Passing the Torch at Community West Foundation

The ties between the Rockwell Metals Company and the Community West Foundation run deep. We've been a supporter of the foundation for almost 2 decades, and Rockwell Metals President Chris Harrington is taking on a new role Board.

By: Rockwell Garage Staff Writers

 Rockwell Metals delivers sheet & coil, aluminum extrusions, and fabricated parts to several Industries.

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The Community West Foundation's annual Board Holiday Dinner is not only a time to celebrate the year, but also an opportunity to look ahead and begin shaping the year to come.

This year was especially meaningful. The foundation celebrated Chris Harrington for his service as Board Chair and welcomed Amy McMaken as our incoming Chair. Both leaders have played important roles in guiding the strategic direction of our organization. Amy, who has served on our Board since 2019, brings a deep commitment to our grantees’ work. Congratulations to both Chris and Amy for their leadership.

The transition becomes official at the end of the year. Harrington has served as Board Chair of Community West for three years and leaves the role as part of the foundations term limit tradition for the role. Chris will not only remain on the board but will also transition to the role of Secretay Treasurer and become a member of the organization's Finanace and Investment Committees.

Speaking of finance, Community West will end 2025 making total grants of more than $4.5 million dollars to community service organizations and other nonprofits delivering unique programs serving Cleveland, Western Cuyahoga, and Lorain Counties. That includes strong 4th quarter for the foundation.

Community West recently announced it has awarded $546,400 in fourth quarter grants to support community service organizations and other nonprofits delivering unique programs serving Cleveland, Western Cuyahoga, and Lorain Counties. The total includes $440,000 approved by the Foundation’s Board of Directors, along with an additional $106,400 distributed through the Community Impact Fund, which unites donors to tackle critical issues by pooling contributions.

Every dollar given to the Community Impact Fund goes directly to nonprofit grant recipients, ensuring that donations reach those in need while advancing the Foundation’s mission to illuminate hope and restore dignity.

“This latest round of grants reflects our commitment to strengthening communities across our region,” said Marty Uhle, President and CEO of Community West Foundation. “We are proud to partner with nonprofits that are making a real difference in people’s lives, from providing essential services to creating opportunities for growth and hope.”

With these awards, Community West Foundation concludes its 2025 grantmaking, investing a total of $4,640,000 million to empower local nonprofits and strengthen communities across our mission area.

Organizations receiving funding include:

In Cuyahoga County

• Carolyn L. Farrell Foundation for Brain Health – Enhancing quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia through arts enrichment and programs to combat isolation.

• Community of Hope – Creating belonging for homeless youth and young adults aging out of foster care while connecting them to mental health services, education, job programs, and parenting support.

• Far West Center – Offering behavioral health services to residents of western Cuyahoga and Lorain Counties.

• Frontline Service – Providing critical behavioral health services for individuals facing homelessness, severe mental health challenges, trauma, and crisis situations.

• Lakewood Community Services Center – Delivering bi-monthly home food deliveries to low-income clients in Lakewood.

• May Dugan Center – Combating inequities in health care, food, and wages through programs including behavioral health services, trauma recovery, and education resources.

• Nueva Luz Urban Resource Center – Supporting people living with HIV/AIDS through housing, legal aid, addiction recovery, and food programs.

• Scranton Road Ministries – Breaking the cycle of poverty with a legal clinic, academic enrichment center, and youth job programs.

• Seeds of Literacy – Transforming lives through one-on-one adult education and GED tutoring, both in-person and online.

• Transformations by Cleveland Angels – Providing volunteer support to foster families to nurture healthy, lasting relationships.

• West Side Catholic Center – Offering food, shelter, clothing, job training, rent support, and a variety of programs to meet family and individual needs.

In Lorain County

• Avon/Avon Lake Community Resource Services – Delivering short-term assistance and connecting residents to financial literacy, health, education, and job programs.

• Oberlin Community Services – Supporting the community through food access, emergency assistance, and resiliency programs, including food rescue, distribution, and delivery.