COMMUNITY BOARD

July  2018

The Plain Press Community Board is a listing of a variety of free activities and resources for neighborhoods served by the Plain Press. Printing for it is sponsored by Organize! Ohio through donations from readers and supporters.

ARTS/THEATRE/FILM

WALKABOUTTREMONTis held every second Friday from 6 to 10 pm.  For more information, visit walkabouttremont.com

78^THSTREET STUDIOS, 1300 W. 78^thStreet. Art Opening for over 50 studios and galleries every 3^rdFriday of every month, 5-9 p.m. 78streetstudios.com.

BENEFITS

FOOD ASSISTANCE is just a phone call away. Call 216-738-7239 or visit GreaterClevelandFoodBank.org. Text FOOD to 63566 for information about Food Stamps (SNAP) applications, food pantries, free produce and hot meals. Income guidelines for SNAP: Gross monthly household income less than $1,207 for one person; less than 1,760 for two people; less than $2,213 for three people; less than $2,665 for four people; and add 4453 for each additional person beyond four people. (Note: limits are higher for those age 60 or older or disabled).

MEDICARE: If you’re one of the many Americans who have difficulty paying for health care costs, there may be ways you can save money on your Medicare premiums and other costs even if you don’t qualify for Medicaid. Medicare has four programs that may be able to help you with healthcare costs: Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program; Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program; Qualifying Individual (QI) Program; and Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) Program. To see if you are qualified for one of these programs call the State of Ohio Healthcare Assistance Program at 1-800-686-1578; TTY:1-614-644-3745, http://www.insurance.ohio.gov, or visit Medicare.gov for more information.

OHIO BENEFITS:Need to apply, renew or report changes to your Medicaid. Call 1-844-640-OHIO (6446).

CUYAHOGA BENEFITS:To apply for childcare, food assistance, cash assistance, or Prevention, Retention, and Contingency Program (PRC) benefits call the Cuyahoga Benefits Application Hotline at 216-416-4440. You can also visit a Cuyahoga Job and Family Services Neighborhood Family Service Center: Old Brooklyn, 4261 Fulton Parkway, 635-2918; or Westshore , 9830 Lorain Avenue, 939-2523.

CITY OF CLEVELAND

FREE EMERGENCY ALERTS FOR YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD:Keep informed about emergency situations in your neighborhood with this GodeRED service. To sign up visit www.city.cleveland.oh.us.

VACANT LAND REUTILIZATION PROGRAM:vacant land is available through the Land Bank Program for side yard expansion or new construction. Applications sought that will contribute to the economic, social or environmental betterment of the city. Lots also can be leased or licensed for certain interim uses such as community/market gardens. Questions and information call the Land Bank Office at 664-4126.

COMMUNITY

CLEVELAND DRUM CIRCLE: Sundays at 3 p.m. at Edgewater Park

OUR LADY OF MT. CARMEL ITALIAN FESTIVAL: July 11-15 at 6928 Detroit Avenue.

CLEVELAND METROPARKS ZOO, 3900 Wildlife Way: Free admission for Cuyahoga County residents on Mondays (Rainforest not included).

ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME, 1100 Rock and Roll Boulevard: Free to Cleveland residents for the next 10 years due to a donation by Key Bank Foundation

WESTOWN CDC SWINGING SUMMER CONCERTSin the Gazebo at Halloran Park, 3550 W. 117^thStreet. Free family friendly concerts on Sundays July 15, July 22 and July 29 from 6-8 p.m. Rain date: August 5^thfrom 5- 8 p.m.

RECESS CLEVELAND: Grill. Play. Chill. Free BBQ, fun and games at 7805 Madison Avenue every Tuesday until August 7^thfrom 4:30 -7:30 p.m. weather permitting. Music, games, food and activities for all ages. Neighbors are invited to bring food and snacks to share. For more info: recessdetroitshoreway.com.

EDGEWATER LIVE: Thursdays July 12, 19^thand 26^th. Free concert with lineup of live music, food trucks, volleyball and entertainment at Edgewater Beach. For more information visit clevelandmetropartks.com/EdgewaterLive

LA PLACITA: A Latino themed open-air market, Saturday, July 14, 1-10 p.m. in the Hispanic Business Center Parking Lot on Clark Avenue at W. 25^th.  Live entertainment, food, art & vendors.

FAMILIA has been established to engage, empower, and create a voice for the residents of the Clark-Fulton area to address issues such as safety, housing, education, civic rights and health issues for the wellbeing of families in the community. Monday July 16, from 6-7:30 pm, at Hispanic Alliance Inc, 3110 W. 25^thStreet (at Clark). For info, contact Sonia Monroy Matis , 216-661-4249 or smatis@hispanicallianceinc.org.

PAINTING IN THE PARK FAMILY FUN DAY:On Saturday, July 14, 2018, Furaha Forever Productions will host their 4^thAnnual Painting in the Park Family Fun Day in Lincoln Park-Tremont from 12 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Come experience an afternoon of art, fashion and creativity featuring Clothing Designers Diane Liston from Styles of Imagination, Reggie Haymon of Redux Clothing, Artists LaSaundra Robinson, Charllen Huff, and many more.  There will also be live painting presentations, artsy vendors and various creative activities for children and families.  This is a FREE family event you will enjoy. For tickets and or information, contact 216-202-0784 or visit us at www.ffpinfo.org.

HANDS ACROSS CLE:The City of Cleveland Community Relations Board invites all Clevelanders to Hands Across the Lorain Carnegie Bridge Street Festival on Friday September 1^stfrom noon to 2 p.m. For more information call the Community Relations Board at 664-3290.

DONATIONS

DONATE YOUR UNWANTED, USABLE GOODS.Cuyahoga County businesses and residents can donate their unwanted items with the help of a useful book published by the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District called Pass It On: A Resource-Full Guide to Donating Usable Stuff.  It lists over 120 community service and nonprofit organizations that work on behalf of youth, seniors, the homeless and others in Cuyahoga County. Toys, art supplies, clothing, books, school supplies, office equipment, sporting goods, tools, furniture and more can be donated to the organizations listed in this guide.  Donating usable goods helps others and reduces waste.  Would-be donators of goods can search how to donate or recycle their items on the District’s “What Do I Do With?” database at www.CuyahogaRecycles.org. Additionally, a printable PDF is available at: www.cuyahogarecycles.org/pass_it_on_book. People can also request copies of the soft-bound book by calling the Solid Waste District at 216.443.3749 or online at www.cuyahogarecycles.org/PublicationRequest.aspx.

EDUCATION

LITERARY CLEVELAND, a nonprofit organization committed to nurturing a vibrant community of readers and writers in Northeast Ohio, is hosting the Cleveland Inkubator conference, a free literary festival, from July 31^stto August 4^th. The programs are held in locations throughout Cleveland. To get a full schedule of events visit: www.litcleveland.org.

KEY BANK PUBLIC SAFETY SCHOLARSHIP provides financial assistance to women and underrepresented minorities who wish to pursue training in the public safety field at Tri-C’s Public Safety Center of Excellence. Eligible public safety programs include: EMT/Paramedic, Fire Academy, Police Academy, Corrections and Criminal Justice. For more information contact Public Safety Education Program Manager Terry Muff at 216-987-3037 or terry.muff@tri-c.edu.

THE SCHOOL OF ONEis a flexible high school educational program in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, specifically designed to meet the needs of gifted, talented and undecided students whose circumstances dictate a more personalized and supportive academic environment. For more information visit ClevelandMetroSchools.org/Page/2146. To enroll call 216-838-8850.

GALE COURSES: Free online classes with your library card. Classes run for six weeks and begin every month. Many types of classes including accounting, computer applications, legal and personal development. To enroll visit heep://cpl.org/galecourses and click GET STARTED NOW. Browse the site and pick a class. Select a start date. Create an account and enter your library card number.

CHOICE MAGAZINE LISTENING: A free audio magazine for adults with impaired vision or other disability. Choice Magazine Listening records the best articles, stories and poems from over 100 of the finest magazines. Call toll free from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Eastern Time at 1-888-724-6423 or visit www.choicemagazinelistening.org.

EDUCATION, OCCUPATIONAL TRAINING, AND PERSONAL GOAL SETTING and a $10 per hour stipend are among the features offered to individuals age 18-24 eligible for the OhioGuidestone CCMEP TANF Cuyahoga program. To qualify you will need to meet requirements for eligibility to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Orientations are held weekly. To reserve a spot call 440-260-6817.

FREE DIGITAL SKILLS TRAINING:Learn high-demand digital skills used in today’s workplace in Digital C’s ReStart Program. No experience necessary. Class computer provided. Classes designed for Cleveland residents with little or no digital skills or experience. Open to veterans, single heads of household receiving public assistance, young adults aging out of foster care and re-entry. Contact us at: restart@digitalc.orgor visit http://www.digitalc.org/restart.

ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES (ESOL) classes are offered by ASPIRE Greater Cleveland throughout the year at community centers and libraries. Adults who wish to attend the ESOL classes must complete an orientation session. Call 833-277-4732 or visit the website: inspiregreatercleveland.org for a complete list of orientation sessions.

FREE GED PREP: Eastman Branch Library, W. 116^thand Lorain Avenue, 2^ndFloor. Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays: 10: 15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.. Instructor: Alex. No appointment necessary.

FREE ADULT BASIC EDUCATION & GED CLASSES:One-to-one tutoring, learn at your own pace, friendly and relaxed place to learn. Seeds of Literacy located at 3104 Clark Ave, 3^rdFloor. Call 216-661-7950 or visit www.seedsofliteracy.org.

ENVIRONMENT

DON’T BREAK THE LAKE: A partnership between City of Cleveland Water Department, Sustainable Cleveland and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration asks you to combat plastic pollution in Lake Erie by switching from single-use disposable plastic bags to reusable shopping bags, and switching from single-use water bottles to reusable water bottles. To get involved & join the conversation visit Sustainable Cleveland on Facebook: @SustainableCleveland; on Twitter: @sustainableCLE or at: dontbreakthelake.org.

WEST SIDE CREATION CARE TEAM is an ecumenical grassroots organization promoting care for creation, including the climate crisis. WSCCT engages in public policy advocacy, with members writing letters to local newspapers, and directly to state and local lawmakers and executives on legislation related to sustainable, renewable energy alternatives and other issues that affect how we care for creation.  To receive notices of meetings, events, etc., or to schedule a presentation at your faith community, send an email to: westsidecreationcare@gmail.com.

FOOD PANTRY

PRINCE OF PEACE OUTREACH AND DELIVERANCE MINISTRIES, 4800 Denison: Food Pantry on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1-4 p.m.

SAGRADA FAMILIA CHURCH, 7719 Detroit Avenue: Food Pantry, Third Thursday, from 9-11 a.m.

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST MOUNT MORIAH,9807 Cudell Avenue, Food Pantry, 3^rdSaturday, 11 a.m. -1 p..m.

SIMPSON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 8519 Clark Avenue: Food Pantry, Last Wednesday of the month, 9 a.m. – Noon.

FOOD SERVICE

SUMMER FOOD SERVICE LUNCHES: The Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) joins with the Cleveland Food Bank to provide lunches to students age 18 and under until August 10^thfrom 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the following area schools: Joseph Gallagher, 6601 Franklin Blvd; Luis Munoz Marin, 1701 Castle Ave; Paul Dunbar, 2159 W. 29^th; Thomas Jefferson, 3145 W. 46^th; Walton, 3409 Walton Avenue; and Charles Mooney, 3213 Montclair Avenue.

SUMMER FOOD SERVICE DINNER: The Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) joins with the Cleveland Food Bank to provide dinner to students age 18 and under until August 10^thfrom 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Clark School, 5550 Clark Avenue.

HEALTH & SAFETY

LEAD SAFE LIVING – HEALTHY HOMES: Lead poisoning can harm your child. Lead poisoning can cause behavior and learning problems. By the time you notice, it may be too late. Get your child tested for lead. Protect kids – protect your investment. Resources available for eligible families: Free home lead inspection; free repair or removal of lead paint in your home; and free health related repair work. Call Lead Coordinator Ms. Gibson of the Department of Community Development Lead Hazard Repair Grant Program at Community Housing Solutions for your application appointment today at 216-651-0077.

IMMUNIZATIONS FOR CHILDREN: Get immunizations at McCafferty Health Center, 4242 Lorain Avenue, at no cost to you. Times: Every Monday from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.; 1^st, 2^ndand fourth Wednesday from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. and from 1-4 p.m.; every 2^ndand 4^thThursday from 4-7 p.m. No appointment needed. Walk-ins accepted on first come, first served basis. Bring shot record or letter for school and Medicaid card (if applicable). Vaccinations are available for children who are uninsured, underinsured, or who have Medicaid. For more information call 664-6603 or 664-4120 or visit the Cleveland Health Department website at: www.clevelandhealth.org.

CARRY NARCAN! SAVE A LIFE!:Did you know you can get Narcan (a.k.a. nalozone) in certain pharmacies? Here is how it works: Visit your local pharmacy (Recommendation: Discount Drug Mart, Walgreens or Marcs pharmacies). Tell pharmacist you need to obtain Narcan (a.k.a. nalozone). You don’t need a written prescription for Narcan. There are no special requirements for obraining Narcan. Give the pharmacist your medical insurance information. Narcan is not free in the pharmacy, but your insurance may provide partial or full coverage for the medication.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING HAPPENS HERE TOO:For more information visit: HappensHereToo.org or visit the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking at collaborativeinitiative.org. Support is available for Human Trafficking victims at the Project STAR (Sex Trafficking Advocacy and Recovery) Hotline of the Cleveland Rape Crisis at 855-431-STAR (7827); Bellefaire JCB Homeless and Missing Youth Program Hotline at 216-570-8010 or at the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 888-3737-888.

ARE YOU CONSIDERING QUITTING SMOKING IN 2018? Are you over 18 with a cell phone with online access? Join our new research study and get a text messaging program for smokers ready to quit; free counseling on how to quit; free nicotine patches or gum; paid to complete surveys. Help us learn what works for our community. Call NOW to join Path2Quit: 216-754ICAN or 216-754-4226 Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

CUYAHOGA COUNTY PROJECT DAWN(Deaths Avoided with Nalozone) Program for individuals who use opiods and are at risk of death from opioid overdose and family and friends of those who are at risk of death from opioid overdose. Learn how to recognize and overdose and how to administer naloxone to reverse and opioid overdose. Distribute nalozone to participants free of charge. Cleveland Department of Public Health Thomas McCafferty Health Center, 4242 Lorain Ave. Walk-in hours: Mondays and Wednesdays, 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. and Thursdays Noon- 8p.m. For more information please call Project DAWN at 778-5677 or visit www.metrohealth.org/projectdawn.

FREE SMOKE ALARMS FOR YOUR HOMEare available through Operation Save-A-Life, a program of the American Red Cross and the Cleveland Fire Department, that provides free smoke alarms and batteries to Cleveland residents. Smoke alarms are installed by Cleveland firefighters at no cost to residents. Please note that application and installation process may take up to 90 days. Call the Operation Save-A-Life 24-hour hotline at 216-361-5535 to apply for free smoke alarms.

LEGAL ADVICE

TENANT INFORMATION LINE: Legal Aid now handles tenants’ questions through the Tenant Information Line at 216-861-5955. Advice is also available to those who speak Spanish. Para Español: 216-586-3190.

FREE LEGAL ADVICE CLINIC: The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland offers free, first come, first served, legal advice event for low-income individuals. July 14 at Lorain Branch Library, 8216 Lorain Ave. Intake from 10 – 11 a.m. For more information call 687-1900.

NEED LEGAL HELP WITH YOUR JOB?Been paid late or not at all? Not received the minimum wage? Not received overtime pay? Not received your last pay check? Experienced unsafe working conditions? Had other employment-related problems. The Legal Aid’s Wage Project can help. Call 888-817-3777 toll free to complete an application for legal services.

IMMIGRATION LEGAL SERVICES:Need immigration Help? Call Catholic Charities at 216-939-3769. Low cost immigration assistance for applications filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and representation in Immigration Court.

PARENTING

CHILDREN 12 YEARS OLD AND UNDER RIDE RTA FREE this summer until August 11, 2108. Must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or older. Limit three children per adult. Includes all services except paratransit.

CUYAHOGA COUNTY WOMEN, INFANTS & CHILDREN (WIC) NUTRITION PROGRAM provides nutrition education, nutritious foods and breastfeeding support. To be eligible to participate in the nutrition education program you must be pregnant, breast-feeding or postpartum (having a baby less-than six months old). Or, be an infant or child under five years old. You must also live in Cuyahoga County, have a nutritional need and have a household income that is less than or equal to the Ohio WIC guidelines for your family size. For family size a foster child counts as a one-person family, a pregnant mother counts as a two-person family. For a one-person family the income eligibility is $22,311 or less annual income. For a two-person family the income would be $30,044 or less. For a three-person family the eligible income would be $37,777 or less. As the size of the family increases, the amount of income you can have and still be eligible also increase for income guidelines for larger families call 216-957-9421.

FATHERHOOD DEVELOPMENT:  Free programs: Job readiness & placement programs, financial literacy, healthy parenting, legal assistance, career counseling. Contact Passages Connecting Fathers and Families and New Beginnings for New Fathers at 3631 Perkins, or call 216-881-6776 or visit www.passages-oh.org.

METROHEALTH MOMS: Sign up for a chance to win a stylish diaper kit, free weekly emails, personalized to the growth and development of your baby. MetroHealth Moms guides you through your pregnancy. Each week learn something new about the growth of your baby. To sign up visit metrohealth.org/birthing and click on the MetroHealth Moms icon on the right-hand side.

MOMS FIRST:A helping hand for your pregnancy and your baby. Are you Pregnant? Do you live in the city of Cleveland? MomsFirst can help you learn how to reduce the stress that comes with being pregnant and parenting; connect to resources for housing, education and health care; understand how to keep your baby safe; find birth control options that work; set and achieve your goals fefore and after birth. Call 216-664-4194 to connect to a MomsFirst provider in your area. www.momsfirst.org.

BOOT CAMP FOR NEW DADS: A program for Dads only, taught by veteran dads. One day, three-hour course in a relaxed comfortable setting. Learn the best way to hold, feed and cuddle your new baby. Learn to change diapers. Interact with real babies with the help of male instructors skilled in baby care. Offered three times per month at MetroHealth Main Campus 216-778-3381. Breakfast or lunch will be provided.

STEPS TO A HEALTHIER WEIGHT PROGRAM: designed for people with a BMI of 25 and above. FREE for Reproductive Health Clinic patients at McCafferty Health Center (Room 233). Free access to exercise facilities and childcare included. For more information call Kathleen, RN at 216-664-4269.

POLITICAL ACTION

CLEVELANDERS FOR PUBLIC TRANSITurges public transit supporters and riders to join in a march & rally on July 23.   The group will meet at RTA Headquarters at 1240 W.  6^that 5 p.m. and march to Public Square for a 5:30 p.m. rally on the South side of the square to urge RTA to put transit funding on the ballot. For more information visit www.clefortransit.org@CLEforTransit on Facebook or Twitter.

CLEVELANDERS FOR PUBLIC TRANSITwill meet at the Starbucks on W. 6^that 8:30 a.m. on July 24th and then go to the RTA Board Meeting to lobby RTA to place an issue on the ballot seeking more funding and to start a Fair Fare program. For more information contact clefortransit.rog/fairfares.

OHIOANS FOR GUN SAFETY:A grassroots movement to bring common sense background checks on gun sales to Ohio. For more information visit www.ohioansforgunsafety.com.

MOMS DEMAND ACTION for gun sense in America: For more information on joining or volunteering with a local chapter visit: www.momsdemandaction.org.

EVERYTOWN SURVIVOR NETWORK:The Everytown Survivor Network brings together Americans who have been personally affected by gun violence to build a community of support and empower them to become leaders in the gun violence prevention movement. If you or someone you love is a survivor and you would like to get involved text the word SURVIVOR TO 644-33 or email: survivors@everytown.org.

VOLUNTEERS

CASAof Cuyahoga County, a program of Child and Family Advocates of Cuyahoga County, needs volunteers to advocate for children who have been neglected and abused. CASAs are everyday citizens who are appointed by the Court to advocate for the safety and well-being of children and represent the children’s best interests. CASAs are trained to investigate, facilitate, advocate, and monitor one or two cases at a time to help the Court make the best decision for a safe, caring, and permanent home for children involved in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Those interested in becoming a CASA, please visit cfadvocates.org or call 216.443.3377 for more information.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDfor Mobile Pantry at Walz Branch Library, 7910 Detroit Avenue on 4^thFriday of the month at 11 a.m. See Mrs. Lefkowitz to volunteer.

CALLING ALL CRAFTERS: Warm Up Cleveland and the Cleveland Public Library are seeking donations of handmade items to help our neighbors in need: hats, scarves, cowls, mittens, cloves, handwarmers, headbands, socks, slippers, sweaters, shawls, blankets, afghans, quilts, stuffed toys, baby clothes, baby bootees, and baby blankets. All sizes needed: infants to adults. Drop off completed items, yarn or supplies year-round at any Cleveland Public Library location. Donations of washable yarn, knitting needles and crochet hooks are very much appreciated. Busy knitters and crocheters will turn your unwanted yarn into finished objects. All items are distributed to local charities. Join the group at: www.ravelry.com/groups/warm-up-cleveland. For more information contact Outreach and Programming Services at 216-623-2921 or visit: www.cpl.org.

NORTHEAST OHIO COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS (NEOCH): works to organize and empower homeless and at-risk men, women and children to break the cycle of poverty through public education, advocacy and the creation of nurturing environments. If you would like to find out more, or help, visit NEOCH at www.neoch.org.

YOUTH

CHECK OUT 216TEENS.ORG for information on puberty, STDS, pregnancy prevention and relationships. 216TEENS is the Cuyahoga County Board of Health’s campaign to prevent teen pregnancy and STDS.

SUMMER LIT LEAGUE FINALE CELEBRATION: Saturday, August 4^th, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Complete Lit League and earn two free tickets to the Zoo and Rainforest for our Aug 4^thcelebration including the Cavs Scream Team, Z107.9, puppet shows, crafts, and the 12:30 p.m. drawing for Southwest Airlines gift cards (you must be present to win).

YOUTH SUMMIT AND CMSD BACK TO SCHOOL FAIR:Saturday August 4, at Public Auditorium, 500 Lakeside Avenue from 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Doors open at 8 a.m. For more information call 216-838-3223.

TEEN SUICIDE: LEARN THE WARNING SIGNS AND RISK FACTORSthat may contribute to youth suicide by using the free online staff development (in-service) training for teachers and others who work and interact with youth on suicide awareness and prevention. The online staff development trainings offered by The Jason Foundation introduce the scope and magnitude of the problem of youth suicide on both the national and state level. It discusses the educator’s relationship that allows them to recognize when the youth are struggling or changing and how to respond. For more information and a list of the warning signs and risk factors that can elevate the possibility of suicidal ideations visit The Jason Foundation at:  www.jasonfoundation.com.