Towards Employment (TE), the non-profit workforce development agency that champions the potential of every person—regardless of their backgrounds—and prepares them to gain meaningful employment—will celebrate the power of Cleveland’s people with its annual A Work & Reentry Experience tomorrow, Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. at the Cleveland Public Library (CPL) Rockport Branch in the Bellaire-Puritas neighborhood.

Musician Dominick Farinacci“This would be the first time that it's actually been elevated on the west side—and we're intentional with that," says TE senior manager of community engagement Ronnie Cannon, who himself served almost 20 years in prison for murder at age 16.

The event combines a live jazz performance by renowned trumpeter Dominic Farinacci with powerful personal narratives of three storytellers who have overcome adversity—Cannon, Latonya Cliff, a nonprofit case manager, and Latoria “Tori” Davis, a mental health advocate and nonprofit professional.

Cannon describes the collaboration between Towards Employment, Cleveland Public Library, and Farinacci as a meaningful convergence of missions.

"It's a fun event—it's what brings all these different entities together,” he says. “At the end they all make sense and it highlights it. It's an opportunity to have a shared mission, but it also elevates each entity separately."

Cannon says the CPL Rockport location was specifically chosen for its high patron traffic. "The Cleveland Public Library staff were standing behind this location because it's in their trio of sites—the most frequented site in all of CPL," he says.

Elevating local talent
Farinacci is dedicated to featuring local musicians in both his personal performances and in programs like TE’s annual celebration—adding another layer of community connection to the event.

"I don't know if it's shared often, but he's always looking for local musicians,” confirms Cannon. “There have been times where there have even been individuals who are part of the Tri C Jazz program."

Cannon adds that Farinacci and the musicians he brings each year make the experience extra special.

"I'm always in awe when Farinacci introduces his bandmates [and I hear] the close ties they have to the Cleveland area,” Cannon admits. “Which I think is great because the artistic expression is obviously not just about the storytelling, but the music as well.

“People come out to hear good music,” Cannon continues, “but knowing that it's coming from homegrown talent can't be overlooked.”

Stories of resilience
Cannon, Cliff, and Davis each bring a unique perspective on overcoming life's challenges.

“Latoria [Davis’] story just kind of gives a little background on her triumph over homelessness after being in a failed relationship,” says Cannon. “{Triumph] to the point where she's now really deep into her career, giving back, and [she’s] also a huge advocate for the homeless population—especially for women with children.”

Storytellers Ronnie Cannon and Greg Reaves with Dominick Farinacci at the 2025 Work and Reentry Experience. Cannon is equally impressed with Latonya Cliff’s story.

“Her story is more about bad mistakes… and the things that being foolishly in love can set you off course,” he explains. “I think those two stories, sandwiched in between mine—as a juvenile offender and going through that whole system at such a young age—really gives three different [perspectives], but still all with a sense of triumph.”

And event though this will be the fourth time Cannon has shared his story at a Work & Reentry Experience, Cannon stresses the his story in constantly evolving.

Encore-worthy experience
For those who may have already attended previous Work & Reentry Experiences, Cannon encourages return visits, adding that he shared his story in previous years and is returning this year.

"The feedback that I've gotten from those who have attended several of the Work & Reentry Experiences, [is that] each time they left with a good [takeaway]—'I got a different perspective the second or the third time that I heard it,’" he observes, noting that the individuals’ stories evolve over time. “It's one of those things that is definitely worth seeing a second or even the third time.”

The Work & Reentry Experience represents Towards Employment's commitment to sharing stories of transformation and hope while celebrating the power of community partnerships and local talent.

True to the cause
Farinacci, who received the 2022 Cleveland Arts Prize, is a TED Speaker, and was a headliner in the 2024 Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland, uses his music and his concerts as a way to dispel stereotypes and labels through his Modern Warrior LIVE productions centered around personal stories of loss, endurance, and how people carry life-changing experiences forward.

The stories serve as a catalyst for meaningful conversation about stigma, mental health, post-traumatic growth, and resiliency.

Tickets to A Work & Reentry Experience are free, but registration is required. The evening includes free food and refreshments. Doors open at 6 p.m. and performances begin at 7 p.m. at Cleveland Public Library (CPL) Rockport Branch, 14000 Puritas Ave., Cleveland, 44135.