Meeting Minutes

 

Minutes
Faith & Community Works Network
Date:  02-21-08    Time:  1:00-2:00

 

Attendees: George Pelletier (CCN); Donna Ryant (CCN); Sonia Cruz Matos (LearnQuest/Chance 4-U); Krsnanandini Dasi (The Dasi-Ziyad Family Institute); Tom Mack (Seeds of Literacy); Lissette Quinones (Women's Ministry of Freedom); Tariq Ziyad (The Dasi-Ziyad Family Institute)

 

1.       Introductions/Announcements
                       
                                                                        Partner Updates:

LearnQuest/Chance 4-U—Hispanic Youth Center, provides employment training, education and entrepreneurship.   The organization is waiting on word about their proposal to take part in Project Access, a program of the Cleveland Foundation and has also recently applied for funds through Neighborhood Connections Program. 
Sonia is part of a coalition with 70 partner agencies who meet to address issues surrounding ex-offenders re-entering our communities.  The partners meet every Friday at 1:00, at the Goodwill on E55th and Central.  If you are interested in learning more or have questions, please contact Sonia Cruz scruzmatos@yahoo.com.

Seeds of Literacy—Adult Literacy Program.  The organization will hold a Casino Night Fundraiser on
April 5th.  Tom will bring in flyers to distribute to attendees at the March meeting.

Women’s Ministry of Freedom—A newly formed nonprofit.  In partnership with LearnQuest/Chance4-U to provide a broad spectrum of services and support to Hispanic youth and the ex-offender population, the two organizations have recently acquired a new space and will share the location.

The Dasi-Ziyad Family Institute—Recently designated as Certified Family Life Educators.  
Upcoming Events:
30 March:

21 June:

2 July:

 

 

 

 

2.        Northeast Ohio Mentoring Network (NOMN)

The Cuyahoga County Tapestry System of Care Mentoring Program will begin taking referrals on Monday February 25th, 2008.  —The NOMN has entered into formal contracts to provide mentoring to youth who are referred by the Juvenile Court System, Department of Children and Family Services or from a County Agency.

On Saturday February 23, 2008 Core Mentor Training will be held at CCN for anyone interested in becoming a mentor.  The 4-hour session will be offered on a monthly basis as well as additional topics throughout the year so minimum required training hours are easily fulfilled. 

NOMN partner agencies in Cuyahoga County, whose mission includes mentoring youth, will invite potential mentors to the Core Mentor Training and will monitor all mentoring activities. 

Community Care Network will provide fingerprinting and background checks for all of the mentors and will assist partnering mentor providing agencies with procedural and reporting issues.

 

3.       Next Meeting Date                    
March 20, 2008 --1:00-2:00
3146 Scranton Rd., Cleveland 44109—Community Room #102

Minutes
Faith & Community Works Network
Date:  1-17-08    Time:  1:00-2:00

 

Attendees: George Pelletier (CCN); Donna Ryant (CCN); Sue Back (Love Inc.); Janice Cepulo (Love Inc.-Cleve.); Katherine Chilcote (Building Bridges); Kent Coleman (Northern Ohio Recovery Association); Sonia Cruz Matos (Chance 4-U); Krsnanandini Dasi (The Dasi-Ziyad Family Institute); Pat Deleon (Center For Families and Children-Returning Home Program); Deborah France (Straightway Community Church); Wayne France (Straightway Community Church); Harriet Hadley (Scranton Rd. Ministries-Jobs Partnership); Tom Mack (Seeds of Literacy); Noah-Abdullah Qayyum (Muyyaqent); Lissette Quinones (Women's Ministry of Freedom); Stella Shepard (ACT-UP); Crystal Smith (Light Path for Perfect Living, Inc.); Edward Williams (Dayspring Church); Tariq Ziyad (The Dasi-Ziyad Family Institute)

 

1.       Introductions/Announcements

2.        Ohio Compassion Capital Project Update

On January 22, 2008 CCN will host a Round Table Discussion in Holmes County.  The Governor’s Office of Faith-Based & Community Initiatives is conducting several discussions in and around the Appalachian area of Ohio.  The GOFBCI felt that outreach in the area would bring more aid to the communities.  The discussion will focus on the needs of the community and challenges that small non profits face when providing service.

During the week of February 4-8, 2008, OCCP Sub-Awardees and selected non profit organizations around Ohio were invited to attend a special grant proposal writing training facilitated by the California based, Grantsmanship Center.  Remaining funds from the 3 year project are being utilized and will finance the week long intensive workshop.  CCN will host the February 4-8 training in Akron and 2 additional trainings have been scheduled in Columbus and Cincinnati.

In March (Columbus), there will be a recognition ceremony to recognize organizations for the completion of their 2007 sub-award grant. 

Watch for announcements about future capacity building trainings and funding opportunities through the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based & Community Initiatives in the next few months.   

3.       Northeast Ohio Mentoring Network (NEOMN)

The Community Care Network Faith-Based & Community Initiatives Office is ready to begin some new projects.

Current Projects include:
            1). Cuyahoga County Tapestry System of Care Mentoring—The NEOMN is now entering into formal contracts to provide mentoring to youth who are referred by the Juvenile Court System, Department of Children and Family Services or from a County Agency.  NEOMN consists of partner agencies who will follow standard

 

practices of processing required documentation on mentors; specialized training on dealing with behavioral difficulties of referred youth; reporting procedures etc.     
           
            2). Parent Advocate Program—This is a program for parents with children in the court or CFS system.  An advocate is appointed to help the parent by providing support and guidance in this stressful situation while being faced with the red tape that can occur. 

The FBCI Office is also in the process of writing grant proposals to help fund sustaining mentoring programs.    

4.       Grant Committee Meeting Update

A new partner profile was created to capture a more detailed listing of services that all of our partners provide.  This information will be the basis of the Directory of F&CWN Partners.  The attendees received the new form and were asked to fax it to Donna 216 416-1953.  Please see attached profile form; complete and return.  We need to ensure that all of your information is current and correct.    

The Directory Committee will meet again on Thursday February 21st from 12:00-1:00. 

 

5.       Next Meeting Date                    
February 21, 2008 --1:00-2:00
3146 Scranton Rd., Cleveland 44109—Community Room #102

Minutes
Faith & Community Works Network
Date:  11-15-07    Time:  1:00-2:00

 

Attendees: George Pelletier (CCN); Donna Ryant (CCN); Eric Bruno (Northern Ohio Recovery Association); Sonia Cruz Matos (Chance 4-U); Krsnanandini Dasi (The Dasi-Ziyad Family Institute); Wayne France (Straightway Community Church); Luvenia Lewis (Sankore Institute); Tom Mack (Seeds of Literacy); Noah-Abdullah Qayyum (Muyyaqent); Robin Schreiber (Bethany UCC); Lucille Short (Focus on Education); Jacqueline Sims (Family Dream Center); Doris Vollmar (Faith in Action Ohio); Theresa Young (TASY Incorporated); Tariq Ziyad (The Dasi-Ziyad Family Institute)

 

1.       Introductions/Announcements

2.       Guest Speaker—Robin Schreiber, Cleveland Food Bank; Ohio Benefit Bank Representative

Being trained as an Ohio Benefit Bank access site allows you to help your clients realize all of the benefits they may be eligible to receive and help with application process.  Once applications are printed out, the client is responsible to take them to the proper authority for verification. 

In addition, you can also be trained to prepare taxes for your clients.  Robin recommends that you consider offering both the tax preparation and the benefits eligibility counseling as a package.  Once the client’s taxes are finished the transition into benefits eligibility is rather smooth.     

The full day session will cover using the OBB software for client eligibility and will help you use the software to prepare taxes for clients if you are interested in offering that service. 

            **There is NO COST for the training, or to use the internet based program
           
            **You are provided free materials to market your new service
           
            **Requirements for being a OB site:    
                                                A) at least one computer and internet access
                                                B) a printer
                                                C) space to meet with clients
           
            **The recommended projection of use is approximately 10 clients in a 90 day period.  If you do not think you will use the software as often, it might not be beneficial for you to take the time to be trained.  (Although, this is only a recommendation; there is no mandatory quota to fill.)

            **In the event your circumstances change, you are not obligated to become a site after taking the training. 

 

 

Several F&CW Partners in attendance were interested in becoming an access site.  Robin agreed to provide a special group training for partners. 

Ms. Schreiber will hold the session in the computer lab at the Cleveland Food Bank (15500 South Waterloo Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44110) & has confirmed Tuesday December 8th as a special group training date for F&CW Partners.  You must register by filling in the attached Site Profile and Operating Agreement and return to Donna; either fax to 216 416-1953 or e-mail dryant@ccnworks.org

 

3.       Ohio Compassion Capital Project—George Pelletier

The most current (and still tentative) news from the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based & Community Initiatives:
            The project has been renewed for 2 more years and will continue training faith-based and community organizations to improve their capacity to serve.  The project is now called the Ohio TANF Training Project. (OTTP) and will focus on helping organizations access TANF dollars to help eligible individuals and families.

Capacity building trainings will resume after the New Year and additional TANF specific trainings will also be offered. 

Stay Tuned for more information and specific details as plans are confirmed.  

 

4.        Grants Committee Report

George gave a short review of the October meeting the grant committee held with an advisor from Key Bank.  Attendees agreed that to try to plan a Grant Fair at this time is too much of a time commitment than any of the partners can devote right now. 

The group feels that we will be better served to start small and take one of Lorraine Vega’s suggestions by putting together a formal Directory of Partners.  This can be a vital tool as we move forward.  It will be helpful to be able to present the collaboration in a professional way when we are ready to begin a new collaborative project.  We can also use it as a device for our own reference.

A Directory Committee was established and met on Tuesday November 27th.  The committee will report during the next F&CW meeting.      

5.       December Meeting =                       
Special Holiday Potluck Celebration            

PLEASE e-mail or call Donna to let us know you are able to be there and what dish you will share.

**If your dish will be served warm, please try to bring your dish ready to serve, if possible.  (We only have one ‘not so new’ microwave.)

ab
December 13, 2007 --1:00-2:30
3146 Scranton Rd., Cleveland 44109—Community Room #102

 

Minutes
Faith & Community Works Network
Date:  10-18-07    Time:  1:00-2:30

 

Attendees: George Pelletier (CCN); Donna Ryant (CCN); Janice Cepulo (Love Inc.-Cleve.); Kent Coleman (Northern Ohio Recovery Association); Sonia Cruz Matos (Chance 4-U); Pat Deleon (Center For Families and Children-Returning Home Program); Sandy Higgins (United For Life); Wanda Owens (CABS, Inc.); Doris Vollmar (Faith in Action Ohio); Tariq Ziyad (The Dasi-Ziyad Family Institute)

 

1.       Introductions/Announcements

2.       Guest Speakers—Poppie Parish-Vice President and Esther Holtwick, Director of Financial Education
                                                                   Key Bank                                            WECO        

Individual Development Accounts:
Key Bank in partnership with WECO offers free workshops on financial planning, money management skills, assistance in developing personal financial plans and coaching to low and moderate income individuals. 

The Microenterprise Center:
WECO also facilitates a program for small business owners (focus is on for profit-but is beneficial to non-profit executives).  This program services individuals who are looking to start or expand a small business in Cuyahoga County, but do not qualify for traditional financing.  Services include an assessment of the potential success and challenges of the entrepreneur, business plan development, loan packaging assistance, access to loans of $500. - $35,000 as well as technical assistance and support throughout the life of the loan.

Learn and Earn Financial Education Classes:
The Key Financial Education Center provides free classes that are open to the public covering topics such as credit management, home buyer education, budgeting and money management and classes about the best checking account options for your situation. 

Predatory Lending:
Ms. Holtwick offered some tips on how to recognize predatory lending traps.  Certain types of services can cause problems and cost you more than you imagine. 
            Pay Day Loans: These types of loans can snowball into a massive amount of interest fees.  Example- if the fees due are $15.00 per every 100.00 your annual interest rate is 400%!  Online versions can be even more dangerous because you can not be sure you are giving your information to a reputable lender. 

            Rent to Own Centers:  You end up paying many times the actual cost of the item you are renting.  It would be wiser to purchase the item and finance it through the store.

            Check Cashers:  Check cashers will cash check for a fee.  You will pay from 2%-10% of the value of the check and you must be aware that there is risk in leaving the facility with a large amount of cash.  They will also provide bill paying services but you do not have full control as to when it is actually paid to your creditor.  You may incur late fees on top of the fee for the service.

 

Tax Refund Anticipation Loans:  You are really taking out a loan in the amount of your refund minus the preparation fees as well as a fee for the preparer to process the loan.  In addition, if there is a hold on your return, you pay interest on the loan.  If you are able; have your refund directly deposited into your account, you could have the money within 2 weeks of submission.   

Signs of a Predatory Lender:

  • If there is no “fine print”-- be twice as careful!
  • If you are being pressured to sign an application        
  • Do not trust “No Credit? No Problem!”
  • Never sign a document that is blank or has blank fields, ‘to be filled in later’
  • If you are solicited for a loan that you have not initiated

Signs of a Predatory Loan:

  • High loan fees and excessive interest rates
  • Prepayment penalties
  • Balloon Payments
  • Inflating the borrower’s income (Against the Law)
  • Inflating the appraisal of the home (Against the Law)
  • Changing the loan terms at closing

 

3.       Ohio Benefit Bank Update—George Pelletier
The Ohio Benefit Bank is a multi-state initiative that helps Ohioans learn about the public benefits they are eligible for such as food stamps, tax credits, child care subsidies, home energy assistance and children’s healthcare insurance.  Benefit Bank Sites are trained to counsel low and moderate income individuals and families to establish eligibility and help file for public benefits. 

The Bank Sites consist of faith-based and community organizations, food pantries, senior service programs and various outreach programs.  The involvement of these organizations is important because they are in the position to reach underserved populations who might not access benefits through traditional channels.  Although there is no direct financial compensation for being a site, this can be a valuable addition to the services that community based agencies offer their clients.

George will arrange for a counselor training to be held for F&CW network members.  An announcement of training date/location will be sent out in a few days for any interested organizations to sign up for.  In the meantime, if you are interested in learning more, please call the Cleveland Food Bank (Ohio Benefit Bank Training Facility) 216 738-2265 Ext. 2104             

 

4.       Upcoming Meeting Schedule== Please see page 3 of minutes for an extended calendar of meeting dates so you can mark your calendars early.  We are working on setting up a more inclusive calendar to send out that will include agenda items and guest speakers.

 

Date:   November 15, 2007 --1:00-2:00
3146 Scranton Rd., Cleveland 44109—Community Room #102

 

 

 

Faith & Community Works Meeting
Calendar

 

NOVEMBER 07
          Cleveland: Nov. 15th
          Akron: Nov. 29th 

DECEMBER 07
          Cleveland:  Dec. 13th 
          Akron:  Dec. 20th

 

JANUARY 08
          Cleveland:  Jan. 17th
          Akron:   Jan. 24th

FEBRUARY 08
          Cleveland:  Feb. 21st
          Akron:  Feb. 28th

MARCH 08
          Cleveland: Mar. 20th
          Akron:  Mar. 27th

APRIL 08
          Cleveland:  Apr. 17th
          Akron:  Apr. 24th

MAY 08
          Cleveland:  May 15th
          Akron:  May 22nd

JUNE 08
          Cleveland:  June 19th
          Akron:  June 26th

 

Minutes
Faith & Community Works Network
Summit County
Date:  09-27-07    Time:  1:00-2:30

 

Attendees: George Pelletier (CCN); Donna Ryant (CCN); Marilyn Cooper (Providence Baptist Church); Karen Eaves (Allife Total Wellness Center); Peggy Holmes (Akron Weed & Seed); Reva Link (Truly Reaching You Ministry); Eugene Norris II (Charisma Community Connection); Tevoli Smith (RSVP)

 

1.       Introductions/Announcements

 

2.         Governor’s Office of Faith-Based & Community Initiatives Update

The OCCP grant from the Governor’s Office on Faith Based & Community Initiatives is being renewed for another two years, meaning that a new round of training and, eventually, sub-awards will be made available to the Network.  George and the other partners have submitted a program plan for approval.  More on this as new information is made available.

            A Grant Writing workshop is also being planned.  This will be an intensive 5-day training facilitated by the Grantsmanship Center.  Space is limited!  The current and past OCCP Sub-Awardees will be given first choice to register and if any spots are left, registration will be taken on a first come-first served (or a waiting  list) basis.

 

3.       Faith & Community Works Network Website

The F&CW website is being evaluated and George will begin interviewing interns to update and manage the site for us.  Since it’s inception, the main focus has been on the Cleveland group simply because the idea for a F&CW website was initiated by the Cleve Partners. 

We invite the Summit County partners to have their own page.  Partner Profiles* were given to attendees (*SEE ATTACHED)  Please return to Donna via e-mail or fax 216 688-4181 and we will be sure to list your organization’s services and contact information on the updated web page.  

 

4.       Future Meeting Format

During each meeting the agenda will include a short presentation to the group to help us learn more about each partner organization.  Reva Link, Truly Reaching You will be the 1st presenter and will be our Partner Highlight for the October meeting. 

 

Next Meeting Date:       October 25, 2007-- 1:00-2:30
Maple Valley Branch Library, Large Conference Room
1187 Copley Road
Akron, Ohio 44320-2766
(330) 864-5721

 

Minutes
Collaboration Meeting-Cleveland
Date:  08-16-07     Time:  1:00-2:00

 

Attendees: George Pelletier (CCN), Donna Ryant (CCN); Andy Batten (Lighthouse, Inc.); Pat Deleon (Center For Families and Children-Returning Home Program); Annette Ferguson (Genesis Community Development); Wayne and Deborah France (Straightway Community Church); Mildred McClain (Calvary Congregational Church); Mary McHugh (One Reach Outreach, Inc.); Dorothy Murdock (Shaker Heights Community Church Hunger Center); Noah-Abdullah Qayyum (Muyyaqent); Liz Tippit (One Reach Outreach, Inc.); Tariq Ziyad (The Dasi-Ziyad Family Institute)

 

1.       Introductions    

           

2.      Guest Speaker-Patricia Hill, Transitional Jobs Program Opportunity

Are you in need of another pair of hands to help with clerical, maintenance or program needs?
                  
          Transitional Jobs is a Program of the Cleveland Christian Home where emancipated youth from foster care are placed with agencies and receive on the job experience.  The youth’s salary is subsidized through CCH and if placed in your organization, participation continues through October 2007.       

            The participants are young adults age 18-25 years who are available to work for 25 hours per week—you may schedule them during the hours that fit your program needs.  The program includes removing all barriers to holding a job (ex: childcare/transportation) as well as provides job skills training and mentoring.

            If you are interested in being a part of this program or to learn more, please contact Patricia Hill at
216 688-7266 or e-mail phill@cchome.org
                                   
           
3.       Partner Forum-The Future of Faith & Community Works Network

George stated that although the grant that funds our office expires at the end of September, we are waiting to hear about additional funding to be able to continue the OCCP Project.  The Mentoring Scholarship Program has merged with the Faith-Based Initiatives office and Community Care Network is also planning to apply for dollars to continue mentoring to at risk youth.  Partners unanimously agreed that the trainings and the ability to call in to get additional assistance are the most important aspects of the project and they all hope it can continue. 

 

To help us plan events and activities that are important to you, we sent out a Partner Evaluation Survey to everyone during the week of August 13th.          

The partners talked about the Partner Evaluation Survey and the following aspects were found to be the most valuable to partners:

      • networking with other agencies
      • having the opportunity to hear guest speakers from grant foundations/funders
      • guest speakers from potential partner agencies

The majority of the attending partners also agreed that the website was a valuable piece to the collaboration as a whole; the posted minutes are especially helpful when they are unable to attend.  A suggestion to make the website more inter-active was to revisit the idea of being able to ‘chat’ in real time.  A chat or blog feature would give a better history and provide more perspective on issues that affect us all.  To be Continued…  

Thank you for your input and ideas.  If you have any more ideas, concerns or just want to voice your opinion, please feel free to contact us at 216 688-4119--E-mail dryant@cchome.org or gpelletier@ccnworks.org

 
4.        Next Meeting Date:  Thursday September 27th –1:00-2:00
                        3146 Scranton Rd., Cleveland 44109—Community Room #102

Minutes
Collaboration Meeting-Cleveland
Date:  07-12-07     Time:  1:00-2:00

 

Attendees: George Pelletier (CCN), Donna Ryant (CCN); Barbara Best (Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Cleveland); Sonia Cruz Matos (Chance 4-U); Pat Deleon (Center For Families and Children-Returning Home Program); Annette Ferguson (Genesis Community Development); Deborah France (Straightway Community Church); Wayne France (Straightway Community Church); Harriet Hadley (Jobs Partnership); Luvenia Lewis (Sankore Institute); Halli Martin (Prince of Peace Outreach and Deliverance Ministries); Wanda Owens (Bobby Larkin Scholarship); Jonathan Short (Arts of Peace); Lucille Short (Focus on Education); Doris Vollmar (Faith in Action Ohio); Theresa Young (TASY Incorporated); Tariq Ziyad (The Dasi-Ziyad Family Institute)

 

 

1.       Introductions    

           

2.        Guest Speaker-Mark Rabkin, Althans Insurance
                                    Independent Agent

            Mr. Rabkin gave a presentation to the group on Risk Management.  The coverage any individual or organization should consider purchasing is directly related to the risk factors you encounter as you operate your business.  As you evaluate your current situation you are encouraged to weigh each risk.  There are certain areas you will need to assess.
                        Are you willing to take the risks associated with not having sufficient coverage?
                                   
                                    Directors & Officers Liability Insurance—This protects your director and board members from being sued for damages related to wrongful acts.  Actual Claim Example: Two employees of a non-profit alleged sexual harassment by their supervisor.  The suit settled for $125.000

 

                                    Employment Practices Insurance—Covers lawsuits brought by employees (past, present or prospects) for wrongful discharge, discrimination or certain types of harassment.  Actual Claim Example: An employee who voluntarily admitted having a substance abuse problem won his wrongful termination case.  Finding that the termination was a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the jury awarded the following--$105,000 past earnings; $100,000 front pay; AND $250,000 mental anguish amount

 

                                    Crime/Theft Insurance—Covers losses caused by dishonest acts of employees or third parties.  Actual Claim Example: A job foreman was given a company credit card to handle misc. expenses.  The foreman made some purchases that were actually used for his personal residence.  Amount of Damages $47,000

 

                                    General Liability—Examples of general liability: personal injury to volunteers and staff, abuse or molestation claims, damages incurred while using your personal or company automobile, 

                                   
                                    Umbrella Policy—Umbrella Liability Policy will pay out any damages over and above what your policies will cover.  This can be applied when the limits of another (Home Owners, Business Owners or Auto) policy have been exhausted.

 

What else you can do to protect your agency:
            Have a legal review of all board decisions
            Do your research
            Ask the opinion of a professional
            Perform background and reference checks on all employees
            Document EVERYTHING
            Update your employee handbook regularly
          Perform full background and reference checks
            Establish a checks & balances system for financial recording
            If at all possible, do not have one person responsible for all tasks associated with finances and banking
           
Final thoughts to consider—Use your insurance provider as a resource don’t be afraid to ask for help. 
Contact Mark Rabkin for more information:
Althans Insurance
543 E Washington St
Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
Phone: (440) 247-6422
Fax: (440) 247-2394
         

3.        Partner Highlight-Lucille Short, Focus on Education

Focus on Education’s programs center around using the arts (visual and performance) to help school age children stay involved, stay in school and have a healthy environment to help develop their unrecognized talents.  A Grandparents Raising Children Program has also been established as well as a District Advisory Council to find ways of reconnecting parents with the Cleveland School System.  The council was created to raise funds to send parents to state and federal conferences where they stay informed of the laws concerning education.  The attendees then hold mini-conferences for the community to keep them up to date. 
If you would like to learn more, you may e-mail Lucille Short: focusoneducation2@yahoo.com

 

 
4.         Next Meeting Date:  Thursday August 16th  –1:00-2:00
                        3146 Scranton Rd., Cleveland 44109—Community Room #102

The August meeting will be an informal session to help us all evaluate F&CW as we move forward.  We will re-visit our goals and talk about what we would like to achieve as a cohesive group.  Stay tuned for a simple evaluation form (to be e-mailed to you before the meeting.) so we can begin to gather your feedback and use it as a starting point to the discussion.

 

Minutes
Collaboration Meeting-Cleveland
Date:  06-14-07     Time:  1:00-2:00

 

Attendees: Cheryl Smith (CCN), Donna Ryant (CCN); Mildred McClain (Calvary Congregational Church); Pat Deleon (Center For Families and Children-Returning Home Program); Sonia Cruz Matos (Chance 4-U); Lucille Short (Focus on Education); Faith W. Foster (Imani Counseling, Consulting & Educational Corp.); Noah-Abdullah Qayyum (Muyyaqent); Phyllis Scott (Parents and Children Together); Halli Martin (Prince of Peace Outreach and Deliverance Ministries); Dave Howell (PRYME Youth); Linda Knox (Reaching Out Through Compassionate Caring); Luvenia Lewis (Sankore Institute); Chantrice Ollie (Sankore Institute); Theresa Young (TASY Incorporated); Krsnanandini Dasi (The Dasi-Ziyad Family Institute); Tariq Ziyad (The Dasi-Ziyad Family Institute); Susan Haberland (Unity Center Church, The Miracle Center); Heather Stuart (Women Entrepreneurs of America, Inc.)

 

1.       Introductions    

           

2.        Guest Speaker-Sharon Bebout, United Black Fund
           Sharon is the Manager of Grant Making and Services for the United Black Fund.  UBF grants awards to nonprofit agencies that provide services in the following areas:  Family Life Education Services to Seniors, Family and Youth Services, Cultural Education and Arts, Crisis Intervention Homelessness
Incarceration/Re-Entry, HIV/AIDS Education and Prevention Special Services to African Americans, and Youth Services.  Awards of up to $10,000 are given bi-annually in January and November and fund programmatic activities only.  To learn more visit www.ubfogc.org .       

 

3.       Guest Speaker-Cynthia Lewis, Neighborhood Connections
          Cynthia is a Program Assistant for Neighborhood Connections.  The program funds projects that focus on improving the quality of life in all Cleveland neighborhoods by providing grants ranging from $500 to $5,000.  There are two rounds of grants each year, with deadlines in February and August.  The next ‘round’ of awards will be available in August 2007 with proposals due on August 10th!  

Text Box: Upcoming Grantseeker Orientations: Thursday, July 12 Monday, July 16 Wednesday, July 25 6 pm 6 pm 4 pm Martin Luther King, Jr. Collinwood Branch Brooklyn Branch Cleveland Public Library Cleveland Public Library Cleveland Public Library 1962 Stokes Boulevard 856 East 152nd Street 3706 Pearl Road

 

 

 

            All programs are invited to apply for funding, a 501 c 3 is NOT required.  To learn more visit             www.neighborhoodgrants.org or call Cynthia at 216 685-2013.   

           
            Both speakers gave helpful suggestions on the grant proposal and award process.  The following notes express some insights to the award process that can be used as a general guideline when considering applying for grant funds. 
           

PLEASE NOTE-all Foundations are not alike.  The presenters draw upon their own experience and would caution you to be aware that each foundation has their own nuances.  You need to research each source to be sure you meet all of the specific priority areas and listed requirements to apply for dollars.

Researching Foundations:
Foundation annual reports are filled with pertinent information including deadlines for applying.  The report also gives a listing of all the organizations they have previously awarded.  Through this list you are able to recognize a foundation’s priority areas and get a sense of the average amount of grants awarded.  Most funders will not vary too much from the average dollar amounts previously granted in any given priority area so you need to be careful that your application is not discarded based solely on the requested dollar amount.  

A Foundation’s website is also a good place to start to learn more.  Allow ample time to begin a dialogue with the funder so they are familiar with your organization before your application is submitted.

 

The Importance of Establishing a Relationship with the Program Officer or Grants Manager:
The Program Officer (PO) or Grants Manager of a foundation is the link between you and the award committee.  After your initial contact, make sure to place them on your mailing list!  The more they know about who you are and what you do, the better. 

You may consider inviting a PO to visit a special event or to see your program in action to find out how your organization affects the community and those you serve.

The PO will also be your contact if your application is rejected.  For those foundations that do provide proposal feedback, it is the PO that will do their best to give the reason why your proposal wasn’t awarded and indicate the changes you can make the next time you choose to apply.

Your Grant Proposal: Keep it simple and concise. 

  • Ask someone who is not very familiar with your organization to read the application for the following points: 
    • Is your project easily understood, specific and to the point?    
    • Does it show that your organization is stable, has a proven successful track record and is beneficial to the community?
    • Does it include ALL attachments—and only the attachments that were requested?
    • Is your timeline in sync with the funder’s timeline?
    • Can you prove a diverse funding stream?  Who else has a vested interest in your organization? This can include support from individuals; community businesses; previous and current grant awards; collaborative partners, volunteers; monetary and in-kind goods.

           

  • The funder may request an office interview or site visit.  This is a positive sign and means they want to learn more about your project.  It is important to ask what they expect from you at the interview.  What can you do to prepare?  What would they like to see when they visit?
  • Know your competitors.  What makes your program unique?  Is there potential for collaboration?

 

 

Additional considerations and strategies for increasing your chance of being awarded:
           

  • Try to see your programs and proposal through the eyes of the funder.
  • When you have a question, CALL the program officer.  Be forthcoming with obstacles and above board at all times.
  • Use persistence and explore all options for funding.
  • If you are very new or have a short track record, ask the foundation to fund what is working and show them through your application how expansion of your services can impact the community.

 

4.        Networking Committee--2nd Social Event Planning Status

Mark Your Calendars!
Our International Pot Luck Exchange will be on June 22nd from 3:30-7:30 Cumberland Park in Cleveland Heights. 

Revol has agreed to be a corporate sponsor for this event!  They have been so generous as to provide food for the general park goers, face painting, 2 phones for our raffle (including free service for a limited time) and other fun giveaways.  

Please plan to come and share a dish with your fellow partners.  There is sure to be great food and family fun, all this with a little bit of networking too. 

 

5.        Partner Highlight-Mildred McClain, Calvary Congregational Church
          Calvary Congregational Church provides programs for youth and seniors in the community. 
            CARES is a program for active and frail seniors in which they can receive educational services, physical and mental health counsel, socializing opportunities and legal counsel. 
            EXCEL is an Empowerment program for at-risk youth that provides a healthy atmosphere for learning about self esteem issues and discourage drug abuse and crime.  CCC has recently adopted a school and works to help build educational skills as well as provide mentoring and group counsel to the students.        

 

 
6.         Next Meeting Date:  Thursday July 12th –1:00-2:00
    3146 Scranton Rd., Cleveland 44109—Community Room #102

 

Minutes
Collaboration Meeting-Cleveland
Date:  05-17-07     Time:  1:00-2:00

 

Attendees: Cheryl Smith (CCN), Donna Ryant (CCN); Janice Cepulo (Love Inc.-Cleve.); Sonia Cruz Matos (Chance 4-U); Deborah France (Straightway Community Church); Wayne France (Straightway Community Church); Robyn Hales (CEOGC Tremont Neighborhood Opportunity Center); Dave Howell (PRYME Youth); Halli Martin (Prince of Peace Outreach and Deliverance Ministries); Mildred McClain (Calvary Congregational Church); Lucille Short (Focus on Education); Heather Stuart (Sai, Heather & Associates Corp.); Theresa Young (TASY Incorporated); Tariq Ziyad (The Dasi-Ziyad Family Institute)

 

 

1.        Announcements/Resource Sharing

Partner Announcements- Bring your announcements to meetings to share with attendees!!
 If you are able to e-mail flyers to Donna beforehand, she can make sure all attendees receive a copy at the meeting. 

Notices that are e-mailed to dryant@ccnworks.com  --with advance notice-- can be sent as an ‘F&CW Partner Announcement’ E-mail message.   Please allow approx. 1-2 weeks notice if possible.

           

 

2.        Guest Speaker-Linda Pfaff and Meggan Few, Cleveland State University Career Services Center

Linda Pfaff and Meggan Few with the Cleveland State University, Career Services Center talked about the CSU Career Line.  This is a free web service for organizations such as yours that links non profit vacancies with non profit job seekers.  You may want to consider setting up an “Employee Presentation” Workshop.  Students are able to register to meet with you to learn more about your organization and interview with you for any paid positions that you have available.
 
 If you are interested in obtaining an intern for your organization to help give a student relevant experience (please have a job description available)- visit  www.csucareerline.com
You may also call Linda 216 687-3845 or Meggan  216 687-2240 to talk about your needs and see if they are able to find a match for you. 

 

 

3.        Networking Committee--2nd Social Event Planning Status

Mark Your Calendars!
Our International Pot Luck Exchange will be on June 22nd from 3:30-7:30 Cumberland Park in Cleveland Heights. 
Please plan to come and share a dish with your fellow partners!  There is sure to be great food, family fun, and  raffle prizes, all this with a little bit of networking too. 

Register your dish and take a chance on the (advance purchase only) 50/50 Raffle.  
SEE ATTACHMENT

 

4.        Partner Highlight-David Howell, PRYME Youth Media

PRYME Media provides a chance for youth to learn about and practice media production including radio, video and creative writing & publication.  PRYME works with partners in the community to create other community locations where youth can practice their craft.  Through its bureaus, PRYME recruits high school student producers who create shows and other special features.  They can be heard on John Carroll University’s station WJCU 88.7 on Saturday mornings at 7:30 am. 

They can even create a public service advertisement for your organization or have you as a guest on their radio  programs.  To learn more about the services PRYME can provide, contact David Howell at 216 496-8776 or email david3748@aol.com  

 

 
5.         Next Meeting Date:  Thursday June 14th –1:00-2:00
    3146 Scranton Rd., Cleveland 44109—Community Room #102

 

Minutes
Collaboration Meeting-Cleveland
Date:  04-26-07     Time:  1:00-2:00

 

Attendees: Cheryl Smith (CCN), Donna Ryant (CCN); Janice Cepulo (Love Inc.-Cleve.); Sonia Cruz Matos (Chance 4-U); Krsnanandini Dasi (The Dasi-Ziyad Family Institute); Pat Deleon (Center For Families and Children-Returning Home Program); Wayne France (Straightway Community Church); Deborah France (Straightway Community Church); Susan Haberland (Unity Center Church, The Miracle Center); Dave Howell (PRYME Youth); Stephanie Howse (Footprints); Linda Knox (Reaching Out Through Compassionate Caring); Luvenia Lewis (Sankore Institute); Halli Martin (Prince of Peace Outreach and Deliverance Ministries); Mildred McClain (Calvary Congregational Church); Leonard McClain (Calvary Congregational Church); Dorothy Murdock (Shaker Heights Community Church Hunger Center); Noah-Abdullah Qayyum (Muyyaqent); Phyllis Scott (Parents and Children Together); Lucille Short (Focus on Education); Theresa Young (TASY Incorporated); Tariq Ziyad (The Dasi-Ziyad Family Institute)

 

 

1.        Announcements/Resource Sharing

Partner Announcements- Bring your announcements to meetings to share with attendees!!
 If you are able to e-mail flyers to Donna beforehand, she can make sure all attendees receive a copy at the meeting. 

Notices that are e-mailed to dryant@ccnworks.com  --with advance notice-- can be sent as an ‘F&CW Partner Announcement’ E-mail message.   Please allow approx. 1-2 weeks notice if possible.

Subsidized Transitional Jobs Program – Patricia Hill, Cleveland Christian Home (CCH) spoke to the group about a new jobs readiness program for youth age 18-25 years.  Through this program the participants are paid a salary by CCH, are provided with pre-employment training, transportation and child care if necessary.    

CCH is looking to partner with both non profit and for profit agencies that are willing to welcome young adults into their establishment and provide on the job experience for them.  The youth will work on site, at your organization for 25 hours per week for a total of 6 weeks. 

Please contact Patricia Hill for more information 216 688-7266 or phill@cchome.org    
           

2.        Networking Committees

2nd Social Event Planning Status
Mark Your Calendars for the next social event to be held on June 22nd.  Tariq and Krsnanandini volunteered to check availability at Cumberland Park in Euclid.  The committee is still planning the details for the event but it will be a International Pot Luck Picnic.  Stay tuned for more information!

Grants Research Committee
A new committee has been formed to research and inform partners of upcoming grants and available monies.  This will be a great asset to all partners.  Thanks go out to all who have volunteered to be on the committee: Dave Howell, Vicki Marsh, Lucille Short, Stephanie Howse, Noah-Abdullah Qayyum, Theresa Young and Sonia Cruz Matos.  Please let me know if you are interested in being a part of the research committee as we will meet soon to discuss the logistics of getting information out to all active partners. 
           

3.        Membership Policy
After a discussion on possible changes regarding the Active Partner Policy, attendees voted on and adopted the following addendums to the existing policy:
                       
Current Attendance Policy
To be considered active, you or a representative from your organization must attend at least 2 meetings per quarter.  Partners are able to attend ‘by proxy’- meaning; one partner would contact another member of F&CW and request that they attend for both organizations at said meeting-- the attending partner is required to share any information and handouts obtained at the meeting.

Adopted Addendums:

  1. Quarters are based on a calendar year and thereby separated as follows:  Jan. to March, April to June, July to September, October to December
  2. Proxy attendance must be documented at the time of the meeting.  No proxies can be indicated prior to or following a partner meeting. 
  3. Members are limited to four proxies per calendar year.
  4. Proxy attendance does not apply to subcommittee meetings
  5. Exceptions can be made on an as needed basis-in writing- as agreed upon by the partners.

 

4.         Next Meeting Date:  Thursday May 17th –1:00-2:00
    3146 Scranton Rd., Cleveland 44109—Community Room #102

 

Minutes
Collaboration Meeting-Cleveland
Date:  03-22-07     Time:  1:00-2:00

 

Attendees: Cheryl Smith (CCN), Donna Ryant (CCN); Janice Cepulo (Love Inc.); Denise Crawford (Juvenile Detention); Crystal Crockett (Northern Ohio Recovery Association); Sonia Cruz Matos (Chance 4-U); Krsnanandini Dasi (The Dasi-Ziyad Family Institute); Pat Deleon (Center For Families and Children-Returning Home Program); Annette Ferguson (Genesis Community Development); Dave Howell (PRYME Youth); Gloria Jones (The Dasi-Ziyad Family Institute); Azaad Khaira (Guru Gobind Singh Gurudwara); Luvenia Lewis (Sankore Institute); Doretha Love (Gutter Most Ministries); Cindy Marizito (UCIP-ASAP); Mildred McClain (Calvary Congregational Church); Dorothy Murdock (Shaker Heights Community Church Hunger Center); Jose Reyes (Iglesia Nueva Vida); Phyllis Scott (Parents and Children Together); Lucille Short (Focus on Education); Heather Stuart (Sai, Heather & Associates Corp.); Theresa Young (TASY Incorporated)

 

 

1.        Announcements/Resource Sharing

            Funding Opportunity!  The Department of Health & Human Services Administration for Children and Families-Compassion Capital Fund Capacity Building Request for Proposal (RFP) has been released.  Awards are in the amount of $50,000.  The RFP is due on April 10, 2007.  You may visit http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ccf/ to download the RFP.  The focus is on At Risk Youth; Homelessness; Healthy Marriages; Social Services to Rural Areas.
           
            Project Access- The Cleveland Foundation has closed the application period to be a part of Project Access, a competitive program for non-profit organizations that provides trainings and funding opportunities.  To be considered for the next ‘round’ in August, for more information contact Harold J. Garling Jr., Project Administrator  --The Cleveland Foundation  Phone: 216.685.2016  or visit www.clevelandfoundation.org . 

            Neighborhood Connection Project-
Neighborhood Connections, is Cleveland Foundation’s small grants program for Cleveland neighborhoods.  The next deadline for proposals is August 10, 2007.  Contact Cynthia Lewis, program assistant, at (216) 685-2013, or visit
http://cl.exct.net/?ffcb10-fe2615727d6706787d1177-fded10767161047873127772-fef415757c6d07-febe1c7771600c7f-fe0315717761047972157072
www.neighborhoodgrants,org.

           
            Seeking Community Based Groups for Grants -See Page 3 of Minutes

 

           
           

2.        Networking Committee Re-Cap of March 10th Social Event

Our 1st Social Networking Event was a great success.  The committee worked very hard to make sure all of the 24 partners and their guests (46 Total) in attendance enjoyed a wonderful meal and had the opportunity to move about the room to meet one another.  The raffle and door prizes were very popular and we’ll use the leftover funds to plan the next event.  Stay tuned…we’ll let you know the date so you can mark it on your calendars!! 
           

 

***Additional Item- In lieu of the partner highlight Cheryl answered questions about TANF Funds:

            TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) Funds- http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofa/
There are restrictions to receiving funds with TANF dollars.  You must have a clear understanding of who the funds will ultimately serve.  Typically, it seems as if the same organizations are awarded year after year.  It may be because they are larger agencies, have a better ‘track record’ because they have been in service for a long time and can prove the capacity to manage funding.  Don’t let this discourage you from looking into any opportunity where you may meet the criteria.  Visit the website listed above to learn about current opportunities and have a better understanding of how to obtain these awards.    

 

3.         Next Meeting Date:  Thursday April  26th –1:00-2:00
    3146 Scranton Rd., Cleveland 44109—Community Room #102

 

 

Seeking Community Based Groups for Grants

Through the Take Action: Healthy People, Places, and Practices in Communities Project, the U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) and the Regional Health Administrators (RHAs) are seeking community-based groups that have developed activities that support the President's HealthierUS initiative to promote and sustain healthy lifestyles in their communities.
Type of Activities to be funded must include one of the following types of activities:

    • Physical activity,
    • Nutrition/healthy eating,
    • Preventive screenings
    • Making healthy choices/ avoiding risky behaviors.

Examples of possible projects include: Walking programs for a neighborhood or workplace, School lunch programs that include locally grown, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and Smoking preventions for teens.

Not-for-profit, community-based organizations, including faith-based groups, after-school programs, coalitions and others can apply for these funds. Projects that focus on eliminating health disparities are encouraged. Up to 270 projects will be funded. Projects will cover the period July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008. Each project will range from $2,000-$5,000 for the project period. The proposals are due on March 30, 2007 by 5:00pm MST.

For more information on how to apply visit
<http://phs.os.dhhs.gov/ophs/HealthyPeople/>.

 

Minutes
Collaboration Meeting-Cleveland
Date:  02-15-07     Time:  1:00-2:00

 

Attendees: Cheryl Smith (CCN), Donna Ryant (CCN); Lee Kay (Center for Families and Children); Pat Deleon (Center For Families and Children-Returning Home Program); Sonia Cruz Matos (Chance 4-U); Doretha Love (Gutter Most Ministries); Faith W. Foster (Imani Counseling, Consulting & Educational Corp.); Janice Cepulo (Love Inc.-Cleve.); Vanessa Rivera (Mision Cristiana Nueva Vida); Noah-Abdullah Qayyum (Muyyaqent); Deborah France (Straightway Community Church); Wayne France (Straightway Community Church); Susan Haberland (Unity Center Church, The Miracle Center); Marcus Burden (Unity Center Church, The Miracle Center)

 

1.        Announcements/Resource Sharing

            National Responsible Fatherhood Capacity Building Initiative Request For Proposal- Attendees received a copy of the RFP that has recently been released.  The deadline is March 6th 2007.  Visit www.fatherhood.org/grant/guidelines.asp for more information.

                       
            F&CWN Networking Social Event- Friday March 9th  5:30-8:30 @ Massimo’s on West 25th Street in Cleveland.  All are welcome!  (See attachment)

                        Prepay for your dinner and receive a $3.00 per person discount.                                  
                                    Pre-paid amount--$12.00 per person
                              Pay at the door----$15.00 per person

 

2.              Center for Families & Children (CFC)
           
Lee Kay talked about the all encompassing need for services to ex-offenders and their families (especially women) and how CFC can not fulfill them all by itself.  They are seeking partnerships with smaller community agencies who can help.

At this time--any partnership would have NO dollars attached to it.  Her hope is that in the future, after being able to show history of collaboration with your organization, a proposal can include monies to continue the partnership.  It can also be a benefit to your organization to have a partnership with a large organization like CFC regarding proposals you write or letters of support you may need. 

To have an agreement sent to you or for any questions you may have, Lee can be reached at 216 432-7200 (ext. 571). 

 

 

 

3.         Membership Policy
           
There were some unanswered questions regarding the attendance policy and how to deal with the issue as it regards to voting privileges.  If you feel the discussion needs to be continued--please e-mail your thoughts to Donna BY Mar. 16th.  Your ideas will be the starting point of discussion during the March 22nd meeting.  

 

 

4.         Partner Highlight-Janice Cepulo, Love INC (Love in the name of Christ)
    
Love INC is an organization that serves as a central base for those in need, whether the need is physical or spiritual.  Love INC works with a network member churches whose congregation can offer financial support and other resources as well as share special talents and provide prayer support.

Love INC works to assess and verify any basic need (such as rent & utility assistance, car repair, clothing, etc.) and is able to refer folks to the appropriate church or agency who can help.  To learn more or ask about becoming a member church, call 216 459-0405 or visit www.loveinccuyahoga.com   

 

 

5.         Next Meeting Date:  Thursday March 22nd –1:00-2:00
    3146 Scranton Rd., Cleveland 44109—Community Room #102

 

 

Minutes
Collaboration Meeting-Cleveland
Date:  01-18-07     Time:  1:00-2:00

 

Attendees: Cheryl Smith (CCN), Donna Ryant (CCN); Janice Cepulo (Love Inc.-Cleve.); Melissa Collins (As I Am); Sonia Cruz Matos (Chance 4-U); Krsnanandini Dasi (The Dasi-Ziyad Family Institute); Faith Foster (Imani Counseling); Wayne France (Straightway Community Church); Deborah France (Straightway Community Church); Kenneth Goerg (Northern Ohio Recovery Association); Bruce Hodge (Lee Memorial Service Corporation); Luvenia Lewis (Sankore Institute); Halli Martin (Prince of Peace Outreach and Deliverance Ministries); Mildred McClain (Calvary Congregational Church); Dorothy Murdock (Shaker Heights Community Church Hunger Center); Noah-Abdullah Qayyum (Muyyaqent); Sandy Schneider (Learn Quest); Phyllis Scott (Parents and Children Together); Lucille Short (Focus on Education); Theresa Young (TASY Incorporated); Tariq Ziyad (The Dasi-Ziyad Family Institute)

 

1.        Announcements/Resource Sharing

                        ODRC Leadership Input Forums- The Ohio Department of  Rehabilitation and Correction will be holding forums around the state to have conversation with faith-based and community stakeholders about what they believe should be done to further extend opportunities to serve ex-offenders re-entering the community and their families. 

            The City Mission- Attendees received a handout about an event at the City Mission that took place on January 25th, City Transformation Through Prayer.  This gathering was put together as part of a movement by Churches, agencies and individuals, so that all can come together to ask God for guidance and direction for the city of Cleveland in hopes that all of the needs of our neighbors can be met. 

 

2.         Networking Event Sub-Committee Report

PLEASE NOTE:  Due to unforeseen circumstances--
The Networking Social Event planned for February 9th has been re-scheduled for
Friday March 9th

 

3.                  Potential Partnership with Center for Families & Children (CFC)
           
     After a unanimous vote, Faith & Community Works Network Partners have agreed to enter into a partnership with CFC as a referral source.  CFC will be provided a referral list of F&CW organizations that a consumer may contact for service.  CCN will act as the liaison for F&CW Partners and CFC.    This opens up an opportunity for F&CW Partners that see clients through this partnership to obtain letters of support from CFC in the future.

Exact details, the referral process and F&CW partner qualifications will need to be established.  We will discuss those items during February’s meeting. 

 

 

4.                           Review/Vote on Membership Policy
           
             Results from December’s vote:

YES Majority--To be considered active, you or a representative from your organization must attend at least 2 meetings per quarter

YES Majority--Partners are able to attend ‘by proxy’- To attend by proxy; one partner would contact another member of F&CW and request that they attend for both organizations at said meeting-- the attending partner is required to share any information and handouts obtained at the meeting.

Questions were raised after the above voting results were read, specifically regarding how F&CW would verify & oversee the attendance rule and different situations that could arise. 
Examples:
     What if a partner attends1 meeting in a given quarter and then attend all 3 meetings in the next quarter?  (They may have been in attendance for 4 consecutive meetings at this point)  Will they lose any privileges?  How will any revoking of privileges be enforced or tracked?

     Will there be an initiation period for new members before they get voting privileges or be on referral lists?

Is it necessary to put a limit on the number of times a member can attend by proxy?

        Although the proxy attendee rule may alleviate some of these situations, there is a need for more discussion –questions and possible solutions.  If you have a question or suggestion on how to efficiently deal with the issues that may come up, please e-mail your thoughts to Donna BY FEB. 8th.  Your ideas will be the starting point of discussion in February.  

 

4.         Next Meeting Date:  Thursday February 15th –1:00-2:00
    3146 Scranton Rd., Cleveland 44109—Community Room #102

 

Minutes Faith & Community Works Network Summit County
Date:  12-15-06     Time:  1:00-2:30

 Attendees: Cheryl Smith (CCN); Donna Ryant (CCN); Alice Lamb Arnold (Pam's House); Tyree Brown (United Children's Academy); Sharon Butler-McCray (NID Housing); Deon Curry (United Children's Academy); Peggy Holmes (Akron Weed & Seed); Roland Jackson (Jamari's Drum); Timothy
Kight (Christ First Community Development); Yvette Marshall (Where Angels Land); Linda McRay (Charisma Community Connections); Eugene Norris II (Charisma Community Connections); Morris Wray (First Faith Development Corp.)

 

1.     Announcements

**Northeast Ohio Mentoring Network (NOMN), is a collaboration of Faith Based and Community Organizations who have joined together to provide mentoring services to vulnerable youth ages 16-22.  The NOMN will establish a network of providers, award 900 scholarships to eligible youth and match them with qualified mentors.  To learn more about becoming a service provider in this partnership, please contact George Pelletier at 216 688-4151 or you may e-mail gpelletier@ccnworks.org

 

**Fiscal TA Program- Community Care Network in collaboration with Info Line’s Project Connect, is offering technical assistance to small faith-based and community organizations, in Summit and Cuyahoga counties, seeking to be fiscally prepared to apply for grants.  This program is designed to help you better understand financial concepts and accountability as a nonprofit organization. 

Through this program, the following is provided at NO COST:
ü      Training classes’ specific to fiscal management and good accounting practices.
ü      One-on-one and/or group discussion sessions with a CCN financial expert which will help you gain a clear understanding of budgets, profit & loss statements, balance sheets and more.
ü      QuickBooks Pro overview session with the opportunity to purchase the software at a 50% discounted rate!
ü      Limited Technical Support Hotline- for (QuickBooks Software only).
**Assistance is offered through this program —August 2006 -through- July 2007

If you are interested in being a part of the Fiscal Program, call Donna 216 688-4119. 
 

2.      Meetings and Sub-Committee Structure / What are your expectations of F&CW? (Continued)
                               
 The partners in attendance chose 3 of the top issues from the previously stated expectations to focus on:

      • Hold Dialogue Sessions with Potential Funders / Donors—panel of experts on topics of interest
      • Partnership forums-without the threat of competition; pooling of staffing resources, and administrative services (grant writing consultant as an example)
      • Insurance Education resource- understanding systems, policies, agent referral.  Possibility of partnering for group coverage for small non-profits.

            Committee members were appointed to address these priority areas.  Under the guidance of Cheryl, they will have an opportunity to meet and report during the meetings. 
           
Sub-Committee Members (Cheryl will be available to guide and help determine next steps etc., to help each sub-committee achieve their objectives.)

      • Hold Dialogue Sessions with Potential Funders/Donors

Sharon Butler McCray, Donald E. Butler, Roland Jackson, Eugene Norris, Yvette Marshall

      • Partnership Forums

                              Tim Kight, Deon Curry, Alice Lamb Arnold

      • Insurance Education 

                  Morris Wray, Darryl Brake

                         
3.         Next Meeting Date:                          Tuesday January 16th  
                                                                                        1:00-2:30
Mountain of the Lord Fellowship
1477 Copley Rd., 44320
(330) 873-9793
                                   
Reminders will be sent as well as the agenda for next meeting so we can be prepared to discuss the issues that are important to you

 

Minutes Collaboration Meeting-Cleveland
Date:  12-14-06     Time:  1:00-2:00

Attendees: Cheryl Smith (CCN), Donna Ryant (CCN); Crystal Crockett (Northern Ohio Recovery Association); Sonia Cruz Matos (Chance 4-U); Faith W. Foster (Imani Counseling, Consulting & Educational Corp.); Wayne & Deborah France (Straightway Community Church); Yvette Hasan (UCIP-ASAP); Bruce Hodge (Lee Memorial Service Corporation); Dave Howell (PRYME Youth); Stephanie Howse (Footprints); Luvenia Lewis (Sankore Institute); Bradford Lewis (Sankore Institute); Mildred McClain (Calvary Congregational Church); Dorothy Murdock (Shaker Heights Community Church Hunger Center); Noah-Abdullah Qayyum (Muyyaqent); Queen Robinson (Educational Communications Inc.); Phyllis Scott (Parents and Children Together); Lucille Short (Focus on Education); Carrie Wilson (Cleveland Boys Choir); Larry Young (Workplace Re Connections); Tariq Ziyad (The Dasi-Ziyad Family Institute)

 

 

1.        Announcements/Resource Sharing

dec           

 

We would be happy to include your announcement or shared resource in the minutes of our meetings.  Simply e-mail your information (with advance notice) to dryant@ccnworks.org  or fax 216 416-4286 and it can be added to the minutes of the next meeting.

           

 

2.                  Review/Vote on Membership Policy
           
             The discussion regarding the Active Partner protocols brought two definitive issues- surrounding attendance- to vote on: 

  1. To be considered active, you or a representative from your organization must attend at least 2 meetings per quarter
  2. Partners are able to attend ‘by proxy’- To encourage networking among partners outside of meetings.  To attend by proxy would be one partner would contact another member of F&CW, requests that they accept attendance for their organization at said meeting.  The accepting member would attend said meeting for both organizations and is required to share any information and handouts obtained at the meeting.

 

The votes will be tallied and will be up for further discussion or Adopted as policy during the
January meeting.  This collaborative is an equal partnership, if you have specific views or ideas that you think can be a benefit to all-please bring them up for discussion.           

 

3.         Networking Event Sub-Committee Report

            The committee has looked over all of the surveys that were sent in and has started to plan the first event.  There is a tentative date set (Feb. 9th) and the venue will be Massimo da Milano on West 25th Street.  There is a minimum requirement of attendees to reserve the room and receive a special price per plate. (Approximately $12.00 per person)

We need at least 30 people to confirm that they will attend.  The committee is working hard to make this a fun and social evening so we may begin to really get to know one another.  Stay tuned to hear more about the ways you can confirm your attendance.    

            The committee will also work on developing a 3 month calendar for distribution to all partners so we may all have advance notice to what is coming. 

**Events’ attendance are not mandatory to be eligible or partnership.

 

4.         Next Meeting Date:  Thursday January 18th –1:00-2:00
    3146 Scranton Rd., Cleveland 44109—Community Room #102

 

 

Minutes Collaboration Meeting-Cleveland
Date:  11-16-06     Time:  1:00-2:00

 Attendees: Cheryl Smith (CCN), Donna Ryant (CCN); Crystal Crockett (Northern Ohio Recovery Association); Sonia Cruz Matos (Chance 4-U); Krsnanandini Dasi (The Dasi-Ziyad Family Institute); Faith W. Foster (Imani Counseling, Consulting & Educational Corp.); Kenneth Goerg (Northern Ohio Recovery Association); Mildred McClain (Calvary Congregational Church); Dorothy Murdock (Shaker Heights Community Church Hunger Center); Noah-Abdullah Qayyum (Muyyaqent); Vincent Rhodes (Mates In Ministry); Sandy Schneider (Learn Quest); Lucille Short (Focus on Education); Jennifer Valentine (NOAH); Cynthia Walton (Mates in Ministry); Theresa Young (TASY Incorporated)

 

1.        Announcements/Resource Sharing

nov Friday December 1st is World AIDS Day.  Prince of Peace has arranged with RTA to be present and distribute information at some of the Rapid Stations.  If you are interested in volunteering some of your time, please call Gordon Martin at 216 961-9618 or e-mail popce@ameritech.net   
**My apologies to POP and anyone who would have been interested in this event, I simply could not get this notice out in time.

 

We would be happy to include your announcement or shared resource in the minutes of our meetings.  Simply e-mail your information (with advance notice)  to dryant@ccnworks.org  or fax 216 416-4286 and it can be added to the minutes of the next meeting.

           
2.                  F&CWN Structure Going Forward / Creating New Funding Opportunities for F&CWN-