Motivated and Empowered Inc. Included in Ohio State Budget for “A Home for Me” Housing Initiative

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Bianca M. Crawford

Motivated and Empowered Inc.

Phone: 216-925-5072

Email: bcrawford@motivatedanempowered.com

Website: www.motivatedandempowered.com

Motivated and Empowered Inc. Included in Ohio State Budget for “A Home for Me” Housing Initiative

CLEVELAND, OH — Motivated and Empowered Inc. is proud to announce that its A Home for Me Initiative has been included in the State of Ohio budget, marking a historic step forward in the organization’s mission to provide safe, stable, and supportive housing for young mothers, youth, and families experiencing crisis, homelessness, and instability.

This state budget inclusion represents more than funding. It represents recognition. It represents belief. It represents a statewide acknowledgment that young people and families in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County deserve safe places to heal, grow, rebuild, and thrive.

Through the leadership and advocacy of State Representative Juanita Brent and State Representative Darnell Brewer’s office, the A Home for Me Initiative was elevated as a critical community-based response to the growing needs facing youth, young mothers, and families across Northeast Ohio. According to information shared by Rep. Brewer’s office, this investment will support community-centered solutions that address housing instability, family crisis, and the need for supportive services that keep families connected to opportunity.

Motivated and Empowered Inc.’s A Home for Me Initiative is designed to create safe residential spaces and wraparound services for youth and young adults, including young mothers and their children. The initiative includes plans for transitional housing, respite support, case management, workforce readiness, parenting education, life skills development, and trauma-informed support.

For Motivated and Empowered Inc., this moment is deeply personal.

“This is not just a budget line item. This is answered prayer, lived experience turned into policy, and pain transformed into purpose,” said Bianca M. Crawford, Founder and Executive Director of Motivated and Empowered Inc. “I was once a homeless girl from the City of Cleveland. I know what it feels like to not have a stable place to sleep, to need support, and to wonder if anyone sees you. Today, the State of Ohio has helped us say to young people and families: we see you, we believe in you, and we are building something for you.”

Crawford founded Motivated and Empowered Inc. out of her own journey of overcoming homelessness, hardship, and systemic barriers. What began as a vision to mentor and empower young people has grown into a multi-service nonprofit organization serving youth, young adults, parents, and families throughout Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond.

The inclusion of A Home for Me in the state budget strengthens ME Inc.’s ability to move from vision to implementation. It allows the organization to continue building the infrastructure needed to respond to urgent community needs, particularly for teen mothers, youth aging out of systems, young adults experiencing homelessness, and families in crisis.

For the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County, this investment means increased capacity, deeper collaboration, and a stronger community safety net. It means more young people will have access to stability before crisis becomes chronic. It means young mothers will have a place to receive support without being separated from their children. It means families will have access to services rooted in dignity, accountability, healing, and hope.

A Home for Me is not just about housing. It is about restoration.

It is about creating a place where young people can receive support with education, employment, parenting, mental wellness, basic needs, and long-term stability. It is about building a model that responds to what families are actually experiencing in real time.

Motivated and Empowered Inc. extends sincere gratitude to State Representative Darnell Brewer and State Representative Juanita Brent, their offices, and all who advocated for the inclusion of this initiative in the state budget. Their support reflects a shared commitment to community-based solutions, youth development, family stability, and the future of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County.

“This moment belongs to every young person who has ever needed a safe place, every mother trying to rebuild, every family trying to stay together, and every community partner who believes Cleveland’s children deserve more,” Crawford said. “We cannot wait to continue connecting with community members, organizations, partners, funders, elected officials, and advocates to build this vision to life.”

Motivated and Empowered Inc. will continue engaging community partners, service providers, civic leaders, funders, and residents as the A Home for Me Initiative moves forward. The organization is committed to building this work collaboratively and ensuring that the voices of youth, young mothers, families, and community stakeholders remain at the center.

About Motivated and Empowered Inc.

Motivated and Empowered Inc. is a Cleveland-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering at-risk youth, young adults, and families through education, mentorship, housing support, workforce development, leadership development, and family-centered services. The organization’s mission is rooted in helping individuals overcome barriers, discover purpose, and access the tools needed to build stable and successful futures.