In Ohio, a group of activists is taking a novel approach to address the issue of missing persons. Cleveland Missing, a non-profit organization focused on aiding the families of missing individuals, has devised an innovative strategy.
They have created a set of playing cards, each featuring a different missing person's case from the northern Ohio region. These cards are being distributed to inmates in local jails, with the aim of triggering memories and discussions that might lead to valuable information.
The project is the brainchild of Devan Althen, the law enforcement liaison for Cleveland Missing, who applied for the grant, oversaw the creation of the deck, and facilitated its distribution to jails in the northern Ohio area.
Each card in the deck includes essential details about the missing person, such as their photograph, age, date of disappearance, and the latest information provided by law enforcement, along with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation's tip line.
Althen believes that inmates, being closely connected to their communities, might possess information or insights that could prove crucial in resolving some of these cases.
The greater Cleveland area has witnessed a concerning surge in missing persons reports, including cases of children and teenagers without any documented photographs. According to the Ohio Attorney General's Office, there are currently over 900 missing children reported in the Cleveland-Akron area.
Despite these alarming figures, Cleveland authorities have sought to downplay the severity of the situation, emphasizing the high recovery rate of missing children by law enforcement.
In 2022, the Columbus metropolitan area experienced the highest number of missing children reports in the state, prompting Cleveland Missing to focus their efforts in that direction. The hope is that the distribution of these playing cards will encourage discussions among inmates, leading to the generation of valuable tips and potentially the resolution of some of these long-standing missing persons cases.
For Althen and the co-founder of Cleveland Missing, Sylvia Colon, this initiative represents a personal mission to bring closure to the families of the missing individuals. Colon emphasizes the enduring agony that these families endure, constantly hoping and searching for their loved ones.
The playing cards initiative is not only about generating leads but also about assuring these families that their loved ones have not been forgotten, and that there are still concerted efforts to bring them back home.
To provide tips or information related to missing persons in and around Cleveland, individuals can contact the local authorities or reach out to Cleveland Missing directly. Cleveland Missing is located at 2937 West 25th St. in Cleveland and can be reached at 216-232-6470.
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