If you have walked down West 32nd Street lately, there is no mistaking the fact that there is a lot of action happening at Providence House, a non-profit organization that provides emergency shelter and care to babies and children at risk of abuse and neglect.

The expansion to the campus is nearing completion and will allow Providence House to care for more children in need, up to 20 at a time. But things haven’t just been busy on the Ohio City campus that Providence House has called home for over 30 years; out in the community the PHriends Executive Committee is helping to spread the word about Providence House. Yes, you read that right, friends with a “PH.”

What is a PHriend? The PHriends effort is led by the PHriends Executive Committee, a group of young professionals whose mission is to educate Greater Clevelanders regarding the role that Providence House plays in our com-munity and encourage involvement in supporting the efforts of the organization. Led by co-chairs Lauren Rudman and Amanda Maggiotto, the PHriends group has been busy hosting events and raising awareness to colleagues, friends, and the community-at-large.

How do they do this? The PHriends, along with staff, take individuals and groups on “Milk and Cookies” tours, opening the doors of Providence House to help eliminate myths and raise aware-ness.

“The mission speaks for itself, but what is even better is that we are helping people in our own community. We are talking of course about Ohio City, but the suburbs and neighborhoods around Cleveland, too. We are helping children and families that are our neighbors,” Amanda shares.

How can you get involved? If you are interested in becoming a PHriend of Providence House, visit www.provhouse.org and join the PHriends mailing list for invitations to events as well as other opportunities to participate in community happenings. “We have wonderful members with different skill sets and talents that they bring to the table. We share a passion for Providence House and have fun advocating and raising money for Providence House,” Amanda says.

You can also join in the fun on Sun-day, October 21st at Market Garden Brewery from 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. for a PHriends-hosted tailgate and Browns watch party. A ticket price of $30 includes food and two drink tickets. Visit provhouse.org for more information.