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Public Library

The Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library opened the new Mt. Healthy Branch after renovating a 10,000-square-foot CVS building. The opening celebration on Nov. 2 provided guests with activities, CHPL Swag giveaways, and refreshments to celebrate the $6.3 million building as part of the Library’s Facility Master Plan. 

Saturday began with an opening ceremony and ribbon-cutting, where Eva Jane Romaine Coombe Director Paula Brehm-Heeger, Vice President of the Library’s Board of Trustees Christopher Harding, Mayor Jennifer Moody of Mt. Healthy, Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece, and Mt. Healthy Branch Manager Lacey Wehrle gave remarks about the Mt. Healthy Branch’s opening.  

“The current branch has been serving the Mt. Healthy community for 73 years. That’s many years of special memories. Now, with the beautiful new Mt. Healthy Branch, we’re excited to continue this history and reaffirm our commitment to this community,” said Eva Jane Romaine Coombe Director Paula Brehm-Heeger. “Built as part of our Facility Master Plan implementation, this new Mt. Healthy Branch was designed to be a place where the entire Mt. Healthy community can gather, learn, explore, and more.” 

More than 1,000 guests took part in Saturday’s festivities exploring the library branch. The new building features more interior space, improved accessibility, expanded parking, a drive-thru, a meeting room, and study pods. The building also includes a family-friendly kids space with play equipment, a communal space for teens, and comfortable spaces for reading and gathering. 

The new library is one block from the previous storefront location. Learn more about the project at: https://chpl.org/next-generation/mt-healthy/.

The Facility Master Plan is guiding our multiyear improvement project called Building the Next Generation Library and was made possible through the generous support of Hamilton County as a result of the 1 mill levy that passed in May 2018. 

The post New Mt. Healthy library hosts celebration events appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Contributed by All-In Cincinnati

Welcome to this month’s edition of the ‘All-In Cincinnati Policy Agenda.’ Stay connected with the latest updates on our advocacy efforts, and learn about the impactful work we’re doing across health, housing, education, economic mobility, and justice.

HEALTH

Advancing Health Equity Through Authentic Community Engagement

Our Program Manager, Tiffany George, presented at the 2024 NACCHO Conference on the BUILD Health Challenge in Cincinnati. This initiative empowers Avondale residents through Community Health Worker (CHW) certification, creating a pipeline for healthcare careers. Tiffany’s work on developing CHW Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is central to our mission of placing CHWs in traditional healthcare and non-traditional settings, ensuring Black women in Hamilton County receive the resources they need.

Goals

• CHW Integration: Ensure Community Health Workers (CHWs) are integrated into both traditional and non-traditional settings.
• SOP Development: Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for CHWs in hospital settings.

Progress

• The BUILD Health Challenge has successfully guided Avondale residents through CHW certification. We are now finalizing the SOPs to standardize CHW practices across traditional healthcare and non-traditional settings, ensuring consistent and quality care for Black women.

Stay Informed

• Join us in advancing #healthequity for Black women in Hamilton County by supporting our CHW initiatives and staying informed about our ongoing efforts.

HOUSING

Advancing Federal Fair Appraisal Practices

We are stepping into a significant chapter of our advocacy work, aligning our mission with a federal initiative that marks one of the most impactful policies we’ve ever pursued. We have established a ‘Black Women Appraisers Think Tank’ to drive systemic change at the federal level, aiming to support Black women in the appraisal industry and ensure fair appraisal practices.

This initiative is not only a cornerstone of our strategic plan but also a pivotal step toward achieving racial equity in housing appraisals. As we near the completion of our 5-year strategic plan, having accomplished 90% of our goals, this federal mission is crucial to fulfilling our vision.

Goals

• Licensure Reform: We are actively advocating for federal changes to appraisal licensure to include the implementation of a mentorship component specifically designed to support Black women across the nation.
• Training Initiatives: Our focus is on establishing a comprehensive national training plan tailored to Black women appraisers, ensuring they have the necessary skills and support to excel in their careers.

Progress

• We have made significant strides in engaging with educational and real estate sectors, forging essential partnerships to advance this initiative. These collaborations are critical in driving policy change and supporting Black women in the appraisal industry. Our ‘Black Women Appraisers Think Tank’ is already influencing the conversation at the federal level, positioning us to make a substantial impact.

Get Involved

• Take our survey here, and join us in our commitment to advancing fair appraisal practices and drive policy change that uplifts Black women in Hamilton County and beyond.

EDUCATION

Empowering Black Women Through Voter Education

As we continue our mission to advance civic engagement, we’re placing a special focus on voter education. Our ongoing efforts are aimed at providing Black women with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed voting decisions.

In collaboration with the League of Women Voters and W.I.N. (Women in NAACP), we’re committed to delivering unbiased and accessible information. Our focus remains on fostering a deeper understanding of civic responsibilities and the critical role informed voting plays in shaping our community’s future.

Goals

• Voter Education: Disseminate clear and impartial information through various guides and panel discussions that explain critical electoral issues in straightforward, accessible language.
• Policy Awareness: Educate on the specific issues that are on the ballot, breaking down complex policy changes and their impacts on the community to make them accessible and understandable to all.

Progress

• Our partnerships are enabling us to deliver comprehensive voter education, ensuring Black women in Hamilton County have the knowledge needed to engage in the upcoming elections effectively.

Engage

• Mark your calendar for our next Coalition Meeting on Thursday, August 22 at 3pm at the Greater Cincinnati Foundation. This is a perfect opportunity to connect, engage, and take part in our collective efforts. Register here to be part of this empowering event.

ECONOMIC MOBILITY

Honoring the Economic Impact of the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame

We are proud to celebrate the significant economic and cultural impact of the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame (CBMWF), a visionary project led by Hamilton County Commission President Alicia Reece. As the first Black woman developer on the Ohio River Banks, Commission President Reece’s work on the CBMWF has not only honored Ohio’s musical heritage but also driven substantial economic growth in the region. All-In Cincinnati was honored to sponsor CMBWF at the recent one-year anniversary.

Goals

• Capital Access: Advocate for policies that improve access to capital for Black women entrepreneurs, ensuring we have the resources needed to grow our businesses.
• Community Engagement: Encourage active participation in advocacy by showcasing real-life examples and success stories of Black women policymakers and entrepreneurs on the show.

Progress

• Our continued sponsorship of this event underscores our dedication to supporting initiatives that drive economic mobility for Black women. This partnership stands as a testament to the power of community and collective action in achieving transformative change.

Get Involved

• Stay connected with us as we continue to support powerful initiatives like the CBMWF. Together, we can ensure that Black women in Hamilton County lead in both economic and policy-driven progress. Follow us for updates on future events and opportunities to engage with our mission.

JUSTICE

Policy Change With Our All-In Cincinnati Core Team Member

We are proud to shine a light on Iris Roley, one of our founding All-In Cincinnati Core Team Members, and an essential advocate for justice and racial equity in Hamilton County. Iris’s leadership and dedication to holding institutions accountable have been pivotal in driving meaningful change in our community. As a visionary leader, Iris has continually championed initiatives that promote public safety, police accountability, and justice for all, especially for young Black women in our region.

Goals

• 3 P’s Implementation: Creating spaces and opportunities through paid apprenticeships (Paying), positive reinforcement of cultural identity (Pride), and identifying talents and abilities among young Black women (Purpose).
• Community Engagement: Collaborating with local organizations to develop policies that support holistic growth in safe, inclusive spaces.

Progress

• Participated in a comprehensive discussion at Cincinnati City Hall, mobilizing community support for effective policy change around safe third spaces.
• As a sponsor of the Policing Accountability and Public Safety Regional Conference, we joined forces with Iris to engage community leaders, policymakers, and advocates in crucial discussions on justice reform. This collaboration continues to empower young Black women and foster safer, more inclusive communities.

Get Involved

• Watch the featured video highlighting Iris Roley’s inspiring journey and her unwavering commitment to justice in Hamilton County. Join us in celebrating her impactful contributions and supporting our collective efforts to drive justice and racial equity in our community.

The post August edition of All-In Cincinnati’s Policy Agenda appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Contributed

The Cincinnati Reds, Martin Luther King III, Arndrea Waters King, and Craig Kielburger announced las Monday, Feb. 5, the Reds’ participation in the “Realizing the Dream” initiative.

The Reds have joined “Realizing the Dream,” a bold five-year service initiative to rally youth, educators, and communities to perform 100 million hours of service by the 100th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth in 2029.

“Realizing the Dream” is a monumental program aimed at uniting and uplifting communities across America. As the country approaches the 100th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth, the goal is to drive 100 million hours of service. This ambitious five-year service undertaking seeks to mobilize, inspire, and empower individuals from all walks of life to actively engage and contribute to their communities through meaningful acts of service. Realizing the Dream is a collaborative effort led by the Martin Luther King III Foundation and Legacy+, which are jointly committed to fostering a culture of service and making a tangible impact nationwide. By joining forces, the organizations have the unique opportunity to harness the collective power of individuals and groups to drive significant change. Visit their website at realizethedream.org.

Martin Luther King III Foundation is an organization dedicated to building up to a new culture of compassion, trust, dignity, acceptance and love through ideas, words, and insights. Leading the way in representing the three values: justice, equity, and peace.

Legacy+ is a foundry of strategists, designers, creators, storytellers and innovators that brings purpose to life for companies, foundations and individuals by building real movements and legacy projects with life-changing impacts for people and communities around the world. They have partnered with globally renowned thought leaders, activists, CEOs, entertainers, athletes, celebrities and more to inspire millions of youths, educators, companies, and communities to give back through service. Through its efforts, Legacy+ shifted volunteerism in youth from least likely to most likely and was the first to develop service-learning programming integrated into classroom curriculum. 

The post Reds commit to “Realizing the Dream” with 100m service hours appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Contributed

In observance of National Literacy Month, Adopt A Class, the leading group mentorship nonprofit organization in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, is excited to announce the launch of its brand-new K-2 program this fall.

This groundbreaking initiative is set to transform early childhood education and is made possible through a strategic partnership with Crayons to Computers, a renowned provider of classroom resources and support.

Adopt A Class has been a pillar of the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky communities for 20 years, connecting local businesses and professionals with schools in underserved communities to provide valuable mentorship and resources.

With the revamp of the K-2 program, Adopt A Class is curating the impact on the earliest stages of a child’s education, reinforcing its commitment to the cradle-to-career continuum.

Amy Cheney, president and CEO for Crayons to Computers, said, “Crayons to Computers is so pleased to partner with Adopt a Class as they enhance their K-2 program. The Literacy Crates are a wonderful way for Adopters to focus on literacy while engaging younger learners.

“Pairing a featured book with activities and manipulatives from our Crafts with Conviction program showcases career and life skills while using multiple senses, ensuring students retain the lessons they have learned. This collaboration provides a win-win-win for the students served, the adopters and our organizations!”

Adopt A Class K-2 Key Program Highlights:

1. Partnership with Crayons to Computers: Adopt A Class is collaborating with Crayons to Computers, a nonprofit organization that has been serving teachers and students in the region since 1997. This partnership brings together Adopt a Class’s expertise in mentorship and community engagement with Crayons to Computers’ extensive knowledge of educational resources.

2. Literacy Crates: A unique aspect of the K-2 program is the introduction of “Literacy Crates.” Mentor teams, consisting of dedicated volunteers from local businesses and civic groups, will bring these specially curated crates into participating classrooms. These crates will be filled with age-appropriate books, engaging activities, hands-on materials and other essential resources, tailored to meet the specific needs of young learners.

3. Focused Early Intervention: The K-2 program places a strong emphasis on early intervention and support, targeting students in their formative years. By providing mentorship, resources and a nurturing learning environment, Adopt A Class aims to build a strong educational foundation for these students, setting them on a path to lifelong success.

4. Community Engagement: Adopt A Class is committed to fostering community engagement and collaboration. Through this program, local businesses and professionals can actively contribute to the growth and development of the next generation, reinforcing the idea that education is a community responsibility.

Sarah Wallis, Adopt A Class director of programs, expressed enthusiasm for the K-2 program, saying, “We are excited to see the new program in classrooms this fall! Megan Moore, AAC K-2 program manager, Crayons to Computers’ Crafts with Conviction program staff have worked together to create resources and develop an engaging K-2 curriculum that will meaningfully impact the lives of K-2 students throughout our community.”

Adopt A Class extends a heartfelt thank you to Dr. John Hutton, Blue Manatee Press founder and publisher. Through Dr. Hutton’s book donation to Adopt a Class, many students within the program will receive a brand-new book to take home with them, reinforcing the correlation between number of books in the home at an early age and positive benefits for children.

For more information on how to get involved with Adopt a Class, visit aacmentors.org or contact Sonya Fultz, Adopt a Class CEO, at sonya@aacmentors.org.

The post Transforming early childhood education: Adopt a Class and Crayons to Computers join forces appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .