West 117 Foundation

We support entrepreneurship, arts, culture & health and human services to create a hub for Cleveland’s LGBTQ+ ecosystem.

Studio West Fieldhouse

Our Mission

The West 117 Foundation, Inc. provides leadership to raise private sector funds, steward the assets received, and make grants in supporting the LGBTQ+ ecosystem of Northeast Ohio and its partners.

Our Vision

The West 117 Foundation, Inc. will generate philanthropic resources to support entrepreneurship, arts, culture, health, and human services to create a hub for Cleveland’s LGBTQ+ ecosystem.

THE FIELDHOUSE ART MURAL PROJECT

The West 117 Foundation is seeking private support to fund the Fieldhouse Art Mural Project. The Fieldhouse at Studio West 117 is the first segment of Cleveland’s new LGBTQ+ neighborhood. Goals of the Fieldhouse Art Mural Project include: 1) supporting/engaging the local arts community; 2) showcasing a diverse aesthetic from a variety of artists; and 3) serving as a tool for ongoing community engagement and power building in the future. An Art Mural Fieldhouse Public Arts Committee will be formed to review finalists and select participating artists. A commitment to advocate and encourage equitable practices and representation of Cleveland-based artists will be pursued.

THE LGBTQ+ YOUTH SPORTS LEAGUE

The West 117 Foundation is utilizing the facilities being constructed and provided within the Studio West 117 neighborhood to fund The LGBTQ+ Youth Sports League to address and provide positive and measurable solutions to the systemic and growing issue of bullying, harassment, and discrimination facing LGBTQ+ Youth when participating in sports and recreation activities. While many LGBTQ Sports Leagues exist for adults, this youth-focused initiative represents a first-in-the-nation model that will afford LGBTQ+ youth the ability to participate as their authentic selves in a wide array of sports activities, ranging from structured sports leagues and tournaments to summer camps and unstructured recreational activities. An important component of the Program is a structured evaluation process, with a pre-evaluation survey to identify behavioral health factors, physical health determinants, and questions that will be conducted throughout the Program to determine whether a history of bullying and harassment exists. At the conclusion of the Program, post-evaluations, including referral recommendations and access to further support services, will be completed with each participant to measure the individual’s growth and development in these areas.

Board Members

Stephen Sokany

Stephen Sokany

Executive Director

Lauren Tatum

Lauren Tatum

Board President

Ilah Adkins

Ilah Adkins

Secretary

Suzanne Hamilton

Suzanne Hamilton

Treasurer

Kyle Kidd

Kyle Kidd

Board Member

Laura Bidwell

Laura Bidwell

Board Member

Shamus Dickinson

Shamus Dickinson

Board Member

Jenny Spencer

Jenny Spencer

Board Member

Deidre McPherson

Deidre McPherson

Board Member

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