We're building the place we wish existed.

Beyond the Margins Collective began with a simple idea: People need places where they can belong.

Places where you can walk through the door without having to explain yourself. Places where you can discover a book, hear a local musician, meet an artist, find a resource, get help with a resume, study with a friend, attend a workshop, or simply sit with a cup of coffee and feel welcome.

We envision building that kind of place in the Cleveland area.

Our long-term vision brings together several pieces that don't always exist under one roof: an independent bookstore and café, a space for local artists and performers, community resources and practical assistance, and eventually transitional housing programs for people who need a safe place to land.

But we're not trying to build everything overnight. We're starting with the most important part; the community.

Right now, we're listening, connecting with local people and organizations, building relationships, and figuring out what our community actually needs.

Because Beyond the Margins shouldn't be something built for a community. It should be something built with the community.

Why "Beyond the Margins"?

• margin
  noun · the space around the printed or written matter on a page.

To us, going beyond the margins means making more room.

More room for stories that have been overlooked.
More room for identities that have been marginalized.
More room for creativity, connection, difference, and possibility.

We believe people shouldn't have to shrink themselves, stay on the sidelines, or fit neatly within someone else's story to find belonging.

Beyond the Margins is about creating space where people can bring their whole selves.

There is room for every story.