News Blog

“This is progress you can see,” said Vanessa Ward, president of Omega CDC. “Through workgroups and surveys, families consistently asked for opportunities to put down roots, and now homes are coming to Northwest Dayton neighborhoods with the support of partners who see the value of investment. This is the future our residents called for. The demand is being answered with action.”

Members of the Community Investment Fund cohort had the opportunity to meet with local and national philanthropic partners, sharing their community impact and expanding networks.

In Northwest Dayton, Youth House Inc. is empowering youth of color and building community strength through culturally grounded programs, essential resources, and safe, affirming spaces.

Spectrum New Beginnings (SNB) is cultivating holistic wellness and self-care for Black individuals and families in a community long impacted by health disparities.

“Our number one goal is to support academic growth,” Campbell explains. “The after-school tutoring program has become a safe place where students are getting the support they need to grow.”

What began as a modest outreach program for young girls, quickly grew into something bigger, On Purpose Academy and Mentoring Center (OPAMC) is a co-ed preschool focused on delivering education services for early childhood and school-aged children. OPAMC is more than a classroom, it is a catalyst for growth. Their mission is to elevate and inspire preschoolers and youth to be focused, purposeful, and resilient.

In 2021, the Equity Center was a small but passionate organization operating on a $40,000 budget. In just a few years, and many community partnerships later, it has grown into a key force within Dayton, expanding its reach and growing tenfold. They work to revive communities through education & workforce development.

A core tenet of Hrkman's message was the critical role of media in a healthy democracy. He challenged every CIF participant – and indeed, everyone committed to community service – to actively leverage available tools to amplify their organization's story.

Learn to Earn Dayton is thrilled to welcome Amara Payne as its Policy and Advocacy Summer Fellow, serving on the Strategic Initiatives Team.

exploring housing, education, wellness, and economic vitality strategies to strengthen our work in Northwest Dayton.

Erica Fields, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives for Learn to Earn Dayton will be presenting at the Symposium, alongside Tracy Sibbing

The Fairview School Learning Garden, a partnership among Dayton Public Schools and engaged community partners, supports student learning.