WSEM: 41 Years of Giving

in the Cleveland Community

It was 1966 when leaders from five west side churches realized that by working together they could expand their outreach to the people in the community who were unable to provide for their most basic needs. West Side Ecumenical Ministry was founded as an agency that could provide basic services during difficult times.

In the early years, the churches opened their doors to provide hot meals for immediate survival needs and assist individuals and families in crises. As WSEM grew, training and education, tutoring, activities for children and teenagers, help with substance abuse, advocacy, counseling and childcare were made available through its family of programs. The goal was, and remains today, to help families by providing the skills and resources they need to become self-sufficient and provide their children with opportunities for a better future.

Throughout its 41-year history, WSEM has adapted to the needs of the community by providing a multitude of services through its Centers of Excellence and supporting programs.

WSEM Food Centers of Excellence

WSEM Early Childhood Education Center of Excellence

El Barrio/ WSEM Workforce Development Center of Excellence

Counseling Solutions Program

“Throughout the past 41 years, there are over one million lives in our community that have been touched by services delivered through the WSEM family of programs. It is because of those who believe that together we can make a difference in the lives of the people that we serve, that we are able to be a catalyst for a better tomorrow. As we celebrate our history, we look forward to continuing to assist families for a better tomorrow with all of our efforts today.” - Judith Z. Peters, President & CEO