FAITH COMMUNITY ALLIANCE
Meeting Minutes
September 8, 2014/Urban League

In attendance:  To be presented later, could not open contents.
Meeting Begins with Prayer by Father Christ

Motion made to approve the agenda. Motion approved.  Minutes for August Meeting will be presented to be approved at a later date.

Treasurers report: no report at this time
PRESENTATIONS
MY TOMORROW INITIATIVE – Cincinnati Public Schools (Laura Mitchell, Jennifer Wagoner)
The initiative is designed to customize education to meet the needs of students by revamping curriculum for 7th and 8th graders, provide an Advisory Bell -45-60 minutes, develop Social emotional learning, Technology- current information

Technology involves a Listening Session by adding technology person to each high school. Standard lessors are converted lessons to digital lessons. On-line advanced placement courses are provided with eight  schools on line Advanced Placement with internet access.  There is a Playbook, Unified platform.  Students create algorithms using their own data allowing students pick their own avatar.
Comment:   we need to hear more of the positive things that are going on in CPS in the media vs the negative.  Q – How are we funding this? A – with  Race to the Top dollars.  Q – To have this program what, academically, is being giving up? A – this  concept aw was a priority with the schools received their funding first in terms of staffing of the project.  Q – How are parents informed and engaged? A – Parents will be able to get on Playbook looking for my Tomorrow Parent Ambassadors.  Q -  Wwhat does this look like? A – Students are in groups /working around projects, teachers use digital lesson plans. Comments: LSDMC / Community Councils need to be involved.

Jewish Community Relations Council (Ariel Naveh/ Seth Harlan)
Fellowship That Brings Me Here , a joint celebration with Hebrew Union College, combine Academic learning with boots on the ground community involvement.  The project is deeply involved with advocacy for Israel.

Moral Mondays:    COMMUNITY UPDATE Julie Sellers ( CFT, Cincinnati Federation of Teachers)
Moral Mondays Cincinnati activities will take place on Mondays only.  It will address Educational Justice through Community Town Halls. Reverend William Barber was a principal speaker at the American Federation Convention in California in October 2013.  The plan is to have Plan to have him come here later in the year. The first task will be educational justice with an event  planning around the levy.  The goal is that it will be the first issue on the ballot.  It is a 65 million dollar renewal.  There is concern that some of the changes in the State Of Ohio Report Card are unfair and demean public education .  Q  –How many years does the levy cover?  A – 3- 5 years.
Follow up discussion by FCA committee as a whole.  A meeting is needed to be called on the structure of Moral Mondays.  Action Item to the Chair, Action item: FCA will convene a meeting in the next few weeks

AREAS OF INTEREST
COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBORHOODS
Alaska Commons, Josh Spring reports that developer seeking another location for the facility. Homelessness ,  Josh Spring  reports that a homeless person was attacted leaving the Drop In Center by two men.   He states that there is an increasing trend in hate crimes against those who have no permanent homes.    A  15 years number of reported hate crimes in the Cincinnati area outnumber other crimes- still no federal state or local legislation.  City of Cincinnati can only charge misdemeanor with the official title of intimidation.  Coalition for the Homeless is working to add homeless status to criminal ordinances.  He hopes to have it passed by the beginning of October. If this occurs there will be a press conference.
Josh Spring reports that October is Homeless/Hunger Awareness Month that will be commemorated with a Homeless Awareness Walk, college students will have shanty town concepts to demonstrate the needs of the Homeless.
Q – What about old unused school buildings as shelter  for the homeless? A – This was mentioned to National Church Residents as a possibility.

CULTURE
Reports by  Kathy Finley, Piper Davis.
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra-, The season opens October 14 with Kazeem Abdullah.  From September 13- November 7th – One City One Symphony- more information on website : Cincinnatisymphony.org.   There are volunteer opportunity 8 hours win free tickets   On November 3rd  – Day of Service with the project culmination with performance on November 16th Theme is ( Hero’s )
Cincinnati Play House is presenting  Safe House with 15% off tickets. On October 20, 2014 there will be a free discussion with Director / Author Keith Adkins at the Freedom Center.  On  October 23rdthere will be a reception at the Freedom Center  after show.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
HOME/HOUSING OPPORTUNITES MADE EQUAL – Myra Calder reports there will be Community Forum: Hello Neighbor, October 2, 2014, 6-8 p.m.

Cincinnati AFL-CIO has a New Executive – Secretary Treasurer, Pete McClendon.  For more information -
417-9500

Board  of elections located at the west side.  Office Downtown office will host  early voting in the inner core

Recommendation:  to invite candidates Pepper and DeWine to an FCA Meeting.  Comment:  an FCA member is against candidates coming to FCA meeting during the meeting.

In Lower Price Hill – Go The Distance at Oyler School, 2121 Hatmaker,  October 11,m 2014
Contact Tammy Siemindinger  -708-2228
12:00-6:00 free fun for all ages
Suggestion – attend AMOS Meeting October 21st meeting

Closing Prayer/Meeting adjourned

FAITH COMMUNITY ALLIANCE OF GREATER CINCINNATI
October 6, 2014
URBAN LEAGUE
Faith Community Alliance of Greater Cincinnati (FCA) represents clergy, community leaders and representatives of social services who meet monthly, sharing information in an open dialogue about the critical issues affecting our community as well seeking counsel on how to raise public awareness. It has often serves as a conduit between the community and local government
AGENDA
OPENING PRAYER
REVIEW OF AGENDA AND MINUTES
TREASURER’S REPORT
EXECUTIV E COMMITTEE REPORT
Executive Committee Meeting – EX. Com. to set date to meet
Dates to be set at this meeting for Membership Meeting, Nomination Committee, Dinner/Awards Committee
Update on date of annual luncheon
Status of Webpage and status of Facebook page
Update on developing forums on affordable housing – meeting with CHRC and other contacts
GUEST PRESENTATIONS
JEWISH COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL OF CINCINNATI  – Seth Harlan, Associate Director
UPDATE ON CPS PARENT OUTREACH – Eve Bolton, President, Cincinnati Public Schools, Rolanda Smilth Community Outreach
JOURNEY TO A SUCCESSFUL LIVING – Christina Brown,Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator CHMA
CINCINNATI POLICE DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY OUTREACH – Louis Arnold, Faith Community Liaison, Cincinnati Police Department
MORAL MONDAYS IN CINCINNATI – OCTOBER 27 – Donald Washington
METROPOLITAN SEWER DISTRICT FEES PUBLICE MEETING – OCTOBER 15 – Marilyn Wall
ISSUSES
Community
Alaska Commons Update
Anti-Violence:                      Cease-Fire Cincinnati – Pastor Tait
Domestic Violence – update
Voting Access
Culture – Kathy Finley, Piper Davis
Environment – MSD rate community task force – see above
Homelessness – Josh Spring
Neighborhood Issues
Volunteers of America
Meeting with CHMA Director Johnson – March 20
Education
Prepare the Future – agenda for coming year
Board of Education
Cincinnati Federation of Teachers
Teach for America
ISSUES OF FAITH
CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD – 100 Years of Ministry – Pastor Ennis Tait
Health
UCAN OHIO
Buckeye Ohio
Any Reports from Medical Community
Labor –
ANNOUNCEMENTS/CLOSING PRAYER ADDRESSING ECONOMIC INEQUALITY IN OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS::   A FOCUS ON CREATIVE CINCINNATI PUBLIC SCHOOL PROGRAMS,  Thursday October 9, 2014, 12:00 Noon, Christ Church Cathedral Forum Room,  318 East Fourth Street

FAITH COMMUNITY ALLIANCE OF GREATER CINCINNATI

APRIL 1, 2013, 10 AM

URBAN LEAGUE OF GREATER CINCINNATI

http://www.faithcommunityalliance.org/   fcacincinnati.org

AGENDA

In attendance:  Teresa Adams – CCHMC/CETST, Pat Allingham – Hamilton County Public Health, Colleen Bain – National Church Residences, Mary Anne Berry – Womens’ City Club, Steve Black – WCET-TV, Eve Bolton – CPS Board, Ray Brazzile – ACDC Anita Brentley – CCHMC, Christina Brown – Cincinnati Human Relations Commission, David Carlson –Hamilton County Public Health,  Myra Colder – Home, Bryon Hutchins – Rockdale Baptist Church, Tom Conlon Jr., Thalia Ghaglia – Church of Scientology, Reverend Eugne Godhigh – Church of the Redeemer, Reverend Aaron Greenlea – St. Elizabeth Baptist Church Outreach Reverend Robert Harris – International Church for All Nations, Tonya Key – Outreach/HCPH,  Cheryl Meadows, Lydia Morgan – Juneteenth/Kennedy Heights, Jeri Oliver – Urban League, Reverend Peterson Mingo –C.I.R.U., Betty Richard – Winton Hills Opportunity Connection, Don Sherman – Amigos Unidos for Migratora Reforma, Tammy Smiendinger – Red Cross/Tri-State COAD, Josh Spring – Homeless Coalition, Pastor Ennis Tait – Avondale Clergy, Marsha D. Thomas – Parish Nurse (Avondale), Sharon Thompson – Cincinnati Job Corps, Charles Wallner – Pbe Services.

Reverend O’Neal cannot attend meeting.   Meeting is presided by Charles Wallner, First Vice-President

Opening Prayer by Pastor Ennis Tait

Old Business

President’s Gun Policy  -  there will be a discussion on the President’s gun policy at next month’s meeting.

FCA Website, Bryan Hutchins reports that the committee is looking at the development of a calendar of events and activities for the site. He would like to build a custom management system.  Marilyn Wall was shown the template for the website revisions and has approved.  There will be an update in May.

Treasurers Report – Reverend  Eugene Godhigh.  FCA General Account: $1,276.00; Prepare the future: 6,810.00.  Total assets @ 8.086.00.  Reverend Godhigh discussed  dues: Individual members- $20.00, Organizations: $50.00.

New Business:

Steve Black presents an offer to  Faith Community Alliance to have two representatives on the CET/ TV Community Advisory Board, (Representative on the  WCET Board).  Reverend Robert Harris volunteers to be one of the two representatives.  The second representative will be decided at the May meeting.  The Board would advise CET as to whether its local programming is meeting the needs of the community.  Representation from the Faith Community is vitally important.  It is anticipated that the Board twice a year. After further discussion amongst   members a  Decision was made for Steve to come back in a month and share the advisory board goals, number of open slots for the advisory board and the focus of the advisory board. A motion was approved to hear more next month.

Executive Committee

A short executive committee meeting was  held this past month to discuss how FCA should financially support different events and projects.  It will look further at funding in support of projects

PRESENTATIONS

Tri- State COAD – Tammy Smiendinger. This program meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m.  It goal is to provide training on Disaster 101 so local communities have a knowledge and understanding of how to develop long term plans for disaster events.

Q- Can you advertise disaster bag? A. Working with grocery stores to get disaster kits. Q-  What do you want from FCA? Want individual churches to be involved as locations for training. Q- How often do you do disaster relief training? A. Go to   www.redcross.org for more information.

Permanent Support of Avondale Housing Projects - National Church Residence- Affordable Housing Developer.

National Church Residence is a network of Health Care Services serving Serve Homeless and Disabled Adults.  It hopes to bring a model of its residential services to the disabled to Cincinnati. The project has been in development for the last 2-3 years.  A site selected on Alaska Avenue-  a 99 unit building / 13 million dollar investment to the community serving the disabled who are 18 year old and over.

MOTION- would like letter of support from FCA for a funding grant that has been submitted to the Ohio Housing Finance Agency.  Motion approved to provide a letter of support from FCA.

Comments – Need to talk to home owners- need to help people who invested in their properties

MOTION  disseminate a template to everyone  – second motion approved.  Send letters to bain@ncr.org

Juneteenth -Lydia Morgan.  Juneteenth is planning to add a  Job Fair to assist the hiring of men with legal problems. Companies involved must agree to hire someone that day. The Juneteeth group will follow the progress of the people who are hired.  There is a meeting on the 15^th of April.  A religious ng service is planned for the event which is returning to Daniel Drake Park, June 15-16^th Fathers Day Weekend.

OMISSION OF THE HAMILTON COUNTY HEALTH REPORT PRESENTATION ON AGENDA.  Secretary Anita Brentley reminds Vice President Wallner that the Health Department was to be on the PRESENTATION AGENDA to update FCA on Syphilis and HIV issue in the region.   Mr. Wallner apologies and asks the Health Department if the representatives will return next month to give their report.  The graciously agree to do so.

ADVOCACY

COMMUNITY

Ceasefire – Reverend Tait.  The Gun Buy Back Program  held in the West End  collected 38 guns. The program is Issuing IOU’s for gun buy backs. Reverend Tait also reported that fourteen churches involved in prayer walks throughout the city.

Homeless Coalition – Josh Spring.  The Anna Louise Inn March 8^th program was a success.  Two hundred people gathered.  The day before the event the CEO of Western Southern  called  three partner organizations in support of the event  to break them off from the project.   The three organizations refused. There is to be a community gathering of 50-60 people for a strategy meeting.  The Faith community is asked to take direct action on this issue.

EDUCATION

Prepare the Future, Charlie Wallner. The state financing of Public Education is attached to the Governor’s Budget Bill which is under a great deal of opposition and will probably fail.  Currently Prepare the Future is planning two legislative meal with key legislators – one for Hamilton County and the other for the northern counties of the region to discuss public funding.  Superintendents with board members and union representatives,  PTO steering committee and FCA Executive Board.

CPS/CFT – Eve Bolton (CPS Board). Anticipated deficit for CPS in current fiscal year will be 30 tor 54 million dollars.  The Board of Education voted to not to renew 89 administrators who may come back with lower salaries that must be negotiated.   CPS is setting up 2 new schools – Ntech/ 21^st century campus in College Hill/charter school under CPS administrative oversight.  There is the development of the Preschool Promise by which CPS will enter into a partnership with preschool providers.

HEALTH

UHCAN – Ohio – Karen Bell.  UHCAN has been meeting with legislators and there was a rally last Wednesday at Integrity Hall.  The organization is waiting for Governor call- give a date for him to come to Cincinnati to discuss Medicare/Medicaid funding.   There is a plan for a caravan to Columbus and UHCAN is asking for participation to want viable presence at the state capital.  The project is being coordinated with UHCAN Cleveland chapter.  More information  will be provided next month.

HOMELESS ISSUES
Recently  Released – Reverend Aaron Greenlea.  With advent of state law loosening the restrictions on the hiring of released inmates from the state penal system, St. Elizabeth has noticed a decrease of those asking for its services.

Volunteers of America – sent by email by Philip Nunez – VA’s Reentry Housing Committee in conjunction with AHA and Office of Reentry continues to work with CMHA on issues surrounding impacting the annual acceptance criteria.  AHA discussed last week that we would like to conduct a survey with CMHA public housing and section 8 occupants that are aimed at getting their take on giving people a second chance.  VA continues to talk through with AHA and CMHA to conduct this survey with the hopes it will give CMHA a better standing with their population if they were to consider lessening the current day restrictions.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Don Sherman, Community United for Citizenship will represent immigrant issues at FCA.  He announces Rally International Workers Day – Immigrants  should have a pathway to citizenship, on May   1. 2013 at 5:00 p.m.  Participants will gather for the March  at 5:30 at Washington Park. Sharon Thompson, Cincinnati Job Corps, provides information on the Mayors Summer Youth Employment Program is underway and FCA is asked to announce the project at churches and organizations involved with youth.

FAITH COMMUNITY ALLIANCE OF GREATER CINCINNATI

MAY 6, 2013, 10 AM

URBAN LEAGUE OF GREATER CINCINNATI

http://www.faithcommunityalliance.org/   fcacincinnati.org

AGENDA

OPENING PRAYER AND INTRODUCTIONS
Approval of Agenda and Miinutes

FINANCES – Eugene Godhigh, Ton Conlon

Dues reminder

OLD BUSINESS

FCA support for National Gun Policy

Update of FCA Website – Bryan Hutchins

Status of Letter Support for Madisonville Parkway – on hold

Status of FCA Face Book page – Ennis Tait

WCET-TV Representative – Steve Black

NEW BUSINESS

FCA TO HAVE REPRESENTATION ON CET-TV ADVISORY BOARD – Steve Black

PRESENTATIONS

QUARTERLY REPORT ON STD/AIDS/HIV – Tonya Key, Pat Allingham and David Carlson ,  Hamilton County General Health Department

PERMANTENT HOUSING ON ALASKA AVENUE –RESIDENTS PERSPECTIVE – Residents Perspective – Johnnie Davis and Linda Thompson

FACES WITHOUT PLACES SUMMER PROGRAM FOR THE HOMELESS CHILDREN – Shelley Werner, M.Ed, Program & Outreach Manager

FEDERAL FUNDING FOR HEAD START- Gwen Robinson, Ex. Dir. CAA

IMMIGRATION REFORM AND WHAT IS BEING DONE IN CINCINNATI – Don Sherman

 ADVOCACY

Community

Environment – a) Metropolitan Sewer District –

Anti-Violence

Cease Fire Cincinnati – Reverend Ennis Tait

Status of Hate Crimes against the Homeless – Josh Spring

Arts and Culture – Kathy Finley

Immigration – see presentations

Education

a) Prepare the Future of Ohio –   Charles Wallner – Update on Regional Superintendents new organization PEAK – meeting of Regional Board and Superintendents March 22 with lobbyists.

b) Board Reports

1-CPS – Eve Bolton (on vacation)

c) CFT – Julia Sellers

Health

UHCAN OHIO – Donald Washington

Hamilton County Health Department – see presentation

Labor

AFL-CIO, SEIU

Housing & Homelessness

Status of Homelessness – Josh Spring

Working with Ex-Felons and Families – Philip Nunes, Aaron Greenlea

Voter Registration – Karen Bell

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

FAITH COMMUNITY ALLIANCE OF GREATER CINCINNAT

December 3, 2012, 10 AM

URBAN LEAGUE OF GREATER CINCINNATI

AGENDA

OPENING PRAYER AND INTRODUCTIONS
NEED OF SECRETARY FOR TODAY’S MEETING

FINANCES – Eugene Godhigh, Ton Condon

Dues reminder

Volunteer Accountant

Income to buy table at Homeless Coalition Dinner, December 11 

OLD BUSINESS

Reminder new FCA email address is fcacincinnati@aol.com and website if www.FaithCommunityAlliance.org

Status of Letter Support for Madisonville Parkway

Status of FCA Face Book page

Acceptance of 2011 Annual Report

NEW BUSINESS

PRESENTATIONS

COLLATERAL SCANTION BILL AFFECTING EX=FELONS – PHILLIP Nunez, Executive Director of Volunteers of America

UPDATE ON CINCINNATI METROPOLITAN HOUSING AUTHORITY – Greg Johnson, Executive Director

Partnership for Interfaith Mental Health Inc. – Melanie Recchia, Director of Training at Child Focus and Chair of the Interfaith Mental Health

UPDATE ON HAMILTON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT ON COMMUITY DISEASES AND OTHER ISSUES - Tonya Key and Mary Ellen Kramer of Hamilton County Health Department

ADVOCACY

Community

Environment – a) Metropolitan Sewer District – Marilyn Wall MSD

Anti-Violence

Cease Fire Cincinnati – Reverend Ennis Tait

Status of Hate Crimes against the Homeless – Josh Spring

Education

a) Prepare the Future –   Charles Wallner – Superintendents Summit – December 11

b) Board Reports

1-CPS – Eve Bolton (on vacation)

c) CFT – Julia Sellers

Health

Status of Federal Health Care Law – Donald Washington

UPDATE IN HIV SERVICES FOR GREATER CINCINNATI – see above in programs

Labor – Doug Sizemore, Brentley Davis

Status of outsourcing Cincinnati Bell Services

Housing & Homelessness

Status of Homelessness – Josh Spring

Working with Ex-Felons and Families – Philip Nunes, Volunteers of America, Aaron Greenlea, St. Elizabeth Baptist Church

Voter Registration – Karen Bell

November 5 agenda & October minutes

November 5, 2012, 10 AM

URBAN LEAGUE OF GREATER CINCINNATI

AGENDA

OPENING PRAYER AND INTRODUCTIONS
NEED OF SECRETARY FOR TODAY’S MEETING
 
FINANCES –
Dues reminder
Mutual Membership between FCA and Mental Health Alliance – Melanie Recchia, Director of Training at Child Focus and Chair of the Interfaith Mental Health Initiative for The Partnership for Mental Health, Inc.

OLD BUSINESS

Reminder new FCA email address is fcacincinnati@aol.com and website if www.FaithCommunityAlliance.org
Status of Letter Support for Madisonville Parkway
Letter of Support for HOME
Status of FCA Face Book page
Acceptance of 2011 Annual Report

 NEW BUSINESS

PRESENTATIONS:

Breakthrough Cincinnati – Blair Lanier, the Executive Director of
Magic Johnson Bridgescape Academies
Partnership for Interfaith Mental Health Inc. – Melanie Recchia, Director of Training at Child Focus and Chair of the Interfaith Mental Health
SAAF Ministries  -  Mrs. Jimmie Walker
FCA WEBSITE – Marilyn Wall of Sierra Club
Social Outreach – Byron N Hutchins 

ADVOCACY

Community
Environment – a) Metropolitan Sewer District – Marilyn Wall MSD
Anti-Violence
Cease Fire Cincinnati – Reverend Ennis Tait
Status of Hate Crimes against the Homeless – Josh Spring
Education
a) Prepare the Future –   Charles Wallner
b) Board Reports
1-CPS – Eve Bolton
c) CFT – Julia Sellers
Health
Status of Federal Health Care Law – Donald Washington
UPDATE IN HIV SERVICES FOR GREATER CINCINNATI – Charles Wallner
Labor – Doug Sizemore, Brentley Davis
Status of outsourcing Cincinnati Bell Services
Housing & Homelessness
Status of Homelessness – Josh Spring
Working with Ex-Felons and Families – Philip Nunes, Volunteers of America, Aaron Greenlea, St. Elizabeth Baptist Church
Voter Registration – Karen Bell

FAITH COMMUNITY ALLIANCE OF GREATER CINCINNAT

September 10, 2012, 10 AM

URBAN LEAGUE OF GREATER CINCINNATI

AGENDA

OPENING PRAYER AND INTRODUCTIONS

 

FINANCES –

Additional Signatures to FCA checks

Dues reminder

Except in Behalf of Prepare the Future Grant for $3,500

OLD BUSINESS

Reminder new FCA email address is fca@aol.com and website if www.FaithCommunityAlliance.org

Status of Letter Support for Madisonville Parkway

Status of  FCA support for Anna Louise Inn

Status of FCA Face Book page

Secretary Committee to assist with Minutes of Committee

 

Report of Executive Committee Meeting

 

NEW BUSINESS

2011 FCA Annual Report

PRESENTATIONS:

ORIGIN AND GENERAL MISSION OF THE GREATER CINCINNATI HEALTH FOUNDATION AND CURRENT ACTIVITIES AND FOCUS – Jim Schwab, President

NEW BEGINNINGS FOR CINCINNATI METROPOLIAN HOUSING AUTHORITY – Gregory Johnson, Executive Director.

CPS LEVY ISSUE – Eve Bolton (Pres. CPS Board), Superintendent Mary Ronan, Julia Sellers (Pres. CFT)

 

THE INS AND OUTS FAITH COMMUNITY ALLIANCE WEB PAGE FCACINCINNATI@aol.com – Marilyn Web

ADVOCACY

Community

Outcome of Black Family Reunion – Cassandra Robinson

Environment – a) Metropolitan Sewer District – Marilyn Wall MSD

b) Updates on Green Umbrella – Steve Johns

 

Anit-violence

Cease Fire Cincinnati – Reverend Ennis Tait

Status of Hate Crimes Against the Homeless – Josh Spring

Education

a)Prepare the Future –   Charles Wallner

b)Board Reports

1-CPS – Eve Bolton

2-Winton Woods –

c)CFT –  Julia Sellers

Health

Status of Federal Health Care Law – Donald Washington

UPDATE IN  HIV SERVICES FOR GREATER CINCINNATI – no report

 

Labor – Doug Sizemore, Brentley Davis

 

Housing & Homelessness

Status of Homelessness – Josh Spring

Working with Ex-Felons and Families – Philip Nunes, Volunteers of  America, Aaron Greenlea, St. Elizabeth Baptist Church

 

Voter Registration – Karen Bell

 

Closing Prayer and Adjournment

 

Faith Community Alliance of Greater Cincinnati Meeting

August 6, 2012 10am

Urban League of Greater Cincinnati

 

Attending: Karen Bell – MAAPS, Kathy Binns – Office of Commissioner Todd Portune, Jami Clarke – Lighthouse Youth Services, Tom Conland, April Cummings-Perry – Avondale Community Development Corporation, Bently Davis – Alliance for Retired Americans, Carlos DeJesus, Greater Cincinnati Latino Coalition, Tamaya Dennard – Office of Councilman PG Sittenfield, Steve DeMar – SWOHIO Episcopal Diocese, Denise Driehouse – Ohio House Representatives, Kathy Finley – Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Robin Forde –Temple Christian University, Reverend Eugene Godhight – Church of Our Redeemer, Reverend Aaron Greenlea – St. Elizabeth Outhreach, Reverend Richard Harris – Cincinnati Human Relations Commission, Duane Holm – Kennedy Heights, Byron Hutchins, Cheryl Hutchins – Rockdale Baptist Church, Craig Jones – SEIU, Erin Joyner – Volunteers of America, Dr. Robert Liakikta – Power of One Cares, Ben Lindy – Teach for AmericaDon Luckie – Cincinnati Federation of Teachers, Mary Carol Melton – Cincinnati Union Bethel, Cindy Munning – Look it Up, Lydia Morgan – Juneteenth,  Phillip Nunes – Volunteers of America, Reverend Rousseau O’Neal – Rockdale Baptish Church, Nathan Ruggles – Working America, P.G. Sittenfield – Cincinnati City Council, Doug Sizemore – AFL/CIO, Yolanda Waldon – Smart Money, Charles Wallner – PBE Services, Brandon Wiers – Winton Woods Board of Education,

Welcome – Pastor R. O’Neal

April Cummings-Perry to assist with minutes for this meeting  

Finances: 

Web Page Reciprocation with Sierra Club

Sierra Club created our website and now we need an approval to allow them membership to our organization in lieu of service for next two years. Motion unanimously approved

Dues – Pastor Godhigh, Treasurer: $25 / year – Individuals, $50 / year – Organizations.

 

Presenter – Carlos de Jesus – Greater Cincinnati Latino Coalition

Goal of project is to get Latino population to get parents to be good parents and involved in their children’s education. – It does not have a 501c3 status and is asking FCA to be its fiscal agent. Goal of grant is to build a website. The organization gets together once a month to listen to speakers, offer opportunities for organizations that support GCLC. The use of the website is to network and give feedback to greater Latino Community on services and programs designed to help them.  It is currently beginning its application to become a 501c3.

 

In discussion, Byron Hutchins expressed interest in doing work in graphic design.  Other questions focused on who is going to do graphic design.  Carlos said that, at the moment, it is more important to find funders to design site.  The proposal was moved, seconded and passed.

 

Old Business

1. Ad in Juneteenth Festival brochure – $200 was donated for a half page ad & the festival was   success. Lydia Morgan presented a letter thanking FCA for its contribution.
2. Reminder – New FCA email address is: FCACINCINNATI@aol.com
3. Status of Letter of Support for Madison Parkway
4. Status of FCA support of Annna Louise Inn – Letters are still encouraged & being accepted)
5. Status of FCA FaceBook page – In progress

 

New Business

1. Change on Agenda – Move P.G. Sittenfeld Announcement to New Business
2. Review Minutes – Approved unanimously
3. Homelessness – Never had our follow up meeting.  Pastor O’Neal and Charles Wallner called Doc Foster to make this thing happen

 

Some FCA members that attended last month was not included on the Minutes (sign in sheet  was passed around) – Lydia Morgan – Cincinnati Juneteenth, Don Luckie – Cincinnati Federation for Teachers. Steve Demar – Episcopal Diocese, Marsha D. Thomas – Black Nurses Association

Announcements – “As A Lawyer Night” at City Hall (P.G. Sittenfeld) – Wednesday, August 8^th

Schedule:

5:45pm – 6pm (Registration); 6:00pm – 6:15pm (Welcome & Instructions); 6:15pm – 7:45pm, 12 lawyers to give legal advice

Topics: Landlord-Tenant issue, Employment Termination, Employment Discrimination

Social Security Disability.

 

Presentations

Jami Clarke – Lighthouse Youth Services “Be the Somebody” Foster Parent Recruitment Campaign

Lighthouse is  in need of Foster parents. There are over 800 kids in Foster Care.  There is a need to match children or they’ll be sent to Group homes or out of Hamilton County. Lighthouse is currently doing work with Crossroads church.  Other churches are needed to send this information out to their membership, to spread the message and get foster parents (Sometimes people don’t understand their part in the community without the help of the churches). If you are interested in us coming to our church and give a presentation, please contact me directly at (513) 487-6712 or jclarke@lys.org,

 

MARCC – Margaret Foxx

Painting of Henry Ossawa Tanner: Modern Spirit – Special Summer Program

Wednesday, August 22^nd 9am – 11am on Wednesday, Continental Breakfast

African American artist with AME roots (father was AME pastor) – took Trips to Egypt & Palestine

Only showing in 3 locations in United States;  on display until September. Curator will talk about painter. Tour show before museum opens, admission is $10.  There will be free art lessons on Saturdays for kids

 

Kathy Fendly – Cincinnati Symphony & Pops Orchestra

Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestras is looking for 7^th – 12^th graders (Education program for 2012-2013 season). Last week of auditions for program is the week of August 20^th. Tuesday, August 21^st  & Wednesday, August 22^nd – Students who play cello, bass, flute, oboe. Thursday, August 23^rd & Friday, August 24^th – Students who play violin, viola, trombone, tuba, harp , percussion. Saturday, August 25^th & Sunday, August 26^th – Students who play violin. Applications distributed in the meeting

 

CSO Nouveau Chamber Players

Free Mentoring Program for 7^th – 12^th – receive free coaching, attend concerts, etc.

5 year program – 2 community recitals

Upcoming Events:

1. Beauty, Bliss & Branford – November 30& December 1, 2012 (Branford Marcellus – Director)
2. Patti Austin Sings Ella Fitzgerald – January 19-20, 2013
3. Sarah Chang: String Fever – April 4 & 6, 2013
4. Classical Roots Concert – Friday, March 15^th 2013

 

In discussion: do the youth perform in the community? Yes.  Concerts 2x / year (concert & advanced orchestra) – During school year, balance with family activities, usually free in the Summer.  Looking for performance sites for Nouveau Program

Request was made to bring orchestra to the Avondale at Boys & Girls Club / Rockdale Academy

ADVOCACY

COMMUNITY

Judge Nadine Allen – Improvements in law for ex-offenders.

Law passed by state of Ohio that enable judges to do more for justice system. Effective October, 2012

1. Give certificates of employment to people with felons
2. Reduce child support payments when a person have been incarcerated or unemployable because of being incarcerated
3. Expungements – for individuals with 2 prior convictions

 

Update on MARCC by on this issue Margaret Fox.  Grant was receive to lobby in Columbus

Much work done to lay the ground work for new state law

 

SAVE THE DATE – September 6^th – Clergy Breakfast (Honoring 3 clergy members in this room)

Rockdale Community Ministries – Health Fair – Get AMOS there

 

Education

Prepare the Future – Charles Wallner

Signatures for Request for Equal Funding for all school districts to go to state legislature is moving along. Member of Prepare the Future met with Bill Phillis (who led  on the lawsuit against the state regarding unequal funding) in Columbus. Information was shared with the Chief lobbyist, Pastor Denise Ray of Episcopal Church

 

FCA officials will meet with Mary Ronan and Eve Bolten by the end of the month to discuss this matter.

Not able to get data from Public Schools to get the number of students that was in Public schools last year who transferred and returned from Charter Schools.  October 16, will be a conference in Columbus on the privatization of public schools. Prepare the Future will be attending this year and the costs associated with schooling – What’s the difference in cost between charter and Public Schools?

Data discovered – children that attend charter schools are 1 year behind those in Public Schools.  We want to do something now instead of waiting until October when the report from Public Schools come out.

 

If we can’t do something informally, we will push a formal petition to get something done.

Althea Barnett asked if there are any charter schools doing well? Yes, but low number.

Contacting parents of Public Schools about funding for education and getting interest and backing

Has anyone ever thought of hearing from school children themselves to get feedback and compare from public schools vs charter schools (Yes it’s permission involved, but may be worth addressing)

Robert Harris asked is there any data that comes through Public Schools that track special needs children (OFT Website) – Problem is most charter programs are not equipped to work with children with special needs.

 

How widely is this petition being circulated – Charles Wallner will email out petition

Denise Driehaus will work on getting information to FCA committee on specific stats of charter schools

Charter school statistics: www.ode.state.oh.us

September 28, 2012 – Date state legislature goes in to effect (SB 327)

 

Ohio House Traveling Committee on Education is meeting at various locations throughout the state.  – Prepare the Future plans to stay in the loop on the state’s new formula for education.  One of the main questions is whether the state should rely on property tax or other sources.  For instance City of Cincinnati, by the current formula is on a par with wealthier suburban districts where the income level of parents are higher.

 

The State is also leaving school districts and local parents confused in regard to its mandates.  For instance the 3^rd Grade Guarantee – all 3^rd grade level have to read on a certain level can be retained for up to 2 years. Specialists are to be trained to help students with reading but there is no time table when this is to happen. All students will have 90 min blocks of reading every day with a Reading Specialist. The Legislature has provided $13 million dollars to this ongoing initiative (will be a struggle) – not nearly enough money to get this done.  Local school districts are  going to have to try to find other sources of income to accomplish the mandate. There are Specialized “Orton Gillingham Tutors” to assist with reading and other areas.  It will be difficult to identify enough teachers to qualify to be a Reading Specialist.

 

There is a question as to how are students are to be tested: Comprehensive test or actually reading?

 

Winton Woods  - Brandon Wiers

A year ago the school district submitted an application to have Winton Woods School to be a member of the Eastern Cincinnati Athletic Conference.  The application was rejected under suspicious circumstances. It has been resubmitted and again rejected.  Withrow had recently been accepted.  Walnut Hills had already been a member. The schools of the Conference want a geographically distince map of schools to reduce travel costs for teams.

 

On July 16^th, Brandon submitted resignation to Winton Woods School District Board Member.  He can only recommend a successor.

 

Labor

AFL-CIO Labor Day Picnic – September 3^rd, Coney Island (6201 Kellogg Ave) – Doug Sizemore

Board of Election Meeting – Thursday, August 16^th – 9am, 824 Broadway Ave (632-7000)

to support continuation of early voting extended hours and other issues ues involving voting

We need to pack this place to show we have a concern about hours being cut – Please show up!

Verify your vote… make sure you’re registered (100s – 1000s have been dropped – in Hamilton County).  Complications for some voters include:  not voting in the past 4 years, changes in address due to evictions, foreclosures and bankruptcy.

 

Cindy Manning – Communications of America 4401 discusses the closing of the Cincinnati Call center.   She thanks Cincinnati City Council’s for passing its resolution opposing outsourcing the call center.  The call center employed 137 people (28 year employee of Cincinnati Bell).

The company has history of outsourcing jobs to Philippines and other countries (Main switchboard and wireless – all calls automatically goes to Philippines)

Phone calls

 

Members of FCA are asked to Call (513) 397-9900 – Ask for Jack Cassidy, leave a message and tell him that Cincinnati Bell is supposed to be our local company and we want our jobs to remain locally.  Send letters to oppose change.  Send to Jack Cassidy – Send to 201 E. 4^th St 45202

Trying to organize a rally – Spoke with Sherrod Brown, Todd Portune, and Denise Driehaus

Digital Media campaign is an option – CWA will handle that capacity (may connect with

Campaign to the consumer to say we don’t want this to happen

 

Nathan Ruggles – Working America AFL-CIO, focuses on working family issues and will be circulating and canvassing get petitions signed in the community which will be forwarded to FCA.

 

There is a strong push to get some type of legislation (HB403) approved to stop sending jobs overseas (Corporations are getting tax break to send jobs overseas)

 

Health

Status of Health Care Law– Karen Bell

There is still a need to access the public to talk about Affordable Care Act (Lawsuit resolved)

Opportunity to expand Medicaid (it’s a right not a privilege) – Send emails to FCA and FCA will forward out (Charles Wallner)

(513) 541-7099 x23- Donald Washington

 

Update in HIV Services for Greater Cincinnati – Charles Wallner

Charles provided a the County Health Department’s HIV / Syphilis Monthly Report.  There is a need to get the word out to both youth and adults – Educate the community

Cheryl Hutchins stated that there are need for Incentives for Testing (iIn the past, we’ve had partnerships with Radio Stations, Live Broadcasting).

 

The committee would like to invite back the Hamilton County Health Commissioner to report on the status of its Faith Based initiative to focus Healthcare.  Charles Wallner will see if the Commissioner, or representative can attend FCA’s October meeting.

Members of FCA has followed up and received no response

 

For information Planned Parenthood – 5 days / week – Caracole (stop AIDS testing) at 4138 Hamilton Ave – (513) 679-4453

 

Housing & Homelessness

Working with Ex-Felons and Families - Phillip Nunes (Volunteers of America)

Reentry Final plan is accomplished.   There was a kickoff in June. The Committee is now on summer hiatus.  The plan is to address the issue of 2700 -2800 people returning every year into the community.  They need to know that they are eligible to vote. The Task Force Subcommittees center around Housing, Employment, Education, Advocacy, Public Education.  The Hamilton County Reentry (copy of plan) – will be brought to the FCA in September

 

ADDITIONAL ANNOUNCMENTS

Ohio Justice & Policy Center – Ngozi Ndulue

Racial Profiling – Traffic tickets / other issues

Community – Wednesday, August 8^th 5:30pm -  Su Casa Community Center – 7036 Fairpark Ave

Tamia Denora / P.G. Sittenfeld – Let’s move Cincinnati  – applied to be a Let’s move city (Michelle Obama’s campaign)

Saturday, August 25 – 8:30am – 12pm (513) 352-5270, Tamia’s cell (513) 417-0743

2^nd Home Event – Give things to those who don’t have and we will give it to others – Sept 14^th – 4:30 – 6pm

2^nd Annual Ice Cream Social (free) – Anna Louise Inn  – September 14^th, 4:30pm, Lytle Park

 

POINT OF ORDER – Tom Conland

Vote made to add a category on the agenda specifically for Voter Registration as Advocacy. Robert Harris – Moved, Karen Bell – 2^nd Movement

Would this include education of voting or specific actions? Both

 

Swag to Vote – Wants to partner (Tim Sullivan, Founder – 513.823.7060). This committee will be in communication with other groups doing Voters Registration organizations. It is to get in contact with the FCLC.   Karen Bell will be spokesperson.

 

Meeting closes with prayer.  Next meeting September 10, 2012 at Urban League,  10 am.

 

send agenda items to fcacincinnati@aol.com