. We hope you will come out and join us.
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NLI WELCOMES TONY STALLWORTH AS NEW PROGRAM MANAGER OF COMMUNITY EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
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Antonio Devon Stallworth is a dedicated community leader, educator, and faith-driven servant based in Greater Cleveland, Ohio. With over two decades of experience in corporate management and operations, he brings a strategic, results-oriented approach to leadership while maintaining a deep commitment to community empowerment and development.
Tony currently serves as NLI's Program Manager of Community Education & Community Engagement and leads initiatives that equip residents with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to create meaningful change in their communities. Passionate about leadership development and civic engagement, he works to bridge gaps, foster collaboration, and inspire individuals to lead with purpose and integrity.
Grounded in service and driven by impact, Tony continues to champion programs and partnerships that strengthen neighborhoods, elevate voices, and build a more connected and empowered community.
Please join us in welcoming Tony to the staff!
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CONGRATULATIONS TO DEE SPEARMAN
ON HER RETIREMENT!
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NLI offers a huge congratulations and thank you to Dee Spearman on her retirement. After 11+ years at NLI, Dee is wrapping up her work as Office Manager. She'll be in the office through April, assisting with transition issues, but after that we will miss her smiling face, which was always there to greet us each workday. Best wishes to you, Dee!
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THE PRIMARY ELECTION IS MAY 5TH
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The primary election in Cuyahoga County is on Tuesday May 5th. Are you prepared? Voting resources, including poll locations, sample ballots and other important information is available at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections website.
Click here to learn more about this upcoming election.
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THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR
TRUE2U VOLUNTEERS!
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April is Volunteer Appreciation Month!
To our incredible True2U mentors, thank you for the care and dedication you so generously give to our scholars. Volunteer Appreciation Month is a special opportunity to celebrate and recognize the powerful impact of those who give their time, share their experiences, and lead with compassion to strengthen our communities. It is also a reminder that every contribution matters.
Through your commitment, True2U mentors build relationships that inspire confidence and expand possibilities for the future. Because of you, our scholars feel seen, supported, and empowered to lead with purpose.
We celebrate you and are truly grateful for the lasting difference you make.
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COMING SOON - SUMMER TENNIS!
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NLI's Summer Tennis Program is scheduled to begin the second week of June. So to all those tennis players out there, please note that the online registration will open during the first week of May to help streamline the process and improve accessibility for families. This program is open to children from the ages of 8-17 and takes place at numerous tennis courts around the city.
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TRUE2U:
2025/2026 MENTORING PROGRAM WRAPPING UP
We celebrate and thank all of our dedicated and passionate mentors who volunteer their time to connect with and make a lasting impact on our CMSD youth!
The True2U Mentoring Program is nearing completion for the CMSD 2025–2026 school year!
As we approach Session 7: Finale Celebration, mentors and their 8th-grade scholars will:
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- Reflect on their True2U journey
- Explore the impact of the impressions they make on others
- Create vision boards for their future
- Hear from CMSD programs to help prepare for their transition to high school
This final session is a meaningful opportunity to celebrate growth, build confidence, and inspire the next steps in each scholar’s journey.
Interested in making a difference? Learn more about the True2U Mentoring Program and how you can join us as a volunteer mentor. Your time and guidance can have a lasting impact on a scholar’s future. Applications are now being accepted for the 2026-2027 CMSD school year.
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TRUE2U:
SUMMER LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
We are gearing up for the Summer Leadership Academy (SLA)! Scholars were nominated by their True2U mentors and will have the opportunity to participate in this exciting experience designed to prepare them for high school and beyond. In partnership with Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U), SLA offers a paid, 6-week summer work experience focused on leadership development.
Here's your opportunity to DONATE! You can help set our rising 9th-graders up for success. Support SLA scholars by clicking below and contributing to our Amazon Wishlist.
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SCHOOLS AS NEIGHBORHOOD RESOURCES:
SNR WRAPS UP ITS 2025/2026 SCHOOL YEAR
We successfully wrapped up SNR programming with over 1,000 registrations across all six sites. Participation remained strong throughout the year, and we continued to provide consistent, high-quality programming to youth and families across the City of Cleveland.
Also, Youth Leadership Cleveland (YLC) concludes on May 30th with our final culmination celebration. This has been a very engaging year, supported by a number of impactful guest speakers and coaches who contributed to the overall growth and development of our youth participants.
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COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB:
NLI's popular Community Book Club will complete reading and discussing Weathering: The Extraordinary Stress of Ordinary Life in an Unjust Society by Arline T. Geronimus later this month. We will soon have an announcement for the next Book Club selection. Stay tuned!
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LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT:
NLC CLASS 42 PREPARES FOR GROUP PROJECT PRESENTATIONS
As noted above, Class 42 is nearing the end of its leadership training program. NLC traditionally holds Group presentations where participants present their research and findings on various community challenges and propose potential solutions. These will take place on April 30th at 6:00 pm at the NLI offices. For more details, you may contact Tony Stallworth at 216.812.8700 ext 215 or email him at tony@neighborhoodleadership.org
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Neighborhood Leadership Institute is a leading community engagement organization in Cleveland, Ohio. We impact the city through our work in: Grassroots Leadership Development, Youth Development & Mentoring, Community Health and Recreational Programming.
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