ABOUT G.R.O.W
G.R.O.W. — Growing Right Over Wealth — is a community-rooted 501(c)(3) nonprofit helping children and families build physical, mental and emotional well-being.
Founded by Ebony Spano, G.R.O.W. combines lived experience, trusted community relationships and practical family support to reduce barriers to resources, safety, civic participation and preparation for adulthood.
Our organizational specialty is Autism Family Inclusion. We design our work with autistic children, individuals and their caregivers in mind while creating resources and opportunities that can also benefit the broader community. Families do not have to navigate every challenge alone—or already know which system, agency or organization to contact—to receive support.
G.R.O.W. currently serves families in Greater Cleveland and is developing community-rooted programming in Youngstown, Ohio.
OUR APPROACH
Focused by design. Personal in service. Measurable in impact.
G.R.O.W. operates as a boutique nonprofit with an intentionally focused model. Through a lean, part-time leadership structure and strong community partnerships, we remain responsive to families and direct resources toward meaningful services, responsible stewardship, and measurable results.
Rather than pursuing growth for its own sake, we prioritize sustainable programs, trusted relationships, and focused initiatives that create lasting value for the communities we serve.
OUR MISSION
Giving children Resources & Opportunities to be Wealthy physically, mentally, and emotionally.
We believe that true wealth includes access to safety, knowledge, support, opportunity, community and well-being.
OUR VISION
A community where autistic individuals and their families have the support, opportunities and inclusion they need to thrive and G.R.O.W.
How We Serve
G.R.O.W. advances its mission through three coordinated programs. Autism Family Inclusion is our organizational specialty and is reflected throughout our work.
G.R.O.W.I.N.G.
Giving Resources & Opportunities to Be Wealthy by Investing in New Growth
Our family and community support program connects children and caregivers with practical resources that promote health, safety and inclusion. Activities include resource navigation, caregiver education, CPR and First Aid training, family safety education, community resource events and seasonal family-readiness support.
G.R.O.W. U.P.
Giving Resources & Opportunities to Be Wealthy for the Underserved Population
Our emerging transition-readiness program helps youth, young adults and their caregivers prepare for adulthood. Topics include independent-living skills, cooking and household safety, guardianship and supported decision-making, public benefits, STABLE accounts and connections to transition resources.
WHERE WE SERVE
G.R.O.W. is headquartered in Greater Cleveland and is preparing to expand selected family-support and community-engagement programming into Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley. This expansion reflects our founder’s personal connection to Youngstown and our commitment to bringing accessible, community-rooted resources and opportunities to families in the communities that helped shape her.
GREATER CLEVELAND
G.R.O.W.’s headquarters and primary service area, providing inclusive resources, family-support programming, civic engagement, and community-based opportunities for children and families.
YOUNGSTOWN AND THE MAHONING VALLEY
An emerging G.R.O.W. satellite service area. Programming will be introduced in phases as funding, partnerships, and community needs are confirmed.