Who are we
Community Heart of Toledo is a non-profit organization housed in the beautiful and historic St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in downtown Toledo.
Mission Statement:
Community Heart of Toledo seeks to transform lives by providing practical support to those in need, and offering educational and outreach programs that strengthen our community and engagement with each other.
What we do
Community Heart of Toledo seeks to engage with the community in diverse and meaningful ways. Our flagship programing includes our Community Heart Café, providing nutritious free meals three times weekly; and our HeART Gallery programs centered on the arts and education, exploring historically and culturally significant art and artists and encouraging creative thought.
• Our Community Heart Café served over 2400 individuals in the first three months of 2026
• In March of 2026, The HeART Gallery programs reached over 420 community members
Community Heart of Toledo engages in community outreach through signature projects, programming, and events.
Signature projects. Our projects are typically time limited activities such as art or skills-based experiences and funded projects- always with the potential to grow into signature programs. These are typically developed via grant work or in response to identified community need. When successful, these projects are often transformed into programs or annual events.
Signature programs. With the success of our Community Heart Café and HeART Gallery programming, Community Heart of Toledo is excited to explore other opportunities and collaborations to further engage the downtown Toledo community. Signature programs are identified by their ongoing nature, typically occurring weekly or monthly.
Signature events. The events range from our annual Party in the Parking Lot where we partner with the community, volunteers, and other community organizations to build beds for local children – to our weeks long Nativity Festival, hosted hand in hand with St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Signature events occur quarterly, semi-annually, or annually.
How do we do it!
Our team is made up of a small but mighty group of full and part-time staff who are purpose-driven and innovative. Our paid staff are supported by a group of selfless, hardworking, and invaluable volunteers.
How does Community Heart of Toledo and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church work together?
Recognizing the evolving needs of the community, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church made the decision to form a non-profit to aid in the growth of current programming and the development of new initiatives. As such, while separate in operation – St. Paul’s Lutheran Church will remain a vital partner for Community Heart of Toledo regardless of where our imagination and growth take us!
Community Heart of Toledo is generously supported by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church-aligned in mission and vision for a connected community.
We are continually grateful to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church for generously sharing staff, supplies, space, and volunteers. This support is helping us on our way to fulfill our mission and expand our offerings so we can continue to provide meaningful community engagement to our downtown neighbors and beyond.
Get in touch!
We are always seeking opportunities to create novel programs and expand programmatic access to the broader community. If you have big ideas, donations, want to volunteer, or even want to intern with us please contact Meg at community@stpaulstoledo.org.