2025 Community Partner of the Month Awards

The journey of The Trash Boys started with two teenage brothers, Andre Willis and Drevian Arrington, who noticed something many others overlooked: the growing amount of trash around their neighborhood and the struggles that many residents faced in maintaining their homes. With a simple yet powerful idea, they began picking up litter, setting a great example of initiative and community pride. As they worked, they quickly realized there was a larger need to address, especially for elderly residents, disabled individuals, and everyday citizens who struggled with basic tasks like pulling their trash cans to the curb.

With the unwavering support of their loving mother, Jasmine, and their hardworking older brother, Ramondre, The Trash Boys transformed their small act of service into a full-fledged business. What began with picking up trash evolved into a service that helps people with more than just litter. They expanded their mission to include trash-to-curb services, trash bin washing, and more, offering solutions that make a real difference for countless members of their community.

But their impact does not stop there. Andre and Drevian have made their mark not only in their neighborhood but citywide. Through their program, Turning Trash into Triumph (TTT), they have found a way to take their passion for service and share it with others. TTT is a community-driven program that provides young men, ages 13 to 19, with the opportunity to stay off the streets, develop a strong work ethic, and give back to their community.

In a world where many young people struggle to find direction, TTT offers purpose, teamwork, and the satisfaction of knowing their work is making a difference. These two outstanding young men are proof that when given the opportunity, they can make an incredible impact by shaping the future one trash bin at a time.

It is because of their dedication and devotion to the community that the Cleveland Police Foundation is proud to name The Trash Boys, Andre Willis and Drevian Arrington, our Community Partner of the Month for October 2025.

– Bob Guttu, CPF

As described in its definition, a hero is a person admired for courageous or noble qualities and outstanding achievements, often acting selflessly to help others. This month’s Community Partner of the Month is Allison Burkhalter Sharp, a fourth grader at Alcott School who is a true hero in every sense of the word.

Her actions on the morning of August 27, 2025, are best described in the following statement by Darrielle Snipes, Media Relations Manager for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District:

“On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at approximately 8:30 AM, Allison boarded her school bus. As the bus pulled away from her home on West 41st Street, Allison noticed a small child in front of the bus wearing only an undershirt. She immediately yelled to the bus driver to stop and alerted him that the child was too small to be seen.

The bus driver let Allison off the bus, and she quickly grabbed the toddler, helped her onto the bus, and sat with her while the driver contacted emergency responders. Allison gave the child her jacket because she was shivering, and the bus driver provided crackers. Allison covered the child and stayed with her until help arrived and the family was notified.”

In all reality, had Allison not taken action, the outcome could have been much different.

I had the pleasure of visiting Allison at her school for this story, and during our conversation, I asked what she wanted to be when she grew up. Without hesitation, she said, “A doctor.” After talking with her, my money is on her to accomplish that.

It is because of her actions that morning and her compassion for others that the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name Allison Burkhalter Sharp our Community Partner of the Month for September 2025.

– Bob Guttu, CPF

OneHope NEO has been nominated by Second District Commander Tim Maffo-Judd and chosen as the Cleveland Police Foundation’s Community Partner of the Month for August 2025. In his nomination he cites the following reasons for this honor:

“OneHope NEO is a community outreach center located in the heart of the Second District. This institution is founded with Hispanic traditions and in a neighborhood centered around the Hispanic community.

The staff has welcomed the Cleveland Police at many events and allowed the monthly District Policing Committee meetings to be held in their facility, complete with coffee and refreshments each time. The OneHope NEO Center also hosts ‘come drink coffee with us’ events on Wednesdays and invites officers and community members to attend.

Recently, OneHope NEO partnered with Second District officers to assist with clothing donations to the community. Their continued partnership also allows a liaison line between community members who may not have contacted the police to feel comfortable in getting assistance from law enforcement, forming a bond with the community through valuable interaction.”

It is because of their commitment to the community they serve that the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name OneHope NEO our Community Partner of the Month for August 2025.

– Bob Guttu, CPF

Nominated by Second District Commander Tim Maffo-Judd

The Cleveland Police Foundation’s Community Partner of the Month for July 2025 is the Greater Cleveland West Park YMCA and Director Delinda Hupka. The YMCA is a non-profit fitness and community center that empowers people by improving health, strengthening families, and bettering communities. Welcoming to people from all walks of life, the West Park YMCA provides programs and activities that enhance the well-being of all.

CPD Community Engagement Officer Kerry Adams nominated the West Park Y and Director Hupka for this recognition, stating:

“The West Park YMCA has been partners with the First District for several years. Delinda Hupka is the director and has played a huge role in putting together several community events. We have had Christmas parties for the kids at Laura’s Home, where Delinda set up a donation tree to make it possible for the kids to receive gifts. She set up the Rise Program where kids and our officers had the opportunity to talk about community issues and then play basketball together. This program was a huge success between our youth in the community and the officers. Delinda really wants what’s best for the West Park YMCA and the community.”

It is because of her compassion for the kids and the West Park community that the Cleveland Police Foundation is proud to name Delinda Hupka and the West Park YMCA our Community Partner of the Month for July 2025.

– Bob Guttu, CPF

Nominated by Community Engagement Officer Kerry Adams

The Hispanic Police Officers’ Association (HPOA) has been proudly serving its members and the greater community since it was founded in 1986. Although historically comprised of Hispanic officers from the Cleveland Division of Police, the HPOA proudly serves public safety personnel from multiple agencies, of both Hispanic and non-Hispanic descent alike, and shares a strong commitment to diversity and inclusiveness.

This year, the HPOA, along with the Cleveland Police Foundation, co-sponsored the Guardians of Hope softball team, which is mainly comprised of CPD officers, in hopes of building morale, camaraderie, and overall well-being.

CPD Patrol Officer Joe Walsh, who nominated the organization for its support of the team, shared: “The Hispanic Police Officers’ Association has been one of our biggest supporters since its beginning. They do an amazing job of being inclusive to everyone, and have multiple events yearly which allows everyone to participate and helps build the camaraderie within the department. This organization is a great representation of what other organizations should and could be with good people managing it.”

It is because of their commitment and dedication to our CPD officers that the Cleveland Police Foundation is proud to name the Hispanic Police Officers’ Association its Community Partner of the Month for June 2025.

– Bob Guttu, CPF

Nominated by 2nd District Patrol Officer Joe Walsh

This month’s very special Community Partners of the Month are the Ohio Operation Flags of Freedom and Serpentini Chevrolet Strongsville. In his own words, Cleveland Division of Police Sgt. Tom Ross explains how this partnership began:

“When the Cleveland Police Foundation and former CPF Executive Director Rick DeChant heard that we were in critical need of a trailer and truck for the 300 mile Police Unity Tour, they immediately connected us with the incredible folks at Operation Flags of Freedom and Serpentini Chevrolet Strongsville.

“Without their support, we could not have completed the rigorous journey from New Jersey to Washington D.C., allowing us to honor several fallen officers from our area. Team Ohio is very grateful for the Cleveland Police Foundation, Rick DeChant and these very generous donors.”

“I would also like to thank these donors and my good friend and former colleague Rick DeChant for going the extra mile so Team Ohio could participate in the Police Unity Tour. It is because of their willingness to step forward and give support to our Heroes in Blue that the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name the Ohio Operation Flags of Freedom and Sepentini Chevrolet Strongsville its Community Partner of the Month for May 2025.

– Bob Guttu, CPF

Nominated by Sgt. Tom Ross

The Hispanic Community Senior Center offers recreational and socialization activities for Hispanic adults, with a focus on the cultural and linguistic needs of seniors in Greater Cleveland’s Hispanic community. Over time, these seniors have also become strong supporters of the officers in the Cleveland Division of Police Second District.

In a gesture of appreciation, Commander Tim Maffo Judd and several officers from the Second District recently hosted a pancake breakfast for the seniors. The event was well attended and warmly received, with officers not only cooking the breakfast but serving it as well.

Emilly Lebron, Project Coordinator with the City of Cleveland’s Department of Aging, shared her appreciation: “Thank you Commander Maffo for making this event a reality. It was a wonderful and meaningful event for the seniors and had a positive impact in our community.”

Commander Maffo Judd responded, “It was indeed our honor to provide breakfast to these very special individuals who not only support us but welcome us into their community.”

Councilwoman Jasmin Santana also attended the breakfast, which was supported by the Cleveland Police Foundation.

It is because of their ongoing support and care for the Cleveland Division of Police that the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name the Hispanic Community Senior Center its Community Partner of the Month for April 2025.

-Bob Guttu, CPF

Nominated by 2nd District Commander Tim Maffo Judd

The Cleveland Police Foundation is proud to recognize the Greater Cleveland Food Bank as our Community Partner of the Month for March 2025. This organization was nominated by Fifth District Lieutenant Marcus Montanaro, who shared the following:

It is because of their ongoing compassion and dedication—to both the community and the officers who serve it—that the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name the Greater Cleveland Food Bank our Community Partner of the Month.

-Bob Guttu, CPF

Nominated by Lt. Marcus Montanaro, Fifth District

Since 1969, Ohio Technical College has been providing hands-on career training in the automotive industry as well as programs in auto-diesel, collision, motorsports, restoration, and welding.

Recently, they volunteered to restore the Cleveland Division of Police Monster Truck that was once used by the Community Relations Unit.

I spoke with CPD Patrol Officer Kerry Adams, who spearheaded this mission. She stated, “The truck was in pretty bad shape with the paint peeling on the body and the motor was running really rough. I spoke with Tom Ballard from OTC and he told me after talking with the students, they would be happy to make the truck look great again.”

“They then began the project by stripping the vehicle down, preparing the body, and painting it. They also detailed the truck, including cleaning the interior, the tires, and chrome pieces. We would like to thank Mr. Ballard and the students for their effort in restoring this truck and making it usable once again.”

It is because of their hard work in restoring the CPD Monster Truck and their support of the Cleveland Division of Police that the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name Ohio Technical College our Community Partner of the Month for February 2025.

– Bob Guttu, CPF  (Nominated by CPD Officers Kerry Adams and J.R. Bellamy)