Columbus Foundation Fellowship Programs

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to conduct another focus group–this time with a few of the male corrections clients at one of the halfway houses. I was a little nervous when I first arrived and entered the room where the weekly “residents’ meeting” was taking place. There were a lot more people present than I expected, upwards of twenty clients. I listened in on the meeting and took notes, wondering the entire time how I was going to keep the focus group…well, focused. Luckily, a couple of the guys approached me after the meeting and asked me who I was. When I told them I was looking to talk to a couple of people about Alvis House services, they offered to sit down and talk to me before the next group of residents came in for their weekly meeting. After that was over and the next meeting began, one of the CRSs offered to round up a few more guys so that I could have feedback from a total of six clients, like I had hoped for. It was a very insightful couple of hours of my life, and I was grateful that I didn’t have to talk to all twenty clients at once!

I learned from this experience that whenever you’re nervous or apprehensive in a professional situation, it’s best to just be yourself and be as genuine as possible. Especially when the “professionalism” really just involves forming a relationship with someone, taking a deep breath and removing any kind of “job face” or fronts can often be the best way to relate to people. Granted, there are some situations which call for a sort of refining of your typical personality—for instance, I realized from various networking sessions this summer that I could probably tone down my use of the word “awesome” and substitute it with something a bit more sophisticated when I speak to people in formal settings. But when the goal is to get a client to trust you and build a relationship with you, then total sincerity—“awesome”s and all—is the best route I think.

I can’t believe it’s week 8 of the Fellowship program already! Even though I began my stint at the OEC two weeks late, the knowledge I’ve amassed makes it seem like a lifetime ago. At the same time, the great people I’ve worked with and the interesting experiences I’ve had made it fly by.

     My primary assignment last week was completing an interactive map prototype version of our green jobs database, a project that my boss hopes to eventually embed in the OEC website. This was quite labor-intensive, as I spent most of my week entering addresses, cities, and zip codes into the database and testing them on the maps, a process that required much trial-and-error. The end result, after I assured the website many times that yes, that address is in Columbus, Ohio, not Columbus, Georgia, was a fully interactive map of all green jobs in the database to date. There are 300-some points, each one with additional project details contained in a pop-up tab. Although the prototype is fairly basic I was still proud to have this concrete evidence of my work, something that I know will be of interest to my co-workers and the green-minded public. Additionally, I know that having completed this step will make the next intern’s life much easier!

     Speaking of my successor, my second project last week was beginning to compile a series of how-to’s for future interns. I have worked on many projects this summer, and most of those required educating myself on various online tools and programs. In order to shorten this process for future OEC interns, I took some time to type up instructions for things like map-building websites and sharing Google account access with other OEC employees, as well as “answer keys” to OEC jargon. Although the most satisfying part of this project is knowing that I am helping future interns, laying out the systems and tools I have taught myself to use over the last 6 or so weeks also gives me a sense of pride over what I have accomplished. I can’t wait to see what the next two weeks hold!

This past week I attended a meeting at the Hilltop YMCA to discuss our ideas and plans to expand programming to west side residents by offering a fitness program at their location. Our plans are on hold, because the Y wants time to decide what the best way we should precede will be. I completely understand where the Y is coming from, but it’s still disappointing because I already had a meeting with another community partner to facilitate the fitness program. I now wish we had held off on that meeting or had her join the meeting we had last Friday.

Last week I had a lot of lessons about the art of programming. Often your plans and ideas for a program will and do change and often times you cannot afford to do what you want or need to do. I learned how to make a proposed budget for programs, by making the budget for the fall programs we planned to have. Unfortunately, we learned we cannot afford to offer programming the way we had envisioned in the Hilltop area. It was amazing to see how much programs actually cost. We offer programming at no cost to participants, but that does not mean the programs are without cost!

Aside from meetings about budgets, meeting community partners, contacting community partners, setting up visits to pass out surveys with agencies on the west side I had a few meetings with my boss to go over what I had done while she was on vacation and my plans for the upcoming weeks. Even though I won’t actually be able to implement the actual programs I have learned a lot about clinical programming. I’ve seen the good, the bad, and even the ugly side you could say. All my exposure has been beneficial especially anytime you can spend time with a LISW. Any conversation I have been able to have with my supervisor has been extremely important for my future career as a social worker. The knowledge, experience, and wisdom an LISW can share with one can be tremendously valuable.

 Just last week during our weekly supervision meeting, she told us we should never allow ourselves to go down the “why” question route, because it will only spiral you down to a deep dark place, and you may never find an answer. We should instead ask how or what questions to find meaning and to move beyond the situation that is troubling us.  

There are stories all around us.  Some are blatantly obvious, as the media bombards our attention with endless noise.  Others are barely a blip on the radar, yet no less compelling.

Stories are the impetus of action.  We cannot help to feel a sense of urgency after experiencing a story with which we identify with in some way.

The non-profit world is based entirely on stories.  All of our organizations are working with an ongoing narrative with extensive character development, countless plot twists, and incredible conclusions.  This is why individuals give- we all want to be part of a great story.

I have learned that when it comes to fundraising- the story is the most important component.  You can provide a well-organized project summary and an immaculate budget overview, but if you cannot tell a compelling story, none of the aforementioned matters.

At INCREASE CDC, I have never been surrounded by so many compelling narratives.  The clients we serve and the staff themselves create a powerful account based on helping people achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.

Sometimes our own stories are not as obvious as others, yet they are no less compelling.  Integrating your own experiences into the greater narrative of an organization or community helps shape the plot and ultimately the conclusion. 

Our combined stories create the impetus that drives others to give.

Tune in next week for the thrilling conclusion to all of our summer narratives.

No, I’m not referring to the viral YouTube video from a few years past. Rather, I refer to my discovery of the week! Thank you, Columbus Metropolitan Library! The West Side and Ohio Avenue Day Nurseries were founded on a shoe empire! No joke! (Though empire might be a slight exaggeration.) H.C. Godman, one of the city’s major philanthropists at the turn of the 20th century (ever heard of Godman Guild? same guy), started a shoe factory here in Columbus, in Franklinton, specifically, and made a fortune. He gave the day nursery a $10,000 gift in 1902 to assist them in cementing their programming and mission in the community. That same year, Mr. William A. Miller became president of H.C. Godman Shoe Company. Coincidence? I think not! Mrs. William A. Miller, aka Mary, is one of the West Side nursery’s major early benefactors, donating the land for its property on Grubb Street and its expansion in 1937. She also funded the North Side Day Nursery.

And yet, the library has no image record of Mary Miller, no photo of her. CELC has it. Right there, that is why I am here this summer. To share the Columbus early learning / day nursery story and to highlight the important contributions of the women who founded it and whose legacies live on 125 years later.

Mrs. Miller Gets Some 21st Century Recognition

This is just speculation, but wonder why Mrs. Miller was such a big supporter of day nurseries? I would not be surprised if it was related not only to supporting women, but also to supporting female workers in the shoe factory her husband managed, which was located only a few blocks away. Like I said, total speculation.

Despite nearing the end of the fellowship, this week has been full of discovery. I managed to clear out the rest of the Westside location (it’s usually locked and alarmed), finding more than an entire car’s worth of items. Oh and I found all of these treasures with my handy mini-camping lantern because the light bulb in the basement wasn’t working. The ambiance of searching for old, hidden away files by lantern light is exhilarating! 🙂 Sadly, I had to leave Maude on the wall, a portrait of Maude Fowler Wolfe, that is, another early day nursery benefactor. I’ll come back for her another day. (Her husband, as it turns out, also worked for H.C. Godman Shoe Company, and started this little paper called the Columbus Dispatch.)

Let me tell you, though, as much as I love history, 66 years worth of board of trustees’ meeting minutes weigh quite a bit, especially when you are hauling them up and down stairs! Now though, my treasure trove feels quite expansive! I even had to clear more space in my office for the boxes! The next two weeks will be busy indeed!

This past Tuesday, LifeCare Alliance partnered with WSYX ABC6 to collect fans for the Beat the Heat Fan Drive. Donations were accepted at ABC 6’s studio on Dublin Road and at the Lowe’s on Silver Drive, near Crew Stadium. These locations were staffed by LifeCare employees and volunteers, and reporters from ABC 6 delivered news, weather, and updates on the fan drive from these locations.

Fan drop-off location outside ABC 6 studios

LifeCare Alliance President and CEO Chuck Gehring is interviewed by ABC 6 reporter

By the time I arrived at 9:00 am, we had already received donations of over 30 fans. The generosity of the Columbus community was truly highlighted over the course of the day. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the fan drive this week and throughout the summer! LifeCare will continue to collect fans to distribute to people in need; if you would like to donate or are in need of a fan visit our website at http://www.lifecarealliance.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=175&Itemid=13

I have enjoyed doing some different types of writing this week. I drafted an article for LifeCare’s newsletter featuring our Pet Care volunteers from the Association for the Developmentally Disabled (ADD). I have also worked with our Grants & Development Coordinator, Kristi Boger, drafting several applications to hopefully secure the program monetary and/or product donations. I had submitted my original drafts back in June, and it was very interesting to see how much more associated and comfortable I’ve become with LifeCare itself. Without even realizing it, I have learned so much about the organization and the appropriate language used to describe our services and our clients. Going over my past work allowed me to really see how far I’ve come.

Eight weeks down, two weeks to go. I have learned so much over the course of this fellowship, and I can’t wait to see what the last two weeks have in store!

This week at CCA-West was filled with planning, organizing and executing Family Orientation. All new students and their families are required to attend one of our two sessions of orientation. Orientation is a exactly that, an introduction to Columbus Collegiate Academy. Families are provided more detailed information about parent/student expectations, code of conduct at CCA and our mission and dedication for the upcoming school year. Families are also given their free uniform shirt (the first shirt is free!) and a school supplies list.

One of my main objectives this summer was to increase attendance rates at orientation, specifically a goal of 85% or higher.  We have 81 new families for this school year, which means I need around 65 families to attend either orientation session to reach the 85% goal. Considering the attendance at other family events and school visits, this is a lofty goal, but either way I have been hard at work tracking down new families to attend a session.

Our first orientation was this past Wednesday evening at our new location on Dana Ave. The event went quite smoothly without any major hiccups (phew!). Nineteen families were in attendance and everyone seemed excited about the upcoming school year. It was great to see so many families I had met with individually all under the same roof. Overall I think the families were happy to see how well we’ve transitioned into the new location and parents, in particular, were happy that the school year is quickly approaching.

Our second Family Orientation is this Saturday afternoon and we are expecting 36 families. While I am usually an optimist, I’m not sure if we will reach our goal of 85% attendance. But I would be happy with 70, even 60% attendance, so my hopes are up for Saturday! 

This week my family came to visit me at work!

Well actually, they came to get lunch with me. But after lunch, I took them on a tour of BizTown. My entire family has experience Junior Achievement in one way or another. My sister and I both went through BizTown (when it still was Exchange City). When I went through it, my mom volunteered. She enjoyed the day so much that when it was my sister’s turn, she sent my dad so that he could experience it too.

They were in awe of the new BizTown. In fact, I think my sister wanted to move in. “I didn’t know you worked somewhere COOL!” She exclaimed.

She was a true fan of Charles Penzone. But what fashionista (aka my little sister) wouldn’t?

I think my college bound sister was a little envious of the hundreds of fifth graders who get to experience BizTown. But she got to sit in the mayor’s chair. This, apparently, is a desire she has harboured for eight years.

Besides my family visiting – this week was a week full of lesson planning.

 I’ve reached a point in my project where I can actually see what I’ve been working on this entire summer. In between miscellaneous projects, summer camp, and lots of research (I now know more about financial literacy than I EVER thought I would know!) I have written nine full length lesson plans and supplemental materials.

Sure, I’ve written lots of lesson plans before, much more than nine; but these nine I am especially proud of. It’s so exciting to see my coursework learning and my fellowship learning mesh together to create a final product.

Week 8, you went by too fast. The end of the summer is way too close to be creeping closer and closer. Although not a week has gone by without my eyes being opened to something new, and I have no doubt the last two weeks of this ride are going to be the same way.

Week 8 of the Fellowship is coming to an end, and I can’t believe how quickly time
is moving. It seems like just yesterday that I was nervously starting my new position
and trying to get a handle on the organization and my project. Now, I am
planning the last few activities and putting finishing touches on my research.
I have to say, it’s been a great experience. I love being able to decide for
myself where to take each section of the project—the autonomy has taught me
that I am capable of working very independently. I also like that my Fellowship
experience has had a mix, the “best of both worlds”, in that I do spend a lot
of time learning and doing research on my own, but a good portion of my
research also had to come from clients, staff, and other human sources. This
week, I was able to visit one of the licensed supported living centers for DD
clients and conduct a focus group with a few of the guys. I asked them a few
basic questions—their favorite aspects of Alvis House, their least favorite,
what they feel are their biggest challenges—and I was so grateful for the level of
response that I received. They were so willing to take time out of their days
to help me out with a project, and I can’t thank the guys enough for their contributions! The most difficult part was getting them to come up with things that
they didn’t like about living in their respective houses. It seemed to be all praise at first, which is great of course, but I needed to hear some criticism to really be able to add the information to the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis. They eventually came up with a few suggestions and services they would like to see
added to the programs in the future. Next week, I am headed to one of the halfway houses to do a similar group with corrections clients, and I am looking forward to honing my focus group skills!

I feel strongly that the Columbus Foundation’s Summer Fellowship program is one of the best summer internship-like gigs around town.   And I would like to tell you why.

The program’s two-dimensionality makes the fellowship experience unique.  Dimension No. 1: the day-to-day experience of non-profit work.  Dimension No. 2: The (intense) learning sessions hosted by the Columbus Foundation.   Combined, these make for a fellowship experience that has both breadth and depth of learning; participants are exposed to the variety of non-profit work, as well as working on a full-time project for one organization in particular.

Fellowship positions with Columbus non-profits are developed through a two-way tailoring process.  Both the potential fellows and the host organizations must apply for the fellowship.  (There are not many internships for which you and the person who wants to hire you have to apply.)  In order to have a fellowship position, non-profits must develop a job description that is way more than “Files, shreds, answers the phone, and gets coffee.” This ensures that there is a meaningful role set aside for the fellow at the organization; there is purpose and direction to a fellow’s position.

For me, the Women’s Fund proposed a project that was entirely independent.  While this amount of freedom has been challenging on occasion, overall, it has enabled me to take the project and run with it.  I own this research and it is my responsibility to see it through.  As a rising senior studying Political Science, designing, gathering and writing a research report is a phenomenal opportunity for skills development.

As a supplement to the project, fellows attend Learning Sessions which are designed to expand our understanding of the cogs of the non-profit sector.  Each session introduces a new aspect of non-profit or philanthropic work, presented by an expert in the area who gives a two-hour overview of their work.  I have enjoyed these sessions because I feel that I know more about how the non-profit sector functions overall.  Non-profit work may be inspired by ideals of social justice, but it is powered by donors, volunteers, effective leadership, and sustainable program models.

At the end of this fellowship, I will take away the personal and professional skills I have developed at the Women’s Fund, and the inspiration to find a niche that suits me in the variety of the non-profit sector.