Cleveland Bell III

For more than four decades, Cleveland ("Cleve") Bell III has served as the Executive Director of Riverside House, a faith-based nonprofit organization in Miami dedicated to guiding formerly incarcerated individuals and people experiencing homelessness toward renewed lives of purpose, faith, and productivity.

Once incarcerated himself, Cleve's story of transformation is a living testimony to the power of redemption and second chances. His personal journey — marked by perseverance, faith, and compassion — has inspired thousands and positioned him as a nationally recognized leader and expert in offender reentry, rehabilitation, and faith-based recovery.

Under Cleve's visionary leadership since 1977, Riverside House has grown from a small 12-bed residential facility with a $20,000 annual budget into a robust 120-bed center with a budget exceeding $2 million annually. The organization now provides comprehensive wraparound services with a spiritual foundation, including employment support, life skills training, substance abuse counseling, and pastoral care. Through its Residential Reentry Program and Emergency Shelter for the Homeless, Riverside House continues to transform lives and strengthen communities across South Florida.

Cleve developed the Pastoral Care Program at Riverside House, which offers daily spiritual support and weekly chapel services led by a dedicated chaplain and volunteer team. His leadership is rooted in a non-denominational message of faith — introducing residents to a loving and forgiving God who offers hope, healing, and transformation.

Beyond Riverside House, Cleve's influence has extended nationally and internationally. He serves as an original committee member of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust, where his work helped establish over 5,000 beds for homeless individuals and families and contributed to the county's ten-year plan to end homelessness. He also served on the International Community Corrections Association's Strategic Planning Task Force, helping craft language later adopted into the Second Chance Act of 2007 — landmark legislation supporting the reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals.

As a motivational and spiritual speaker, Cleve has shared his message of hope and restoration on television, radio, and at conferences around the world. He has been a featured keynote speaker for organizations including Kairos Prison Ministry International, Florida Episcopal Diocese Prison Ministry, and numerous national and international faith-based conferences, including in Australia. His presentations before Congress and countless community groups have advocated for compassion, prevention, and rehabilitation for those impacted by incarceration.

Cleve is also a founding member of Kairos Prison Ministry International, now active in 33 states and 5 countries with over 20,000 volunteers, providing spiritual retreats and mentorship programs to men and women behind bars. In addition, he has consulted on multiple faith-based treatment and jail ministry initiatives, including Calvary Chapel's Calvary Residential House and Kairos Horizon Communities in Prison, helping faith-based organizations design structured reentry and discipleship programs.

An accomplished musician, Cleve earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music Management from Florida International University. He has also served as a Volunteer Associate Chaplain for the Miami Dolphins and Miami Heat, continuing his lifelong commitment to mentoring and spiritual guidance in every arena.

Today, Cleve remains devoted to helping others "bloom where they are planted," living out his calling to bring hope and restoration to individuals seeking a new beginning.