Survivor nonprofit enters new chapter

TIFFIN — Hope's Landing, a nonprofit social enterprise that employs survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, announced this week that Sam Juliano will take over as executive director. Juliano previously served as the organization's production manager. Founder Leah Cordy will step down as CEO at the end of July. The organization provides transitional employment for women leaving shelters, producing candles and bath and body products. Sales of these items fund survivor wages and offer personal development opportunities. After pausing production on June 30, Hope's Landing plans to resume sales Sept. 1 with the release of its Fall Collection. Cordy founded the organization in 2021 after graduating from Heidelberg University. "When I started it was always my long-term goal that someday it would be run by survivors, for survivors," Cordy said. "I am so thrilled that my decision to step down doesn't mean that the organization ends. It means that it will be in different and potentially even better hands." Juliano, a small business owner and survivor herself, first discovered Hope's Landing while working at a farmers market for her home bakery, 'I Got the Sugars,' which has been open for six years. "In the future I'm hoping to expand the communities that we serve," Juliano said. "Another thing I really want to focus on is our survivor's personal development — things like financial literacy and resume writing to help them in their future, but also things like art and nature therapy which can be very beneficial in their journey." Hope's Landing is currently seeking donations and new corporate partnerships to support its restart. The organization will also hire a new production manager to fill Juliano's former role. Those interested in applying or partnering can contact her at director@hopes-landing.org. Cordy said leaving the business was a difficult decision, as she struggled to balance her role at Hope's Landing with her career at Geenex Solar. "I have my full trust in Sam that she will take what was created four and a half years ago and continue to grow the organization and to help more women," she said. "While my last day will be a hard day, it brings me so much happiness to know that my dream will live on in such an intelligent, talented and caring person's hands."