CLEVELAND — JB's Lunch and Literacy Outreach Center in Slavic Village experienced an unexpected and heartbreaking plot twist, but an act of vandalism did not stop the center's director from continuing to provide nutrition and education to Cleveland's kids.
As with every good page-turner, in this tale, there's an antagonist. The villain was out to make trouble by smashing the window on the center’s front door.
But it's how the main character overcomes those challenges that may leave readers feeling inspired.
In this story, Barbara Bradford Williams, who used her own money to open the facility in July, did not let the vandalism stop her from her mission.
“It’s kind of hurtful. I put my all into this when I came up with the idea, I felt like the community needed it. For something like this to happen in six weeks is just heartbreaking,” said Bradford Williams.
Up to 200 children rely on the meals and educational materials served up at the center each day.
Without missing a beat Thursday, Bradford Williams continued meeting that demand despite the unexpected damage.
Williams set up shop in the parking lot, just steps from the act of destruction, not missing a beat and ready to send a message to whoever did this.
“I just pray for them because this is truly sad. This building is for the kids and for families, it’s to help us have resources and have something for the kids to do during the pandemic,” said Bradford Williams.
Bradford Williams estimates the damage to be around $1,000.
She does not have insurance and is hoping her landlord will help cover the cost of the repairs.
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