606 Adams St
Toledo, Ohio 43604
419-277-9576
567-246-9775
WELCOME
to
RunningStart
Improving the community one life at a time.
RunningStart
Ralph Warren, BA, CDCA, QMHS
Co Founder and Coordinator
Tony Thomas, PhD, Licensed Drug Counselor, QMHS
Co Founder and Coordinator
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Founders and Leadership
The organization is headed by Ralph Warren who has practical experience and the education to lead the organization. In addition, Tony Thomas also has the practical experience and education to co-lead the organization. Ralph and Tony are lifetime friends going back to childhood. Ralph and Tony played football and other sports at the former Glenwood Elementary School and at Scott High School in the 1970’s. Ralph and Tony are invaluable members of the community who are relatable and who are life time residents of Toledo.
Ralph has a Bachelor Degree of Arts from Toledo University with an emphasis on social work. Tony has a Doctorate Degree in Clinical Counseling and Philosophy. Ralph and Tony are qualified by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Board to provide counseling, case management and mentoring services. Both are also Qualified Mental Health Specialists.
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Ralph is an amazing leader who was awarded a Letter of Clemency by President Obama in 2017 following nearly 28 years of incarceration. Ralph also earned a Letter of Recognition by President Biden in May of 2021.
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following graduating from the University of Toledo with his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 2021. Ralph is also an author of fictional novels and currently working on his biography Exodus which outlines his spiritual life in prison to this current day.
Ralph is the face of reentry and recovery. Though Ralph has served more than 27 years of his life in prison, he has been successful in reentering society. He has demonstrated what prisoners and homeless individuals must do in order to be successful
​Tony Thomas has a PhD in counseling and Philosophy and has been a minister for over 35 years. He is a gifted speaker and was given a Life Time Achievement Award in 2016 by President Barack Obama for his work in the addiction field.
Tony also is the author of six books on chemical dependency. Tony’s has more than 30 years in the treatment field.
His work has been featured by local and regional news outlets.
His mission today is to continue to turn individuals from crime and drugs and to assist address the issues of homelessness in Toledo and the surrounding areas.​
Mission and Vision
OUR STORY
Runningstart, a Toledo, Ohio-based nonprofit, is dedicated to providing linkage to housing, food, mental health services, and employment opportunities to the homeless and former prisoners in Northwest Ohio.
Our mission is to support individual on their journey to becoming self sufficient and meaningful citizens in Toledo.
At Runningstart, we believe in second and third chances, personal growth, and societal reintegration.
Join us in our journey towards transforming lives and fostering hope.
Services Offered
Linkage to:
Meeting each individual's needs,
building a winning attitude and spirit. Leading all to a self sufficient lifestyle.
Housing
Clothing
Food
Mentoring
Guidance and Support
Employment
Birth Certificates
Social Security Cards
Identification
Mental Health Services
Substance Abuse Services
Life is fragile
