March 2020 Community Board

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/MUSIC/THEATRE

RACIAL EQUITY & INCLUSION FILM SERIES AT CAPITOL THEATRE: Series begins with Queen & Slim (2019), Wednesday, March 11th – A couple’s first date takes an unexpected turn when a police officer pulls them over. Starring Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith; directed by Melina Matsoukas and partially filmed in Cleveland. Admission to each film is free, with a $5 suggested donation, so that cost is not a barrier to entry.  Each screening will take place at 6:30pm at the Capitol Theatre with thoughtful discussions to follow at XYZ The Tavern less than one block away, with free food and a cash bar.

FREE SCREENING OF THE FILM DARK WATERS: Urban Community School Gathering Place, 4909 Lorain Avenue, March 25^th at 6:30 p.m. “DARK WATERStells the shocking and heroic story of an attorney who risks his career and family to uncover a dark secret hidden by one of the world’s largest corporations and to bring justice to a community dangerously exposed for decades to deadly chemicals. ”Starring Academy Award nominee Mark Ruffalo and Academy Award winners Tim Robbins and Anne Hathaway. Guests include Cleveland Actor Jeff Grover, who starred in the film, and Urban Community Middle School’s Environmental Warriors.

FREE WRITING PROGRAM FOR BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH AND INFANT MORTALITY: Black women facing the maternal health and infant mortality crisis in Cleveland will have the opportunity to tell their own stories in a free writing program beginning in March 2020. The American Association of Clergy and Employers (AACE) is launching Beauty for Ashes: Stories of Maternal Hope, a restorative journalism project that will empower women in Cleveland to tell their first-person narratives of struggle and perseverance.  Through this project, more Clevelanders will learn about the problems of maternal health and infant mortality, seek solutions, and become activists for change. To help shed light on this issue, Literary Cleveland is partnering with AACE to offer a free eight-week writing workshop which will provide black women the space to tell their stories on their own terms. Participants’ stories will then be shared through several media outlets, including FreshWater Cleveland, Radio-One 107.9 FM, and WERE AM 1490. By sharing stories of firsthand experience, participants can make a difference and help save the lives of children and mothers in our community.  Interested participants can visit https://www.litcleveland.org/events-programs/beauty-for-ashes or call 440-494-6290 for more information.

FATHERHOOD INITIATIVE AND ROCK HALL PARTNER to Help Dads and Kids Make a Musical Connection through a program encouraging fathers and their children to visit the museum and discover a new hobby together. Fathers and their children who visit the Rock Hall can participate in self-guided activities that lead them through discovering a new hobby and exploring the museum together. Special guides can be found on the Fatherhood Initiative website, or at the Rock Hall’s Welcome Kiosk. Visitors who live in Cleveland can take advantage of free admission through the CLE VIP Program. Visit rockhall.com for more information about exhibits, programs and events.

MUSIC NEAR THE MARKET: Featuring Cleveland’s world-famous Beckerath Organ. Every Wednesday, 12:15-12:45 p.m. Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, W. 30^th and Lorain Avenue.

SPACES, at 2900 Detroit Avenue, offers free gallery admission. Its hours are Tuesday through Friday from Noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays- open until 8 p.m. Free gallery tours available upon request.

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

78^TH STREET STUDIOS, 1300 W. 78^th Street. Art Opening for over 50 studios and galleries every 3^rd Friday of every month, 5-9 p.m. 78streetstudios.com.

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART CLEVELAND (MOCA) at 11400 Euclid Avenue is now offering the public free daily admission. Hours are Tuesday – Thursday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. MOCA Saturdays: different activities each week to engage and explore. Family Fun provided by PNC.

ACTIVISM

DEFINING THE GREEN NEW DEAL: Creating Equitable Green Jobs Tuesday, March 3, 2020, 7pm, West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church, 20401 Hilliard Blvd, Rocky River. The GND calls for the creation of jobs retrofitting our buildings for energy efficiency, building a smart grid, manufacturing electric cars, increasing public transportation and more. How will the GND affect fossil fuel workers? Poverty wage workers? The Unemployed? Free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:30pm for light refreshments and tabling information from area environmental groups.

AmeRícan: CELEBRATING PUERTO RICAN RESISTANCE & RESILIENCE: Wednesday, March 18, 1-8 p.m. at Case Western Reserve University, Linsalata Alumni Center, 11310 Juniper Rd. Join the Social Justice Institute for a critical conversation about the history of social movements in Puerto Rico and the diaspora, the intersection of arts and activism, the question of building community power, and the need for political advocacy and education.  Speakers include: Keynote Speaker Juan Gonzalez, Iris Morales, Raquel Ortiz, Marvin Garcia and Erica Gonzalez. Free and open to the community. Includes dinner and a cultural musical performance. Free transportation to CWRU from Esperanza at W. 25^th and Clark Avenue available. RSVP to socialjustice@case.edu.

ANNUAL MEETINGS

METRO WEST ANNUAL MEETING: Join the Metro West Community Development Organization for an evening of celebration that will highlight and showcase residents, businesses, organizations, and individuals who added to the vibrancy of the Stockyard, Clark-Fulton, and Brooklyn Center neighborhoods throughout 2019! Thursday, March 5, 2020 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM at The Family Ministry Center, 3389 Fulton Road.

CUDELL IMPROVEMENT ANNUAL MEETING: Cancelled due to concerns about spreading coronavirus.  Saturday, March 14, 12:30-3:30 p.m., Brennan’s Banquet Center. This celebration of the Cudell & Edgewater neighborhoods is FREE and open to all! Enjoy the taco bar, award and board election results, and keynote speaker Eric Gordon, CEO of Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Donations will be collected for Marion C. Seltzer School: school uniform items (khaki/navy/black pants, solid color polo/button down shirt), book bags, hats, gloves, travel-sized personal items (toothpaste, deodorant), or individually wrapped food items (such as cereal bars)

OHIO CITY INCORPORATED ANNUAL MEETING: Cancelled due to concerns about spreading coronavirus.  Thursday, March 19, 5:30-8:00 p.m., Urban Community School, 4909 Lorain Ave. Reflect on the progress of the past year and recognize outstanding community leaders across the neighborhood. Free and open to all.

CLEVELAND PEACE ACTION ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING: Postponed due to concerns about spreading coronavirus.  Featuring Kevin Zeese: “Declining U.S. Empire and the Peace Movement’s Role” Thursday, March 19^th, Pilgrim Church, 2592 W.14th St., Potluck @6:30 pm, Board Elections and Volunteer Recognition @7:15 pm , Kevin Zeese @7:30 pm.

BENEFITS

INTERVIEW ABOUT YOUR BENEFITS: Northern Ohioans for Budget Legislation Equality wants to hear about your experiences applying for or renewing your benefits like food stamps or Medicaid. To get information to improve the system, they are doing short interviews with people on benefits. If you can do a brief interview, contact Jacie at jacie@organizeohio.org or call (216) 651-2606.

CHURCHES

THE SHROUD OF TURIN   A GALLERY OF IMAGES and other artifacts in the Passion of the Lord Jesus Christ.  It will be held in the Community Center of Trinity Lutheran Church, W. 30^th& Lorain, on April 3rd and 4th.  Times for viewing will be from 10am to 4pm on both days.  Admission is free.  The Community Center is located at the end of the cul-de-sac on West 30th St (behind Wendy’s).  Free will donations accepted.  For more information call 216-688-0040.

COMMUNITY

PROJECT RED CORD engages residents to understand what human trafficking is (and isn’t) and how to help. An educational event by Renee Jones Empowerment Center, kNOw Human Trafficking, will be open to all on Thursday, April 16, 6-8pm at Urban Community School (4909 Lorain Avenue). Human trafficking and street prostitution are issues throughout Ohio, including the west side of Cleveland. The goal of this gathering is to engage, educate and empower residents to better understand what human trafficking is, and what it isn’t. Residents will be able to hear from survivors, local organizations and receive tools they can implement. For more information, email jtaylor@dscdo.org or call 216.961.4242 x233.

SOCIAL MEDIA SITES FOR OHIO CITY NEIGHBORHOOD: #OHCNeighborGames2019; #OHCCommunityConversation2019; Facebook: Ohio City incorporated; Twitter:@OhioCityTweets; and Instagram: @OhioCityInc.

CONSUMER

PARATRANSIT SURVEY: Northern Ohioans for Budget Legislation Equality (NOBLE) will be conducting a survey regarding Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) paratransit rider experiences for the next couple of months in an effort to improve paratransit services in entirety.  If you or someone that you know utilizes paratransit and would be open to hearing more about and or taking the survey please contact our organizer, Brittney Madison at BMadison@organizeohio.org or 330-571-3333.

REPORT SCAMS: Call the Cuyahoga County Scam Squad at 216-443-SCAM (7226). Hang up if a caller threatens you with arrest or property seizure, claims to be a grandchild or loved one in trouble with the law; asks you to wire money, mail cash or pay with gift cards; if a repair person calls out of the blue and wants to “fix” your computer.

DOES YOUR HOME HAVE A SMOKE ALARM? If not, call the operation Save-A-Life 24-hour hotline at 216-361-5535 to apply for FREE smoke alarms.

DONATIONS

ALUMINUM CANS FOR BURNED CHILDREN (ACBC): Instead of throwing aluminum cans out or placing them on your curb, collect them and take them to your local fire station. This will help benefit a pediatric burn survivor or prevent a child from a burn injury. For more information about ACBC call 216-883-6633 or visit www.acbcohio.org.

EDUCATION

OPEN HOUSE – OUR LADY OF MT CARMEL: Now Enrolling for 2020-21, PreK 3 to 8th Grade. Attend an Open House on 3/19 5:30-7 PM or 4/2 or call to schedule an appointment. All faiths welcome. Ask us about FREE TUITION. www.olmc-cleveland.org or 216-281-7146.

MAYOR FRANK G. JACKSON SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM: Applications for the Mayor Frank G. Jackson Scholarship Program are open now through March 27, 2020. To learn more and to apply, visit: www.city.cleveland.oh.us/node/164463. The Mayor Frank G. Jackson Scholarship Program was created by the City of Cleveland in 2007 to provide scholarship funds to the following individuals:  1. City employees; 2. Dependents of City employees; 3. High school seniors graduating from the Cleveland Metropolitan School District; and 4. High school seniors in the Youth Development Program or involved with the City of Cleveland Department of Recreation. Scholarships are renewable for up to three additional years from the first awarded academic year. To be eligible for renewal of the scholarship, students must maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA and full-time status.The City of Cleveland’s Mayor Frank G. Jackson Scholarship program is administered through College Now Greater Cleveland. For questions about the scholarship applications, please contact College Now Greater Cleveland at 216-635-0324.

STUDENT OF THE YEAR SCOLARSHIP 2020: The Public Relations Society of America Greater Cleveland Chapter Cleveland Student of the Year award honors one outstanding public relations/communications/marketing college student with a scholarship. Applications are being accepted for the 2020 Student of the Year scholarship. If you meet the qualifications outlined below please apply!. Deadline to apply is March 5, 2020. Must be a current student majoring in public relations, communications, marketing or related field of study, graduating after June 28, 2020, and in good standing. Must be attending a university/college in the Northeast Ohio/Greater Cleveland area OR originally resided in Northeast Ohio/Greater Cleveland. PRSSA membership is not required to qualify but is recommended. Applicants will be judged by the Scholarship Committee of the PRSA Greater Cleveland Chapter based on meeting the qualifications outlined, as well as the quality of responses to the listed prompts. The top applicant will receive a $2000 monetary award dispersed for the next class session (summer session, fall semester/quarter). The top five applicants will receive the opportunity to be interviewed for an internship at one of the participating organizations/companies in Greater Cleveland (to be announced). NOTE: This is not a guaranteed internship, but an opportunity to be interviewed. Past winners of PRSA Cleveland scholarships are not eligible. To apply visit the PRSA website at prsacleveland.org and got to Student Scholarship Program.

TEACH FOR AMERICA seeks Associate Board members: Teach For America (TFA) Greater Cleveland is recruiting a diverse group of emerging leaders to our founding Associate Board who are dedicated to promoting the mission of Teach For America to achieve educational equity in Cleveland. We are seeking individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who believe in the limitless potential of students, share a conviction to change current systems of inequity, and who will support efforts to ensure all students have the opportunity to attain an excellent education. Members will support TFA’s efforts through their involvement in our community outreach, appreciation of our teachers, and event planning. As a member of the associate board you will be able to leverage your skills, broaden your professional network, and develop your leadership skills while gaining deeper understanding of the educational landscape in Cleveland. If you are interested in being a part of our founding Associate Board, please complete the application by visiting this site: teachforamerica.org.

 

GORDON SQUARE COMPUTER LAB: Free classes Tuesdays from 10am to 4pm; Thursdays from 11am to 6 pm, and alternating either Friday 1-5 pm OR Saturday 9-11am. For more information or to register, call Digital Literacy Coordinator Alicia Greasby at 219-961-4242 ext. 235.

METRO WEST COMPUTER LAB: Free classes on Mondays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wednesdays from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m; Fridays from 1-5 p.m.; and every other Saturday from 9 a.m. -11 a.m. at 3167 Fulton Road, Third Floor, Suite 303. For more information and to register call Digital Literacy Coordinator Alicia Greasby at 216-961-9073 ext. 235.

FREE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS TRAINING FOR YOUR STUDENTS: The Red Cross is offering FREE youth disaster preparedness presentations for elementary-aged students. The 30-to-60-minute classroom-based presentations are designed for students in grades K-5. To learn more about the program or schedule a presentation contact: John.Gareis@redcross.org or visit redcross.org/youthprep.

COLLEGE NOW Greater Cleveland on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Carnegie West Branch Library, 1900 Fulton Road: College Now assists adults with student loan debt, starting a degree program, returning to college to finish a degree, finding scholarships, financial aid and much more.  Contact CoLean Williams, Adult Programs Specialist, to schedule an appointment: CWilliams@collegenowgc.org 216.635.0182.

FREE COURSES: Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) Aspire offers free courses to help you improve your academic skills, prepare for the workforce, work towards High School Equivalent (HSE)/GED Test Preparation, and prepare for a job, college or training. High school graduates are welcome if they meet testing requirements. Register online on the 15^th and 30^th of each month at www.tri-c.edu/aspire. (If the 15^th or 30^th is on a weekend or holiday, registration will be on the following weekday. You must attend orientation to enroll.) For more information and a complete list of classes and resources visit: www.tri-c.edu/aspire.

WORKFORCE 360°: Do you need your GED or High School Diploma? Are you 18 to 24 years old? Are you a resident of Cuyahoga County and eligible to work in the United States? If so, Ohio Guidestone offers a program for you. The program includes: paid training; GED Assistance; help creating a resume and preparing for interviews; financial literacy training; leadership training; transportation assistance; help finding a job; help with healthcare, child care, housing, food assistance, and legal needs; help with additional education; Occupational Training in customer service, hospitality, culinary, and health care; support for one year following program completion.  Orientations held every Tuesday at 10 a.m. For more information or to sign up call 440-260-6813 or email Nicole.Buongiorno@OhioGuidestone.org or visit Workforce 360° Center, 3235 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115.

LEARN TO SPEAK ENGLISH FOR FREE: Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) Aspire offers English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) courses for free. Register online on the 15^th and 30^th of each month at www.tri-c.edu/aspire. (If the 15^th or 30^th is on a weekend or holiday, registration will be on the following weekday. You must attend orientation to enroll.) For more information and a complete list of classes and resources visit: www.tri-c.edu/aspire.

EMPLOYMENT

WEST SIDE CATHOLIC CENTER WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT JOBS PROGRAM: The program runs from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Monday thru Friday for a period of eight weeks. All jobseekers are guaranteed job offers in the area of their interest and may exit the program prior to the eight weeks upon accepting an employment opportunity. We assist with obtaining childcare vouchers and provide childcare in the interim. We assist with bus tickets for all SNAP eligible individuals. Work clothes, interview clothes and all supplies needed for class are provided for free. A free lunch is provided after class. Those individuals who are interested or need additional hours for SNAP will have a choice of two exploratory introductions to either FOOD SERVICE or MANUFACTURING. Question or registration, call Frank Johanek   216-631-4741 ext. 167

FOOD

CLEVELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY branches now serve free meals to children age 18 and under Monday thru Friday from 3:30 -4:30 p.m.

LINCOLN WEST GLOBAL STUDIES HIGH SCHOOL FOOD PANTRY, 3202 W. 30^th Street, 3-5 p.m. on March 10, April 14, May 12 and June 9^th. Fresh Produce. Bring your own bags. Enter from North side parking lot.

GREATER CLEVELAND FOOD BANK: Call 216-738-7239, or visit GreaterClevelandFoodBank.org for food assistance. Apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) if you are under sixty (limits are higher for persons age 60 or older or persons receiving disability assistance) and your monthly family income is $1,316 or less for a one-person household; $1,784 or less for a two person household; $2,252 or less for a three person household; $2,720 or less for a four person household. Add $453 for each additional household member.   For information about Food Stamps (SNAP) applications, food pantries, free produce, and hot meals text FOOD to 63566.

HEALTH

WANT TO STOP SMOKING: Information on how to stop and where to get help can be found at: www.healthycle.org/ditchtobacco.

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE: Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org. The Lifeline is FREE, confidential and always available.

IMMIGRATION

IMMIGRATION DETAINEES IN NORTHEAST OHIO: If you need legal assistance with an immigration matter and cannot afford an attorney, Legal Aid may be able to help. Call the Legal Aid’s Detention Project at 888-817-3777.

RECREATION
LINCOLN WEST SCHOOL AS A NEIGHBORHOOD RESOURCE, 3202 W. 30th: Free night recreation and community programming. Open 6-8 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays on days when school is in session thru March of 2020. Free space for community groups for meetings and extracurricular programs. Programs available for residents include: arts & crafts, basketball open gym, batting cage, cooking class, indoor track, Near West Rec, soccer, tutoring, weight room & Zumba. For more information visit neighborhoodleadership.org. Site coordinator is Michelle Cruz. For more information visit www.neighborhoodleadership.org.

REUNION

THE 1960 CLASS OF SAINT STANISLAUS HIGH SCHOOL will hold a reunion at the end of July 2020. For more information contact Reie Dix of the Alumni Committee at 216-357-2674.

SERVICES

RENEE JONES EMPOWERMENT CENTER, 3764 W. 25^th Street, Suite 200.: Restoring the lives of Human Trafficking Victims through holistic services and advocacy. Services include therapy, case management, life skills, employment assistance, weekly support groups and more. Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays from 12:30-8:30 p.m.; Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. To make an appointment call 216- 417-0823. For more information visit: www.rjecempower.org or email: rjones@rjecempower.org.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER’S LATINA PROJECT offers culturally sensitive services that take into consideration the realities of the Latino life. Services provided in Spanish and free of charge include information about legal rights &Justice System Advocacy, personal assistance & escort, counseling services, weekly Spanish-speaking Support Group/childcare and more. For more information call 216-229-2420 or visit www.dvcac.org.

VOLUNTEERS

CUYAHOGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE JAZZFEST CLEVELAND is looking for energetic and passionate music lovers to volunteer at the 41^st annual Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland, presented by KeyBank. The College is accepting applications online at www.tri-c.edu/JazzVolunteer through Friday, March 27. The online form asks for basic information to align the skills of the individual with the tasks at hand. The 2020 Tri-C JazzFest runs June 25-27 at Playhouse Square.

BILINGUAL TUTORS NEEDED FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS TAKING THE GED, Tuesdays & Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Seeds of Literacy,3104 W. 25^th Street. Seeds of Literacy offers FREE one-to-one GED tutoring to adults in Cleveland. In association with Esperanza, Seeds of Literacy has expanded its services to include tutoring for Spanish-speaking adults in the Clark-Fulton community. Bilingual volunteer tutors are needed. Curriculum, practice tests and tutoring will be conducted in Spanish. Training for tutors will be provided. For more information visit http://www.seedsofliteracy.org, or to volunteer call 216-661-7950 or email: SHARON@SEEDSOFLITERACY.ORG.

CASA of 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.

GIRLTREK: a public health movement for Black women and girls, is training 3000 neighborhood captains to hold 1,000 walks in neighborhoods around the country in 2019. To sign up to participate email lead@girltrek.org.