Neighborhood grants reaping results
For more than a decade, Cincinnati Children’s has been investing in the surrounding neighborhood to improve child health. Last year, we strengthened our commitment to our community partners and to making Cincinnati’s kids the healthiest in the nation with an $11.55 million investment over five years.
At the Wesley Education Center for Children and Families, the investment means kids in Avondale have improved classrooms and a reorganized library with a reading nook and more books to read to instill a foundation for learning.
About 3,000 kids and adults in Avondale have benefitted in some way from the first grants awarded to 17 organizations. A year later there are a number of positive achievements to celebrate:
- 100+ home safety kits were installed in apartments of families with children.
- 200+ children/families took part in literacy, school readiness and third-grade reading proficiency programs.
- 25+ families participated in financial education, credit repair or homebuyer training.
- 50+ families received education to help reduce preterm birth.
- Four high school students successfully graduated from the Junior Chef Summer Enrichment Program, which provides hands-on experience in the kitchen and insight into culinary career opportunities.
- 100 percent of the non-profit organizations that received grants reported greater service delivery to children and families because of the enabled operational and program improvements.
Cincinnati Children’s has awarded the next round of grants for 2017-18. Efforts will build on the momentum by working on enrolling more students in tutoring; implementing Headstart and Early Learning programs for 3- to 5-year-olds; expanding job preparedness and entrepreneurship; and teaching residents the carpentry skills needed to work on current construction projects.
Also this year, we will make two major community development grants in Avondale with The Community Builders, Avondale Community Development Corporation and Uptown Consortium. The investments will help homeowners undertake exterior repairs on their property and will further the development of the Avondale Town Center with more retail, including a grocery store or market.
