ISP Cleveland

“I felt human again. ISP gave me a ‘chest of spiritual tools’ that changed how I live — I started to take ownership of my life, got a job, and finally learned how to be something besides ashamed.”

ISP Cleveland participant

About Us

ISP Cleveland began in 2008 thanks to a small group of dedicated volunteers and supporters. Today we have active men’s and women’s teams and a strong relationship with multiple social service agencies in northeast Ohio. ISP Cleveland currently hosts four overnight retreats per year and twice-per-month spiritual reflections at multiple partner agencies. Additionally, several team members and alumni actively participate in ISP’s national facilitator formation and the Ambassador of Hope program. As one of over 20 cities within the ISP Network, ISP Cleveland has brought experiences of love, hope and healing to thousands of individuals. For more information, please see the Cleveland information sheet.

Love, hope, and healing

October 2026: “I learned that God moments are all around me; I just need to look for them.”

This is what one participant shared following the recent overnight retreats at the Jesuit Retreat Center in Parma, and we couldn’t agree more! Both the men’s and women’s teams had plenty of these God moments when they gathered for separate overnight retreats in late August. This was the first retreat for the men since pausing the program last year and regrouping with a new energy and a new team, and it was clear that our hard work paid off. Highlights for the men included the Healing of Memories activity, a bonfire, and connecting with new and old friends from the Turningpoint and recovery community.

The women’s team welcomed participants from Edna House, Jean Marie and Stella Maris Bridge Community, and their creativity shined with the art activity on Saturday night. The women were invited to paint and create God Boxes, which hold any prayers, concerns or worries they want to share with God. Each box was painted and decorated and includes each person’s sobriety date.

Moments like the Healing of Memories and creating God Boxes help people let go of what they’ve been carrying, see that they’re not alone, and believe that, with others and with God, a new life is possible.

As we often hear, a few people said, “I wish it was longer,” and “Can I come again?” Here are a few highlights from the evaluations:

“It was very nice to connect with other women with similar journeys and values. I felt the presence of God.“

“I liked how it felt safe to be open and raw with one another.”

We are so grateful for our team, supporters, and participants who make these ISP retreats possible!

Contact us

For more information about joining ISP Cleveland as a volunteer, general supporter, or partner agency, please contact

Shelly Roder
sroder@ispretreats.org

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Community Partners

ISP is grateful for the many agencies, retreat centers, and parishes that are a part of our work including:

Briermost Foundation
Church of the Gesu
Edna House
Jesuit Retreat Center
Stella Maris
…and many more!

Interested in working with us? Contact us or read more about retreats and spiritual reflections here.

Alumni Voices

Many ISP participants become retreat witnesses, team leaders, and facilitators and are a part of the leadership opportunities offered by the ISP Network. We are so grateful for their authenticity and willingness to share their stories with the community. Michelle, an alum and current ISP Cleveland team member said. “Without this [network] I wouldn’t be here—the network, the people, and the unconditional love they show you even when they don’t know you.” Read more stories of hope and belonging here.

Join the Movement

All ISP programs are offered free of charge to participants and agencies. By choosing to support ISP Cleveland, your donation funds programs in this community. Lets do more together!