Volunteer Cleanup Effort Clears Six Tons of Waste, Restores Yards for Fairfax Seniors

A recent neighborhood cleanup removed about six tons of litter and debris from the yards of four senior residents in Cleveland’s Fairfax community.

The initiative was led by the Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation and Cleveland Clinic. Nearly 60 volunteers—many of whom are actively involved in Cleveland Clinic’s campus expansion projects—dedicated their time and resources to provide landscaping services.

For the seniors—who face health and mobility challenges—the impact was immediate and personal. Overgrown grass, invasive weeds and tangled shrubs had made it nearly impossible for them to enjoy or safely access their own yards.

“This service project is a great example of what’s possible when collaboration meets compassion,” said Vickie Eaton Johnson, Executive Vice President and Chief Community Officer at Cleveland Clinic. “Our volunteers made a real difference for these residents—and reminded them that their community cares. That’s what it means to show up and support the health and well-being of the neighborhoods we’re part of.”

The Fairfax clean-up was made possible by the collective effort of Cleveland Clinic employees who volunteered to help and the following partner businesses:

• Bostwick Design Partnership
• Burkshire Construction
• Case Western Reserve University
• Concord Healthcare
• Donley’s
• ECS Testing
• Gilbane
• H&M Landscaping
• Impact
• Lighthouse
• Moody Nolan
• OCP Construction
• RG Construction
• Southland Industries
• Stantec Architecture
• Source Blue
• TMG
• Turner Construction
• US Communications
• Whiting Turner Construction

The clean-up project is part of Cleveland Clinic’s broader commitment to strengthening the neighborhoods it serves. As the health system expands its presence in Northeast Ohio, it continues to prioritize projects that uplift underserved communities and support residents in meaningful ways.