The Persayus Way Project

06/18/2026

At some point, we have to start having honest conversations about accountability.

For years, many of the same organizations have received CDBG and ARP funding. The question is: where is the accountability? How are we measuring success? Are organizations actually delivering on the promises and outcomes they presented when they applied for those dollars, or are we just continuing to fund the same groups because that’s how it’s always been done?

The Persayus Way Project has been on the ground since day one. We didn’t wait for grant money to start serving our community. We’ve cleaned neighborhoods, employed youth, provided mentorship, tackled blight, and shown up consistently when our community needed us. We’ve invested our own resources, time, and energy into this work.
Yet when funding opportunities come around, we’re often overlooked. Then when we release our financial reports showing private funds and donations invested into our organization, people suddenly have something negative to say.

My question is simple: What else do we have to do?

How many more neighborhoods do we have to clean?

How many more young people do we have to employ?

How many more community projects do we have to complete?

How many more years do we have to prove ourselves before we’re viewed as worthy of the same opportunities given to others? This isn’t about jealousy. This isn’t about attacking anyone. This is about fairness, transparency, and accountability. Taxpayer dollars should produce measurable results, and organizations receiving public funds should be able to clearly demonstrate their impact.

I will say this: the only ARP support we received came through the Mahoning County Commissioners. They saw our work, believed in our mission, and invested in what we were already doing. For that, I am grateful. We’ll continue doing the work regardless. But the community deserves to know how funding decisions are made, what outcomes are being achieved, and why organizations with proven track records on the ground continue to be overlooked. Those are fair questions, and I think it’s time we start asking them.

06/11/2026

A huge thank you to the amazing Board of Directors and leadership team of The Persayus Way Project. None of our success would be possible without the dedication, teamwork, and passion each of you brings to this organization every single day.

Chief Executive Officer — Million Perry Phifer
Leading the vision, growth, and mission of the organization.

Community Outreach Director — Rosa Baker Shaw
Connecting families and communities with resources and support.

Assistant Director — Queen Lewis
Helping oversee operations and organizational development.

Chief of Staff — Christina May-Davis
Keeping communication, planning, and leadership organized.

Beautification & Youth Program Director — Austin Olinik
Leading youth programs and community beautification efforts.

Restorative Justice Director — Sonya Lenoir
Promoting healing, accountability, and violence prevention.

Finance Director — Cleveland Gruber
Managing financial accountability and organizational stability.

Event Coordinator & Specialist — Lisette Encarnacion
Organizing events and creating meaningful community engagement.

We operate as one team, one family, and one mission. Thank you all for helping make a difference in our community every day.

06/10/2026

It’s another day tackling the dirty railroad tracks and neglected areas throughout our city. Don’t worry we got it covered.

Today, our team is on the South Side putting in the work, cleaning up, beautifying, and doing our part to make Youngstown a cleaner and better place for everyone. One block at a time, we’re making a difference. 💪🏽🧹

06/09/2026

Day 2
Summer youth program 2026
The Persayus Way Project 

06/08/2026

Today marked the official start of the Youth Workforce & Beautification Program led by Director Austin Olinik and CEO Million Perry Phifer.

Before we touched a shovel or started cleaning up the city, we made sure everybody understood the rules, expectations, and what it means to show up, work hard, and represent themselves the right way. This ain’t just a summer program it’s about learning responsibility, getting work experience, and taking pride in your community. The youth got the game plan today. Now it’s time to put that work in. 🔥Less talking. More working. More growth. More opportunities.

💯🏡🌱

05/22/2026

05/21/2026

Today, we would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the Mahoning County Commissioners and the dedicated Board Members of The Persayus Way Project. Receiving this recognition today meant more than words can explain. It was more than an award it was a reminder that the hard work, sacrifices, and love we pour into our community are being seen and appreciated. This moment gave us even more motivation to keep pushing forward. The sky is the limit, and we will continue creating programs, opportunities, and resources that truly help our community and positively impact lives for generations to come. We are only getting started. Stay tuned for more events, programs, outreach, and positive change coming this summer and for many years ahead.

Chief executive officer :Million Perry Phifer

Community Outreach Director:Rosa Baker Shaw

Assistant Director: Queen Lewis

Chief Of Staff : Christina May-Davis

Beautification & youth program Director : Austin Olinik

Restorative justice director: Sonya Lenoir

Finance Director: Cleveland Gruber 

Event coordinator & specialist: Lisette Encarnacion

The Persayus Way Project “Turning Pain Into Purpose, One Community at a Time.”