The East Cleveland Community Choir is a free weekly singing group launching in June at Loiter, a community arts and cultural space in East Cleveland. The choir brings together seniors from across East Cleveland and surrounding neighborhoods to sing, share stories, build friendships and reduce social isolation. A feature on Loiter's website is soon to follow.

Many participants are older residents who have deep connections to the city's history but face barriers to participating in cultural activities, including transportation costs, mobility challenges and limited access to welcoming social spaces. The choir creates a regular opportunity for connection, creativity and joy in a neighborhood where opportunities specifically designed for seniors are limited.

Alongside singing, sessions include time for conversation, refreshments and the sharing of personal memories connected to songs, places and community life. The project helps preserve local stories while strengthening relationships between residents.

The Awesome Foundation grant would help ensure that participation remains free and accessible. By supporting transportation assistance, shared meals and basic session resources, the grant would directly increase attendance and make it easier for seniors to participate consistently.

The choir is hosted by Loiter, an East Cleveland-based cultural organization committed to community building, creative participation and neighborhood stewardship. The project aims to create a sustainable, welcoming space where older residents can build community through music and shared experience.

In a city often defined by narratives of decline, the choir offers something simple but powerful: a place to gather, sing, laugh, remember and belong.