In its board meeting in early June, the Deaconess Foundation trustees approved grants to several new grantees. While we are highlighting Urban City Codes in the email newsletter Grantee update, here are two other new programs Trustees found adding significant value to the workforce ecosystem:
1. Cuyahoga County Public Library (CCPL) and its Office and Administration Workforce program. It’s hard to be aware of all the resources available at our public library! Aside from the books and videos, programs for toddlers through the most mature, and expert guidance to assist anyone with these resources and programs, the Library also has a robust calendar of training programs which assist individuals with skill-building. In its newest program, the Cuyahoga County, Cleveland, and Euclid public libraries, together with many other partners including OhioMeansJobs, focus on preparing mothers who have dropped out of the workforce to re-enter the workforce in office and administrative roles. These roles pay living wages, are in demand from a wide variety of employers, and are accessible to people with the right skills. This CCPL program will identify interested moms, provide them with both technical training (such as overall digital literacy and Microsoft Word expertise) as well as needed, unique wraparound services. Then, everyone in the program has a work experience which pays a minimum of $15/hour for at least a month, allowing program attendees to learn and earn. Deaconess is very excited to see how this program works, and if you want to secure a learn-and-earn student, please let Cathy Belk know.
2. Social Venture Partners’ Investment Reimagined program. Social Venture Partners has long provided expert assistance (delivered by its members) and modest capital to enable small non-profits to build their own capacity. Deaconess is thrilled with sustainable models such as this, which leverage the skills and expertise of community members to help non-profits get stronger. Under the inspired leadership of new CEO Abby Westbrook, SVP has started a new program to deliver this capacity through a cohort model called Investment Reimagined. This model offers 150-200 hours of intensive capacity building on specific needs of an organization (such as a fundraising plan, or building a new board) while also strengthening the peer-to-peer mentoring and relationships which help leaders be resilient, supported, and confident. Deaconess is excited for Urban City Codes to participate in this cohort and looks forward to hearing the leadership team talk about the benefits in the coming months.
We are always thrilled to see the creativity and partnership of non-profits in Cuyahoga County!