Inner Visions: grassroots stories of truth and hope is written and photographed from the perspective of people living in some of the most economically challenged areas of Cleveland’s east side urban core. It is a story about what is seen every day on these streets. But it is also about the power of what happens when neighbors connect to neighbors to co-create the life they envision. There are extraordinary improvements being accomplished by ordinary people. Beautiful food –producing gardens are replacing barren city lots. There are students being mentored who are rising high above the bars that had previously been set way too low. And there are support groups being formed and recreation centers being built—making neighborhoods stronger, safer and more cohesive.

This story begins by looking through the eyes of a seven-year-old boy named Rashawn. His foundational beliefs and behaviors are being shaped by what he sees in his neighborhood. He shows us that his imagination is the anecdote for his fears. He draws and dreams ways to protect himself and improve his surroundings. The story continues as teens, adults and parents share the educational, employment, housing, health, nutrition and legal challenges they face. Like Rashawn they are using their “inner visions” to devise solutions to these challenges.

Each of us can help to improve the quality of life for our neighbors by working together to tackle the challenges that community members define as most critical. First we must see and understand the issues from the perspective of those who are most intimately affected by them. As Gracian says, “It isn’t that we can’t see solutions it’s that we can’t see the problems.”

Join us as we look at the issues with our eyes wide open and then with our eyes tightly shut—using our “inner visions” to create change.

Imagine if we shared our strengths and our visions . .. imagine what our collective could do.

100% of the proceeds from this book go directly towards funding Inner Visions of Cleveland projects.