Looking Back, Moving Forward Together

A message from HLF's Board President and Executive Director

Dear Lakewood Community, 

As we close out 2025, the Healthy Lakewood Foundation (HLF) reflects on a year of both challenge and transformation. While our nation and community have faced significant uncertainty, we've witnessed the remarkable resilience of Lakewood's nonprofit sector and the unwavering commitment of those who serve our neighbors every day.

This year, HLF awarded $536,405 in grants to 38 organizations working across our community—supporting food security, youth development, health services, housing stability, and the countless other programs that weave the fabric of Lakewood's well-being. Behind these numbers are real people: dedicated staff, tireless volunteers, and community members who support one another, especially when times are hard.

Navigating Uncertainty

The nonprofit sector faces significant headwinds. Federal policy shifts, funding uncertainty, and growing demand for services have created unprecedented operational challenges. Yet nonprofit leaders continue to find creative solutions, sustain critical services, and care for community members with skill and dedication. This work isn't simply charitable—it's the essential infrastructure that helps our community thrive even during times of challenge and uncertainty.

Charting Our Path Forward

In response to community feedback, our Board has developed a new 2026-2029 Strategic Plan and revised Grantmaking Framework that embraces trust-based philanthropy and responsive funding. These changes reflect our commitment to supporting our nonprofit partners with the flexibility and partnership they need to do their work. The Executive Summary of the Strategic Plan can be found on our website and more information about the revised Grantmaking Framework will be announced in January 2026.

Our way forward is together. HLF is committed to supporting Lakewood's nonprofit ecosystem as it navigates these challenging times and adapts our practices to honor the expertise and lived experience in this work.

None of this would be possible without our 16-member Board, whose thoughtful leadership guides our funding and strategy, and our dedicated grantee partners who do the daily work of building and reinforcing community health and well-being.

As we enter 2026, we do so with clear eyes about the challenges ahead—and with deep confidence in this community's capacity to care for one another. Thank you for all you do.

With gratitude and hope,

Becca Baas

Board President

Kate Ingersoll

Executive Director

The Healthy Lakewood Foundation (HLF) is currently recruiting new board members. The ideal candidates will join our diverse board in service to the Lakewood community.

We ask that those interested apply with a commitment to supporting diverse perspectives in grantmaking. We actively seek board members who bring varied backgrounds, lived experiences, skills, and knowledge to examine community challenges and opportunities. Our board and staff ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion remain central to governance.

For this cycle, we are recruiting both Lakewood residents and non-residents. To be considered, please apply by January 8, 2026. For more information and to apply, visit: https://healthylakewoodfoundation.org/board/

Thank you, Trish Rooney!

HLF extends a heartfelt thank you to Trish Rooney, as she retires from 17 years of committed service to Lakewood Community Services Center (LCSC). Trish's leadership at LCSC has been characterized by remarkable resilience and a steadfast dedication to the dignity of everyone served. Under her guidance, LCSC has grown into a comprehensive resource center that maximizes available resources to tackle housing insecurity and food access for thousands of Lakewood residents. Trish's profound understanding of her clients and the obstacles they encounter has fueled her vision to transform LCSC into a place where community members can access a range of services – from emergency food aid and rental assistance to homelessness prevention and case management. Her innovative programs, including a local summer camp, a community garden at Madison Park, End Hunger in Lakewood Day, and chef-led À La Carte events, showcase her holistic approach to community wellness that goes well beyond addressing immediate needs.



When the Covid-19 pandemic threatened to disrupt LCSC's vital work, Trish and her dedicated team showed remarkable resilience and flexibility. Within just three days of the stay-at-home order, LCSC reopened using a drive-thru and walk-up model, becoming one of the few food centers open in Cleveland and the only one operating five days a week. By September, the center had shifted to 100% home delivery, making sure that seniors, single parents, and people with disabilities could safely get food assistance. Today, LCSC offers door-to-door delivery to over 1,000 households twice a month. Trish consistently credits her staff, volunteers, and community partners for the success of LCSC’s efforts. Her legacy is built on tireless advocacy, creative problem-solving, and a lasting commitment to ensuring Lakewood's most vulnerable residents receive respectful and compassionate support.

To learn more about Lakewood Community Services Center, visit https://www.lcsclakewood.org/.

HLF also extends a warm thank you to Ian Andrews for his 14 years of dedicated service to LakewoodAlive, Lakewood's local nonprofit community development organization. Ian's leadership at LakewoodAlive has been marked by steady dedication to strengthening neighborhoods, supporting small businesses, and nurturing the community spirit that defines Lakewood. Under his direction, LakewoodAlive has grown into a trusted resource, expanding its impact across three key areas: the Housing Outreach Program serving low-to-moderate income residents, signature community events like the Lakewood Summer Meltdown and Light Up Lakewood, and commercial corridor revitalization through small business support, public art, and streetscape beautification. Ian's vision of LakewoodAlive as an organization that "fills the gaps" between the public and private sectors has been realized through tangible impacts – from helping business owners find new spaces to ensuring residents have working furnaces during cold winters.

Ian’s commitment to community development earned him recognition as a Crain's Cleveland Business 40 Under 40 Honoree in 2018 and as a Crain’s Notable Leader in Philanthropy in 2025. Ian will transition to a new role with the City of Lakewood, where his expertise and dedication will continue serving our city. His tenure at LakewoodAlive is one of strengthening community connections, creating opportunities for economic vitality, and demonstrating that thoughtful leadership makes a real difference. 

To learn more about LakewoodAlive, visit https://www.lakewoodalive.org/.

About the Healthy Lakewood Foundation

The Healthy Lakewood Foundation (HLF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit public charity. HLF was created to ensure remaining assets from the conversion of the Lakewood Hospital continue to benefit the residents of the City of Lakewood. HLF’s grantmaking addresses the social determinants of health, the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age in Lakewood, Ohio. HLF’s mission is to advance programs, policies, and practices that inspire a Lakewood community in which health and well-being are reflected in all aspects of life. 

To contact HLF, please visit our website or email info@healthylakewoodfoundation.org.