Paul Wadowick, a long-time volunteer and blood donor ambassador, continues to champion blood donation while battling cancer. He has been instrumental in running successful blood drives through his Knights of Columbus role in Geneva, encouraging new donors with his story and dedication.

Since its founding 100 years ago by Albert M. Higley, Sr., Higley Construction has built a legacy of excellence. Established in 1925, Higley Construction quickly gained recognition in the industry, completing significant science and research facilities for institutions like the Case School of Applied Science and Hiram College. By the 1930s, the company expanded beyond Ohio, undertaking projects from Buffalo to Indianapolis. During World War II, Higley Construction played a pivotal role in the war effort, constructing key defense projects, including the region’s largest wartime facility for Cleveland Pneumatic Aerol and the U.S. Coast Guard Cleveland Station. Today, Higley Construction operates from offices in Cleveland, OH; Akron, OH; Detroit, MI; Pittsburgh, PA; and Morristown, NJ.

Higley Construction’s legacy extends beyond construction through a deep-rooted commitment to philanthropy. Founder Albert M. Higley, Sr. was an active leader in Cleveland’s civic and business community, serving on various boards such as the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the American Red Cross. His son, Albert M. Higley, Jr., carried this tradition forward, leading the company from 1967 and alongside his wife Beverly, established the Higley Fund in 1994 to support local organizations. A third generation of Higley leadership, Bruce Higley, was instrumental in shaping the company’s modern era, all while upholding the long standing Higley family commitment to community engagement.

Today, the Higley family's philanthropic legacy continues through Sharon Higley Watts, a member of the Red Cross Tiffany Circle, and the Higley Fund. The family foundation is a Chairman’s Council member, recognizing their significant contributions of over $1,000,000 in cumulative giving. Separately, Higley Construction remains committed to supporting community initiatives, including the Red Cross Cup and the Hero Awards, with leadership from Executive Vice President Dan Sehlhorst.

Linda Uveges, Chief Executive Officer of The City Mission has dedicated her life and career to serving Christ by loving and advocating for those who are hurting and underserved. She believes that every person is made in the image of God and is passionate about extending His love to men, women, and children experiencing homelessness in Cleveland. More than just leadership, her work is a calling—to bring hope, restoration, and the truth of the gospel to those in need.

Her journey with The City Mission began in 2003 as a volunteer, simply seeking to serve as Christ calls His people to do. That step of obedience grew into a lifelong mission, and she officially joined the staff in 2005. Over the years, she has had the privilege of serving in multiple roles, including Security Staff Supervisor, Laura’s Home Program Manager, and Chief Operating Officer. In 2021, she became CEO, where she now leads with a commitment to honoring Christ in all aspects of the Mission’s work, stewarding resources well, and ensuring that every person who walks through the doors encounters His love and grace.

Linda holds a Bachelor of Arts in Nonprofit Administration and Master of Arts in Nonprofit Administration and Leadership from Cleveland State University, equipping her with the strategic and organizational expertise to lead with wisdom and purpose.

She is a graduate of Leadership Cleveland, and the recipient of various awards including:2023 Northeast Ohio Smart 50 Top Executive Award, 2023 Crain’s Smart 50 Awards Class Honoree, 2023 Smart 50 Impact Award, 2022 Smart Women Awards Honoree, and 2021 Medical Mutual Pillar Award for Nonprofit Executive of the Year.

Serving Cleveland since 1910, The City Mission has provided vital resources to those who need it most. The City Mission actively meets the needs of those experiencing homelessness and goes even further by supplying resources, support programs, and mental health services to take a family in crisis to one with hope and a brighter future.

Crossroads Men’s Crisis Center and Laura’s Home Women’s Crisis Center go beyond a place to sleep and three meals a day. When a man, woman or child in crisis enters their doors, each receives an entire support system. With individualized, Christ-centered, compassionate care to heal from trauma, identify the root causes that led them to poverty, and access to supportive
and educational resources, men and women who graduate from these programs achieve stable income and housing, thus breaking the cycle of poverty for their families.

By compassionately restoring individuals in crisis, The City Mission strives to be a catalyst for positive change in Cleveland resulting in the radical transformation of individuals and communities for generations to come.