PHOTO BY EDIE LE BOUTON

Wednesday, November 5, 2025; May Dugan Center, 4115 Bridge Avenue: May Dugan Executive Director Andy Trares.

by Edie Le Bouton

   (Plain Press December 2025) The May Dugan Center, 4115 Bridge Ave, was named in honor of the memory of May Dugan, a neighborhood lady who was a one-person advocate for her neighbors in need.

   Today, the Center is a lovely building that was designed and constructed in 1974 and the organization occupying it was incorporated before that as a 501© (3) on July 30, 1969. For over 55 years, it has committed to a comprehensive and caring approach which has been found to be an effective way to help people overcome socio-economic disadvantages and become self-sufficient, contributing members of their communities.

   Andy Trares, Executive Director of the Center said, “May Dugan Center is able to service over 25,000 clients per year, with critical assistance such as food, education, behavioral health services and so much more. None of this impact would be possible without the support of the community of neighbors and volunteers.”

   The Center also has a program called Seniors on the Move. It is designed to help seniors stay active, which keeps them healthy and provides contact with other people. Begun in 2015, seniors take field trips and are taught about technology, among other things.

   It provides GED preparation, classes for immigrants and refugees to improve English speaking, reading, writing and listening skills, financial coaching, parenting classes, and more.

   The mental health and recovery services include anger management classes and Ryan White Mental Health Services, which counsels people living with HIV. The Trauma Recovery Center provides up to 16 weeks of support after a recent violent crime, such as assault, domestic violence or a shooting. The crime must be reported to the police before a person can begin trauma recovery.

   Volunteers make the Center tick. The biggest need is for volunteers to help packing food bags. The need is greater now to help those who have lost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

   Trares, the Executive Director, has come up through the ranks to reach this position. A graduate of John Carrol University, he majored in sociology and got his master’s degree in Non-Profit Administration. He joined May Dugan in 2011 and worked as a receptionist, executive assistant, deputy director and became executive director on January 1, 2025.

   Said Tares, “I wanted to do something to give back,” to the community. He pointed out that Cleveland is the second poorest large city, Detroit having the number one distinction, in the United States.

   On December 4, 2025, the Center is having a tree-lighting party from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. The big evergreen tree on the property is lighted and hot cocoa and cookies will be served. Choirs from the senior program and the Urban Community School will entertain.

   The May Dugan Center is funded through Cleveland individuals and companies, grants from private foundations, funding from government entities and in-kind donations. Food, clothing, furniture and household items are donated by individuals.

   The biggest need, Trares said, is the need for volunteers.

   Online screening and referrals are found on the Center’s website https://www.maydugancenter.org/