Start by Listening

Start by Listening

What does it take to truly understand a community before trying to serve it? In this episode of Not That Different, we sit down with Sam Jablonski, a community researcher who partnered with The City Mission to better understand the needs of Cleveland’s Ward 5 neighborhood. Through his research, Sam helped us take a closer look at the challenges, strengths, and opportunities within the community — giving us a clearer picture of how to serve our neighbors more thoughtfully and effectively. We talk about why listening matters, what meaningful community impact actually requires, and why good intentions alone are not enough to create lasting change. Sam shares what drew him to this work, why he chose to use his time and expertise to support The City Mission, and what he believes organizations need to do to serve communities well. This conversation is a reminder that meaningful impact starts with listening — and that the best way to love a community is to understand it first. ---------------------------------------- Learn more about Sam’s work: https://jablonskiresearch.com/ [https://jablonskiresearch.com/] Learn more about the podcast, volunteer, or give: https://thecitymission.org/not-that-different-podcast/ [https://thecitymission.org/not-that-different-podcast/] Connect with us: connect@thecitymission.org [connect@thecitymission.org] Follow The City Mission: Instagram — @thecitymission Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/thecitymission/ [https://www.facebook.com/thecitymission/] Subscribe and share as we continue uncovering the stories behind the stats.

Restoring More Than Buildings

What does neighborhood development have to do with homelessness? In this episode of Not That Different, we sit down with Ricardo León, President and CEO of the Cuyahoga Land Bank, to talk about one of the most important and often overlooked parts of the homelessness conversation: safe and affordable housing. Ricardo shares what the Cuyahoga Land Bank does, why its work matters, and how restoring vacant and abandoned properties can create safer neighborhoods, stronger communities, and more opportunities for stability. We talk about the connection between housing insecurity and homelessness, what happens when neighborhoods are left behind, and why community revitalization is about more than buildings — it’s about people. Ricardo also shares what drew him to this work, why he believes in it, and why partnering with The City Mission matters in addressing the deeper issues connected to homelessness. This conversation offers a broader look at how housing, community, and human dignity are deeply connected — and why stable housing is often where real change begins. ---------------------------------------- Learn more about the Cuyahoga Land Bank: https://cuyahogalandbank.org/ [https://cuyahogalandbank.org/] Learn more about the podcast, volunteer, or give: https://thecitymission.org/not-that-different-podcast/ [https://thecitymission.org/not-that-different-podcast/] Connect with us: connect@thecitymission.org [connect@thecitymission.org] Follow The City Mission: Instagram — @thecitymission Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/thecitymission/ [https://www.facebook.com/thecitymission/] Subscribe and share as we continue uncovering the stories behind the stats

Volunteer to CEO

What does it look like to lead an organization serving people in crisis — and to stay connected to the heart behind the work? In this episode of Not That Different, we sit down with Linda Uveges, CEO of The City Mission. Linda’s journey began more than 20 years ago as a volunteer, and over time she has grown into the role of leading the organization — overseeing both Laura’s Home Women’s Crisis Center and Crossroads Men’s Crisis Center. In this conversation, Linda shares how The City Mission has evolved, what it takes to move someone from crisis to stability, and why long-term programming is essential to lasting change. She offers a unique perspective shaped by decades of walking alongside people in some of the hardest seasons of their lives. More than anything, Linda reminds us that behind every program, every policy, and every statistic are real people — people whose lives may look more like ours than we realize. This episode is a powerful look at leadership, compassion, and the belief that lasting transformation is possible. ---------------------------------------- Learn more about the podcast, volunteer, or give: https://thecitymission.org/not-that-different-podcast/ [https://thecitymission.org/not-that-different-podcast/] Connect with us: connect@thecitymission.org [connect@thecitymission.org] Follow The City Mission: Instagram — @thecitymission Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/thecitymission/ [https://www.facebook.com/thecitymission/] Subscribe and share as we continue uncovering the stories behind the stats.

Receive Him as a Brother

Today, we’re talking with a local pastor and member of The City Mission’s Board of Trustees who recently spent time with our staff reflecting on the story of Philemon and what it teaches us about dignity, status, and the way we see others. His perspective helps us connect an ancient biblical story to the work we do every day serving people who are often overlooked or misunderstood. And through conversations like this one—and the many episodes we have planned—one truth continues to rise to the surface: we’re really not that different. To find out more about Mt. Calvary Baptist Church and Pastor Stephen Owens go to: Mt. Calvary Baptist Church - Bedford, OH | Sunday Service 10 AM [https://mtcalvaryofbedford.org/] Learn more about the podcast, volunteer, or give: https://thecitymission.org/not-that-different-podcast/ [https://thecitymission.org/not-that-different-podcast/] Connect with us: connect@thecitymission.org [connect@thecitymission.org] Follow The City Mission: Instagram — @thecitymission Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/thecitymission/ [https://www.facebook.com/thecitymission/] Subscribe and share as we continue uncovering the stories behind the stats.

God Redeems Families

What does real change actually look like? In this episode of Not That Different, we sit down with two brothers who came through The City Mission during one of the most challenging seasons of their lives. Facing instability and uncertainty, they made the decision to step into the program and begin the hard work of rebuilding. Today, their lives look very different. Not only have they found stability, but they now work full time at The City Mission — walking alongside others who are in the same place they once were. Their story is one of resilience, growth, and the power of having people who believe in you when it’s hardest to believe in yourself. This conversation is a powerful reminder that change is possible — and that the people we serve are not so different from any of us. Sometimes, all it takes is the right support at the right time. ---------------------------------------- Learn more about the podcast, volunteer, or give: https://thecitymission.org/not-that-different-podcast/ [https://thecitymission.org/not-that-different-podcast/] Connect with us: connect@thecitymission.org [connect@thecitymission.org] Follow The City Mission: Instagram — @thecitymission Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/thecitymission/ [https://www.facebook.com/thecitymission/] Subscribe and share as we continue uncovering the stories behind the stats.