When Kary Jo Gribble, Operations Manager, looks at Cherry Street Mission, she sees a tree – one that has grown deep roots in Toledo's community while continuously branching out to provide new forms of shelter and support. "The trunk of our organization will always be providing shelter and meals," Gribble explains. "But from that foundation, we've grown branches that reach into every aspect of rebuilding lives – from mental health care to Workforce Development to transitional housing."
Candance Buckley, Vice President of Programs and Services, has also watched that tree flourish, even as demand for services has grown 4.2% since 2023.
That growth is perhaps most visible in Cherry Street Mission's cafe, where "radical hospitality" has transformed the traditional soup kitchen model. Here, four dedicated chefs craft weekly menus based on donated ingredients and asking for guest preferences rather than simply handing out pre-plated meals. The approach has proven remarkably successful, with the cafe now serving 200-250 plates per meal. This operation is sustained by a robust network of 1,400 active volunteers, with at least three needed for each meal service.
What makes the cafe possible is the community's generosity, with 85-90 percent of food coming from donations. When there's an abundance, Cherry Street pays it forward, sharing extra supplies with partner organizations and community members in need.
Cherry Street Mission extends its services into Workforce Development, offering an impressive array of professional training programs. In partnership with local educational institutions and businesses, Cherry Street has created a comprehensive Workforce Development program that goes far beyond basic job search assistance.
Participants can enroll in everything from entrepreneurship to cutting-edge AI and project management courses held at the Toledo Tech Loft. Their food truck management classes give participants hands-on opportunities to practice their skills through their own donation-based food truck, Second Helping. A 12-week building trades program, partnering with construction companies and unions like Lathrop, gives students hands-on experience. The students are even currently renovating a hallway within the building itself.
Technical education opportunities continue to expand, with Owens Community College providing instruction in welding and tool & die manufacturing. Northwest State College leads auto technician training in a dedicated bay, where students learn essential skills like tire rotation and oil changes. Through a partnership with Taylor Auto, students can transition directly into co-op positions that often lead to full-time careers.
"What sets our workforce programs apart is that every technical course includes soft skills training," Carrie Arnold, Vice President of Workforce Development, notes. "We're preparing people for long-term career success."
Cherry Street Mission's commitment to comprehensive care is evident by its partnership with Unison Health, providing on-site mental health services, servicing high acuity guests and its transitional housing program at the Caleb House. These services are accessed through various channels, with 25% of Workforce Development participants coming from Cherry Street’s residential program or the local community. To ensure resources reach those most in need, participants must qualify by being at or below 200% of the poverty guideline.
A recent $12,000 grant from the Toledo Neighborhoods Foundation will support their Community Safety Enhancement Initiative, modernizing security systems and adding classroom monitoring capabilities. "For us, investing in safety is another way we provide care to our community," Buckley explains.
Learn more about the Cherry Street Mission Workforce Development program here: Cherry Street WFD Digital Brochure