About Us
Opening doors, fostering futures.
Bessie’s Angels is a nonprofit organization, with a mission to nurture, educate, empower and to provide affordable housing to young women impacted by the foster care system. Most of the young women we serve are low income. Many live below the poverty line. Our homes are warm and welcoming.
We officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in December of 2015. Seeing an overwhelming need to support young women impacted by foster care, our organization continues to create workshops, programs and assist with immediate needs.
Events and programs like ours can provide the encouragement the community needs to continue to keep impacting the lives of not just the young women we serve. Together our efforts can impact entire families, neighborhoods and even employers.
Many of us cannot imagine not having a place to call home. We cannot imagine frequent movement from house to house or imagine waking up one day and losing the family we had once relied upon. Just a little help can make a world of difference in these young lives. “Every child deserves a champion.” Your help (whether through donations or volunteering) can champion this cause.
Who we are!
Channel 5 News Cleveland: Local group helps young women who age out of foster system
Bessie’s Angels Testimonials
We empower young women.
Our Team
Meet our dedicated team of board members and volunteers who are passionate about supporting young women transitioning out of foster care. We turn our passion into action to make a difference in their lives. Think you'd be a good fit? Join us in helping young women impacted by the foster care system.
Our History
Bessie's Angels officially became a 501C3 nonprofit in December 2015. Recognizing the urgent need to support young women affected by foster care, our organization has been committed to creating workshops, programs, and meeting immediate needs ever since.
Our Mission
At Bessie's Angels, our mission is to nurture, educate, empower, and provide affordable housing to young women impacted by the foster care system. Join us in making a meaningful impact on their lives.
Meet the Team
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LaToya Smith
Chair
Fifth Third Bank
Vice President, MBA, PHR, SHRM -
Keith Burgess
Vice Chair
Fifth Third Bank
Senior Vice President & Group Head -
Henry Stoudermire Jr.
Board of Directors
Broker / Owner of McMullan Realty -
Naomi Pedan
Secretary
Community Representative -
Rashedah Mims, MBA
Treasurer
Fifth Third Bank
Vice President -
Nicole Madhi
Board of Directors
CEO: TMG Services -
Charlotte Perkins
Board of Directors
CEO: R-Cap Security -
Laura Perkins
Board of Directors
Community Representative -
Sundrea Wilcox
Board of Directors
Cleveland Clinic -
Tonya Perkins-Stoudermire
Executive Director/Founder
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Lisa Burgess
Consultant
Chair Education Committee
On Purpose Now -
Patricia Kellner, MD
Community Representative
Education Committee
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Stephanie MCain, MS, IMFT
Licensed Psychotherapist
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Zaylon Green, MSW, LSW
Licensed Social Worker
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Marines Ramos, ED.D.
Educational Practitioner
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Lisa Butti, B.A. in Education
Educational Practitioner
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Sarah Steurer, M. Ed in psychology, PBIS, ABA
School psychologist
Fund Development Committee
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Angela Flowers, MSSA, LISW-S
Making a Difference Consulting
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Melissa Hall, MSML, MBA
Cuyahoga Community College
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Joy Roller
Producer and Fundraising Strategist
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Jan Roller, ESQ
Our Corporate Supporters
FAQs
Who does Bessie's Angels serve?
1
Young women ages 16–24 who have been impacted by the foster care system, including those aging out of foster care, in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and surrounding areas.
What services do you offer?
2
Affordable housing, mobile food pantry, laundry services, utility and housing assistance, Cooking with Bessie’s Angels (free monthly cooking classes), IMPACT sessions (life-skills), mentorship, and community programs.
Do you provide housing for young women aging out of foster care?
3
Yes, we help young women impacted by the foster care system find and keep stable housing. Our primary support is rental, utility, and housing assistance for young women ages 16–24 in the Cleveland area. Fill out the request form on our Services page or reach us at (440) 256-6663 or empower@bessiesangels.org
5
Is there a cost for your services?
How do I request assistance?
4
Through our website under “services”. Register for one or more of our services online.
No - our services are free for young women impacted by the foster care system, ages 16 - 24.
How do I request assistance?
6
Our mobile pantry operates by appointment only. Register online.
Through our Volunteer page — options include mentoring, event support, IMPACT workshops, and Currency Coaches (financial literacy mentors).
Yes, Bessie's Angels is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
How can I volunteer?
7
Is my donation tax-deductible?
8
Where does my donation go?
9
What is Bessie's Walk/Race?
10
How can businesses or organizations partner with you?
11
Directly to programs: maintaining affordable housing, stocking the food pantry, and funding IMPACT sessions and mentorship.
Our annual fundraising walk/race supports our housing and empowerment programs.
We offer sponsorship opportunities at various levels — contact Tonya Perkins-Stoudermire empower@bessiesangels.org or call at (440) 256-6663.