The Northeast Ohio Alliance for Hope (NOAH)

NOAH is a multi-ethnic, multi-racial, broad-based community organization of congregations, schools, social service agencies, and other organizations from across greater Cleveland. We strive to promote and be guided by our common values, the cultural and spiritual traditions of our members, and our shared democratic principles. NOAH is a membership based organization composed of 18 institutions. Each institution pays 1% of their operating budget in dues. Membership ranges from inner city African American churches to suburban Catholic Churches. NOAH has a board of 9 people who are elected from the general membership every two years. NOAH has an active leadership base of 75 leaders who are involved in the day to day organizing campaigns that the organization undertakes. Currently NOAH has one full time employee, Executive Director Jason Lehrer, who has ten years of experience in this field and a part time administrator Karen J. Ragland. NOAH is affiliated with the Gamaliel Network, a national network of more than fifty community organizations in 19 states with similar organizational structure, leadership, and issues being addressed by each affiliate. We have a very specific community organizing focus and do not see ourselves duplicating existing service programs in the area. Our focus is around leadership development, developing long-term relationships between the community and public officials, changing public policy, and building relationships between diverse groups of institutions.