Community West Foundation Announces Far West Center as “Illuminating Hope” Award Recipient

Marty Uhle, President and CEO of Community West Foundation, and Kelly Dylag, President and CEO of Far West Center

Community West Foundation announced Far West Center as the 2021 recipient of the David and Martha Hessler Illuminating Hope Award.

Far West Center is a community mental health center serving residents of western Cuyahoga County and Lorain County. They offer assessment, counseling, psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and case management for persons struggling with severe mental health problems. Services are available for low-income individuals who need care but cannot find it, pay for it, or wait for it.

David Hessler, Kelly Dylag, Far West Center, Martha Hessler and Bob Piovarchy, Far West Center.

The award itself is a replica of the Homeless Jesus statue by Canadian artist, Timothy Schmalz, creator of the Matthew 25 Collection coming to Cleveland later this year. In addition, the winner receives a $10,000 grant from the Foundation. The award is named after long-time Community West supporters and philanthropists, David and Martha Hessler, and was created to recognize a local nonprofit with a deep history and commitment to our community that is truly Illuminating Hope.

About Community West Foundation

Community West Foundation is dedicated to supporting organizations that provide the basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, and medical care in the greater Cleveland area. Originally known as the Fairview/Lutheran Foundation, Community West has been supporting these Cleveland Clinic hospitals as well as many community non-profit agencies through grantmaking since 1997. Under the guidance of the Board of Directors, Community West has grown its giving exponentially over the past 20 years. In 2020, Community West distributed $7.4 million in grants.

The mission of Community West Foundation is to advance the health and well-being of our community. The staff and Board of Directors are guided by the words in Matthew 25:35-40. While their mission is based on these teachings, they are not affiliated with any particular religion. Their grantees, friends and donors come from diverse faiths and practices.
For more information, contact Community West Foundation at 440-360-7370 or visit communitywestfoundation.org