YOUNGSTOWN/WARREN, Ohio – The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley and the Healthy Community Partnership will host monthly community office hours at libraries in Youngstown and Warren, beginning Sept. 26 and 28.
CFMV and HCP staff will be on hand to answer questions about their organizations’ work, learn about community needs and share resources with local nonprofits. Appointments are not required. If there is specific help being sought, call 330-743-5555 to set up a time to meet during the office hours.
Community office hours will be held at Youngstown Main Library (305 Wick Ave.) Sept. 26, Oct. 24, Nov. 14 and Dec. 12, while office hours at the Warren Library (444 Mahoning Ave. NW) are Sept. 28, Oct. 26, Nov. 16 and Dec. 14. The September and October office hours are 3 to 5 p.m., with November and December dates held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“The Partnership is here to build relationships and find ways community members and organizations can work better together to improve quality of life for everyone in the Mahoning Valley,” says Sarah Lowry, director of the Healthy Community Partnership. “We believe the best way to accomplish this kind of long term change is to intentionally and consistently engage with and listen to residents and community stakeholders to learn what matters most.”
“This is also a chance for us to hear from the people and organizations that we don’t often see,” adds Josh Medore, community engagement coordinator for the Community Foundation. “We know that we can’t work for the whole community if we’re not hearing from as many people as possible. Even if it’s just stopping by for a quick chat, our hope is that these office hours help us better understand all the great things happening in the Valley and help organizations doing that crucial work.”
The Community Foundation offers quarterly grant opportunities and other resources and support to local nonprofits. The Healthy Community Partnership, an initiative of the foundation, brings together local organizations and leaders to work toward systemic changes in three focus areas: healthy food retail, active transportation, and parks and greenspaces.