Parents are always thinking of their children: how to feed, clothe, teach, and comfort them. That pressure exponentially increases when you are also fleeing from an abusive partner with no support system.
Jess needs somewhere to stay after living out of her car with her three children. The seats make uncomfortable beds, and she can only keep the heat running for so long before her battery runs out. It’s difficult to feel safe in a parking lot or garage, but it feels much safer to her than living another night with her abusive partner.
“FrontLine’s work reaches so many individuals at some of the very worst times of their lives. FrontLine workers never turn their head, but rather do all they can to help. Connecting people to the resources without judgement is foundational to FrontLine’s work.” - Jeanine Nemecek
“I hold a deep concern for humanity and firmly believe that every individual deserves access to mental wellness resources and the hope it offers, especially during the darkest moments. FrontLine plays a crucial role in providing this to our community.” - Christine Oblak
Christine Oblak and Jeanine Nemecek are on the FrontLine Service board of directors. Jeanine has been involved with FrontLine since 2010 and Christine has been involved since 2016.
“Aligning with FrontLine Service was a natural and compelling choice due to our shared commitment to addressing societal challenges…Through collaboration, I’m privileged to play a role in advancing the collective mission of healing and empowerment.”
Guy Vincent is a contemporary artist and art instructor who has been involved with FrontLine in art and community projects since 2018.
On a bright but frigid Thursday afternoon, residents at Harper’s Pointe, a Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) site, gather in the community room to begin their monthly art workshop. Art instructor and local professional artist, Guy Vincent, introduces the activity of decorating small paper craft boxes, offering coloring supplies, old magazines, glue, and scissors to decorate the boxes however they like.
FrontLine Service has increased staffing for crisis chat and text services to respond to the growing number of individuals reaching out for help through messaging, especially adolescents and young adults.
FrontLine’s Crisis team provides 24/7/365 support to people experiencing suicidal ideation, emotional distress, substance use challenges, or a mental health crisis.
The road to mental health recovery is not a straight line. It takes many twists and turns, with success looking different for every person. When an individual’s condition changes, FrontLine staff do not give up but look for additional ways to support those who are struggling.
“I have been extremely fortunate to have stable housing and a strong support system throughout my entire life. I am a firm believer that everyone deserves to have safe housing where they truly feel at home.”
Macayla Dowling is a case manager for Permanent Supportive Housing and has worked at FrontLine Service since June 2022.
David considered the end of his 30-year prison sentence a starting line rather than a finish line.
After his release, David struggled to live in a world he hadn't seen in decades. He felt completely lost filling out online applications for jobs and housing and navigating the Internet and smartphones. However, he felt determined to rebuild his life after incarceration without relying on others.
“My guiding belief is that the more talent, time, and treasure one has been given, the greater the responsibility to one’s fellow man. For me, that place is FrontLine Service.”
Rich Robins has served on FrontLine Service's Board of Directors for 20+ years.
How do you find someone who needs help but has no address or consistent phone number and experiences severe symptoms of mental illness?
Randy, who had been unhoused for seven years, usually stayed at Public Square or by the tracks near West 25th Street. He was often nonverbal, he moved frequently, and he experienced hallucinations, delusions, depression, and mania.
“I work at Frontline to make a difference. Frontline works with the most marginalized and voiceless individuals in the community and is a voice for the voiceless. I have always had a passion for helping people and sticking up for the most vulnerable. Seeing someone prevail and defy the odds is what we live for as workers in this field. At Frontline, we have a chance to see our clientele defy the odds daily.”
- Bill Kelly is the Program Manager for Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) / Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Outreach Team and has worked with FrontLine since 2013.
By supporting FrontLine Service, you are reaching out to children like Mia, who at 8 years old had to call 911 when her mother overdosed. Michael, a FrontLine therapist, helped Mia understand that she is not bad, and that her anger and outbursts are natural reactions to the traumatic events she experienced.
“When they come through the door, in that moment, there is so much going on in their life that is all jumbled up in their head… you really don’t know where to start. North Point is where you can start over and find direction again.”
“People tend to look down on others who do not look or act the way they expect. All of us have a heart, breathe the same air, and bleed the same blood. We should care for others, especially those who are in need of extra support, because everyone needs someone, and we cannot survive alone.”
— Treveya Franklin is the Operations Manager of North Point and has been working at FrontLine since 2014.
Ask any parent and they will tell you how hard it is to keep your children happy and healthy. But what happens when you don’t have a home to raise them in, or when you suffer from mental illness?
“With employment people think about money, but that’s never the main motivator for our clients—it’s about being part of the community.”
Samantha McKenzie Program Manager, Supported Employment
We tend to think of employment as a paycheck—but for most of us, it means more. Employment provides belonging and a sense of contributing to society. For people with histories of homelessness, extensive trauma, and mental illness, employment can also promote recovery and stability.
“Many of our clients have literally hit rock bottom, ended up unhoused, and were resilient enough to rebuild their lives. It’s an honor to serve them, cheer for them, and support their journeys.”
Tara Gower has been a Permanent Supportive Housing Program Manager since February 2023.
This fall, five FrontLine Service staff will attend Case Western Reserve University (Case) Weekend Program with up to 50% reduced tuition towards earning their master's degree in social work at the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences.
