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By Sarai Murdock
New Era Cleveland, a grassroots organization focused on violence prevention and community activism, has received a $150,000 grant from the Saint Luke’s Foundation, part of a $1.7 million funding initiative awarded to 20 local organizations.
This marks the first time New Era Cleveland has received a six-figure grant, a milestone for the organization, which has historically operated with minimal funding.
“We have a major responsibility as a grassroots organization to set the tempo and prove we can be trusted with this funding,” said Chairman Fahiem, who leads the group. “We’ve been producing results with no funding, so now it’s time to show what we can do with it.”
New Era Cleveland operates in neighborhoods such as Buckeye, Woodhill, Kinsman, and Mt. Pleasant, providing emergency assistance, violence intervention, and youth development programs.
Community Impact and Core Programs
New Era Cleveland works to meet immediate community needs, providing resources for families facing financial hardship, eviction, and violence-related trauma:
- Emergency relief: Food distribution, housing assistance, and crisis response
- Youth development: Mentorship programs and work with juvenile detention centers
- Violence intervention: Community patrols, missing persons recovery, and trauma support
The organization has provided meals to 250,000 families and assisted in recovering six missing children in recent years.
In one case, New Era Cleveland helped locate a 12-year-old girl who had run away and was exposed to violence. The group worked with local residents and law enforcement to bring her home safely.
“We built trust in the neighborhood, and that got us the information we needed to find her,” Fahiem said. “We reminded people—this could be your little sister.”
New Era Cleveland also partners with The Love Project Movement, led by President Austreeia Everson, which provides mental health support and holistic healing programs for families in crisis.
Empowering Youth Through Leadership
New Era Cleveland mentors at-risk youth, helping them transition into adulthood.
Rameer Askew, a 19-year-old freshman at Cleveland State University, joined New Era Cleveland as a mentee and was recently promoted to mentor. Inspired by his experience, he launched New Era Scholars, a program aimed at engaging students in community service and activism.
“Being conscious means understanding your responsibilities and working toward fulfilling them,” Askew said.
Starting in February, New Era Scholars will:
- Mentor high school students
- Address social issues on campus
- Create safe spaces for young men and women to discuss trauma and healing
- “They created a space where I could be myself,” Askew said. “Seeing Chairman Fahiem be vulnerable for his people made me realize—it’s okay to be vulnerable as a man.”
- Grant to Fund Community Hub for Resources
New Era Cleveland plans to use the grant to establish a community clubhouse, where residents can access multiple services under one roof.
“We’re creating a hub where people can come in and get what they need—whether it’s food, clothing, mental health support, or job training,” Fahiem said.
The “one-stop shop” will include:
- Food pantry and community closet
- Mental health and trauma response services
- Art rooms for creative expression
New Era Cleveland: Building a Stronger Community
As part of its mission to uplift and empower Cleveland residents, New Era Cleveland is launching several new initiatives aimed at fostering creativity, self-care, and economic growth. The organization will introduce a digital content studio for podcasting and music production, a cultural library, and a salon loft for self-care services. Additionally, pop-up shops and community events will provide local entrepreneurs with opportunities to showcase their businesses. The clubhouse is set to open in March 2025 and will welcome all Cleveland residents.
Training and Safety Measures
Given the nature of their work, New Era Cleveland equips its members with essential skills to ensure community safety and preparedness. Training includes firearm safety and de-escalation techniques, CPR and trauma response, conflict resolution, and emergency response, often supported by social workers and medics. Volunteers can take on leadership roles as they gain experience within the organization.
Commitment to the Community
New Era Cleveland’s mission is driven by a deep love for the people they serve.
“We lead with love. Everything we do is because we love our people,” said Fahiem, a key organizer. “They can count on us, no matter what.”
With additional funding and a growing network of partners, the organization aims to create lasting, transformative change in Cleveland’s communities.
How to Get Involved
To follow New Era Cleveland’s work or support their initiatives, visit their website or social media pages for updates on events and volunteer opportunities.
