Last fall we welcomed Jen to the Transplant House team as our new Social Work Manager. We had been without a social worker since April and felt the need for one acutely. We are so thrilled to have Jen on the Transplant House team and so many guests have already benefitted from her presence, warmth, and expertise.

In addition to her professional experience, Jen brings to the House a deep and personal understanding of what it means to be on the transplant journey. Jen was herself a guest at the House for seven months, caregiving a friend through a double-lung transplant and this has shaped her approach to social work.

Although from Virginia, she enjoys many aspects of Cleveland and the surrounding area. Before joining Transplant House's staff, Jennifer worked in various roles supporting individuals and families in mental health settings across Virginia in hospitals and community programs. She earned her undergraduate degree in Social Work from Sacred Heart University and an M.S.W. from Fordham University. Beyond her professional life, she cherishes time with her family and enjoys hiking, kayaking, traveling, painting, quilting, and spending time with her labrador, Goose.

Our Navigating the Caregiver's Journey Group is open to all caregivers of transplant patients, whether you have stayed with us or not.

Each Monday from 4-5PM, join Jen, volunteers, and fellow caregivers for a community gathering of those who understand the challenges of caregiving. All caregivers are invited to join by zoom from anywhere, or if you are staying at the Transplant House, you can join us live in the programming side living room.

Our 2026 Events Calendar is Filling Up — Don't Miss Out!

• FREE Open House Event April 10th — Join us for Donate Life Blue & Green Day!
• Our 5K Run/1 Mile Walk returns Sunday, June 14th in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens — Stayed Tuned for a Registration Link!
• FREE Open House Event July 23rd — Come Celebrate our 12th Birthday!


Keep an eye out for more event announcements soon!

Open to Ages 14 and Up

Summer may seem very, very far away right now, but our team is already thinking ahead to warmer weather and the start of our Summer Youth Volunteer Program (Ages 14+)!

Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of nonprofit management and operations by shadowing staff, taking part in staff meetings, and helping us with special projects throughout the summer. Best of all, the volunteer work they do will have an immediate and significant impact on the lives of our guest families.

Interested in learning more? Download the informational flyer or reach out to our team at

volunteer@transplanthouseofcleveland.org

Guests Holly and Danny were voted this year's winners!

Candice Monroe, heart recipient and creator of the cook-off.

The 9th Annual Chili Cook-Off!

House guests Holly (caregiver) and Danny (liver recipient) are the winners of our Annual Chili Cook-off! Guests, Board members, staff, volunteers, and friends of the House tasted the chili recipies and voted Holly and Danny's as the winner. The prize? Bragging rights and our famous, handmade Chili Cook-off trophy.

Danny has an incredible transplant story too — his liver transplant at Cleveland Clinic was done completely robotically!

The event was filled with warmth, community, delicious food, and plenty of smiling faces. Thank you to the volunteers and community friends who came out and everyone who contributed a pot of chili. We are especially appreciative of Board member and heart recipient Candice Monroe, who envisioned this event 9 years ago as a way to bring our community together. This year marks 24 years since Candice's heart transplant at age 15 and we are grateful for her empassioned support of the families who call this House their home-away-from-home.

Thank You, Candy!

If you've followed us for awhile, you'll probably recognize Candy Driscoll, a longtime volunteer and friend of the House. Candy often strops by throughout the year with homemade goodies for our guests. She is also a vital part of the committee for our 5K each year.

Recently, she brought a delicious date and walnut cake for our guests to enjoy! We are so appreciative of Candy whose generous spirit has an impact on the families who call this House home.

A Gift from the Heart

We love these heart art bags lovingly hand decorated by patients of Courtney Miller! Courtney is a physician therapist at the Cleveland Clinic who works with individuals who are recovering post-stroke or have been diagnosed with dementia. Art projects are part of the theraputic process and we are grateful Courtney thought of Transplant House and our guests as recipients for these bags and the many household supplies they thoughtfully contained.

More Happenings around the House:

• A Year of Bell Ringings
• Dinner from Congregation Mishkan Or
• Volunteer Help During a Snowstorm
• Thank You, Joanie — French Onion Soup Donation for Guests
• Chili Cook-off Photos
• Heart Art from Courney Miller and her Patients
• Thank You, Heine Family
• Super Bowl Party at THoC