Friends, neighbors and volunteers gathered in September to celebrate the official opening of Bessie’s Place II, a permanent low-income housing opportunity for young ladies age 18-24 who have aged out of foster care.  Bessie’s Place II is a collaboration between Bessie’s Angels, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating, empowering and nurturing young women as they transition into a new phase of their lives, and the Cuyahoga Land Bank.

Bessie’s Place II was made possible by a host of generous donors and dedicated volunteers who worked for many months to fully renovate the home in Cleveland Heights. (The first Bessie’s Place opened in the fall of 2017 in East Cleveland.)  The Cuyahoga Land Bank transferred title to the home once renovations were completed to specifications.

“Bessie’s Angels continues to open doors and create a healthy life transition to young women who are aging out of foster care,” says Gus Frangos, President and General Counsel for the Cuyahoga Land Bank. “These young ladies are being supported in their quest to navigate a successful path to self-sufficient and independent adulthood. They are doing great work in the community, and we are pleased to be able to continue to support them in their efforts.”