Today we’d like to introduce you to Gretchen Dupps.
Hi Gretchen, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Cleveland Angels was founded in 2018 out of a deeply personal understanding of the foster care system. Having grown up in a family that welcomed foster children into our home, I witnessed both the immense need for more foster families and the emotional toll it can take on families who serve. This firsthand experience became the foundation for bringing the mission of National Angels to Cleveland: to walk alongside children, youth, and families in the foster care community by offering consistent support through intentional giving, relationship building, and mentorship.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Launching any new nonprofit comes with its challenges, and Cleveland Angels was no exception. From the very beginning, we faced the expected hurdles of starting a new organization—building infrastructure, raising awareness, and securing sustainable funding. But our journey also included unexpected trials: navigating a shifting national structure, weathering the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and adapting to an increasingly difficult financial climate.
Despite these challenges, we’ve grown steadily over the past seven years, thanks to the unwavering passion of our local team, our community and the support of the National Angels network. Through every twist in our path, one truth has kept us grounded: the obstacles we face pale in comparison to those endured by the children, youth, and families we serve. Their resilience fuels our determination. It reminds us why we do this work—and why we’ll continue showing up, no matter the odds.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m incredibly grateful for the varied experiences that have shaped my path—each one has uniquely prepared me to launch and lead Cleveland Angels. My background in business gave me the strategic mindset and operational foundation needed to build a sustainable organization. My time as a teacher deepened my understanding of children’s needs and the critical importance of supportive relationships in their lives. And my years as a volunteer grounded me in service and taught me the value of showing up with consistency and compassion.
What sets me apart is the way these experiences intersect—I bring both a heart for service and a mind for structure. I’m most proud of building an organization that not only meets a critical need in our community, but does so with integrity, intentionality, and deep respect for the children, youth, and families we walk alongside.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
When I reflect on the role of luck in both life and business, it almost always comes down to one thing: people. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to cross paths with mentors, friends, and a community that have shaped my journey in ways I could never have predicted. Their support, wisdom, and belief in our mission have been the kind of luck you can’t plan for—but can be endlessly grateful for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cleangels.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clevelandangelsnonprofit/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CLEangels/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cleveland-angels
