Columbus Foundation Fellowship Programs

The last weeks of my fellowship at Cristo Rey High School have arrived and it feels strangely reminiscent of my days as a student entering finals week. The circumstances are similar: a 10-week project culminating as a final presentation and report, an approaching deadline that re-energizes my work ethic, and nerves steadily increasing  that I know will only subside after the final day arrives.

This week is spent going through all of my research and data, comparing my notes to my final draft and editing like crazyyyyy. Is everything correct? Did I cite this source properly? Was that the exact word used during the interview? Fact checking was important in undergrad–absolutely–but when a formal document is presented to an organization with the title of “recommendations,” I feel even more pressure to get everything exactly right.

I’ve also been surprised at the amount of follow-ups I’m doing this week. I thought I was finished with my interviews and data collections, but as I review I am finding the most interesting nuggets of information that I missed the first time around. They are resurfacing with brand new meaning after more context has been created throughout the weeks.This has probably been my favorite part– not only does it give me the opportunity to reconnect with those I interviewed weeks ago, but it allows me the chance to show them that I’ve used their input and done some critical thinking and analysis to truly and accurately use their information. It’s another chance for engagement within the network and let them know that I appreciate their help. Further, it reminds them of the project and  occasionally leads to new insights that they missed during the first call. It’s fascinating to see my work as a living document, constantly changing with new opinions and information. I believe it truly reflects the personality of the Cristo Rey Network and also the diversity of the schools–not only does each school bring an new tone and perspective, but they prioritize certain responsibilities within their development departments and it’s reflected in the advice they provide for new development directors.

So, wish me luck on my Finals Week 2.0: Real World Edition. I’m excited! and nervous. But as it goes with each end of a semester, it all ends up well so long as you put forth the proper time, your best work and your best effort. However, this time around I am putting forth immense care and investment in a project to serve a cause bigger than an “A” in statistics. I am helping CRCHS approach this year with a plan to celebrate & serve Columbus youth to the best of their ability. And that is a research project I can very well be proud of.

As other fellows have mentioned our excursion this week to the Columbus Commons was a fun opportunity to bond, decompress from the work week, enjoy live music and eat adorable mini sandwiches. At one point some of us talked about what has set our fellowship experience apart from other internships we’ve had in the past. As things start to wrap up at a rapid pace I’ve been reflecting on that further. What I have appreciated most about the fellowship is that the agencies we have been placed with had to think carefully and thoughtfully about the project they want executed in 10 weeks. It’s not a situation where an intern is plugged into duties and roles that other interns have executed in the past. One of the many things I have appreciated about Concord is that they defined their project as piloting programming for youth at Southpoint, but have been completely open to whatever direction I take.

During my final week myself and the other youth staff will be putting on a Back to School Carnival for the school-agers at Southpoint. The plan is to give away school supplies as prizes for carnival games, and we have been working hard to seek out donations. Early on we decided to see if Concord would be willing to do an internal donation drive for school supplies. I felt a little unsure about asking staff to support the carnival out of their own pockets, but my supervisor encouraged the idea and said he had no doubt it would be supported. Fast forward to today, and I am so impressed and touched with how Concord’s staff has embraced the donation drive. The staff’s social committee adopted the donation drive as a project, and I have had multiple staff reach out to me to ask me what the most needed items are. To me this speaks volumes about the positive culture at Concord, and the staff’s willingness to go beyond their job duties to help impact the lives of the community they serve.

In our final learning session this week Kerri Mollard and Adrienne Selsor of Kerri Mollard Consulting, LLC, spoke with us about their philosophy and approach to fundraising. I learned that effective fundraising requires an understanding that relationships and engagement are important, as philanthropy is ultimately a voluntary endeavor that should be met with gratitude. As I have been soliciting donations and relying on external and internal support for the carnival, these frames have been very beneficial.

On Wednesday of this week, the nine fellows met for our final learning session. Although we were sad because these learning sessions are both fun and incredibly educational, it was exciting to hear how far everyone has come, what we have to look forward to in our final two weeks and very heartwarming to witness how our group has formed a tight-knit bond.

Kerri Mollard and Adrienne Selsor of Kerri Mollard Consulting, LLC spoke to our group about fundraising. They covered so much and truly taught us the importance of relationships and data-driven progression. For me, it was humbling to sit across the table from these professionals because The Center for Balanced Living has benefited immensely from Kerri’s expertise. She helped The Center raise the funds to move into the beautiful space where I am sitting this very moment. As much as I enjoy it, the new building is so much more functional to meet the needs of the clients and the growing number of programs that are being implemented. Thanks, Kerri!

As I am reaching the end of my communications courses at Otterbein, the importance of measurable outcomes is emphasized more and more. Not only does this keep me accountable for my actions towards the goal but it provides so much insight to discover strengths and weaknesses for the project at hand.

Last week, I blogged about my dietitian database which is still ongoing but no longer my primary focus. This week, I have been shifting towards evaluating my work at The Center in regards to social media. In a very detailed Excel sheet, I have each social media post I have ever published broken down into categories. Thankfully technology in all its beauty provides a basic analytic report but for the first time, I have been going further. What do our clients want to see? What about professionals, families and the general public? Those are questions that I can now begin to answer without an assumption. These are answers that carry over into my strategy for moving forward.

I am so thankful that I was given this task and further motivated to dive into the data from Kerri and Adrienne. A second thank you to everyone who has previously sat down with us, those who have granted us a place to sit and everyone at The Columbus Foundation who have taken time out of their work days to pour out their wisdom and believe in each of us. I may feel small accomplishments here and there but you are the ones who are making it possible!

Since I am nearing the end of the my fellowship, I decided to look through the packet of information I received on my first day. It’s a bit sad to see that this journey is almost over, but I enjoy looking back at all I have already achieved through my fellowship.

This summer, as can be seen from my other blog posts, I have been busy doing History to Go and doing other projects at the Ohio History Connection. I’ve also had a chance to go to some really great events through The Columbus Foundation. Last week, I went to JazZoo through The Columbus Foundation. One of our other fellows, Victoria Alesi, has been working at the Jazz Arts Group. So, she assisted with JazZoo. It’s always nice to be able to support others in their work and see the fruits of their labors.

Dan Sharpe, our awesome coordinator from the Columbus Foundation, arranged for us to meet up at the Columbus Commons for a free concert yesterday. I had a great time hanging out with some of the other fellows and other young professionals in Columbus. I even met some law students from Capital and some members of the Columbus Bar Association. Since, I am going to law school in the fall, it was really exciting to hear about their experience. Plus, at the Commons, Conspiracy was playing and there were lots of puppies everywhere.

Both JazZoo and the event at the Columbus Commons were fantastic! I would highly recommend going to these events. Columbus is a great city. People should try to take advantage of all that it offers. Of course, that also includes food…

I have to share my new favorite spot–The Angry Baker. I had heard about it before, but I never made my way there. Now that I’ve had a chance to try their Fork and Knife Burrito that was made vegan, I’m hooked.

I hope everyone has an enjoyable weekend and gets to take advantage of all the wonderful opportunities things around them! I know I am looking forward to this weekend and to the networking event with former summer fellows next week.

Would you rather choose to be tolerated or wholly accepted for who you are?

This was what I asked myself after Monday’s visit to LifeTown, a nonprofit organization designed as a realistic “city” where children with special needs receive the opportunity to practice important life skills through role play, such as making and keeping appointments, visiting the library, banking, shopping, and even applying for jobs (LifeTownColumbus.org).

To me, inclusiveness is the epicenter of peace and harmony. When people feel included, they feel appreciated, honored, and as though their humanity has been recognized.  For the children at LifeTown, this sense of belonging develops as the students, frequently devoid of independence due to their disabilities, are able to participate alongside modern day society in a variety of tasks, ultimately granting them a sense of inclusion as a result.

Looking around the facility, I could easily envision how a visit to LifeTown would be a transformative experience for a student. I think for many of us- myself included- it is easy to go into autopilot, to forget to appreciate our ability to do the littlest things, like going to the grocery store or picking out a movie. By contrast, the kids at LifeTown are excited to wait in line at the bank or visit the dentist because it means participating alongside everyday society.

This ability to have gratitude for all of life’s blessings is what ultimately guides the level of satisfaction one has for life! For me, my visit to LifeTown served as a nice reminder of the importance of inclusion and the huge impact an individual can have when others provide them with an opportunity to belong. Throughout the week, I couldn’t help but consider my own fit within OANO and the broader nonprofit sector at large. I have been so fortunate to have found an organization where I am always included and as a seasoned summer intern, I know this does not necessarily have to be the case.

However, at OANO and the Columbus Foundation, I have felt like I’ve belonged since day one, which has made for the most impactful and inspiring work experience of my life. As the summer comes to a close, I encourage all of us to continue aspiring towards a society that practices inclusion and acceptance for all, regardless of age, race, or disability. When we exceed tolerance and practice wholehearted acceptance instead, we can move mountains.

Have a great weekend!

I have MY VERY OWN DESK. So, why is this news? It’s been 8 weeks and I’m excited to have a desk, rather than a roundtable, for…the remaining 2 weeks? Well, do I have an amazing update for you. KIPP offered me a part-time position in the fall, and I’ve decided to accept! This summer has been filled with invaluable experiences, and I feel like I still have a lot more to learn here. Apparently, things move very quickly while school’s in session, and I can’t wait to be at KIPP during its prime time. There’s even more data work necessary during the year–plus all of the KIPPsters will be back to bring their energy to the building.

I got to try my hand at a few different data tasks this week, including a project to determine if two particular tests given at KIPP (one a local test, the other a state test) have correlated scores. Using some statistics and Excel formulas, I came up with baseline scores that KIPP’s teachers should have as goals for their students on the local tests in order to be proficient on the state tests. A large portion of Ohio schools’ grades on the state report card comes from students’ scores on these state tests. KIPP is working hard to create specific, reasonable goals for its students to provide them with successful and attainable outcomes.

Outside of my Data Days, I’ve had some cool Columbus nights the past week with the other Fellows. Last Friday, Victoria’s “Jazzoo” project (see her blog posts and the photo below) went off without a hitch, and a few of us Fellows came out to support her and enjoy the show. It was a beautiful night at the Columbus Zoo filled with wonderful jazz music, and we had a great time. Then this week, the Foundation reserved a tent and tables for us at a Columbus Commons concert, where we got to enjoy food, friends, and fun local bands. It really is so nice to relax with people who know how exhausting it is to work full-time; plus, we’ve become an awesome cohort. The summer’s feeling far too short!

The poor, the sick, and immigrant populations are the most vulnerable in any community. With diminutive funds and frequently little to no support, many are unable to receive medical care nor health education. Catherine Nelson Black used her civic power and leadership to change this. Catherine “Carrie” Nelson Black founded the Instructive District Nursing Association (IDNA) in 1898, which is now named LifeCare Alliance. The IDNA became Ohio’s first organization to offer in-home health care, a service which still remains today through LifeCare Alliance.

Carrie devoted her life to the service and aid of others. In addition to the IDNA, she founded the Columbus Society for the Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis and the Columbus Cancer Clinic, which is now an agency of LifeCare Alliance. She not only provided immediate aid to those in need, but created societal change which has had an everlasting impact within the Columbus community. Imagining the role of women in society at this time, Carrie’s courageous leadership and impact is remarkable. Her energy, passion, and dedication to diminish the suffering of those most in need is truly inspiring, and is a legacy that is still visible today at LifeCare.

Carrie’s Café, where I have devoted most of my time this summer, was named after Carrie. In honor of Carrie’s 157^th birthday on July 21^st, we threw a birthday party at the Café. We celebrated Carrie with live music from Ray Pauken, balloons, party games (including pin the party hat on Carrie!), and cake. The party was a hit! Everyone loved the delicious cake and singing along with Ray. Seeing all the people having such a wonderful time at the party reminded me of the new sense of hope that Carrie gave to so many in the Columbus community and a legacy that has lasted far beyond her death.  In addition, it is amazing to witness every day how so many people at LifeCare have such similar values to Carrie and inadvertently continue and live out Carrie’s vision through their work.

Mid-way through week 8, I am finally wrapping what has been my favorite part of my summer working at CRCHS. I’ve spent the last few weeks scheduling phone calls and interviews with development directors in Cristo Rey schools across the country to  discuss experiences with their first graduation ceremony. My plan was to ask as many questions as I could, with special attention to common pitfalls, successes and any words from wisdom from the schools who boast 10+ years of amazing graduation ceremonies. It was a really cool experience connecting with schools in very diverse cities, from L.A. to Brooklyn to Indianapolis, and even to small-town Waukegan, Illinois. Every development director had a different approach to their school’s graduation and the strategies they’ve established to ensure its success. These conversations were extremely fruitful as they allow me to report a vast array of options for what Cristo Rey can implement in the upcoming year and recommendations for how they can adjust these ideas to fit well with their vision for CRCHS.

Despite the differences between the schools, however, the realization I met towards the end of the interviewing process was the remarkable support system that the Network provides for Cristo Rey schools. There are over 30 schools who are in various stages of operation; some have just celebrated their 10 year anniversaries, others were just granted permission to open two weeks ago, and others are preparing for one of the biggest milestones of them all, their first graduation (us!). There was enthusiasm and excitement present in each and every conversation I had with schools in the Network. They were eager to share their experiences, brainstorm ideas, and provide some insight on upcoming challenges or joys that were sure to arise in the upcoming year. Overall, it was an altogether enjoyable experience that shed a new light on each school’s role within a larger Network-wide vision.

There has been such a tremendous(ly awesome) focus on the Columbus community and its members throughout my time with Cristo Rey and the Columbus Foundation. I have truly learned so much about its people and organizations and I have realized a new sense of pride for the city I call Home. However, acting as the liaison between Cristo Rey schools across the country has introduced such a feeling of solidarity and support that I was not anticipating. These schools are rooting for me (only a temporary fellow here at CRC!), the work I’m doing, but especially the kids that Cristo Rey Columbus is serving. It is important to them that Columbus is successful. Their overwhelming support & good wishes further prove their dedication to the mission and I truly wish I could share their words of encouragement with every faculty member, teacher, administrator and student here at CRCHS. As a result from my direct engagement with schools everywhere, I have no doubt that the Network will grow until the U.S. is bursting at the seams with these incredible educational institutions that empower low-income youth to be successful in their college and career ambitions.

Learn more about the Cristo Rey Network founded in 1996 by John P. Foley, S.J. here: http://www.cristoreynetwork.org/

Last week I had the opportunity to tour Kaleidoscope Youth Center (KYC), an organization that works to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth and their allies. Back in April of this year Kaleidoscope moved their space from North High Street to a beautiful 5,000 square foot home on Town Street. Because I have been thinking through how to best create a space for the teens at Southpoint, I realized I could learn a lot from the process KYC went through when they had the opportunity to re-imagine and create a new space for the youth the serve.

Siobhan Boyd-Nelson, the Development and Marketing Manager for Kaleidoscope, met with me to give me a tour of the house.  One of the more striking and beautiful parts of the space is that every room is painted a different bright and bold color. KYC youth chose the color palette – one of the many ways they contributed to the development of the space.  As we walked around I got to see their living room, creative arts space, computer and tech area, kitchen and snack area, library and my favorite part – a performing arts stage.  KYC staff had youth do a collage of what they wished to see in their new youth center, and most of it has come to life there in a beautiful way.

Siobhan and I discussed the importance of youth being directly involved in the design of a space; without their by in the space will end up not being utilized and lack meaning for youth. At KYC, youth helped in the development of principles that everyone must follow when spending time in the space. KYC has monthly meetings where youth can give feedback and input about things that are and aren’t working, and contribute ideas.  I hope to find a way to adapt the same guidelines that KYC utilized for the purposes of a teen space at Southpoint.

For more information about the services that Kaleidoscope Youth Center offers check out their website here.