Nominate a volunteer today! Hundreds of health and social service organizations serving Greater Cleveland rely on dedicated volunteers to augment their staff. Volunteers perform a vast array of services, not for a paycheck, but for the joy and satisfaction of helping others. For many, time of day or time of year makes no difference; they...
Author: Roslyn Kaleal
June 22, 2020
Building a just community by giving voices to people at the margins
Established shortly after the death of a man during a civil-rights protest in Cleveland, a new committee was established “to deal with racial problems in the city and improve community relations…and work on problems affecting the African-American community, such as education, employment and housing.” Today’s news? It could be. But it’s not. It’s a description...
May 21, 2020
Growing our gratitude during Mental Health Awareness Month
One thing that seems to have increased during the past several weeks is discussion of gratitude. One thing that seems to have increased during the past several weeks is discussion of gratitude. It’s in public service announcements—“Thanks to first-responders”—in advertising—“We appreciate our loyal customers”—in webinars on mental health—“Keep a gratitude journal”—and even in cute messages...
May 13, 2020
Staying connected, especially during this pandemic
They’re there. Behind closed doors. Rarely seen or heard. But there and they need attention. Who? Isolated older adults. On Tuesday, May 12, Ohio announced the launch of a new program, Staying Connected, a free, daily check-in phone service for Ohioans age 60 or older. Its laudable goal is to ensure that Ohioans—especially those who...
May 6, 2020
Ohioans encouraged to use mental health resources at Governor’s press conference
Community Solutions’ recent survey of groups across Ohio indicated that, despite the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), more than 75 percent of respondents are “very concerned” about the well-being or mental health of their clients, compared to 35 percent who are “very concerned” about themselves. “Your mental health is just as important as your...
May 5, 2020
Governor releases new guidelines for COVID-19 testing priorities
During the May 4 daily press conference, Governor Mike DeWine reported that trend lines regarding coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths are “not exactly where we would want, but give the idea that we are going in the right direction.” As Ohio businesses begin to reopen and people wonder whether to expect a new surge, he...
March 25, 2020
When we’re on the other side…
Today at The City Club of Cleveland’s virtual forum, “State Policy During a Pandemic,” our president and executive director John Corlett suggested that, when we’re on the other side of this public health crisis, we should have “community claps” for health care workers and first-responders. What a great idea. We should have “community claps” for...
October 21, 2019
Volunteers teach, advocate, protect, empower and keep hope alive
It never fails. Every year, when the winners of the Most Treasured Volunteer Award are introduced, I think “Wow. We are so fortunate to have people like this in our community.” And this year is no different. This year’s honored volunteers include: A single mom who leads dozens of girls on exciting adventures through cheer...
September 30, 2019
My Brother My Sister will receive $25,000 prize
It’s human nature to mark each year as it passes. We celebrate anniversaries, publish annual reports and (hopefully) get annual check-ups. Another important thing we do annually is honor outstanding work by a nonprofit organization with the $25,000 Anisfield-Wolf Memorial Award. After a robust review of all the nominations, this year’s committee selected My Brother...