Habeebah Rasheed Grimes Will Leave an Impressive Legacy at PEP
In September, Habeebah Rasheed Grimes announced her plans to step down from the position of CEO of Positive Education Program, where she has spent 20 years of her impressive career. Her last day will be June 30.
“I feel very fortunate to have spent over 20 years at PEP. Serving our youth and families while learning alongside my colleagues has been deeply humbling and a tremendous honor,” said Grimes. “My heart is full of gratitude for the trust that young people, their parents and caregivers, and the staff have placed in me, no matter my role. My experiences at PEP will remain with me and continue to guide me as I begin a new chapter.”
Grimes began her career as a one-on-one aide at PEP at one of its Day Treatment Centers more than 20 years ago. She ascended in her career, becoming a clinical supervisor, then clinical director, and then chief clinical officer. In 2018, she was chosen to succeed Frank Fescer as CEO, becoming PEP’s third such leader since its founding in 1971.
During her tenure, Grimes’ achievements have been a testament to her expertise and her unwavering commitment to bettering the lives of children.
And bettering the lives of children is exactly what she has done. Throughout her career Grimes has prominently championed the needs of multi-system involved youth. These young people have challenges such as mental and behavioral issues, substance abuse, autism or other developmental disabilities, and juvenile justice involvement, among others. In the past, families were sometimes forced apart when their children had these types of issues. Today, thanks to a special Medicaid managed care program known as OhioRISE, these families receive the services they need to stay together. Grimes played an important role in ensuring this newly developed program succeeded, serving as a vocal member of the OhioRISE advisory council, and often speaking at statewide events on behalf of the program.
“Habeebah has given her knowledge and experience, as well as her heart and soul to make a difference for young people with the most complex needs,” said Maureen Corcoran, director, Ohio Department of Medicaid. “As the “R” in OhioRISE stands for, her fervent belief in the resilience of youth and their families instills hope for the future. Keeping these kids with family, in school and connected to their community can be a herculean effort, which she carries out with grace and tenacity.”
At PEP, Grimes’ emphasis on trauma-informed practice, also benefitted the children served by the organization. Grimes, supported by the Neurosequential NetworkTM, led PEP’s effort to gain expertise in an evidence-based approach to trauma-informed care known as the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT)TM, developed by Bruce Perry, MD, PhD. Those efforts have paid off. Today, PEP boasts dozens of NMTTM certified providers and PEP itself is a Phase II NMTTM certified site, the only such organization in Northeast Ohio.
“We have been so grateful for the opportunity to work with, and learn from, Habeebah and PEP over the years,” said Dr. Bruce Perry. “Habeebah embodies servant leadership; through empathy, compassionate listening, wise and courageous commitment to the community, families and her staff, she created a culture of trust and collaboration. Truly one of the few who actually ‘walks the walk’ and doesn’t just ‘talk the talk.’”
Grimes’ focus on trauma-informed care also meant she understood that systemic racism and racial oppression are forms of trauma. She recognized the suffering and deleterious mental health impacts racial oppression had on PEP’s young people, and so, passionately promoted equity as a critical element of delivering care.
In 2020, when Cuyahoga County created its Citizens Advisory Council on Equity (CACE) in response to the county declaring racism a public health issue, Grimes was asked to serve as a citizen advisor. Today, she is the chair of CACE and plays an important role in ensuring the voices of children are included in the work.
“I am grateful for Habeebah’s leadership on the Cuyahoga Citizen’s Advisory Council on Equity. She brings the benefit of extraordinary civic and community leadership experiences and a depth of knowledge to her role as Chair of CACE,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne.
As a resident of Cleveland and parent to children in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Grimes has been a strong advocate for youth, bringing her expertise to the work of many city initiatives, having co-chaired CMSD’s Integrated Health Task Force and currently serving on Cleveland’s Neighborhood Safety Fund.
“Habeebah Grimes is a cherished leader who represents Cleveland’s community with purpose and intention,” said Sonya Pryor-Jones, chief of youth and family success, City of Cleveland. “Habeebah’s name means beloved, and through her leadership on the Neighborhood Safety Fund, she names how trauma and violence impact the human condition—and why we have an obligation to greatly love our community into healing with compassion and care.”
PEP’s Board has engaged Kittleman & Associates, an executive search firm focused on the nonprofit sector, to support the search for Grimes’ successor, and will soon be interviewing candidates.
“Habeebah has brought extraordinary compassion, commitment, and expertise to PEP, always placing the needs of kids and families at the center of every decision,” said Holley Fowler Martens, chair, PEP Board of Directors. “Her inclusive leadership style allowed PEP to build a strategic framework that engaged diverse voices and made space for many to lead and bring their collective wisdom to the work. She leaves an impressive foundation for PEP’s next leader, who will have the tools to continue PEP’s growth and impact well into the future.”