In 1992, students from Roxboro Middle School could often be found crossing Fairmount Boulevard and gathering at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church after school.
The congregation faced a simple question: What would it mean to truly welcome these young people?
St. Paul’s chose to open its doors wider.
Led by the Reverend Ralph Pitman, church members embraced the idea that students needed a safe, enriching place to go after school. That commitment led to the creation of Open Doors Academy, which still carries the spirit of that decision in its name.
More than three decades later, Roxboro students still cross Fairmount Boulevard to attend ODA at St. Paul’s. It remains the only Open Doors Academy site located outside a school building.
What started as a single middle school program has grown into 30 afterschool and summer programs serving more than 1,900 scholars across Northern Ohio. Along the way, generations of St. Paul’s members have volunteered, donated, advocated, and helped sustain the work.
This summer, members of the St. Paul’s community can continue that tradition.
During ODA’s Summer Camp at Nathan Hale School in Cleveland, St. Paul’s volunteers are invited to participate in the ODA–St. Paul’s Reading Camp. By reading one-on-one with third and fourth grade scholars, volunteers will help strengthen children’s reading skills, confidence, and love of learning.
Reading Camp takes place in the mornings on July 6–9 and July 13–16. To volunteer, please contact Julie Micheletti at michelettijulie@gmail.com.
As St. Paul’s and ODA continue to strengthen their partnership, parishioners can look forward to additional opportunities to volunteer, learn, and support scholars throughout the year.
To learn more about Open Doors Academy and other ways to get involved, please contact Joe Hollings at jhollings@odacle.org or (216) 229-1900.
What began across Fairmount Boulevard in 1992 continues to change lives.
by Joe Hollings, Senior Director of Engagement for Open Doors Academy
Photos from the 2025 ODA Summer Reading Camp
