INTERACT CLEVELAND

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you that after 20 years of
bringing together communities for interreligious dialogue, education, and service
projects, InterAct Cleveland will be closing its doors as soon as it is practical to
do so. This action follows a unanimous vote this week by the InterAct Board of
Trustees.

We are extremely thankful for the support, time, and energy that you and other
friends and volunteers have invested into a mission that we all still believe is
vitally important. We have accomplished much together and it is our sincerest hope
and intention that this important work will continue on in the hands of others. Some
specifics about that follow, below.

No doubt you are aware that we have weathered a difficult two years. Like many small nonprofits, InterAct has struggled with funding and staffing issues. In the last ten
months, however, these challenges have made InterAct’s continued existence untenable.

Foundation support has severely declined as these organizations have granted their
funds to basic service organizations.
Contributions from member organizations (i.e., churches, mosques, synagogues, other religious groups) have decreased.
Donations from individual members have declined. There have been some successful fundraisers, but despite hard work and best effort, these have not been sufficient to support the organization’s activities.

Our difficulty in recruiting and retaining quality staff has largely been driven by
the fiscal uncertainty of InterAct.

Over the past several months, the InterAct Board of Trustees has examined and
analyzed these challenges. In spite of our considerable efforts to sustain
operations, it is clear to us that our current circumstances do not permit long-term
viability. It is time for InterAct to cease operation and find other organizations
who will take up our mission.

The Homeless Stand Down is taking place as planned in January 2012, with HandsOn Northeast Ohio assuming the lead role in coordinating and implementing this and future Stand Downs. Donations to InterAct designated to support the Homeless Stand Down are following that program. We ask that you continue to support the Homeless Stand Down and contact HandsOn Northeast Ohio directly (www.handsonneo.org or 216.432.9390) with your inquiries about this program.

Our Community Meals providers are meeting on December 21 to explore continuing
operational models without the assistance of InterAct Cleveland. Direct inquiries
about this to Denise Horstman at denise.horstman@sbcglobal.net or 216.533.6263.

Our InterReligious Affairs Steering Committee is working with others to maintain and
even expand programs devoted to education and dialogue. Spearheading these efforts are its committee chairs, the Rev. Laury Larson and Sensei Dean Williams:
llarson@covenantweb.org and deanwms@aol.com.

We extend heartfelt thanks and blessings to all the donors, volunteers, program
participants, and staff who have supported us over the past 20 years. As our programs find new homes with other organizations or volunteer coalitions, we will be in touch to share that information and pray that you continue to support these vital efforts.