Columbus Foundation Fellowship Programs

Week 2 has been a whirlwind! After getting acquainted with the House and the services that it offers, this week I have been busy digging right into my major projects for the summer. I began by reading over several communications plans, which provided me with a template for the plan that I will be creating next week, and I created some strategic communications goals for the Vehicle Donation Program that I am working on. Aspects of the plan that I and the rest of the Marketing and Communications team come up with will be implemented both locally and nationally, which is very exciting!! I also got a lot of experience with data analysis this week, as I looked at RMH’s marketing information on CSA Today and created a document highlighting the leading media/interpersonal sources that cause people to donate vehicles as well as the most prominent locations for donors by neighborhood and zip code. Though finding percentages and analyzing data isn’t really my favorite thing in the world, this task became a lot more meaningful when I recognized the impact that it would make. Knowing exactly which neighborhoods our most frequent donors live in will allow us to direct our communications plan accordingly to strategically target those areas. It is amazing how much work goes into creating a strategy for these kinds of programs! After the analysis, I was able to meet with my supervisor, Ryan, to go over the strategic goals that I have created, and they will be integrated into my communications plan next week!

I have also really enjoyed continuing to tag along at different events and learn about other aspects of the organization and the families that it serves. This week, I attended a brainstorming session for the pop tab fundraising program, which was very interesting because it allowed me to compare and contrast that program with the program that I am working with. The pop tab program is bigger than you might think-the house receives hundreds of thousands of them every year and the money from the recycled metal goes right back into the mission of serving children and families. (On that note, friendly reminder: save your pop tabs for Ronald McDonald House!!) I also enjoyed some meals in the dining room with the families this week, which was an awesome experience. It was so cool to sit back and observe the guests who are here from all walks of life and how they are able to come together for meals multiple times a day, and it truly resembles one big family.

In addition, I had the opportunity to help edit a proposal for a company that is considering partnering with RMH about what that partnership might look like. I got to work with Lynne, the graphic designer, to re-vamp the visual pieces of the proposal and tap into my creative side, which was a lot of fun.

The end of the week was also awesome again-this morning began with a delicious breakfast served by staff members and reporters from NBC 4, who work very closely with the House and support its events all the time. After breakfast, I received a lei to wear-just because it’s Friday-from my co-workers Lynne and Steph (who are a lot of fun to work with by the way) at the office space that we affectionately call “the beach”, hung out with the Henry, the labradoodle therapy dog, and enjoyed my second “Food Truck Friday” which involved some Graeter’s ice cream and a live band. This is a pretty cool place!!

-Courtney

I cannot believe I am already finished with my second week of working with the Grange Insurance Audubon Center! The time truly has flown by *bird pun intended*. This week started off with a trip to the Scioto Gardens, a native plant haven where we found Joe Pye Weed, Salvia, and other luscious greens to fill the gardens with. The plants were awesome, but I especially loved Bailey, a beautiful golden retriever who followed me around the entire time and definitely knew each plant by name (or bark).

It has been amazing learning about all of the different plants that are native to Ohio and the important role that each one of them plays in helping ensure a thriving ecosystem. I am a passionate advocate for wildflowers of all kinds and it is exciting to recognize certain types when I am on a bike ride, run, or even driving and notice a native plant growing alongside the road. I would not necessarily consider myself an avid birder, but I am gaining a greater appreciation for birds because they truly are an indicator of a healthy ecosystem. If there are no birds, that means there are no bugs for them to eat, which is a result of a lack of foliage which directly impacts our air and water quality (I could go on and on about how fascinating our planet is…).

Another exciting part of this week was getting to know my coworkers better. My freshman year of college, I was constantly seeking out new friendships as I loved meeting people from all over the world with all types of backgrounds and interests. As I settled into my Junior and Senior year, I had my comfortable group of friends and realize now that I became very complacent in getting to know people. Working at a place like Grange Audubon is wonderful because it feels like Freshman year all over again, with new faces and stories! Pictured below is Katie, a MetroParks intern who shares my love for the outdoors and my amateur birder status. It has been a treat getting to know her and I am excited to get to see her and my other coworkers every day!

Thanks Grange Insurance Audubon Center for taking me under your wing this summer! *last of the bird puns, I promise*

Peace and trees,

Tori

Hello again!

First off–let me give you a more formal introduction! My name is Kelsie Fields, and I just graduated from THE Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Italian. I have a huge passion for international issues, women’s access to education, and other related causes like immigration. With that being said, I discovered my passion for nonprofits in college and decided it was the path I would take in order to have an impact on global issues. I see my work with nonprofit organizations not only as a career but also as a pathway–a way to use certain skills to interact with issues on the ground.

Now to more music related things! This week’s post is inspired by our brand new Westerville Symphony blog! Sean, the Executive Director, and I had the idea that starting a blog would be a great way to keep our patrons up to date with what we are doing at the Symphony, and so we made it happen! The blog is called Da Capo, which in Italian means “from the top”. The blog will be posted weekly, and it will include press releases for our events, insider interviews with the musicians, and other fun pieces about symphony music in general!

Again, our goal at the Symphony is to attract not only dedicated patrons to events but also new and fresh audiences. We believe in the power of the arts to change communities, and we want to see as many people engaging with the arts as possible. We are hoping that the blog will attract new individuals to our organization and provide fun insights for our current patrons. Follow along with our adventures, both now and in the future, at westervillesymphony.wordpress.com!

Sneak peak of our first blog post!

In addition to starting the blog, I worked on our website this week, designed marketing materials for our upcoming 5k, and had a meeting with a board member. I look forward to sharing more adventures with you soon!

Go bucks!

Kelsie Fields

My name is Chloe Napoletano and I am a dancer, teacher, community dance practitioner, and art administrator. I just graduated with a BFA in dance from The Ohio State University. My fellowship location is the Columbus Museum of Art – an institution that I have spent time in viewing their galleries as well as volunteering. I am the coordinator for the Summer Workshops; they are day camps for kids in which they explore art using their imaginations and practice creativity.

In this introductory week, I learned quite a bit about CMA’s philosophy; they have decided to put creativity at the forefront of learning. This means that they do not provide art classes that teach the techniques of painting or how to throw pottery. Instead, they give “big ideas” and provide material in which participants can solve problems creatively. I will share an example of what this looks like. Let’s say the big idea is “Monster Tea Party”, and to create a work inside that theme, a student decides she must create a dish set out of clay. If that is the case, then museum staff will teach her how to throw pottery and make dishes. The “technique” learning is in service to the creative ideas.

As a dance teacher, I found this philosophy fascinating! This is an idea I have put to practice in my own work but I have not used the same words to describe it. For example, when I lead a creative movement class, I may give a prompt to the class such as, “Travel from this location to the opposite side of the room. Both hands and both feed must remain in contact with the floor at all times.” In this example, I have not provided information on any technical dance skills like pointing one’s feet or sauté-ing off of the ground. Instead, I posed a problem and asked for the participants to individually find solutions. If while moving across the floor, I noticed a student using dangerous spinal alignment, then I may take a moment to address a technical aspect such as safe body alignment.

This perspective on art learning that CMA and I share gives me confidence that we have common goals and ideals. I am excited to further learn how this philosophy will come into play during the Summer Workshops.

Until next time,

Chloe Napoletano

Hello World!

My name is Abigail Wocher. I am an incoming fourth year at The Ohio State University studying Nonprofit Management with a minor in Human Rights. The Columbus Foundation has provided me with an opportunity to work along side an organization known as Hope Hollow.  I am quickly discovering how this mom-and-pop nonprofit has changed the lives of a multitude of individuals battling cancer as well as their families (it is safe to say that this organization has changed my life in this short period of time too…and no, I promise my boss Kevin did not force me to say that).

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Hope Hollow here is a brief description: Hope Hollow is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization responsible for providing care to cancer patients and their families with lodging, meals, transportation, hospitality and emotional support as they travel to Columbus for their cancer treatment.

Who is Hope Hollow? I was in fact quite curious about who was behind the operations of Hope Hollow, as well as who the founders were. To my surprise the answer is one and the same. Kevin and Jane Clark founded Hope Hollow after Jane herself survived two cancer diagnosis’s. As a survivor, Jane told me how her fight against cancer gave her an entirely new outlook on life, and that because of this her gratitude was overflowing. They knew they wanted to give back to the Columbus community that had supported them during their struggles and so Hope Hollow was created.

I have worked with a variety of nonprofits during my student career, but Hope Hollow was the first organization in which I would directly be working under the Founders/CEO’s, so I was not quite sure what to expect when it came to the specific work I would be completing over the summer.

Reflecting on my first week at Hope Hollow, it is evident that I will be working on numerous projects that require my skills to be flexible and dynamic (which I could not be more pleased with as “wearing multiple hats” is common in the nonprofit sector and is an aspect that I find to be very appealing). For example, this week I have worked with Kevin to improve resources for Hope Hollow’s Board Members, I have shopped and delivered groceries for a patient receiving treatment at the James Cancer Hospital, I had the privilege of accompanying Jane to the Kobacker House where we delivered dinner and gas cards to a young lady and her family, I assisted Hope Hollow in increasing its social media presence, and attended several committee meetings for an upcoming summer fundraiser event.

Hope Hollow is an environment filled with compassion. Jane and Kevin stress the importance of building relationships with the individuals that come to Hope Hollow for a little extra help. Kevin’s phone rings off the hook, and a large majority of calls come from persons who have utilized some of the services Hope Hollow offered them in the past (they even call if Kevin and Jane were present in their lives 5+ years ago). This little details speaks volumes to the impact that Hope Hollow has on those it encounters.

Week 1, if I could describe you in one word it would be: Humbling.

Hello!

My name is Sylvie Durlacher and I am a rising Senior at The Ohio State University studying Education and Leadership Studies.  This summer The Columbus Foundation has granted me an unparalleled opportunity to continue to cultivate my passion for working with non-profit organizations as a Summer Fellow with Neighborhood Services Inc. If my first week at my host organization is any indication of how the remaining weeks of this summer-long experience will be, I am truly in for what will be the most formative experience of my undergraduate career.

Neighborhood Services Inc. seeks to, “improve the quality of life in the Columbus community by compassionately and respectfully serving our neighbors in need”.  Since NSI is located essentially walking distance from Ohio State’s campus, I am able to walk to work every day!  Though, at the conclusion of my first week I realized that I wouldn’t need to rely on that walk to get my steps in for the day! (During my day I am continually on my feet–helping unload new deliveries, restock shelves and engaging with the neighbors!)  Today, for example, I learned how to skillfully use a pallet jack–a piece of “machinery” that is incredibly necessary in a food pantry in order to move produce and other goods–hmm I wonder if I can add that skill to my resume after this summer 🙂  While I inherently enjoy my daily walk to and from work, it has quickly come to have an added level of significance.  As I walk towards the intersection of 18th Ave and 4th St., the blocks between NSI’s service area and Ohio State’s campus growing, I am confronted a disturbing reality: access to basic necessities (fundamental basic rights) like fresh food is not equal in the city I have come to call home.

Some people (I think too many) are unaware that categorically, Franklin County has some of the gravest Food Deserts. Neighborhood Services, Inc. serves four zip codes, encompassing the Linden, Weinland Park, and University Area. NSI’s service area is in one of these Food Deserts, with the nearest grocery store located more than a mile away. In my time at NSI thus far I have had the opportunity to work in numerous roles. Working the front desk assisting with the in-take process and helping NSI’s clients in the actual food pantry have offered me more than just context for the project I will be doing. I am gaining a new understanding of the lives of my neighbors.  I am grateful for the trust they have enlisted in me, their eagerness to share their stories with me and ultimately their desire to help me become more aware of the complexity of the issues perpetuated by poverty that our neighbors face and the role that I can play in addressing them.

One of our pantry stock shelves today after serving 67 families (a record setting day).  With Columbus City Schools on summer break, families who have received free and reduced breakfast and lunch for their children during the school year are seeking out means to provide meals for their families.

Overall, I am overwhelmed with a hopeful sense of optimism about the impact my work will have this summer on NSI and their partners and stakeholders’ understanding of barriers to equitable food access in Columbus, Ohio.  I am excited to see how my design and implementation of an in-depth survey of NSI’s neighbors will be used to inform their current and future work and practices.

Neighborhood Services’ organizational value of serving with compassion, humility and respect truly transcend all aspects of their work.  Just a week into my Summer Fellowship and I am finding that these values guide me and shape my own approach to this work as a new member of the NSI community.

Until next week,

Sylvie Durlacher

Blog posts always feel like a message in a bottle. Whom do I address? So let me begin with a simple… Hello, you. Whomever you are. Here is what you need to know first…

Who: Karlee Hehemann

What: The Columbus Foundation’s Summer Fellowship Program

When: June 5-August 11, 2017

Where: The Deaf Services Center

Short. Simple. Sweet? Now onto the good stuff… I am finishing up my first week as a summer fellow. My cursor is currently hovering over the words “first week” wondering if that could be correct – I am questioning my own perception of time. Has it really only been one week? My poor recollection of co-worker’s names holds as my only evidence of time. Beyond that, I have already learned so much.

I have worked at nonprofits before, but nothing has ever seemed so important to me. Caring about the difference an organization makes is a game changer. After learning about Deaf culture throughout three semesters of American Sign Language courses at The Ohio State University, I wanted to know more. The articles and documentaries no longer sufficed. I wanted to learn Deaf culture first hand(s) – get it… like signing… hands?

So you may be wondering, ‘What is Deaf culture?’ Good question. I am still learning the answer to that. What I know so far is that Deaf culture is a community with it’s own etiquette, language, history, art, values… you know, like any other culture specific to a distinct group of people. However, what makes Deaf culture so unique is how unifying it can be. In a modern society moving swiftly towards individualism, community becomes even more important.

On day one at the Deaf Services Center, I was introduced to the people and departments throughout the office. The employees all range from Deaf, hearing, hard of hearing, and Deaf-blind. They work in departments focusing on administration, interpreting services, employment resources, etc. Basically, everyone at DSC is a pro-communicator.

Community minded + communication driven = this gal has a lot to learn.

On top of that, I get to be immersed in the daily victories/struggles of a grass-roots nonprofit organization. Doing my best to evaluate the efficiency of our current CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software, research/contact local marketing firms, write up a RFP (Request for Proposal), organize for the DSC Golf Tournament this weekend, and learn all the business-related acronyms in the world (kidding.. but it feels like it).

Being apart of this program has already been a huge blessing to me. I had no idea what to expect while attending my first learning session last Monday, but it is safe to say that my expectations been exceeded. I am looking forward to this upcoming session, on Tuesday, and exchanging stories from this past week.

– Karlee H.

Hello, hi, how are ya!

My name is Sam Lechner, and I am going to be spending this summer as a fellow for the Columbus Foundation working with the nonprofit organization LeaderSpark. LeaderSpark is an incredible organization lead by one of the most compassionate and inspiring women I have ever met, Kay Wilson, and it focuses on providing Columbus City Youth with the leadership skills and opportunities that they need to grow and give back to their communities. As a rising senior at Ohio State studying Public Affairs & Strategic Communication and minoring in Leadership Studies, I honestly don’t think there could possible be a better place for me this summer.

The first week was…. crazy. LeaderSpark is currently partnering with the Boys & Girls Club of Columbus to put on the Achieve Summer Work Program– which helps youth ages 14-17 who attend Columbus City Schools to obtain work over the summer (and they make $10/hour through the program which is WAY more than I made scooping ice cream at my first summer job… but I’m not salty!). It’s a really amazing program, and it’s going to help a lot of teens get a solid start on career development. It’s also a heck of a lot of work to set up, so most of my first week was spent back and forth between the LeaderSpark office (The Hub) and the J. Ashburn Youth Center, where the B&G Club is located. By Friday, though, we had gotten all of the kinks worked out and got 100 Columbus City Youth a solid summer work plan, so you could call that a pretty good start to the summer.

Even after just one week with this organization, I’m leaving inspired. And I’m writing this post on Monday morning of week two (which is slightly late only because of who I am as a person, honestly), and I’m sitting next to my really awesome boss (his name is Solomon & he is just as wonderful as Kay), and I can’t wait to see what comes next. I have a pretty good feeling this summer is going to be quite the whirlwind, so I am excited to keep y’all updated (why did I just say y’all, I’m from northeast Ohio??).

UNTIL NEXT WEEK, MY FRIENDS!

Sam 🙂

“The first wealth is health.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Between 2000 and 2013, Columbus suburbs have experienced both the fastest population growth, up 22.8%, and the fastest growth in suburban poverty, up 113.6%. Furthermore, Ohio’s poor are more likely to live in the suburbs than the urban neighborhoods more commonly associated with poverty.

What does this mean for a seemingly affluent suburb like Worthington, OH?

Nearly 1 in 5 Franklin County Residents experience food insecurity.

In Worthington City Schools, 30% of students are on free or reduced lunch.

 Health is an all-encompassing state that we should think of as the intersection of wellness, balance, and access. 

Although the neighbors living in Worthington share general location, they all differ in health status due to some unique combination of these three entities.

Working as a summer fellow with The Columbus Foundation this summer, I will be working at the Worthington Resource Pantry to contribute to promoting the physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual health and well-being of the community.Most of my work this summer will be aimed towards the planning of our Feed-A-Family Block Party in September, which is a fundraising event meant to raise awareness about hunger and need in our community. I am so excited to use my Public Health background and my event planning and fundraising experience to contribute to this amazing organization!

The save-the-date for our major fundraising event

At the Worthington Resource Center we serve the six zip codes of the Worthington School District, which include an international community. The top 10 countries of origin include Ghana, Sierra Leone, Mexico, Iraq, Cameroon, China, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Egypt, and Nigeria.

In 2016, the Worthington Resource Center:

Provided 226,000 meals

Served 1,500 households 

Aided 5,000 people 

Served 10,000 meals to children through the Summer Meal Program 

The work happening at the Worthington Resource Center is work that everyone should believe in because it does more than provide healthy food to people. From the ground up, this organization empowers community members to take charge of their health, their futures, and their lives. Our neighbors that get help with access to healthcare, housing, employment, and more, are gaining skills to carry them into a better and more substantial future.

Health is so much more than the absence of illness; to achieve health equity we must level the playing field of access to resources that encourage healthy lifestyles.

The Worthington Resource Pantry works to involve all members of its community to contribute to healthier lives for everyone, and that’s why I want to be here. In order for us to be wealthier as a whole, we need to be healthier as a whole.

Until next week,

Natalie