Feature Grant Story

Renee Jones Empowerment Center

Redefining Outreach to High-Risk and Underserved Neighborhoods – Renee Jones Empowerment Center Fills Important Gap in the HEALTHCARE Safety Net with Medical Clinic

Renee Jones has always cared about the health and well-being of those less fortunate. The namesake behind the Renee Jones Empowerment Center (RJEC) is a constant source of motivation for many through her small acts of kindness and spreading of hope. Jones’ daily commute to work years back spurred action after seeing a growing number of homeless people on the streets. With an inherent drive to help, she volunteered at a homeless and hunger center which opened her eyes to the daily struggles and varied stories of the individuals she met. From this experience Jones learned the value of meeting people where they are and discovered those that genuinely want something different for their lives - if given the necessary tools, flexibility, and encouragement - can change their current situation to one of self-sufficiency. It’s through this belief that Jones decided to start RJEC in 2002, initially operating on Cleveland’s near west side. As Jones work with vulnerable populations continued, she began to meet an increasing number of human trafficking victims and in response to their urgent and unique needs, switched gears in 2008 to address the realities of this growing crime. Today, RJEC focuses much of its efforts on advocacy and support for minor and adult human trafficking and sexual assault victims and survivors, as well as education and anti-trafficking awareness through community engagement.

Five years ago, RJEC relocated to its current home in the Brooklyn Centre neighborhood chosen intentionally for its central proximity to high-risk and underserved target areas and to maximize the exposure of Project Red Cord Night Out. Run monthly by staff and volunteers this well-received street outreach takes services and resources into five neighborhoods, including prostitution and human trafficking hot spots at Archwood Avenue & Pearl Road and W73rd & Lorain Avenue, offering free blood pressure screenings, HIV rapid tests, hot meals, personal care items, clothing, and information on well-being and trauma-informed programs and services available at RJEC. The established presence in these strategic locations helps on two fronts. First, it underscores the need for easily accessible health care services because most people they meet – whether men, women, or children of all ages, backgrounds, and situations - are without any or adequate access to health care due to complex social determinants that create barriers. Second, it reinforces the mission of RJEC by empowering people with information on the realities of human trafficking to generate awareness and promote a safe community environment. Recognizing people only trust where they feel comfortable enough to come, Project Red Cord Night Out serves as an important bridge from the street to the Center and its onsite medical clinic.

In response to this need, a two-year grant from Three Arches Foundation paved the way for enhancements in early 2023 with the addition of contracted nurse, Jelisa Gross, LPN. Her consistent presence on the street and at the Center’s medical clinic has been the key to success in building relationships and reducing care barriers among an often-leery community. Previously handled by a rotating group of medical volunteers, this dedicated position gives minors and adults an entryway to care continuity by determining health needs and providing resources, information, and referrals specific to their situations. The medical clinic provides a safe and welcoming space for everyone with free general screenings, blood pressure checks, first aid, treatment for injuries stemming from substance abuse, health talks and workshops, and warm hand-off referrals to other services that may be needed. Clients receive journals to write down readings and other details as a record of their ongoing care – a small step towards prompting interest and taking responsibility for their health. Surprising and atypical, the majority of clients are predominately Black and Hispanic men of all ages – a population known to be at high risk for chronic illness and unlikely to seek health care attention. “Somewhere along the way we piqued curiosity in what we’re doing,” shares Jones. “Besides taking a more active role in their own health, it’s not uncommon to see a group of our regulars waiting to bring friends inside to meet Gross and get a journal after advocating from their own experience.

Whether seeing clients at the onsite medical clinic, during Project Red Cord Night Out, or venturing outside for a walk around the block to check on and/or give a gentle nudge to those hesitant to seek help, Gross’ steady presence is making a difference by enabling people to take control of their health. “She has a wonderful way of interacting with both our clients and the people in the community through her calm, compassionate, and kind nature,” adds Jones. “Jelisa has the ability to make everyone feel important and the patience to hear their worries or inquiries that demonstrates genuine care.” Direct interaction and engagement across these various touchpoints also help RJEC better respond to current needs and determine what may be on the horizon – a pivotal component to delivering equitable access to care.

Often faced with an array of physical and behavioral health issues beyond the scope of its services, RJEC relies on the assistance and expertise of trusted social service partners and medical providers to offer a continuum of care. For example, it’s common for Gross to walk a client to the urgent care center across the street where the rapport she built with medical staff ensures they are comfortable and seen quickly. “Most people are interested in their health but in their mind a referral means another stressful encounter and starting dialogue from square one again with someone new, so they’re typically reluctant to see a specialist or get the medications they need,” offers Gross. “It doesn’t happen overnight, but eventually they’ll take action once they realize we’re here to help and will follow up.” According to Gross, approximately 70% of all clients requiring outside care return to RJEC to take advantage of ongoing services allowing an easy way to monitor their health and well-being. At substantially greater risk of poor physical, mental, and social health and much higher rates of morbidity and mortality, regular follow-up is essential.

Another well-received source of care comes through a collaborative partnership with Dr. Prakash Ganesh and his team from Neighborhood Family Practice who participate in quarterly health talks at RJEC. Covering a range of relevant topics including self-care and prioritizing mental health, managing stress, nutrition and healthy eating, HIV/AIDS and more, the program offers another opportunity to reach people in a familiar and comfortable setting. “It has been amazing to see participation grow among our clients and through word-of-mouth in the community,” comments Jones. “Dr. Ganesh is a familiar face at the Center and people appreciate the meaningful conversation and his non-intimidating approach that demonstrates authentic engagement and understanding of their circumstances.”

RJEC’s main focus remains the rampant issue of human trafficking and sexual assault crimes in our region and across the state of Ohio, currently ranked fifth in the nation for such incidents. The high prevalence of these heinous crimes remains a high concern knowing offenders recognize and use a host of vulnerabilities to take advantage of people. “It’s critical to educate the general public on the realities of human trafficking in order to create a more informed and aware society,” states Jones. “A lack of awareness allows for exploitation, but when you reach a mix of people in the community and they know your purpose and appreciate what you’re doing for them, all of a sudden they become more astute to what it looks like.” This knowledge can also aid in the identification of potential victims and support of survivors who often blend into a community unnoticed. Along with services through the medical clinic, RJEC provides holistic restorative programs and therapies to help victims and survivors heal. Those escaping a previous life may also require drug rehabilitation and mental health counseling, which Jones helps secure. Jones also works directly with members of law enforcement who help connect victims to the Center. A testament to its impact over the years, many of the Center’s volunteers are survivors now helping others rebuild their lives.

RJEC’s outreach success is evident by the growing number of individuals and families that stop by Project Red Cord Night Out and utilization of the onsite medical clinic. Meeting basic needs and building trusted relationships within these communities is one step towards bridging gaps in care and connecting people to resources that improve health outcomes. Jones has never wavered from her initial belief that flexibility, empowerment, and hope can go a long way in making all people feel respected and helping turn lives around. “When you empower someone by building them up and telling them they have value and matter no matter what they’ve been told, it builds self-esteem and confidence,” adds Jones. “Once they experience that type of care and connection then you can help them through an environment that gives them the services they need.”

To learn more about the Renee Jones Empowerment Center and view dates/locations for Project Red Cord Night Out, visit www.rjecempower.org. If you believe you may have information about a trafficking situation or see a potential incident taking place, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888, text 233733, or call the Ohio State Highway Patrol at #677.

 Photos courtesy of Renee Jones Empowerment Center

Published May 2024