June 2012 Minutes

  Collaborative Meeting Minutes

June 28, 2012 ~ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Woman’s Club Pavilion, Lakewood Park

 

Our Mission:

“The Lakewood Family Collaborative is a group of agencies, organizations and concerned individuals working together to make sure a network of services and supports are available and accessible to children, youth and families.”

 

 

Welcome/Introductions – Lunch was provided.  Bruce Chamberlin welcomed everyone.  Collab attendees introduced themselves.

 

Spotlight – Dale Miller: Cuyahoga County Council Representative, District 2 – Jillian Driscoll introduced Dale Miller.  Mr. Miller began by thanking all of the county employees who were present for their service.  Mr. Miller spoke on the 5 year economic plan and the overall plan for health and human services, which he believes should have a strong preventative emphasis.  He also stated that collaboration and consolidation is very important in this plan (he used the Collab as a great example of this).  Mr. Miller addressed…

1.  When revised property taxes are complete there is expected to be 10-15 million more spent in human services each year than what will be being taken in.  Fortunately, the county has inherited lots of reserve funds.

2.  Mr. Miller recently participated in a regional meeting of 16 counties to look at overall health and human services – plan to track factors such as: education, illness, disease, etc.

3.  Suburb migration is a major issue.

4.  Preliminary re-appraisal values:  3.6% decline in home values in Lakewood, Cuyahoga County average was 9% decline.

5.  County Council is working on an equity plan – comprehensive approach on how to pursue contracting, hiring, promotions.

6.  There is better accountability in place for reviewing county contracts.

7.  In discussions on how to use the estimated 9.7 million tax revenue from the casino.

8.  Very interested in the transparency of the County’s legislative process.  It’s on the website.  Still needs improving.

 

Questions & Answers –

Q:  Will communities have voice in programs that will be cut?

A:  Yes.  It is an open and public process.  The county executive submits proposal to the county council and then the council holds several hearings, which all have time for public comment.  It is possible that there will be no cuts.

 

Q:  What is the county doing to prevent overlap of human service organizations?

A:  Not enough.

 

Q:  Which is better, city or county government, in regards to health and human services?

A:  Either way.  Both have advantages.  Ideally there would be a partnership.

 

Q:  Is it possible that the casino revenue could be applied to the cuts in the county budget?

A:  It is possible.  The executive wants to run the budget on existing funds and use the casino revenue to do new/extra stuff.

 

Q:  What’s the deal with the real estate re-appraisals?

A:  It is law that every 6 years, re-appraisals be done.  Homeowners will get a letter stating, “We propose your property value be X.”  You can appeal if you disagree.

 

Q:  What are the best questions you hear regarding health and human services?

A:  How do you help with needs when there’s not enough money?  And, how do you get people to be more responsible and also help needs?

 

Q:  How would you answer those questions?

A:  Be kind and compassionate people; and everybody be part of the solution.

 

Recognitions & Thank You – This community is grateful for all who work so hard to make Lakewood the best it could be.  Thank you for impacting families the way you do, and thank you for being a part of our effort.  We would like to highlight a few who have stepped above and beyond!

*Departing Leadership Team Members:  Colleen McNamara, Ralph Lundberg, Donna Rakerd-Converse

*Kaprice Holloway – Job Seekers Committee Chair; Karen Lee – School Supplies Committee Chair; Amy Thacker – Public Relations

*Organizations:  Lakewood Library, Trinity Lakewood, Observer, PNC Bank, Rec Dept, YMCA

*Melissa Garrett

*Attendance:  Verlinda Moore, Lakewood City Schools

*Past Spotlight Presenters

*Lakewood Family Collaborative Community Builders:  Art & Kristine Pagsuyoin

 

Leadership Team Slate – Nick Bachosfsky, Ken Brand, Laura Jaissle, Karen Lee.  Passed unanimous.

 

Announcements –

*Lakewood New Life:  Let’s Love Lakewood – August 18, 12 pm – 4 pm @ Masonic Temple

*H2O will be applying for grant for inner-ring suburbs for out of school / summer programming for kids.  If your organization would like to collaborate with H2O for this grant, contact Mary Hall.

*Produce Perks – see flyer.  http://www.cccfoodpolicy.org

*Rally in the Alley to support Trinity Lakewood Community Outreach

*Guidestone – Cleveland Indians Fundraiser – July 24

*Cleveland Rape Crisis Center – Free, Camp Create, 7 yr – 12 yr boy/girl who have witnessed any violence, July 9 – 13, 10 am – 4 pm, @ Lakewood Women’s Pavilion

*Live Well Lakewood – “Fit in Five” @ Madison Park

*Lakewood United Methodist Church – VBS, July 16 – 20

*Cleveland Food Bank – call center @ food bank, referral sheets, hotline is now open – 216.738.2067

*Housing Research & Advocacy Center – 5k coming up

*Adoption Committee – still open to committee members, contact Colleen McNamara

*Collab Newsletter – July/August will be combined

*Big Brothers / Big Sisters – Need students, ages 8 – 15 boy/girls.  See flyers.  Contact Jerrald, 216.452.5236

 

Next meeting is Thursday, September 27, 2012 @ 1pm.

 

  

YWCA Summer Programs

NIA Summer Program:  This is a FREE 8-week summer program, sponsored by the YWCA, for young women, ages 14-17, who are currently in foster care.  The location is at the YWCA which is:  4019 Prospect Ave, Cleveland, Ohio 44103. 

 

TODAY:  The TODAY (Together Opening Doors for Awesome Youth) program is a FREE 8-week health and wellness girls-only program (ages 11-15) that focuses on reducing chronic illness and unhealthy lifestyle choices through self-empowerment building activities, discussions, and lessons.  There is a wide variety of incentives included in the TODAY program, a variety of health partners that assist us with bringing the program to life and best of all, it is FREE to all participants and partnering agencies!!  All we need is the space and a captive audience for the summer!  Please call Selina at, (216) 881-6878 ext. 228 if you are interested in bringing the TODAY program to your summer group!!

 

Camp Create

CAMP CREATE is a children’s day camp for girls
and boys, ages 7 to 12, who have experienced
or witnessed violence. This week-long camp will
rely on expressive therapies such as art making,
movement, writing, drama and music to provide
a safe, supportive and nurturing environment.
Camp Create offers structured activities that
incorporate the five senses, while addressing
common topics familiar to children survivors
such as safety, boundaries, anger, guilt, loss
and self-esteem.

Camp Create is a safe space for children
who have survived trauma to have fun, make
friends and experience that they are not alone.
Children will have opportunities to share
and grow throughout this creative week
of exploration through the 5 senses.

Each day of camp includes healthy morning
snacks and lunches. The camp will be facilitated
by a team of therapists, educators, and
advocates from the Cleveland Rape Crisis
Center. There is no cost to participate.

Dates: July 9th-13th, 2012
Time: 10:00am to 4:00pm
Location: Lakewood Park Women’s Pavilion
14532 Lake Avenue
(Corner of Belle Avenue and Lake Avenue)

For information or to register,
call 216-619-6194 x 141
or visit http://www.clevelandrapecrisis.org.

Lakewood Collab April Minutes

Collaborative Meeting Minutes
April 26, 2012 ~ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Woman’s Club Pavilion, Lakewood Park
Our Mission:
“The Lakewood Family Collaborative is a group of agencies, organizations and concerned individuals working together to make sure a
network of services and supports are available and accessible to children, youth and families.”
Welcome/Introductions – Bruce Chamberlin welcomed everyone. Collab attendees introduced themselves.
Summer Programs – Toni Gelsomino asked for info on Kids Summer Programs…
*Applewood Centers – Day Camp: June 18 – Aug 13, 9 am – 4 pm, 6 yrs – 14 yrs. http://www.applewoodcenters.org
*Lakewood United Methodist Church – VBS: July 16-20, 9:30 – 12, 3 yrs – 5th grade. Also, opportunity for
students to work on houses throughout summer (partner w/ Lkwd Alive) or do yard work for senior residents on
May 20 (partner w/Div. of Aging). http://www.lkwdumc.org
*YWCA – Day Camp: June 11 – Aug, 8:30 – 4 pm, ages 14-17, for girls in foster care.
http://www.ywca.org/site/pp.asp?c=8oIDLSOyGoF&b=8008755
Job Seekers – Kristine Pagsuyoin expressed need for volunteers for the Job Seekers committee. Please turn in
the questionnaire regarding direction for the committee and make note if you would like to help with the
committee.
Mental Health Panel – Kristine Pagsuyoin announced the panel for May’s Mental Health Panel Discussion. A
form was distributed to be completed regarding questions to ask the panel.
Spotlight and Discussion – Kristina Austin, The Gathering Place –
The mission of The Gathering Place is to support, educate and empower individuals and families touched by
cancer through programs and services provided free of charge. The Gathering Place has both an East
(Beachwood) & West (Westlake) location. They have served over 21,000 individuals and have had over
150,000 visits. They offer a variety of services to individuals and families of individuals dealing with cancer such
as: peer support groups, a fitness trainer, and a medical librarian. The Gathering Place also recently opened a
Wig Salon.
http://www.touchedbycancer.org
216-595-9546
Table Discussion –
1) What are some suggestions for increasing community awareness about the Gathering Place?
Responses:
*Flyers in clinics, pharmacies & social service agencies; connecting with faith-based groups and schools
(counselors); contacting other agencies & stressing FREE; Ads in city newsletters and papers; representative @
hospitals; present @ community forums; encouraging personal references
2) What do you see as perceived barriers to your clients accessing programs and services @ The Gathering
Place?
Responses:
*Transportation; Clear understanding of services (for youth); location; emotionally scary
Announcements –
*Guidestone (formerly Berea Children’s Home and Family Services) – More info: guidestoneohio.org
*Flyers for Foster Care Info Meeting & 10 Reasons to Adopt a Teenager
*Opening a Charter School (Stepstone Academy)
*Lakewood Office moved locations
*Love INC – loveinccuyahoga.org
*Golf Outing – June 29
*Hospice of the Western Reserve – http://www.hospicewr.org
*Opening 32 bed house
*YWCA – http://www.ywca.org/site/pp.asp?c=8oIDLSOyGoF&b=8008755
*Selina: 216.881.6878 x228
*After-school program for teen girls (TODAY)
*8 week program dealing with health & emotional issues (can bring the program to an agency during
the summer)
*The Gathering Place – http://www.touchedbycancer.org or 216.595.9546.
*Race – June 3rd
*Recover Resources – http://www.recres.org
*Welcome to Lakewood Event – Great event! Thanks to Lkwd CRAC & the Collab!
*Lakewood Alive – http://www.lakewoodalive.com
*Spring Stroll (see brochures)
*Paint Program for Lkwd residents
*Lakewood New Life – http://www.lakewoodnewlifechurch.org
*Let’s Love Lakewood (August)
*Victoria – Served as intern @ Division of Youth this past year. Thanks for serving! Great job!

List of Items Needed by the Gathering Place

We will be most appreciative of anything that we can receive.

 

–        fabric markers

–        gel pens

–        model magic

–        paint pens

–        decent scissors

–        disposable cameras for camp

–        journals

–        boxes of tea

–        miniature items for the sand tables – like the kind of things you might find in a doll house, to use in our sand tray work with participants.  Little people, animals, household goods, furniture,  food, nature items like tress and bridges, monsters and heroes, spiritual items, magical items, are all welcome.  They are usually no more than an inch or two in size, may be much smaller, can be made out of any material, and are used to create stories in the sand about a person’s life, needs and challenges

Beck Center Events

Razzle Dazzle XII – We Are Family!

Beck Center Creative Arts Therapies Presents 12th Annual Show

 

Razzle Dazzle XII will be held Friday, May 4 and Saturday, May 5 in the Music-Armory Building at the Beck Center for the Arts. The theme for this year’s show is “We Are Family.”

 

Razzle Dazzle is a unique collaboration between the Beck Center’s Creative Arts Therapies Department and the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Adults with special needs and volunteers from around the county will be acting, singing and dancing to some familiar songs, as well as some new ones, about our family and friends.

 

The 12th annual show includes a special performance on Friday, May 4 by the choirs from the Rocky River Adult Activities Center and the Maple Heights Adult Activities Center. Artwork from the Rocky River Adult Activities Center and art therapy clients from Beck Center will be on display in the lobby of the Music-Armory Building. A Silent Auction and Chinese Raffle will be held throughout the weekend to benefit the Beck Center’s Creative Arts Therapies Department.

 

A special benefit performance will be held 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 4. The cost is $15 per person. The performances on Saturday, May 5 at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. are free but donations are encouraged.

For more information, visit beckcenter.org or follow Razzle Dazzle XII on Facebook for updates.

 

 

“Take A Look and You’ll See” Willy Wonka At Beck Center

Youth Theater Brings “Pure Imagination” To Mackey Main Stage

Beck Youth Theater presents Willy Wonka, a musical based on the favorite children’s book by Roald Dahl on the Mackey Main Stage, May 4 through 13, 2012. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are now on sale. The student matinee 10 a.m. Thursday, May 10 is sold out.

 

Roald Dahl’s entertaining fable of the world-famous candy man and his quest to find an heir comes to life in this musical adaptation of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, featuring songs such as “Pure Imagination” and “The Candy Man” from the classic family film Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory.

 

Directed by Russ Stich, this production of Willy Wonka features a cast of 69 students ages 7 to 17 from Beck Center’s arts education programs. “This production, like Willy Wonka’s world, is a menagerie of larger-than-life characters, comedy, music, and a little bit of the unexpected,” said Stich. “Whether you’re a fan of the book, Johnny Depp’s characterization or the Gene Wilder classic, you’re sure to find something familiar, and perhaps even something surprising.”

 

Tickets for Willy Wonka are $12 for Adults/Seniors (65 and over) and $10 for Children/Students (18 and under). To purchase tickets, visit beckcenter.org or call the Beck Center box office at 216.521.2540, ext. 10. Free onsite parking is available.

 

Beck Center’s production of Willy Wonka is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) and is sponsored by Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, the Ohio Arts Council, and Music Is Elementary.

 

 

4^th Annual Community Celebration of the Arts

Beck Center Says “Thank-You” to the Community

 

Beck Center for the Arts hosts its 4th annual Community Celebration of the Arts 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 6 throughout the Beck Center campus located at 17801 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood. This annual event is held to express the arts organization’s appreciation to the community for its support throughout the year. Free convenient onsite parking is available.

 

This fun, free event is open to families of all ages. Attendees will enjoy hands-on art activities as well as dance, music, and theater performances and interactive experiences throughout the afternoon.

 

New this year! Local artists and Beck Center visual arts faculty will display and sell their unique creations and guests will enjoy a special family-friendly performance by Cleveland’s premiere improv troupe, Something Dada!. A complete schedule of events may be found at beckcenter.org or call Beck Center Customer Service at 216.521.2540, ext. 10.

 

Beck Center’s theater productions and arts education programs are made possible through the generous support of Cuyahoga Arts and Culture and the Ohio Arts Council.

 

 

Bike For Beck!

Arts + Bikeability + Community = Fun Family Event

The first annual Bike for Beck, a bicycle tour and fundraising event is Saturday, May 19, 2012. This fundraiser is sponsored by Connect to Beck (C2B), a volunteer group of young professionals who support the Beck Center through social, cultural and insider events.

 

The bike tour begins at Beck Center and runs through the Cleveland Metroparks, with 12-mile, 25-mile and 60-mile routes. There is also a family-friendly ½-mile bike parade with the theme “Music in Motion.” Parade participants are encouraged to decorate their bicycles in creative ways to artistically convey this theme.

 

Bike tour and parade participants can register online at beckcenter.org. Cyclists who register for the bike tour before May 1 save $10 off the registration fee.

 

Tour participants and community members are also invited to join their family, friends and neighbors for the Bike for Beck Fest. Guests will enjoy an afternoon of live entertainment on the Beck Café Red Stage, bike safety and maintenance demonstrations, a vintage bicycle exhibit, art displays, food trucks, and much more. To view a complete list of the day’s activities visit beckcenter.org.

 

Volunteers are needed to assist with this inaugural event. If you would like to help on Friday, May 18 or Saturday, May 19, please contact Brittany Lesch at 216.521.2540, ext. 34 or blesch@beckcenter.org. For more information about Connect to Beck (C2B), email C2B@beckcenter.org.

 

 

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson

Beck Center Presents Regional Premiere of Tony-Nominated Musical

 

History just got all sexypants! Meet America’s first political maverick, Andrew Jackson, who kicked British butt, shafted the Indians and smacked down the Spaniards all in the name of these United States. Who cares if he didn’t have the constitutional right?

 

An exhilarating look at one of our nation’s founding rock stars, this show recreates and reinvents the life of “Old Hickory”, from his humble beginnings on the Tennessee frontier to his days in the oval office as our seventh Commander-in-Chief. This contemporary award-winning musical explores the title character’s life through the unconventional approach of irreverent punk rock music.

 

Starring Dan Folino in the lead role, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson opens in the Studio Theater at Beck Center May 25 and runs through July 1. Show times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 7 p.m. Sundays. Please note there are no Sunday matinee performances for this production. This show is recommended for audiences 17 years and older due to strong language and adult themes.

 

Tickets for Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson are selling fast! This show is expected to sell out. Tickets are $28 for adults, $25 for seniors (65 and older) and $17 for students (with valid ID). An additional $3 service fee per ticket is applied at the time of purchase. Preview Night on Thursday, May 24, is $10 with general admission seating. Group discounts are available for parties of 13 or more. Purchase tickets online 24/7 at beckcenter.org or call Customer Service at 216.521.2540, ext. 10. Free onsite parking is available.

 

Beck Center’s production of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) and is sponsored by Cuyahoga Arts and Culture and the Ohio Arts Council.

 

 

Located at 17801 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood, the Beck Center for the Arts is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that offers professional theater productions, arts education programming in dance, music, theater, visual arts, early childhood, and creative arts therapies for special needs students, and gallery exhibits featuring regional artists.

 

Junk2Funk 2012 Charity Event to Benefit North Coast Health Ministry

Local Girl Gallery and stArt Neo have joined forces to bring back Junk2Funk, the season’s funkiest event featuring local artists’ and designers’ work created from repurposed materials, to benefit North Coast Health Ministry, the West Side’s free medical clinic for the low-income uninsured.

The event will take place on Friday, April 20, 2012, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Local Girl Gallery, 16106 Detroit Avenue.  The evening will feature unique art, jewelry, sculpture, furniture and more created by northeast Ohio artists and designers.  The evening will be highlighted by a live auction, Chinese raffles, wine, hors d’oeuvres and desserts from local restaurants and caterers, and organic, fair trade coffee from Coffee for a Cause.

“The evening is about the local creative community pulling together to help our neighbors going through some tough times,” says Ruthie Koenigsmark, stArt Neo president.   “It’s a great date night or a fun girls’ night out and the opportunity to come home with some beautiful one-of-a-kind treasures.”

Artists wishing to donate a piece to the benefit are asked to contact Koenigsmark at 216-521-2894 or rkoenigsmark@yahoo.com.  Many items from past events have been inspired by repurposed “found” items or created from recycled materials.  Artist’s pieces should be dropped off at Local Girl Gallery no later than April 16 to be part of the auction.  Arrangements can also be made to have donations picked up at the artist’s convenience. 

Tickets are $15 in advance ($20 day of event, as available) and can be purchased online from North Coast Health Ministry at www.nchealthministry.org/events or by contacting Elizabeth O’Brien at 216-228-7878 ext. 114 or eobrien@nchealthministry.org.    This event has sold out in advance the past two years.

About North Coast Health Ministry

North Coast Health Ministry is a faith-based free clinic serving the low-income uninsured on Greater Cleveland West Side.  In 2001, NCHM provided care to 2,700 patients who had no other route to health care.  With the support of 120 volunteer physicians, nurses and other caregivers, NCHM is able to provide primary health care, specialty referrals, prescription assistance, behavioral health care and social service referrals to the medically underserved.  NCHM strives to be the medical home for its patients providing preventive care and chronic disease management as well as care for acute illnesses and injuries.  Founded in 1986, North Coast Health Ministry is a vital part of the health care safety net on Greater Cleveland’s West Side.  NCHM’s primary location is at 16110 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood, Ohio.  

 

Committee Reports

Committee Reports of the Lakewood Collaborative

We may need your help…Please contact us!

 

First Vice Chair Update – Kristine Pagsuyoin

Contact: kpagsuyoin@hotmail.com

 

• Deadline for the April E-News will be March 15^th.  Everyone should have turned in their E-News submissions by February 15^th for the March E-News. 
• Remember, to add our email to your contacts.  When we add your contact information to our E-news distribution list you should receive a “Welcome Message”.  When you receive our newsletter please feel free to forward it  to others interested in our organization. 
• In the February E-News you should have been able to access the Membership Directory online.  Please check your information to be sure it is correct. 

Visit http://www.lakewoodobserver.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=140&t=10693 for the Membership Directory.  If you find an error, or have filled out a form and need to be added to the Directory, email lakewoodfamilycollab@gmail.com. 

• The Lakewood Family Collaborative along with the city of Lakewood’s Community Relations Advisory Committee will be hosting the first “Welcome to Lakewood Event”.   This event will feature Lakewood organizations reaching out to new residents, or residents looking to make deeper community connections. The Lakewood Collab will have a table at this event and can provide residents with information on your group.  Faith-based organizations  will have a table as well a restaurants.  Please see Kristine Pagsuyoin or email her at kapagsuyoin@hotmail.com. If you can help with the table or want to put information out.  The event is April 25^th from 7pm-9pm at Garfield Middle School in Lakewood.
• March “Spotlight” will feature the Domestic Violence & Child Advocacy Center. 
• Today, if you have brought items for the Lakewood Community Services Center, we have a box by the entrance.  Please place your items there and we will deliver them to the center.  Thank You!  Look for more details in the March E-News and your Meeting Reminder if we will be collecting additional items. 

Adoption/Foster Care – Colleen McNamara, Chair

Contact: colleen.mcnamara@lakewoodoh.net or 529-6873

If you would like to become a member of the Adoption/Foster Care Committee, please sign up call Colleen @ 529-6873

 

We are developing a recruitment plan for Lakewood for 2012/2013, and are requesting ‘classic’ members to sign up to renew your commitment, and new members interested should fill in the sign up sheet as well.

 

 

Job Seekers – Kaprice Holloway, Chair  (Welcome Kaprice!)

      Contact: Mobile: 216-534-3046

Kaprice is currently looking for members to help out with this vital program, so please call if you are interested in helping out.

 

Hospitality – Jillian Driscoll, Chair

Contact: jdriscoll1125@yahoo.com

 

Lakewood School Supplies Initiative – Karen Lee, Chair

Contact: Lkwdschoolsupplies@gmail.com or 221.2295

• We are looking for additional volunteers to serve on the committee (we will be looking to write grants, speak before groups etc to ask for donations, and assist with collections over the summer).

 

Membership – Toni Gelsominio, Chair 

Contact: antoinette.gelsomino@lakewoodoh.net

Toni is always reminding us to keep our membership and contact information up to date – ask for a membership form today or go online through our monthly newsletter

 

 

County Corner

 

Cuyahoga County Department of Children and Family Services – Kathleen Sullivan

Contact: 635-3801 or sullik02@odjfs.state.oh.us

 

Cuyahoga County Employment and Family Services – Verlinda Moore

Contact: 939-2483 or mooreev01@odjfs.state.oh.us

 

February 2012 Minutes

                                                           

 Collaborative Meeting Minutes

February 23, 2012 ~ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Woman’s Club Pavilion, Lakewood Par

Our Mission:

“The Lakewood Family Collaborative is a group of agencies, organizations and concerned individuals working together to make sure a network of services and supports are available and accessible to children, youth and families.”

 

Welcome/Introductions – Bruce Chamberlin welcomed everyone.  Collab attendees introduced themselves.

 

Spotlight and Discussion – Mandy Mehlman, Housing Research and Advocacy Center  –

The Housing Center is a not-for-profit fair housing/fair lending agency whose mission is to promote fair housing and diverse communities, and to work to eliminate housing discrimination and assure choice in Northeast Ohio by providing effective research, education and advocacy.

There are Federal and/or state fair housing laws that prohibit discrimination in housing transactions based on: race, ancestry, sex, disability, religion, familial status (presence of children under the age of 18), and military status.  Lakewood has additional local fair housing laws that protect against: gender identity and sexual orientation.

For assistance, contact the Housing Center @ 216-361-9240.  You can also contact the Oho Civil Rights Commission at 1-888-278-7101 or online @ http://www.crc.ohio.gov.

Upcoming Events – 7th Annual Fair Housing Celebration, Thursday, April 12, 5:30-7:30 pm, @ The Ballroom at the CSU Student Center.  The Housing Center Youth Art Exhibition Contest: Submission Deadline is 4 pm, Monday, March 26.

 Table Discussion –

1) How can the Housing Center be supportive of your clients/residents?

2) The Housing Center would like to expand our outreach to immigrant populations, are there strategies other agencies have used in the past or opportunities to partner with organizations currently doing this work?

Responses:

*Make education info available @ libraries, schools, foster care agencies, and churches.

*Get information to schools and other places where immigrant children are going to be.

*Have someone available to answer the phone and work with people who are having housing issues.

*Enlist volunteers who speak different languages.

*Work with young adults who age-out of foster care.

*Partner with Catholic Charities.

*Partner with Asia Inc.

*Partner with leaders of refugee/immigrant communities.

 

Announcements –

 

*Employment and Family Services – Polaris Westshore Career Fair:  Wednesday, March 28, 10 am – 2 pm, @ Polaris Career Center.  More info: http://www.employment.cuyahogacounty.us or 216.987.7010.

 

 

*Berea Children’s Home and Family Services – More info: http://www.bchfs.org

            *New Name coming in March

            *Foster Care Information Night: Tuesday, March 13

            *Pack the Q for Foster Care – Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls: Friday, March 2

 

*Cuyahoga Suicide Task Force – recently did a survey targeting faith communities; and will be providing a free training seminar in the future.

 

*Lakewood Kiwanis – All-You-Can-Eat-Spaghetti Dinner at Lakewood Masonic Temple, Saturday, March 3, 4 – 7 pm, $8, ages 5 & under FREE.  http://www.lkwdpl.org/kiwanis/

 

*Lakewood Division of Early Childhood – The Family Room has moved locations to Lakewood United Methodist Church.  Toni Gelsomino’s office has moved to Fedor Manor.  onelakewood.com/HumanServices/EarlyChildhood

 

*The Gathering Place – Roll The Dice at Crocker Cooks Casino Night, Saturday, March 10, @ Urban Active in Crocker Park.  http://www.touchedbycancer.org or 216.595.9546.

 

*Ranger360 – Waiting on budget from Federal Government.  Will be developing a Collab sub-committee.

 

*Applewood Centers – Therapeutic After School Program for children with severe emotional and behavioral difficulties.  http://www.applewoodcenters.org or 216.521.6511

 

*Lakewood United Methodist Church – hosting Speaker Series “Who Is My Neighbor?” March 14, 21, 28.  http://www.lkwdumc.org

 

*Lakewood Community Services Center – Thanks to Collab for the donated items brought to the meeting.  You can donate items anytime at LCSC.  Free Farmers Market the 1st Tuesday of every month, 10 am – 1 pm, in back parking lot, beginning in March.  http://www.lcsclakewood.org

 

*Cleveland Food Bank – Outreach Team has expanded to four employees.  Trying to be accessible and available to assist people in seeing if they are eligible for food stamps and other resources.  Available to attend any event/health fair.  Working on dates to visit private businesses, libraries, and churches.  www.clevelandfoodbank.org

 

*West Side Ecumenical Ministry (WSEM) – Serving pregnant moms, and children ages 0-5.  Early Head Start and Head Start.  Now enrolling children.  County Vouchers accepted.  Offer bi-lingual classrooms and accommodate all special needs.  Foster Families automatically qualify for Head Start.  http://www.wsem.org or 216.961.2997  

 

*Live Well Lakewood – Eat Well Lakewood: March 10, 12:30 – 4 pm, @ Lakewood High School.  http://www.livewelllakewood.org

 

Committee Reports –

 

Adoption/Foster Care – Colleen McNamara, Chair

colleen.mcnamara@lakewoodoh.net or 216.529.6873

1.  Meeting on Monday, March 5, 6:30 pm

2.  Working with H2O and Peter Jones on collecting supplies for young adults who have aged-out of foster care.  Beginning Monday, February 27, collection tubs will be at Lkwd Fire Stations and PNC.

3.  Will be collecting items at the March Collab Meeting.

 

School Supplies Initiative – Karen Lee, Chair

lkwdschoolsupplies@gmail.com or 221.2295

1.  Already talking with schools and working on prep for this summer.

 

Membership – Toni Gelsomino, Chair

antoinette.gelsomino@lakewoodoh.net

1.  Thanks for filling out forms, hopefully everyone is getting emails.

 

 

All were thanked for a great meeting!  Next meeting is Thursday, March 22, 2012 @ 1pm.

Bridges to Recovery 5K Run/Walk

Bridges to Recovery 5K Run/Walk
to benefit The Covenant Adolescent Chemical Dependency Treatment & Prevention Center

Saturday, April 14, 2012
Lakewood Park
Corner of Belle and Lake Avenue
Lakewood, OH 44107
Registration – 8:00am
5K – 9:00am
Online Registration Closes at 9:00am Friday, April 13
Pre-Registration ($17.00)
All mailed entries must be received by Wednesday, April 11
Make checks payable to HERMES and mail entries to:
Hermes Sports & Events
1624 St. Clair Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44114
Race Day Registration ($22.00)
Awards
Top three male and top three female finishers overall and the first and second place winners in each group:
14 & under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 & over
What You Get
T-shirt to all participants
Post race food
Awards to the top finishers
More Information
For more information about The Covenant, visit http://www.the-covenant.org. For more information about the race, contact Hermes Sports & Events at (216) 623-9933