Goodwill and Sisters of Charity Health System Explore New Opportunity Center in Cleveland’s Central Neighborhood

Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio and the Sisters of Charity Health System (SCHS) are exploring an exciting new collaboration aimed at further uplifting Cleveland’s Central Neighborhood. The centerpiece of this potential partnership is a proposed Goodwill Opportunity Center, to be located on the former grounds of St. Vincent Charity Medical Center at 2351 East 22nd Street.

The new Goodwill Opportunity Center would be part of the growing St. Vincent Charity Health and Healing Hub, located at East 22nd Street and Community College Avenue. The Hub represents SCHS’s evolution from a hospital-based model of care to one focused on addressing root causes of poor health through coordinated community partnerships.

The proposed Center will serve as a dynamic resource—not only for Goodwill’s mission-based programs—but also for additional community agencies, creating greater access to vital social services for the residents of Central and the broader Cleveland community. The specific services to be offered will be shaped through ongoing conversations with community members, partners, and stakeholders to ensure they align with local needs and priorities. Based upon those exploratory conversations, the opportunity center could include workforce development programs, access to health and social services and a grocery store, addressing an urgent food access need in Central and further supporting community health and stability.

“Central is a neighborhood rich in history, resilience, and potential,” said Anne Richards, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio. “We are honored to be part of these early discussions and remain committed to partnering in ways that advance community-driven solutions and expand access to resources, training, and opportunity.”

This concept of an opportunity center closely aligns with the missions of both organizations. Goodwill’s work to empower individuals through employment and training matches the Sisters of Charity Health System’s holistic commitment to improving mental and physical healthcare, education, nutrition, housing, and financial stability. Both organizations are encouraged by the early conversations around what could be a meaningful and impactful initiative.

Michael Goar, President and CEO of the Sisters of Charity Health System, emphasized the strategic nature of the partnership. “Our commitment to our neighbors in Central is to help them become healthier, better supported, well-nourished, safer, and more financially secure. This collaboration with Goodwill is a powerful step towards addressing the social drivers of health.”

In addition to Goodwill, the St. Vincent Charity Health and Healing Hub is already home to several key collaborators:

• The Centers – providing behavioral health services and detox center
• Neighborhood Family Practice – offering primary healthcare
• Women Religious Archive Collaborative (WRAC) – preparing to break ground on a heritage center celebrating and remembering the rich history of women religious.
• Marion-Sterling School Partnership – supporting school attendance and learning outcomes.
• Additionally, the Health System’s own ministries in the Hub include:
  • Mission Kitchen—providing meals and nutrition access
  • Joseph and Mary’s Home—providing medical respite to the unhoused
  • Rosary Hall—addiction treatment services, currently available on the 4th floor of the Sisters of Charity Health System building, 2475 E. 22nd Street, and will be will be expanded in 2026 with the addition of the Sr. Ignatia Gavin Center for Addiction Medicine on the second floor of the building.
  • Pharmacy services
  • Outpatient mental health services

Together, these partners form a hub-and-spoke model with the Sisters of Charity Health System at the center—convening mission-aligned organizations dedicated to uplifting Cleveland’s Central Neighborhood and beyond.

Sister Judith Ann Karam, CSA, Congregational Leader of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, expressed her enthusiasm for the developing partnership. “We are thrilled about the possibility of working with Goodwill. This collaboration will amplify our commitment to healing the whole person, and our stated mission of extending the healing ministry of Jesus to God’s people. For nearly 175 years, the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine have adapted to meet the needs of our communities—and this effort is a continuation of that legacy. Since 1865, the Sisters of Charity have served the Central neighborhood and never left it.

While plans are still evolving, both organizations are excited about working alongside dedicated community partners to help create spaces that foster connection, opportunity, and well-being for all. “Goodwill looks forward to continuing this dialogue and are grateful to be part of a community that is deeply committed to its residents and lasting positive change,” Ms. Richards noted.