Destigmatizing homelessness and rebuilding support systems in 20 years of mission work

In this episode of the RKD Group: Chat podcast, host Nipa Eason sits down with Jaime Buxton of The City Mission in Cleveland, Ohio. She’s an advocate, community builder and longtime nonprofit leader whose heart for people experiencing homelessness has shaped more than two decades of service. Jaime's path into nonprofit work wasn’t mapped out with a rigid plan. What began as a calling to help people—sparked by youth ministry and mission work in Belize—evolved into a lifelong vocation centered on dignity, compassion and community. Over the past 20 years, Jaime has grown alongside The City Mission, serving in multiple roles while helping shape programs that empower men, women and children navigating homelessness. Today, Jaime serves in a community engagement and development role, acting as a bridge between The City Mission and churches, corporations, volunteers and donors. She advocates for the people the Mission serves by educating the community, challenging misconceptions about homelessness and helping others see the humanity behind the statistics. Her work spans partnership development, volunteer engagement, fundraising events and donor programs, including a women’s giving circle that has grown into a powerful force for connection and impact. What stands out most about Jaime is her commitment to dignity—both in how services are delivered and in how stories are told. Whether it’s reshaping the Mission’s Christmas program to give mothers the ability to choose gifts for their children, leading Bridges Out of Poverty trainings to foster empathy and understanding or creating spaces where volunteers and residents can form healthy, respectful relationships, Jamie consistently centers the voices and experiences of those she serves. In this conversation, Jaime reflects on her journey, the moments that affirmed her calling and what continues to motivate her through the hardest parts of nonprofit work.