About L.I.F.T.
Our Mission: We exist to help individuals and families experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and addiction move toward stability by restoring the things that make a home
Our Vision: Not just finding shelter, restoring home. A home is more than a roof over your head. It’s where you’re fed, known, safe, and given hope for tomorrow. Every day, we help to restore these pieces of home for people who need it.
The L.I.F.T. House
Our 5 Year Plan, and How it Impacts our Partnership Strategy
Restoring home requires community. We are partnering across the city to ensure the unhoused community finds safety, nourishment, and belonging. Because no single organization can meet every logistical need, L.I.F.T. is committed to serving as a clearinghouse-funding and empowering trusted partners equipped to meet the specialized needs we cannot. Together, we fill the gaps.
Tip: Check out the graphic below to see how our core services map directly to the essential rooms of a true home.
Board of Directors
Rick Rodgers, CEO
Rick Rodgers is a devoted husband and father of four children from Cleveland, Ohio. He is the CEO of L.I.F.T. and holds certifications as a Christian Mental Health Coach and a Christian Life Coach. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Rick is also a published author and is currently working on his second book, “Lessons Learned From a Dead End Road”.
Curt Kelly, Business Partner and Secretary of the Board
Husband and Father of two children from Eastlake, Ohio Business partner of K.U.R. Consulting Inc. 501 (c) 3, parent company of Bridge Street Outreach. Registered and Licensed Dietitian with experience in Healthcare Clinical Nutrition. State of Ohio, certified “ServSafe” Food Safety and Sanitation instructor. He is experienced in healthcare operations, state and local regulatory compliance. Acted as preceptor or coordinator for clinical and food service internship rotations from local universities and with a remote learning internship program. Also, he held a leadership role in local churches and new church plants since the early 1980’s. Favorite bucket list vacation is recreating a road trip to Alaska with his wife as co-pilot!
Chuck Hirsch, Chief Financial Officer, Business Owner, State Farm Agent
I am a husband and father of seven daughters, one of which was adopted from Cleveland. I have also been a foster parent for seven years. I am a State Farm Agent who assists clients with insurance and financial services. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Religion and Philosophy from Roberts Wesleyan College and am an elder at Christ the King Vineyard Church in North Olmsted.
Zacharias Wray, Board Member, Owner of RBGS, Licensed Minister
Zacharias Wray is a husband, father, and entrepreneur based in Lorain County, Ohio. He is the owner of Real Business Growth Solutions, a growth marketing firm helping organizations (from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies) elevate, innovate, and roar to life through clear, values-aligned strategy.
With director-level experience serving multiple Northeast Ohio nonprofit organizations, Zacharias brings a unique ability to translate complex ideas into clear, human-centered communication.
Zacharias also holds advanced academic training in theology and psychology-informed frameworks and is passionate about empathy-driven leadership, transparency, and systems that serve people well.
Kimberly Kraus, MD - Board Member
Dr. Kimberly Kraus is a board-certified OB/GYN who has been caring for women in Northeast Ohio for more than 25 years and has been on the medical staff at Southwest General since 1999. She also serves as Medical Director of Womankind, a free prenatal clinic providing care and support to women and their babies.
Kimberly’s heart for service has also taken her to Haiti on medical mission trips. Her Christian faith is central to her life and inspires her passion for serving others with compassion and dignity. One simple phrase she strives to live by is “I see you” - a reminder to recognize each person, hear their story, and make sure they know they matter.
Kimberly and her husband, Doug, have three children—Drake and Olivia who are twins and another daughter, Maddie-and a much-loved dog, Beesley. She is honored to serve on the L.I.F.T. Cleveland Board and support its mission of caring for individuals in need throughout the Cleveland community.