CLEVELAND — Bessie’s Angels is a non-profit based in Cleveland that helps young women ages 16-24 who are impacted by the foster care system get housing, education and other resources to have a successful life.
“Bessie is a blessing; they helped me through a lot of emotional and mental turmoil,” said Bessie’s Alum Myra Jackson. “I dealt with a lot of insecurities. I dealt with a lot of trauma and the team at Bessie’s Angel pushed me through the journey throughout the years and really has helped me grow as a woman. Even if you’re not 16-24 they'll continue to reach out to you, because that's how much they love and care about you in this program,” said Jackson.
Tonya Perkins-Stoudemire is the founder of Bessie’s Angel, she said they help 15 to 25 women each month. This is why it is important for the Cuyahoga County Council to pass a $10,000 American Rescue Plan Act Community Grant for the local non-profit.She said the money would be used in multiple ways, including funding their empowerment summit in May.