Thea Bowman Center

08/12/2026

Dear Thea Bowman Center Family and Friends,

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Ella Thomas, who served as Executive Director of Thea Bowman Center from 2010 through 2024.

Ella was among the Center’s earliest staff members and its first Black woman Executive Director. Over 14 years of dedicated leadership, she helped build Thea Bowman Center from its grassroots beginnings into the established community organization it is today. She strengthened partnerships, secured resources, advocated for families and seniors, and expanded programs and opportunities for the Mt. Pleasant community.

The mission of Thea Bowman Center—to Listen, Learn, and Do What the People of Mt. Pleasant Want and Need—is deeply reflected in Ella’s legacy.

She helped build the organization. She invested in the community. Her legacy lives on.

In honor of her life and service, we invite you to join us for the following:

Viewing
Monday, August 17, 2026
4:00–7:00 p.m.
E.F. Boyd Funeral Home
2165 E. 89th Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44106

Wake & Funeral
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Wake: 10:00–10:30 a.m.
Funeral: 11:00 a.m.
New Life at Calvary
2020 E. 79th Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44103

A repast will be held at the church following the funeral.

You may find Ella’s obituary and complete funeral information here:
https://www.efboyd.com/obituaries/Ella-Holt-Thomas?obId=49204413

We are grateful for Ella’s 14 years of service, leadership, and love for Thea Bowman Center and the Mt. Pleasant community. Her work helped lay the foundation upon which we continue to build.

With gratitude and remembrance,
Thea Bowman Center

07/24/2026

Had a blast at our Staff Appreciation Bowling Day last week! Thanks to RollHouse Solon for having us! We work hard and we play hard!

06/11/2026

We launched our first newsletter of the year today! http://bit.ly/49QRzky Link below!

Dear Friends and Supporters, Summer is officially underway at the Thea Bowman Center, and we are excited to launch our 2026 Summer Camp Program with nearly 30 students ages 5–13 participating in eight weeks of free enrichment opportunities. This year’s program includes a new director, refreshed ...

06/09/2026

05/30/2026

Zine Making Workshop

Let the Hood Cry is about turning real experiences into artwork. In this workshop, the participants will make a zine, a mini magazine, using images, writing, and their own ideas. No art experience is needed.

Participants can submit a song for the workshop playlist.

Come enjoy free food, music, and a raffle.

Attendees are welcome to showcase their work in a special exhibition.

05/29/2026

Join us tomorrow for Storytime Saturday at 10am!

05/20/2026

On May 8 or Executive Director Jeremy Taylor had the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at the Cleveland Guardians game! Thank you to the volunteers, staff, and board members who also volunteered to sell 50/50 raffle tickets to raise funds for the centers summer program and for Cleveland Guardians Charities! Special thank your to Dinsmore Law for donating t-shirts and Ben Carnahan for donating the first pitch experience!

04/17/2026

Our Executive Director, Jeremy Taylor, is throwing out the first pitch at the May 8th Cleveland Guardians game!

Join us for this special occasion by purchasing one or more tickets to the game. All proceeds from ticket sales support Thea Bowman Center’s youth summer program—and each ticket comes with a T-shirt.

You can also choose to donate a ticket to a child or family from Thea Bowman Center!

On May 8th, Our very own Executive Director Jeremy Taylor will deliver the First Pitch at the Cleveland Guardians Baseball Game! Join us! Step up to the plate with Thea Bowman Center at a Cleveland Guardians game ⚾ and celebrate our Mt. Pleasant community together. Join neighbors, families, and fr...

04/01/2026

When was the last time you checked in on the safety of the elders in your life?

In a world where scams are getting smarter and emergencies can happen at any time, we have to make sure our parents, grandparents, and neighbors are prepared and protected.

We are hosting a Senior Safety Workshop in partnership with Digital C and Murtis Taylor, focused on what matters most. How to stay safe online and how to respond in real-life emergencies. This session will include cyber safety guidance to help avoid scams and hands-on CPR training led by certified instructor Val Woods, giving participants real tools they can use.

🗓 Friday, April 10, 2026
⏰ 12:00 PM
📍 Murtis Taylor Family Resource Center
13411 Union Ave

04/01/2026

What if the key to safer streets and stronger blocks started right outside your front door?

Residents of Union-Miles and Mt. Pleasant are invited to join us for a Block/Street Club Training and learn how neighbors can come together to advocate for safer streets, organize activities, and access resources that help improve the block you live on.

You will also learn about opportunities to connect with the City of Cleveland - City Hall and Bike Cleveland, organize cleanups, and explore small beautification projects that can make a real difference on your street.

🗓 Tuesday, April 7
⏰ 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Killingsworth Meeting Place (Miles Shopping Plaza)

📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer or call (216) 341-0757 to reserve your spot.