PRESS RELEASE: As Part of 50th Anniversary Year, Towards Employment and Jazz Musician Dominick Farinacci Bring Work & Rentry EXPERIENCE to Cleveland’s West Side

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:
Adaora Schmiedl
216-401-6883
aschmiedl@towardsemployment.org

CLEVELAND, February 19, 2026 – As part of its TE@50 anniversary year, celebrating five decades of connecting Clevelanders to career opportunity, next week Towards Employment will present the Work & Reentry Experience in partnership with Dominick Farinacci and Modern Warrior on October 24 at Cleveland Public Library’s Rockport Campus — the first time this powerful storytelling and music performance will be staged on Cleveland’s west side.

A live storytelling and music performance, the Work & Reentry Experience highlights journeys of resilience, reentry, career advancement, and community leadership. The 2026 performance features three dynamic storytellers whose lives and work reflect the strength of Cleveland communities:

• Tracy, neighborhood activist and community advocate
• LaTonya, nonprofit case manager serving people and families
• Tori, mental health advocate and nonprofit professional 

This collaboration with Dominick Farinacci, internationally acclaimed jazz artist, Cleveland native, and co-creator of Modern Warrior, integrates stories and music to create a highly impactful moment for authentic voices and shared understanding around challenge, healing, and growth.

Founded in 1976, Towards Employment has spent 50 years championing the potential of every person to succeed in a rewarding career while helping build a more equitable and inclusive workforce across Northeast Ohio. The Work & Reentry Experience reflects the organization’s long-standing belief that personal stories of perseverance and advancement are among the most powerful tools for reducing stigma and expanding opportunity.

“As we mark our 50th anniversary, we are lifting up not only our history — but the voices and experiences of the people who define our impact,” said Towards Employment President & CEO Jill Rizika. “The Work & Reentry Experience brings real stories of struggle, transformation, and achievement to the stage, reminding us of what is possible when people are supported, seen, and connected to opportunity.”

Modern Warrior, created by internationally acclaimed jazz musician Dominick Farinacci and combat veteran Jaymes Poling, is a nationally recognized storytelling platform that unites real stories, live music, and theatre to explore loss, resilience, and the unseen aftermath of life-changing experiences. Modern Warrior’s flagship production, Modern Warrior LIVE, has toured extensively throughout the U.S. Deeply integrated within mental health communities, Modern Warrior has become a trusted cultural partner for organizations and leaders focused on resilience, service, and reintegration—bringing lived experience to the stage in a way that expands public understanding and reduces isolation.

“With Modern Warrior, people returning to their communities are given a platform to be seen, heard, and valued,” said Dominick Farinacci, co-creator of Modern Warrior LIVE. “Through storytelling and music, we build connection, break down stigma, and help open doors to healing, opportunity, and lasting change.”

Towards Employment board chair, and Chief of External Relations and Development for Cleveland Public Library, Dr. Shenise Johnson Thomas notes: “Bringing the program to the Rockport Campus expands access to westside residents during Towards Employment’s milestone anniversary year and furthers this creative partnership focused on elevating community voice.”

Event Details

Work & Reentry EXPERIENCE

Tuesday February 24, 2026 at 6PM

Rockport Campus of the Cleveland Public Library

Registration requested https://towardsemployment.jotform.com/260224197275963