Acknowledgements

Cleveland 230

A black and white portrait of a smiling older woman with shoulder-length hair, wearing earrings and a jacket, set against a decorative blue background with white speckles, and a graphic red and white curved design at the bottom.

Our founder, Jan Thrope has been recognized by the Cleveland Public Library for her civic contributions in the Cleveland 230 list of individuals whose work, leadership, and impact reflect the spirit and strength of our city!

Jan Thrope is a “motivational listener”. For years she has walked through Cleveland and East Cleveland listening to residents’ visions for stronger communities. Inspired by those conversations, she wrote the award-winning book “Inner Visions: Grassroots Stories of Truth and Hope” and founded a grassroots initiative that that turns residents’ ideas into action through relationship-building, resource sharing, micro-loans and giving circles. Since 2012, over 1,600 people have participated. Her signature Ride-Along program takes guests to meet neighborhood change-makers focusing on possibilities rather than problems. She also created Reverse Ride-Along, where police cadets ride with residents to replace suspicion with trust. Approximately 600 cadets and 5,000 community members have participated.

In 2022, Jan walked Ohio’s portion of the Underground Railroad and helped create an app sharing stories of freedom seekers. Her second book, “Healing the Space Between Us,” explores lessons she’s learned through activism.