Plain Press Community Board – February 2021

ADVOCACY

CLEVELANDERS FOR PUBLIC TRANSIT(CPT): There are lots of ways to keep in touch with CPT. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. Email us at info@clefortransit.orgCall or text us at 216-714-2164.

YWCA’S ACTION CENTER is a resource for advocacy on the national level. Visit the center to learn more about YWCA’s national policy stances and about more local legislation. Issue areas include economic security, immigration, racial justice and more. Visit the center at: https://ywcaquorum.us/issues.

ARTS

PIANO CLEVELAND offers to donate pianos to piano students: To be eligible for the Piano and Keyboard Donation Program, you must be a student who is currently taking piano lessons or an institution such as a community center, school, senior living facility, or rehabilitation center. Plans are underway to expand the eligibility requirements as the program develops. For those interested in receiving or donating an instrument through the Piano and Keyboard Donation program, please fill out the online forms on the Piano Cleveland website at pianocleveland.org or contact Emily Shelley, Education and Outreach Coordinator, at emily.shelley@pianocleveland.org. 

CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART has reopened. Although admission is free, due to COVID-19 precautions you must reserve a ticket to enter. To reserve a free general admission ticket, call the ticket center at 216-421-7350 on Monday thru Sunday from 10 a.m. – 5p.m. excluding holidays.

GORDON SQUARE REVIEW: a publication of Literary Cleveland, holds two open readings periods each year. The journal will reopen for general submissions from writers of all geographic locations on January 15, 2021 and will remain open through April 1, 2021. Writers accepted for publication receive $25 per prose piece and $10 per poem. For more information visit: www.gordonsquarereview.org/submit.html

LIT CLE -CLEVELAND HUMANITIES FESTIVAL CROWDSOURCED POEM: Literary Cleveland and the CSU Poetry Center invite writers who have a connection to Northeast Ohio to submit a poem on the theme of identity for inclusion in the 2021 Cleveland Humanities Festival. The poems will be used to create a crowdsourced, collectively written poem. Submissions are due by February 8^th. For more information visit: https://gordonsquarereview.submittable.com

BENEFITS

CUYAHOGA JOBS AND FAMILY SERVICES notice of action letters, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) interview notices, Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards and Prevention, Retention and Contingency (PRC) program vouchers may arrive late. This may mean that notices arrive after the date of action has already passed. To check the status of your current benefits and documents you have submitted, or for information about a past or upcoming interview call 1-844-640-OHIO (6446). 

ELECTRONIC BENEFITS TRANSFER (EBT) CARD: To check the status of your EBT Card call the Customer Service Line at: 1-866-386-3071

MERRICK HOUSE has Prevention, Retention and Contingency (PRC) funding available to assist anyone with rent or utility payments. Payments are limited to $125.00 per household and will be paid directly to the vendor. Interested parties should call Merrick House at 216-771-5077 for an application.

PREVENTION, RETENTION AND CONTINGENCY (PRC) PROGRAM: To check the status of your voucher call the PRC Information Line at 216-987-7392.

BLOGS

POINT OF VIEW: Read Cleveland veteran pundit Roldo Bartimole’s blog at: https://havecoffeewillwrite.com/?p=79349

EDUCATION BLOGS: Former Plain Dealer Education Reporter Patrick O’Donnell is now writing for the 74million.org an education blog.  Former United Church of Christ Minister for Public Education and Witness Ministries Jan Resseger blogs at janresseger.wordpress.com

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

PRIMER ON PROMINENT PEOPLE AND PLACES: Cleveland boasts a strong history of Black influence. From history and science to art, culture and education, many groundbreaking moments and places in Black history exist in Cleveland. Online resources, including the Encyclopedia of Cleveland History, Cleveland Historical and Cleveland Restoration Society, offer lessons about the region’s prominent Black figures and organizations.

CELEBRATE THOSE WHO GIVE BLACK: Western Reserve Historical Society/Cleveland History Center This year, residents can learn more about Black influence in Cleveland from the comfort of their homes with virtual programming from the Western Reserve Historical Society and Cleveland History Center. Locals can immerse themselves in the area’s Black history with the Speaking of Cleveland lectures that cover important figures and community practices and the online exhibit Celebrate Those Who Give Black, which explores the rich history of Black charitable giving and tells the story of Black philanthropy in Cleveland.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR COMMEMORATIVE CELEBRATION: Cleveland Public Library and 19 News: And Justice for All February 20 at 7:00 p.m. on WUAB CW 43 Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cleveland Public Library put a new twist on its traditional programming by partnering with WOIO 19 News to broadcast its 36^th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration. The segment, which debuted in January, will again air on WUAB CW 43 on February 20 at 7:00 p.m. and is also available on the 19 News website here.

KARAMU HOUSE: Karamu House: The Impact of “Shuffle Along” February 1 – February 28 Karamu House, America’s oldest Black producing theatre, is offering a virtual, on-demand and free musical documentary about Shuffle Along. Presented in partnership with The Musical Theatre Project, the multimedia concert features songs from the first-ever jazz musical and tells the story and history behind the groundbreaking production, which is celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2021. Karamu House will also host virtual live events each Friday throughout Black History Month as part of its In the Tradition community program series. 

ROCK &  ROLL HALL OF FAME: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame This year, Clevelanders can enjoy the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Black History Month Celebration in-person or virtually through the “It’s Been Said All Along: Voices of Rage, Hope & Empowerment” exhibit, which features Black artists and their use of music to respond to racism, fight for human rights and promote social justice. Rock and roll fans can also enjoy a musical tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the museum’s YouTube page as well as a number of lectures that will take place throughout Black History Month. Locals can visit the Rock Hall’s online events calendar for information.

COVID TESTING

NEIGHBORHOOD FAMILY PRACTICE offers free coronavirus testing by appointment at its W 117^th Street office. To make an appointment visit: www.nfpmedcenter.org.

CUYAHOGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE thru a partnership with Care Alliance Health Center offers free drive through COVID-19 Testing. Testing begins at 11 a.m. Individuals seeking tests must be in line by 2 p.m. Testing will be done on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment is necessary. The testing service is available to Tri-C students, faculty and staff, as well as community residents. The program offers testing to individuals regardless of their symptom status, insurance status or ability to pay. Individuals will not be charged for the test. A government-issued ID with name and address is required for testing. Those with health coverage are asked to bring their insurance card. Effective Feb. 1, testing will be held at the Metropolitan Campus on Mondays and Wednesdays throughout the spring semester (in addition to the weekly Thursday rotation). Metro Campus is located at 2900 Community College Ave. in Cleveland. Testing will take place in the Lot 4 underground garage off Community College Avenue. Visit tri-c.edu/covidtest or call 216-317-1250 for more information. Testing will rotate between College sites every Thursday through April 29. Test results are communicated to individuals by phone within approximately one week. Reporting could take longer during periods of high-volume testing.

COVID-19 VACCINE: 

CITY OF CLEVELAND COVID-19 VACCINE CALL CENTER: The City of Cleveland has established a call center to answer general questions pertaining to the City’s vaccine distribution efforts and assist eligible individuals in scheduling an appointment to receive the vaccine.  The CALL CENTER NUMBER is 216-664-2222. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday: 9 1.m.-5 p.m.

CUYAHOGA COUNTY AND UNITED WAY OF GREATER CLEVELAND’S 211 HELPLINK’S dedicated staff will provide Cuyahoga County residents eligible for phase 1b inoculations with the information and resources they need to identify nearby COVID-19 vaccine providers. Nearly 90 providers, including hospitals, primary care physicians and pharmacies, now offer vaccinations across Cuyahoga County to eligible individuals. 2-1-1 HelpLink is a free and confidential service available to handle calls from those who need assistance with hundreds of resources, including food and meal assistance, shelter or rental assistance, utility assistance and more. Through 2-1-1’s dedicated line, COVID-19 vaccination information is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.,

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH’S CORONAVIRUS VACCINE WEBSITE: https://vaccine.coronavirus.ohio.gov shows all hospitals, pharmacies and other sites where the vaccine is offered. You can search the site by zip code to find a location near you. The site offers phone numbers and websites for vaccine sites so you can schedule an appointment.

VACCINE QUALIFICATION VIA DISABILITY: Ohio’s Phase BI eligibility During the initial rollout of vaccinations for the individuals with congenital, early-onset, and inherited conditions, individuals must have a developmental or intellectual disability and one of the following conditions: Cerebral palsy, Spina bifida, Severe congenital heart disease requiring hospitalization within the pas year, Severe type 1 diabetes requiring hospitalization within the past year, Inherited metabolic disorders, including phenylketonuria; Severe neurological disorders, including epilepsy, hydrocephaly, and microcephaly; Severe genetic disorders, including Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Turner syndrome and muscular dystrophy; Severe lung disease, including asthma requiring hospitalization withing the past year and cystic fibrosis; Sickle cell anemia; Alpha and beta thalassemia; and Solid organ transplants. For more information visit www.coronavirus.ohio.gov. If you have questions about your vaccine access you can call the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities at 216-241-8230, or the Disability Rights Ohio intake department at 614-466-7264 or 1-800-282-9181.

FOOD

GRAB AND GO MEALS FOR YOUTH: Available at all Cleveland Public Library branches M-F from 3-4 p.m.

CLEVELAND METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT(CMSD) is providing grab and go meals to Cleveland children ages 18 or younger. Option One: Grab and Go meals at all K-8 school sites on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. On Tuesdays meals may be picked up for Tuesday and Wednesday. Option Two: Grab and Go meals at all CMSD High Schools available for once a week pick up every Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Students, parents or caregivers can go to the school building closest to their home.

FIRST CALL FOR HELP: For days, times and locations for free food distribution call 211.

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.

GRANTS

CLEVELAND FOUNDATION CLEVELAND BLACK FUTURES FUND has issued a request for proposals. The Fund has amassed more than $4 million since its inception in late 2020 to support the capacity of Cleveland-based nonprofit organizations that are both Black-led and Black-serving.Applications must be submitted online by visiting the Cleveland Foundation Grants Gateway. If you do not have login information, complete the Grantee Login Request Form to register in the system. Applicant organizations may operate in a range of issue areas, but grants can only be made to organizations currently holding 501(c)3 tax-exempt status. Organizations that do not currently have 501(c)3 tax-exempt status are eligible to apply in partnership with a tax-exempt organization serving as a fiscal agent. For programmatic questions or information, contact: ClevelandBlackFuturesFund@clevefdn.org. For application or technical questions, contact: grantsmgmt@clevefdn.org. For more information visit ClevelandFoundation.org/Futures.

HOTLINES

CLEVELAND RAPE CRISIS CENTER HUMANTRAFFICKING HOTLINE: 1-855-431-7827

FRONTLINE SERVICES 24HOUR MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS LINE: 216-623-6888

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE: 1-800-273-8255

MEETINGS

SECOND DISTRICT COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING:  6 PM, Tuesday, February 9^th.  The meeting will be held online. Join from the meeting link: https://cityclevelandoh.webex.com/cityclevelandoh/j.php?MTID=mb0dd68d69e2f29a83b4031f327c002f0

CITY CLUB FORUM – NEW ERA OF JUSTICE: -Wednesday, February 17, 2021, 11:30am – 12:30pm, online. The Cleveland Public Library’s new strategic plan focuses on equity and prioritizes a vision aimed at creating a city where opportunity is available to all. Join CPL, the Urban League of Cleveland, and the Cleveland Branch of the NAACP to discuss the historical and racial inequities in Cleveland and how their respective institutions are working to usher in a new era of justice. Information and watch it at:

https://www.cityclub.org/forums/2021/02/17/a-new-era-of-justice

INNOVATION REVOLUTION: Building a 21st Century City – Friday, February 19, 2021, 12:30-1:30pm, online. New Jersey has emerged as one of the most innovative and technologically engaged states in the nation. Join Beth S. Noveck, New Jerseys first Chief Innovation Officer, as she shares her experiences at the intersection of technology, academia, and state and local governments, and offers insights on what Cleveland needs in order to succeed in the 21st century. Watch the livestream at 12:30 pm. information

at www.cityclub.org . 

OHIO

OHIO DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES COUNCIL  is seeking public comment on its Five Year State Plan that will take effect from 2022-2026. The DD Council is seeking public comment on proposed in the following areas: Children and Health, Community Living, Employment, Leadership Development, Outreach, Public Awareness, and Public Policy. Review the draft Five-Year Plan by reading the Executive Summary of the projects; or the entire 2022-2026 State Plan; or reviewing specific project(s) that are of interest found at dcc.ohio.gov. Individuals can submit their comments on all projects or the ones that are of interest. The comment period will end on February 28, 2021. For more information, please contact Fatica Ayers at fatica.ayers@dodd.ohio.govor call 614-466-5205 or 800-766-7426.

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION is seeking Public Input for Statewide Walking and Biking Plan How to Give Feedback: Download a copy at the Walk.Bike.Ohio website – transportation.ohio.gov/WalkBike. Share your feedback by taking a brief survey at: PublicInput.com/Walk.Bike.Ohio by Friday, February 26th.To receive a printed copy of the plan and survey, or to request specialized communication needs such as translation services: please email statewide.planning@dot.ohio.gov or call 614-466-7410 and provide your name, phone number and mailing address. Comments can also be mailed to: Walk.Bike.Ohio ODOT MS 3280 1980 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43223

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF JOBS AND FAMILY SERVICES FRAUD LINE:  Is someone using your name to collect unemployment? Report unemployment compensation fraud at 1-800-686-1555.

OHIO UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION: Visit: https://unemploymenthelp.ohio.gov.

MEETINGS

OUR REVOLUTION OHIO: Monthly Meeting. Each month we will have guest speakers and highlight policy, politics and issues in our state. The meetings are every 4th Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm est. February 23rd Monthly Meeting Special Guests: Rank the Vote Ohio – Justin Wells, Left Reckoning – David Griscom, from the Michael Brooks show now with his own: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCerkndrD3Z6rceekc4emVpA/featured

PLAIN PRESS

THE PLAIN PRESS 50^TH ANNIVERSARY COMMUNITY GUIDE will be published in our March issue. The guide lists the names and phone numbers of nonprofit organizations that serve the community. Nonprofit organizations that have changed their name or phone number should call the Plain Press at 216-621-3060 or email the Plain Press at plainpress@gmail.com to update their free listing.

RECREATION

YMCA OF GREATER CLEVELAND: offers a free, community-wide healthy living program, the RESET Challenge. RESET CHALLENGE details: Register by texting the word “RESET” to (833) 320-1759. Participants will receive 3 messages each week with challenges, fun and community.Participants will have access to free virtual, on-demand and in-person exercise content. Nonmembers who decide to join during this time will receive 100% off their joining fee. Merchandise: All participants will receive a YMCA drawstring sports bag and an exercise band (whiles supplies last).Members will be entered into a post-challenge drawing Y-branded items, such as gym bags, yoga mats and other merchandise. For more information, visit www.clevelandymca.org/reset.

YOUTH

SUICIDE PREVENTION: A friend, especially an “informed friend”, can help make a difference to someone who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide. “A Friend Asks” is The Jason Foundation’s free smart-phone app that can provide the information, tools, and resources to help a friend (or yourself) who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide. The Jason Foundation, a nationally recognized leader in youth and young adult suicide prevention and awareness, provides programs and services across the country to communities at no-cost.  Download the app today and encourage friends and family to do the same. Search “Jason Foundation” for the free app on the Apple App Store and Google Play.  You can also visit The Jason Foundation’s website for more information on their programs and the closest Jason Foundation Affiliate Office.  www.jasonfoundation.com