Equip.
Nourishment. Essentials. Safety.Food, family essentials, health care, and practical support that help our neighbors meet everyday needs.
OUR STORY & PURPOSEBuilt from experience.
Built from experience.
Here for our neighbors.
Exartizo means “fully equipped.” It is the purpose behind our practical care, community relationships, and commitment to a path forward.
OUR MISSIONexartizoTo be fully equipped.
Equip, empower, and elevate our neighbors through compassionate care, practical resources, and trusted relationships.
Empower.
Understanding opens possibilities.Learning, advocacy, and trusted guidance that build confidence and help people make informed choices.
Elevate.
Dignity. Hope. A future with purpose.Respect each person’s choices and help them build the future they want.
OUR VISIONEvery neighbor.
Every neighbor.
Equipped to thrive.
Communities across Cuyahoga County and beyond where a difficult season does not define a person’s future, and every neighbor has the support and opportunity to build the life they choose.
Our roots.
Our commitment.
Project Exartizo, also known as Exartizo Community Agency, is a separately incorporated 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 82-0954417, serving Cuyahoga County and beyond.
Our Latino founders knew many of these struggles firsthand. They created Exartizo to support Latino families and other communities facing hardship. Today, that shared experience shapes how we serve neighbors of every background.
Nonprofit information for partners
A gathering at our shared community campus.
What guides our work
Dignity in every encounter
People are more than a need, an intake form, or a difficult moment. We begin with respect.
Culture and language matter
Cultural understanding and bilingual support help create connections that feel familiar and personal.
Relationships that connect
We bring practical care and trusted partners together so neighbors can find their next step.
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIPLuis
Cofounder & Executive Director
Luis
Vizcarrondo Jr.
Masters of Executive Leadership
Luis leads Exartizo’s community programs and support for neighbors across Cuyahoga County and beyond.
Read our founders’ letter
OUR COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITYA letter from our founders
Dignity belongs
to everyone.
Dear neighbors and friends,
We grew up knowing what it means to need a hand. Groceries for the week, a medical appointment, or someone who listens can make a difficult day easier. We created Exartizo so our neighbors would have somewhere to turn.
Whatever your background, you deserve to be heard and treated with respect. We want you to feel comfortable asking for what you need and confident that your choices will be respected.
Thank you to the neighbors, volunteers, donors, and partners who make this possible.
With care for this community,
Sarah VizcarrondoCofounder and Codirector
Luis Vizcarrondo Jr.Cofounder and Executive Director
OUR BOARDPeople behind
People behind
the commitment.
Meet some of the people serving on Project Exartizo’s board. Their backgrounds in education, community service, public service, and banking bring different perspectives to our shared work.
Board Member
Christian Lee Vera
Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership · Northwest University
Christian works for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, with previous roles at Step Forward and Human Arc.
Cofounder · Board Member
Dr. Luis Vizcarrondo
DMin, MA · Bachelor’s in Accounting
A cofounder of Project Exartizo, Luis is a retired State of Ohio tax auditor.
Board Member
Carlos Irizzarry
Carlos works as a Banking Manager Representative at Dollar Bank.
Board Member · Community Program Coordinator
Tamar Gonzalez
Tamar brings experience in nonprofit organizations, substance abuse counseling, and entrepreneurship to her work with Project Exartizo.
A stronger community starts with us.
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