EMPOWERING PEOPLE TO ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS

Cleveland Learning Connection (CLC) has deep roots in this community. Its management team bonded and developed its skills at a prominent, for-profit, learning center founded in 1969 that served students across the region for 57 years. As the organization grew, the for-profit model eventually gave way to a new vision as a nonprofit. In 2022, the management team created a nonprofit called Cleveland Learning Connection, reaffirming a commitment to accessible, community-centered education and workforce preparedness. 

This transition was guided by the goal of increasing service accessibility, strengthening community impact, and ensuring that individuals with disabling workplace injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and other functional limitations, could receive high-quality vocational rehabilitation and workforce preparedness regardless of financial circumstance. This is a niche program due to its trauma-informed, individually tailored programming meeting students where they are, work preparedness, and offering a renewed sense of purpose after suffering a work injury.

A serious injury doesn't just affect someone's ability to work—it can change every part of life. The loss of a job often means the loss of confidence, routine, financial security, and a sense of purpose. Many people find themselves wondering, "Where do I go from here?"

At the same time, the workplace has changed. Even entry-level jobs often require computer skills, digital communication, and the confidence to learn new technology. For someone rebuilding after an injury or other employment setback, those expectations can feel overwhelming.

Case managers and vocational rehabilitation professionals work tirelessly to support the people they serve, but growing caseloads often leave little time for the individualized teaching and hands-on skill development that lasting success requires.

That's where Cleveland Learning Connection makes a difference.

We provide personalized vocational rehabilitation, workplace readiness training, computer and digital skills instruction, and real-world work experiences that help adults regain confidence, develop marketable skills, and move toward meaningful employment, independence, purpose, and a new horizon they can believe in.

Cleveland Learning Connection provides holistic, wraparound support for injured workers rebuilding their skills, confidence, and careers. Services include:

• Trauma-Informed Support — Compassionate, patient, and nonjudgmental engagement that creates the psychological safety participants need to learn and move forward.
• Computer Skills Education — Foundational through advanced digital training, offered in person and online and tailored to each participant’s abilities and pace.
• Equipment Access — On-site computers and laptops mailed to remote participants, removing technology barriers to learning.
• Assistive Technology — Universal design with ergonomic equipment, screen readers, alternative input devices, and other adaptive tools that enable participants with physical limitations to engage fully in training at every workstation.
• Information and Referrals — Connections to community resources, benefits, and support services that address needs beyond job training.
• Social-Emotional Learning — Dedicated time to process the effects of injury, rebuild confidence, and sustain motivation.

Together, these services help injured workers do more than acquire new skills: they help participants rebuild confidence and envision a new future. When people feel safe and supported, they are better able to learn—and when they can learn, they can rebuild.

Every year Cleveland Learning Connection serves approximately 100 adults rebuilding careers after injury, illness, disability, or other employment barriers. Half of these participants are from Cuyahoga county; the other half represent 23 other counties.   

Every participant arrives with a different story. What they share is the determination not to be sidelined by life’s events, but instead move forward stronger and better. Here are a few of their words about their experience at Cleveland Learning Connection.

This opportunity has changed my life. My confidence is over the moon; this class has really helped me with all of my insecurities.

—Darlene, WA participant

The staff has been great, helping me along the way on this journey. This has really challenged me to push forward. At Cleveland Learning Connection, I got the tools I needed, like the basics and learning how to ignore the distractions so I can be productive. This is not the end of my book. I’m just starting a new chapter!!

—Peggy, WA participant

The people working at CLC are resourceful and patient, which goes a long way for someone like me who shows up in pain and grumpy first thing in the morning. Although I’m no secretary, my time at Cleveland Learning Connection allowed me to gain new skills in Microsoft Word and improve my typing. I also earned my high school equivalency diploma, which will aid me in my search for employment in a new field.

—Justin, Remedial Tutoring and WA

I came with stress and anxiety not knowing what was going to take place because of my lack of computer skills, but every instructor was welcoming and understanding of my situation. They were accommodating of my needs and made me feel comfortable. I learned so many things like email, Word, Excel, and typing; plus I gained a boost of self-confidence.

The last 4 weeks of my program I worked remotely at home with my instructor. I really liked remote learning because of the one-on-one teaching and the ability to answer all my questions on the fly and walk me through the lessons. My teacher introduced me to so many different paths on the computer. I do recommend the remote learning.

— Neil, WA and STT participant

The concept of computers, different assigned tasks, and staff assistance, I now comprehend the useful techniques a computer offers. You all have a part in shaping 'The New Me.’

—Sara, Work Adjustment

Cleveland Learning Connection has truly been one of the best experiences of a lifetime. To be among such a great group of individuals that has taught me the true meaning of the words integrity, professionalism, and patience. Words can’t describe the gratitude I have for this program because without it I’d still be on the outside looking in.

—Kevin, Work Adjustment

I want to start by saying that I wanted to just give up.

There were days I just wanted to stay in bed or do something else.

But I got up and came. I want to thank everyone that helped me get my work done.

I learned a lot since I have been coming to Cleveland Learning Connection Program.

I will use my skills from Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, IXL, Curriculum Packets, Ted Talks, Keyboarding, Professor Teaches, and one-on-one tutoring for my future.

—Precious, Work Adjustment

There were times when I felt like I wanted to give up; times when I felt like this was all just too much for me, but CLC was there . You believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. Thank you CLC staff for your unwavering commitment to help us through our journey. You believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. Your empathy and your understanding of our individual needs and learning styles have made all the difference in my learning experience. You took the time to get to know each of us as individuals and to tailor your approach to our unique needs. Your ability to meet us where we are and to help us achieve our goals is truly remarkable. Thank you for believing in me and for helping me to achieve my goals. You can do anything if you put your mind  to it. Don’t give up!

—Kim, Work Adjustment

 Our Board

• Tami Tabor Glancy, M.Ed., LPC, CRC -  Precision Vocational Rehabilitation Services, LLC, Owner
• Shawn Bixler, M.Ed. - University of Akron, Educator, Retired
• Michael Hercbergs, CPA - Organizational Consultant

Community Partners

•  PCs For People             
• Ohio BWC       
• Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless

Cleveland Learning Connection welcomes all people to work and learn at our center.  We will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, the appointment to and termination from its Board of Directors, hiring and firing of staff or contractors and vendors, selection of volunteers, and providing of services.