Yvonne Pointer – Legacy

Yvonne Pointer lives by the often quoted, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” When she lost her daughter in 1984, Pointer realized that helping others get through grief and pain helped her heal. One year later she created Positive Plus, a vehicle for mothers to share the pain of losing a child to violence. Pointer hosted women in her living room and later expanded to a local church.

In Ghana, West Africa, with the help of community contributions, Pointer opened the “Gloria Pointer Memorial School.” Five more schools and an orphanage have since opened. Positive Plus works with many organizations including major league sports teams, school districts, public servants and funders to help others in need. To assist students at John Hay High School with education costs, Pointer established the Gloria Pointer scholarship noting her daughter always wanted to attend the school.

She is the founder of Cleveland’s Midnight Basketball, a program designed to reduce the number of young men out on the streets at night. Working with schools, organizations and businesses, many received jobs and other opportunities.

Pointer has expanded her reach nationally and internationally touching thousands through Hope Haven which broadcasts live on Facebook Monday through Friday. It was created to inspire hope and empower people to help others. Always focused on giving, Pointer notes that we can’t help everyone, but we can all help someone.