Awakening Angels

Mission

We improve the quality of life for children and adults who are affected by Down syndrome, Autism or developmental disabilities. We are dedicated to funding biomedical research, educational initiatives, and social programs to better the lives of many in need.

What was your response to receiving notification that you were a Cy Pres recipient? Were you aware of what Cy Pres was at the time?

We were aware of cy pres and are very excited to be a recipient. We believe it’s a great way to help non-profits that really make a difference.

How did you use the funds to better your mission?

• Biomedical research for Down Syndrome at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine

• Programs and initiatives at the Welcome House which houses 20 adult residents with developmental disabilities

• St. Andre’s Scholar Program at St. Edward High School which provides unique special education opportunity for young men with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

• University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. Because children with Down Syndrome are at a much higher risk of developing blood cancer, specifically Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

• Red Cross. Because children with Down Syndrome are at a higher risk of developing Leukemia and are more likely to need blood and blood products.

• Giving out various grants to individuals & families that are in need for financial assistance while caring for someone with down syndrome, autism, or developmental disabilities.

Any paticular success stories you can share?

Our most recent success story:

Any thoughts on Dworken & Bernstein’s efforts to encourage all law firms to utilize cy pres when possible?

Yes, we agree that other law firms should utilize cy pres so that charitable resources are offered and used effectively. Cy pres is a great option for settlements because it prevents waste and promotes giving back to important causes.

Shoes and Clothes for Kids

www.sc4k.org

Mission

The mission of Shoes and Clothes for Kids is to break barriers to school attendance by providing new shoes, clothes, and school supplies to students in need. 

For 55 years, Shoes and Clothes for Kids (SC4K) has helped children in need in Cuyahoga County get to school by providing new shoes, clothes, and school supplies through a network of schools, distribution partners, and now directly to families at the Community Resource Center. SC4K is the only nonprofit organization delivering these vital services to children year-round in Greater Cleveland. Meeting children's basic needs creates a ripple effect of increased self-esteem, elimination of school attendance barriers, and improvement in academic achievement. Additionally, SC4K provides free school supplies and more to teachers in under-resourced classrooms so that their students are prepared to learn.

In 2023, SC4K distributed new items with a total value of over $3.5M to 28,019 kids in 48 different Greater Cleveland communities; school and classroom supplies valued at $1M were distributed free of charge through 1,812 teacher shopping visits.   

What was your response to receiving notification that you were a Cy Pres recipient? Were you aware of what Cy Pres was at the time?

We were shocked! We didn't think the check was real because it arrived out of the blue, and we had our attorneys double-check that it was legit! We had never heard of cy pres but were thrilled to receive the proceeds, especially since it helped fund and expand our work. A gift of $50,000 is a sizable amount for an organization of our size, so we were delighted to be able to share the news of the donation with our supporters and community.

How did you use the funds to better your mission?

The check from Ohio Lawyers Give Back was a gift from above. We had a very strong demand for shoes, and our donations were running behind projections, so the funds paid for Payless Shoe gift cards and more than filled the shortfall. With the remaining balance, we were able to stock up on closeout shoes and boots for the following year.

Any paticular success stories you can share?

One recipient in foster care with his two brothers remembers receiving packages of brand-new shoes and clothes from us. He said opening the new shoes, shirts, pants and coats was like Christmas morning. They were still wearing shorts and tee shirts (in October) because that is what they came with. And to top it off, they received a backpack full of school supplies they needed. He was thrilled to be able to thank us and pay it forward. He is now a volunteer.

Another story was from a single mother who couldn't make ends meet one year. Her children were the recipients of two different pink winter coats from a distribution partner - her daughters were so proud to wear the coats to school.

An SC4K distribution partner organization recently shared, "We have had multiple families who were not able to attend school because they did not have the proper uniforms. With the help of SC4K, we were able to get those families uniforms so that their children could attend school."

And from a teacher, "I really enjoy ‘shopping’ at Shoes and Clothes for Kids, especially since it is free! It allows me to stock up on basic school supplies that I give to students who need them and pick up seasonal decorations to make my classroom more inviting for the kids. My principal loves it when I return with reams of copy paper, office and cleaning supplies, and even toilet paper, freeing up his budget for teacher training and in-service days."

Any thoughts on Dworken & Bernstein’s efforts to encourage all law firms to utilize cy pres when possible?

Cy pres is a wonderful opportunity to help so many non-profit agencies carry out their missions. As I understand the process, the non-profit recipient serves a demographic similar to the "class," which was wrong. So many eligible "class" members never complete the paperwork but are thrilled to learn that their "settlement" was given to charities, which makes a huge difference. It is the right thing to do

The Gathering Place

www.touchedbycancer.or

Mission

The mission of The Gathering Place (TGP) is to create a caring community that supports, educates, and empowers individuals and families currently coping with the impact of cancer through programs and services provided free of charge.

TGP’s commitment to individuals and families on the cancer journey began over twenty years ago, and over that time, the agency has continually developed and implemented innovative programs and services that work to break down the isolation and lower the stresses that come with a cancer diagnosis. These programs and services include individual and group support as well as consultation for cancer related concerns by Masters and PH.D. trained staff all of which are designed to address participants needs throughout the cancer journey (i.e. at diagnosis, during treatment, and life after treatment).  Nowhere else in Northern Ohio can individuals and families facing cancer freely access these unique programs and services.

Since inception, TGP has served over 50,000 unique individuals who have made nearly 390,000 visits to The Gathering Place.

What was your response to receiving notification that you were a Cy Pres recipient? Were you aware of what Cy Pres was at the time?

When we first received notification that we were to be a cy pres recipient, we didn’t know what exactly that meant.  Then once it was explained, we were honored to be selected, appreciative for the support and the belief in our mission.

 Individuals on a cancer journey often face mounting medical bills in fact, 73% of cancer patients experience toxic financial side effects from cancer treatment and annually, over $150 billion is spent on cancer related healthcare costs. It has been documented that 1 in 3 cancer patients wiped through their savings or used money from their retirement to cover treatment costs and that 66.5% of all bankruptcies last year were tied to medical issues- either because of high costs for care or time out of work.  These are just a few of the reasons that it is so important that they unique cancer support services that are provided at The Gathering Place are offered free of charge.

The support that The Gathering Place has received as a cy pres recipient made a direct and immediate impact on the lives of individuals and families on a cancer journey.

How did you use the funds to better your mission?

The funds went directly towards TGP’s complementary-integrative care programs and services which include adult support groups, children’s support programs, yoga, tai chi, Reiki, art therapy, an education center/lending library, individualized and group support services, and special programs and lectures.

TGP cannot achieve its goals on its own.  Although the agency continues to work towards developing an earned revenue source to diversify its revenue streams, it remains heavily dependent on philanthropic support to fulfill its mission.  Without you, there is no us.

Any paticular success stories you can share?

Annually, The Gathering Place will serve over 3,200 individuals on the cancer journey thanks to the generous support that we receive from our philanthropic partners.  Below are several quotes that we feel highlight the impact that TGP’s services:

“It was kind of you to meet with me so quickly.  You brought a sense of calm to this new time in the journey.  Gave me much to ponder and chew on and I am at peace at this moment with the next corner that we turn.   I appreciate knowing that we can meet again and look forward to that.  Thank you Gathering Place.  You are a beacon of hope and peace”

“This group is a safe place to share my story. I learn something new from each session and I always feel less alone and more connected.”

“I love coming to in-person classes at TGP because all of us support one another and have become friends.  It is invaluable to connect with other people that know the cancer experience.  I can't say enough about how much I appreciate everyone at The Gathering Place.  Attending has helped me more than I can say.  I don't know what I would do without it, frankly.   Thank you all for all that you do.  You make a huge difference!”

Any thoughts on Dworken & Bernstein’s efforts to encourage all law firms to utilize cy pres when possible?

We have seen firsthand the impact that these funds can have not only on an agency but more importantly on the individuals that they serve.  To put it bluntly, these funds can be a game changer.

We encourage others to join Dworken & Bernstein’s efforts in utilizing cy pres when possible.