This year, LEAP (Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential) is in the process of preparing to be administratively independent of LMM. Following its core value of self-determination, LEAP can best fulfill its mission as an independent living center led by people with disabilities by moving to a new location to consolidate programs and develop its own infrastructure.
Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry has constantly evolved over our 40 year history – incubating new programs and organizations, and sometimes ‘letting go’ as organizations continue independent of LMM’s support. Agencies incubated by LMM that now operate independently include Cuyahoga County Ombudsman, Long Term Care Ombudsman, and Community Housing Solutions (formerly Lutheran Housing Corporation).
LMM founder Rev. Richard E. Sering started a Task Force on Ministry with Disabled People 34 years ago, and LEAP was launched in 1981. LEAP has had a rich and vibrant history within the LMM family, earning significant awards such as the U.S. Dept of Labor’s 2008 New Freedom Initiative Award for LEAP’s exemplary disability employment policies and practices. LEAP is and has been in the forefront of advocacy with people with disabilities: LEAP’s former Executive Director, Doris Brennan, was present when President George H. Bush signed the first Americans with Disabilities Act.
LEAP’s plans do not change LMM’s plans to move forward with its capital project for a different facility. LMM also maintains its five branches of service - people who are homeless, people with disabilities, youth at-risk, vulnerable adults and community re-entry. As LEAP grows by pursuing its independent living philosophy; LMM will continue support of its current programs while developing future partnerships.
With a budget of about $3 Million, LEAP is a substantial disability organization in our community under the leadership of Executive Director Melanie Hogan. We feel blessed in having launched this quality organization, and recognize that our mutual mission of service and advocacy with those who are oppressed, forgotten and hurting has been strengthened by our partnership for over 29 years.