Who We Are
In 1995, Rev. Howard Harris, Sr. founded RAIN on a simple belief: communities already have what they need to transform; they just need faith the size of a mustard seed and the right partners.
30 years later, that belief still drives everything we do.
Across Ohio, we walk alongside youth, families, and organizations, building on the strengths already present, deepening what's already working, and opening doors to what's possible. From youth development to family empowerment to nonprofit capacity building, every partnership we form is designed to help communities own what comes next.
We don't deliver programs. We build power.
Mission Statement
Empowering communities to build their own capacity, develop their youth, strengthen their families, and advance literacy for lasting self-determination.
Vision
Communities controlling their futures with dignity.
VALUES
TRUST
Building reliable relationships and providing a safe environment.
HOPE
Inspiring change and believing in a better future.
RESPECT
Honoring the dignity and worth of every individual.
INTEGRITY
Acting truthfully and doing the right thing.
VOICE
Advocating for needs and driving community change.
EMPATHY
Connecting with others and showing genuine care.
Our Strategy
01
CONSULT
We build nonprofit capacity through strategic partnerships and organizational infrastructure
02
DEVELOP
We empower youth through academic excellence, cultural identity, and leadership
03
STRENGTHEN
We support families through culturally-grounded education and economic empowerment
04
EDUCATE
We advance literacy through education, workforce readiness, and civic engagement
Our Outcomes
Community Organizations
We strengthen community led organizations with sustainable infrastructure and collaborative partnerships
Youth
We engage youth in culturally-relevant programs with strong identity and leadership skills
Families
We empower families with economic self-sufficiency and wealth-building strategies
Communities
We equip communities with literacy resources and civic skills for self-determined futures
Collective Impact
We multiply collective capacity through shared resources and community-controlled institutions
Our Team
Our team consists of highly qualified and motivated professionals, who are all experts in their field. With many years of experience in the industry, they have the expertise to provide comprehensive, first-rate services to our clients.
Rev. Howard Harris, Jr.
President/CEO
Rev. Howard Harris, Jr. is the President and CEO of Reaching All In Need, Inc. and an Ordained Elder in the Church of the Nazarene, whose life's work sits at the intersection of faith, social justice, and community transformation. A doctoral candidate at Northwind Theological Seminary, Howard has demonstrated what strategic, mission-driven leadership looks like in practice — turning a $300,000 church deficit into an $800,000 surplus and growing an afterschool program from 10 students to 72 during his tenure. As a skilled grant writer and nonprofit strategist, he has secured critical funding for programs serving underserved communities across Ohio and Central Florida. Howard is motivated by a deep conviction that lasting change is possible when communities are resourced, respected, and led well, a belief he inherited from his father and carries into every partnership RAIN builds. When he steps away from the work, you'll find him on a soccer field, on a trail, or in the middle of a video game that he takes just seriously enough to be dangerous.
Jason Kirksey
Chief People Officer
Jason Kirksey brings a strong professional background of 24 years working as an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter and agency owner. He's dedicated his career to advancing effective communication and accessibility for Deaf and hard-of-hearing adults and youth. He demonstrates a consistent commitment to excellence, reliability, and cultural competency across both community and professional settings. His passion for service is rooted in a desire to create meaningful impact, ensuring individuals are empowered, supported, and fully included. He is increasingly focused on mentoring and guiding younger generations, sharing knowledge, experience, and values that promote personal and professional growth. His work in the nonprofit sector is driven by a deep sense of purpose and responsibility to uplift others and strengthen communities through service. He is inspired by his wife, who has profoundly shaped his understanding of compassion, commitment, and love. In his personal time, he enjoys riding his Harley-Davidson, which provides balance and reflection outside of his professional responsibilities. Something quirky about him is that he is a very picky eater.
RAIN Colloborations
RAIN works with a diverse range of organizations to build a stronger, more supportive community. These partnerships help us expand our reach, provide impactful services, and engage in initiatives that improve lives. Key partners include Nazarene Youth International USA/Canada, Mental and Emotional Wellness Centers of Ohio, and . Together, we drive positive change and foster belonging in the communities we serve.
Nazarene
Youth
International
RAIN partners with Nazarene Youth International (NYI) to support youth in their faith journey and personal development. Together, we offer programs like leadership retreats, camps, talent competitions and community-focused initiatives that empower young people to grow spiritually, emotionally, and socially. NYI’s mission to build lifelong relationships aligns with RAIN’s commitment to holistic community growth.
Mental and Emotional Wellness Centers of Ohio
RAIN partners with Mental and Emotional Wellness Centers of Ohio (MEWCO) to bridge the gap between community programs and clinical mental health care. MEWCO is a collaborative network of licensed practitioners dedicated to delivering excellent mental healthcare while investing in the professionals who provide it. Together, we ensure the families and youth we serve have a clear, supported pathway to the clinical care they need — because holistic transformation requires both community and clinical strength.