About Us

Janet Cooper became the CEO of Reach Success in 2023 after serving as Executive Director since the nonprofit’s founding in 2018. Janet co-founded Reach Success with her business partner, Bill Horning, to serve youth, community members, and returning citizens eager to transform their lives. Driven by a passion for empowerment, Janet leads programs focused on making educational and career goals attainable, removing barriers, and helping clients achieve lives they once thought unimaginable.

Under her leadership, Reach Success has grown each year, becoming a catalyst for change in the lives of those it serves. The nonprofit’s “Passion-Career” Program, which connects clients to meaningful careers instead of just jobs, is at the heart of Janet’s vision for building lasting opportunities. Her commitment to collaboration and holistic support has earned Reach Success a reputation as a trusted resource in the community.

In her spare time, Janet is a dedicated Cleveland baseball fan, often bringing her scorebook to track each play. She enjoys theater, singing, entertaining, and traveling with her husband, Russell. Janet’s life and work are a testament to her dedication to helping others and her belief in the power of community.

Bill Horning is the visionary founder of Reach Success, a nonprofit organization born from his journey after returning from incarceration. Understanding firsthand the challenges individuals face navigating multiple barriers—whether they are returning citizens or those living in difficult circumstances—Bill established Reach Success as a supportive haven where everyone feels important and valued. His unwavering commitment to helping others find their path to a positive direction has made a profound impact on countless lives.

A gifted tutor and a compassionate friend, Bill has always gone the extra mile for those seeking guidance and support. His passion for uplifting others is evident in the relationships he builds and the encouragement he provides. In 2023, Bill suffered a massive stroke, which affected his ability to communicate verbally. Despite this challenge, his spirit and dedication to Reach Success remain a powerful influence on the organization.

Even as he watches from the sidelines, Bill continues to be a bright light for the team and the community they serve. The work at Reach Success thrives on the foundation he laid, inspiring future generations to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. His legacy of resilience and hope continues to guide the mission of Reach Success, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to create a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Tim Warrick has devoted his career to empowering at-risk populations connecting clients to new opportunities and fresh starts. At Reach Success, Tim serves high school students in the Western region, encouraging them to overcome barriers, pursue fulfilling careers, and explore new paths—whether through immediate job placement, tech opportunities, or college. His dedication extends to his work with correctional and reentry facilities in Northeast Ohio, where he helps individuals embrace new beginnings by providing access to essential resources and career guidance.

One of Tim’s greatest joys is witnessing students and clients realize their own worth and believe in their potential. He’s seen the power of self-belief transform lives and considers these moments as some of the most rewarding parts of his work. As an author of instructional manuals for Reach Success, Tim equips clients with the tools and inspiration to build meaningful futures, while his efforts in building partnerships and alliances with agencies and businesses have further opened doors to resources that drive long-lasting change. Tim is proud to be part of a team that supports people in realizing lives once thought unimaginable.

Telka Shaw is a vibrant force at Reach Success, Inc., serving as our enthusiastic and dedicated Manager of Operations. With a background in Construction Management, Telka felt called to bring her unique skills and infectious energy to the nonprofit world, where she tackles every challenge with creativity and passion. Her role is multi-faceted: onboarding new team members, spearheading our fundraising efforts, helping to secure resources for our mission, and overseeing our Virtual Tutoring program, which spans grades K-12 with tutors as far-reaching as Mexico. Telka goes above and beyond to create a sense of connection within the virtual space, uniting families and Reach Success staff through her caring approach.

As the first voice our returning citizens hear when they call after coming home, Telka plays a crucial role in their reintegration, providing warmth and guidance during their transition. Beyond Reach Success, she serves on the Board of Directors for University Settlement in Cleveland, Ohio, further amplifying her impact on the community. We’re thrilled to have Telka’s positive spirit and leadership driving our team forward, creating opportunities for clients to achieve lives they once thought unimaginable.

Jerome Baker is a dedicated Manager of Education at Reach Success, where he passionately supports the organization’s mission across key focus areas of reentry, community, and youth development. Since joining the team in early 2024, Jerome has brought a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to uplifting individuals in our community. His role involves designing and implementing educational programs that empower clients to overcome barriers, pursue their career goals, and embrace new opportunities for growth.

Prior to Reach Success, Jerome spent over a decade as the Senior Housing Services & Community Outreach Manager at the YWCA of Greater Cleveland, where he honed his skills in community engagement and support. He also founded a nonprofit organization called “Men & Women of Central,” demonstrating his dedication to fostering positive change within his community. A graduate of the Neighborhood Leadership Development Program (NLDP) and the Neighborhood Leadership Institute (NLI), Jerome is actively involved in mentoring youth and leading various Fatherhood programs in the Central community of Cleveland.

Growing up in Central Cleveland, Jerome attended East Technical High School, where he played varsity basketball. Jerome is happily married for nearly thirty years and is a proud father of four adult children and eleven grandchildren. His journey and experiences shape his work at Reach Success, where he strives to inspire and empower others to achieve their fullest potential.

Shawn joined Reach Success in 2024, initially as a GED tutor, where his dedication to helping clients reach new educational milestones quickly became apparent. His journey soon evolved, and he now serves as the Manager of Development and Client Growth, where he applies his background as a former Cleveland attorney and his expertise in business to empower clients to achieve meaningful career and educational goals. From guiding individuals as they establish their own businesses to shaping organizational strategies, Shawn is committed to supporting Reach Success’s mission of creating life-changing opportunities.

Shawn’s experience extends into the nonprofit sector, having previously worked in Washington, D.C., at the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations, strengthening his passion for community service and advocacy. His enthusiasm for helping others is matched by his personal interests; he’s an avid cyclist who enjoys exploring new trails and spending quality time with his German Shepherd, Patricia. Shawn’s multifaceted skills and heartfelt approach make him an invaluable asset to the Reach Success team.

Danielle has been a dedicated advocate for individuals ages 14 to 99 since 2017, beginning her career with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), where she empowered individuals with disabilities to find meaningful employment. Now at Reach Success, Danielle brings her extensive certifications and experience to high school youth, serving as a mentor and resource for both students and adults.

Her advocacy is deeply personal; her journey with her daughter, who was diagnosed with Autism at age 3, has driven her commitment to creating supportive pathways for others. Prior to joining Reach Success, Danielle owned a business for a decade, gaining unique insights and working with various OOD-affiliated vendors. Growing up with frequent moves and overcoming personal hardships has shaped her empathy and honed her skills as a Career Mentor, especially in working with students who face adversity.

At Reach Success, Danielle guides students through job searches, resume development, applications, and essential soft skills, preparing them for fulfilling careers. She has also extended her support to past graduates, helping them pursue further certifications and career advancements. With her supervisor, Danielle has developed a specialized curriculum for teaching soft skills, which she delivers with care and expertise to ensure each client’s success.

Danielle’s commitment, both professional and personal, makes her a valuable asset to Reach Success and an inspiring advocate for the community she serves.