Our History
Tender Heart Crusades began in December 2009, receiving tax-exempt status on February 17, 2010. In August 2011, Tender Heart Crusades officially became an international non-government organization (NGO) with its first project in Afghanistan, where its founder was serving during Operation Enduring Freedom. Today, Tender Heart Crusades is a diverse and world-class organization that encompasses skilled and experienced leaders, professionals, and community volunteers having a stake-hold in the change process. They are all right there staying true to the organization’s mission of bridging the gap between school and community for children and youth everywhere. One Team, One Heart!
Our Founder
Obadiah Baker is a native of Cleveland’s Hough community, infamous for the Hough Riots of 1966. Growing up in a lower-middle-class household of six siblings, Mr. Baker faced challenges as a minority living in a disadvantaged/underserved impoverished inner-city community, especially as a male. A musician, Army officer, war veteran, businessman, and scholar, Mr. Baker rose above his circumstances to achieve great success. Wanting to give back, he founded Tender Heart Crusades, a nonprofit organization that directs its attention toward community involvement. From 2009 to the present, Mr. Baker, with help from many volunteers, continues to make great strides in concentrated poverty communities.
