Equip.
Nourishment. Essentials. Safety.Food, family essentials, health care, and practical support that help our neighbors meet everyday needs.
OUR STORY & PURPOSERooted in faith.
Rooted in faith.
Built for our neighbors.
Exartizo means “fully equipped.” It is the purpose behind our practical care, community relationships, and commitment to a path forward.
OUR MISSIONexartizoTo be fully equipped.
Equip, empower, and elevate our neighbors through compassionate care, practical resources, and trusted relationships.
Empower.
Understanding opens possibilities.Learning, advocacy, and trusted guidance that build confidence and help people make informed choices.
Elevate.
Dignity. Hope. A future with purpose.Our faith inspires us to honor every person’s dignity and support their hope, belonging, and ability to shape their future.
OUR VISIONEvery neighbor.
Every neighbor.
Equipped to thrive.
Communities across Cuyahoga County and beyond where a difficult season does not define a person’s future, and every neighbor has the support and opportunity to build the life they choose.
A distinct nonprofit.
A shared calling to serve.
Project Exartizo, also known as Exartizo Community Agency, is a COMMUNITY CARE MINISTRY of Refine Church and a separately incorporated 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 82-0954417.
We share a campus and a commitment to our neighbors. Exartizo focuses on community programs and support. Its nonprofit identity remains distinct from Refine Church.
Our faith motivates service. People of every background are welcome, and church membership is not a requirement to seek support.
Nonprofit information for partners
The Refine Church community at our shared campus.
What guides our work
Dignity in every encounter
People are more than a need, an intake form, or a difficult moment. We begin with respect.
Culture and language matter
Cultural understanding and bilingual support help create connections that feel familiar and personal.
Relationships that connect
We bring practical care and trusted partners together so neighbors can find their next step.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PURPOSEPastor Luis
Pastor Luis
Vizcarrondo Jr.
Executive Director
Masters of Executive Leadership
Project Exartizo
Here for our neighbors across Cuyahoga County and beyond.
Read our founders’ letter
OUR COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITYA letter from our founders
Dignity belongs
to everyone.
Dear neighbors and friends,
We started Project Exartizo because we want our neighbors to have somewhere to turn when life gets hard. Groceries for the week, a medical appointment, or help working through a difficult situation can give a family some breathing room. Asking for that help should never mean being treated with less respect.
You are welcome here, whatever your background or beliefs. That includes having no religious belief at all. You never have to join our church, pray, attend worship, or take part in religious activities to receive services. We want you to feel comfortable asking for what you need.
Exartizo is a community organization and a separately incorporated 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are also the community care ministry of Refine Church. We share a campus, and our faith is part of why we do this work. Our programs serve the whole community.
For foundations, donors, and partners considering this work, your support can help keep food on our shelves and care within reach. We would love to talk with you about what our neighbors need and how you can help.
With care for this community,
Pastor Sarah VizcarrondoCofounder and Codirector
Pastor Luis Vizcarrondo Jr.Cofounder and Codirector
OUR BOARDPeople behind
People behind
the commitment.
Meet some of the people serving on Project Exartizo’s board. Their backgrounds in education, community service, public service, and banking bring different perspectives to our shared work.
Pastor Christian Lee Vera
Board Member
Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership · Northwest University
Christian is a bivocational pastor at Refine Church, where he serves without a salary, and works for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. His previous experience includes roles with Step Forward and Human Arc.
Rev. Dr. Luis Vizcarrondo
Cofounder · Board Member
DMin, MA · Bachelor’s in Accounting
A cofounder of Project Exartizo, Luis is a retired pastor of Philadelphia Church, now Refine Church, and a retired State of Ohio tax auditor.
Carlos Irizzarry
Board Member
Carlos works as a Banking Manager Representative at Dollar Bank.
Tamar Gonzalez
Board Member · Community Program Coordinator
Tamar brings experience in nonprofit organizations, substance abuse counseling, and entrepreneurship to her work with Project Exartizo.
A stronger community starts with us.
Give your time. Share your resources. Help a neighbor take the next step.