ULGSO - 2023 Impact Report

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2023 IMPACT REPORT

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75 Years of Empowering Communities & Changing Lives 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio. As the largest and oldest Black organization in this region, we are proud and inspired by our legacy of working to end generational poverty through programs and services that help individuals build careers, improve their finances, start and grow businesses, and develop as leaders. We are honored to be at the forefront of advocating for equitable policies and social justice and grateful to collaborate with partner organizations to improve the lives of those in historically underserved communities.

Despite a changing and challenging landscape, our commitment to our mission has not weakened or wavered as demonstrated by the impactful work accomplished in 2023. While growing and expanding our current programs, we are proud to have launched three powerful new initiatives designed to move more individuals into livable wage careers and remove barriers to success. We expanded our fight for social justice and racial equity; created new partnerships and funding opportunities to assist entrepreneurs; partnered with community organizations and leaders to address youth violence and celebrated 75 years of service and impact with the return of our annual fundraising gala.

As we close out 2023 and look to the future, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the corporate, government, philanthropic, civic, and community organizations with whom we’ve built close partnerships and who continue to uplift and support us in this important work. I give special thanks to my outstanding Board of Trustees led by our amazing Chair, Barbara Turner, and to our immediate past chair, J. Phillip Holloman.

Most importantly, I want to thank the dedicated and talented staff of the Urban League. These 72 passionate individuals show up every day ready to go above and beyond for everyone who walks through our doors. The program impact presented in this report would not be possible without their hard work and commitment.

We look forwad to another 75 years of Empowering Communities & Changing Lives.

CHRISTIE BRYANT KUHNS, ESQ. President & CEO

board of directors Board Chair Barbara Turner, BT Rise Officers Vice-Chair Robert Jones, GE Aviation (Retired) Treasurer Brian Fitzgerald, Procter & Gamble Secretary Monica Foxx, FX Facility Group

board members Marion Byndon, Duke Energy Liz Carter, Scripps Howard Foundation (Retired) Branden Frantz, WLWT Maria Hill, Hillman Group (Urban League Guild President) Deanna Hillard, Interact For Health (Urban League Young Professionals) Danielle Ivory, Ivory Towers, LLC Max V. Langenkamp, Cintas Corporation Sterling Leaven, GE Aviation Casey Marsh, UBS Private Wealth Management John Merchant, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP Phenise Poole, Fifth Third Bank Ann Reed, Kroger Lisa Roberts-Rosser, PNC Bank Marya Rutherford Long, Fifth Third Bank (MVUL Advisory Board Chair) Chris Schildmeyer, TriVersity Construction Shawn Serba, PwC Faith Tubman, U.S. Bank Jeremy Vaughn, Ernst & Young LLP Daniel von Allmen, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Robert J. Wiehe, UC Health J. Phillip Holloman, Immediate Past Chair

mission

The Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio is on a mission to end generational poverty through programs focused on workforce development, financial empowerment, entrepreneurship advancement, leadership development and advocacy.

vision pillars 01 02 03 04

Developing innovative solutions to move the needle on generational poverty

our values

Our vision is passionately focused on pioneering programs that will make a transformative impact on systemic patterns of poverty.

integrity

Excellence in advocacy in our community

mission driven

Our focus is on amplifying the voices of our community members while actively listening and advocating for their needs, rights, etc.

Consistently demonstrate and collectively communicate impact Create engaging narratives that vividly demonstrate a connection between statistics and the genuine human element behind the number.

Become an employer of choice

Foster a welcoming and dynamic workplace culture that attracts and retains top talent.

pride accountability compassion teamwork

what we do workforce development Our programs are designed to meet people where they are at all stages of their career journey. From those who are unemployed or underemployed to those who are looking for a new career path. Our goal is to place people in positions that provide living wages, opportunities for career growth and sustainable retirement options. In other words, jobs that end the cycle of economic instability and lift families out of poverty and onto a successful path for the future.

Solid Opportunities for Advancement and Retention (SOAR) Black Women in Tech Building Futures Comprehensive Case Management & Employment Program (CCMEP)

693

PEOPLE SERVED

Community Partnering Center (CPC) The CPC team identifies conditions that lead to violence and seeks to address them early by connecting residents with resources and opportunities that promote growth, stability, and well-being. The team actively works to develop a climate of trust and mutual respect between law enforcement and the community to foster vibrant, safe neighborhoods.

247 PEOPLE SERVED

what we do FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT With a laser focus on ending generational poverty, we strive to provide a full spectrum of services, support and programs to empower individuals and families to achieve financial stability, economic self-reliance, and wealth building.

Comprehensive Financial Coaching Black Men & Money Wealth Building Wednesday Homeowner Seminars

402 PEOPLE SERVED

ENTREPRENEURSHIP ADVANCEMENT

Entrepreneurship empowers communities so we strive to empower entrepreneurs. As a hub for the Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC), we offer free, confidential, in-depth, one-on-one counseling for businesses with fewer than 500 employees. We help established entrepreneurs leverage new business opportunities and secure financing to achieve higher levels of growth while also providing support and guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs. Additionally, we offer various educational programs, training cohorts and grant opportunities to aid in business development and expansion.

African American Business Development Program (AABDP) Economic Empowerment Center Small Business Development Center

2,122 144 PEOPLE SERVED

NEW BUSINESSES CREATED

$6,775,606 IN FINANCING ACQUIRED

what we do leadership development

African American Leadership Development Program (AALDP) Now in its 30th year, AALDP is a highly regarded leadership development program for African American professionals in Greater Cincinnati. Through interactive sessions led by expert facilitators, participants increase their awareness of their professional and personal strengths, enhance their knowledge of critical community issues and grow their leadership skills.

Urban Champions Provides youth ages 14-19 with innovative and impactful programming around leadership, advocacy and mental health awareness. In the summer students are given employment opportunities culminating in the Annual Youth Summit, a day-long, youth-led program that provides young people with an opportunity to have engaging discussions around civic engagement and leadership development.

changing lives

In 2023 the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio launched three powerful programs.

black women in tech Launched in November of 2023 with financial support from JPMorgan Chase, investments from Google and support from the Workforce Innovation Center of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, the Black Women in Tech Program is designed to provide women of color with credentials that lead to high-growth career opportunities. The program offers Google Career Certificates in the fields of cybersecurity, data analytics, digital marketing & ecommerce, IT support, project management, and UX design. Participants do not need prior tech experience or a degree to participate. Participants receive “earn as you learn” incentives, childcare, financial education workshops, access to a computer lending library, personalized mentoring support, workforce development and case management to ensure program completion. The first cohort graduated 45 women who have since started new roles, been promoted thanks to the new credentials, or made the leap to start their own business.

changing lives bUILDING FUTURES This comprehensive 12-week pre-apprenticeship program was launched in December 2023 with support from the Cincinnati Building and Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO, Hamilton County, and the Ohio Department of Transportation.

The program equips participants with the skills, knowledge and support necessary for success in the building and construction trades. Participants also receive financial literacy education, mentoring support, and “earn as you learn” incentives. No previous construction industry experience is required. Graduates emerge ready to enter registered apprenticeships in their chosen trade. The first cohort of 14 students graduated March 2024 followed by a second cohort of 17 that graduated May 2024. All graduates are currently moving through their apprenticeships.

changing lives THE URBAN EXPUNGEMENT PROJECT We are proud to join our fellow Urban League chapters in Akron, Cleveland and Columbus as part of the inaugural Urban Expungement Project led by the National Urban League. This program is designed to remove barriers to opportunity and create access by providing records relief to eligible individuals looking to relaunch their lives. Records relief helps individuals move forward towards meaningful employment and a career path which in turn can lead to better housing, transportation and an improvement in the lives of their families. This program is a shining example of what the Urban League does best - empowering communities and changing lives. Since launching the program in the Fall of 2023, we’ve helped over 60 people have their records expunged allowing them to move forward with a fresh start.

ADVOCACY Established in 2020, the Holloman Center for Social Justice is a pioneering initiative dedicated to advocating for police reform and advancing racial equity in Southwestern Ohio. Under the mantra, “From Protest to Policy Change,” the center engages in policy advocacy, data collection and reporting, community education, and creates opportunities for collaboration between police jurisdictions, local communities and policymakers to drive systemic reform. Eight police departments have already implemented changes in policies and practices based on the data collection reporting and recommendations from the CSJ. In August 2023, the Holloman Center opened a physical location thanks to a transformative gift of $1 million from J. Phillip & Gail Holloman with additional support provided by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and Fifth Third Bank.

MISSION

VISION

Our mission is to serve as a regional catalyst for collaborative police reform efforts between communities and police departments in Southwestern Ohio. We are committed to engaging in policy advocacy, data collection and reporting, community education, and organizing to advance racial equity and social justice.

We envision a region free from racial profiling, police bias, excessive uses of force, and racial disparities in the criminal justice system. Our goal is to create a just and equitable society where every individual is treated with dignity and respect by law enforcement.

2023 EVENT CELEBRATIONS 29TH Annual Glorifying the Lions

“Until lions have their own historians, tales of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.”

—The Igbo People of Nigeria

On April 5 the Urban League honored the 29th class of the Legendary Lions Society, celebrating six passionate and distinguished leaders who have made a lasting impact on the Greater Cincinnati community through their selfless dedication, commitment, and service to others.

2023 honorees Bishop Michael E. Dantley, EdD Stephen L. Hightower Angelita M. Jones Camille A. Jones MD, MPH Peg Moertl Rabbi Dr. Gary P. Zola.

Annual Juneteenth Celebration EMPOWER. EDUCATE. CELEBRATE.

Despite the rain, over 500 people attended the Juneteenth Celebration presented by Lincoln & Gilbert and Fifth Third Bank. The day was a funfilled community celebration featuring food trucks, information booths, giveaways and a live broadcast by Lincoln Ware.

2023 EVENT CELEBRATIONS Shining Bright Like a Diamond— 75th Diamond Anniversary Gala On Saturday October 21 the Urban League celebrated 75 years of empowering communities and changing lives with the return of its annual fundraising gala under the theme “Shining Bright Like a Diamond.” Held at Duke Energy and co-chaired

by J. Philip and Gail Holloman and Barabara and Daman Turner, the 700-person sold-out event featured Black restaurateurs serving dinner and dessert by the bite, a celebration of 50 years of hip hop with headliner, KID CAPRI and additional entertainment provided by the 2nd Wind Band and DJ Vader.

2023 highlights 2023 NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR AWARD The Urban League was named 2023 Nonprofit of the Year in the Outreach Programs Category by Cincy Magazine.

NAACP OUTREACH AWARD WINNER The Urban League was honored by the Cincinnati Chapter of the NAACP with the 2023 Community Outreach & Partnership Award (Nonprofit) at the 2023 Freedom Fund Dinner.

REP. JEFFRIES TOURS HOLLOMAN CENTER On October 8, House Minority Leader, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries stopped by the Holloman Center for Social Justice to tour the space and learn more about its work and impact in the community.

SHERRI SHEPHERD MEET AND GREET On October 13, actress, comedian and daytime talk show host, Sherri Shepherd visited the League for a meet and greet luncheon with the Urban League staff and an engaging conversation with Ashley Kirklen of WLWT Channel 5.

MVUL SPOTLIGHT

The Miami Valley Urban League is focused on ending generational poverty through programs and services focused on the Greater Dayton community.

Executive Director, Nikol Miller Miami Valley Urban League Advisory Board Marya Rutherford-Long, Chair, Fifth Third Bank Bonnie Baker, Kettering Health Maya Dorsey, Learn to Earn Dayton Ivy B. Glover,Wright-Patt Credit Union Sarah Hackenbracht, Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association Katie Joseph, Winsupply

DAYTON RESILIENCY FUND Through a $1.5M grant from the Dayton Recovery Plan, the Miami Valley Urban League launched the Dayton Resiliency Fund to support small Black and Brown businesses by bridging the financial gaps caused by the COVID-19 pandemic which disproportionately affected minority businesses. In 2023, $360,000 in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 was awarded to 77 businesses.

2023 PILLAR AWARDS The 2023 Pillar Awards celebrated four exceptional leaders who have made a lasting impact on the Greater Dayton Community through dedication, commitment and service.

2023 Pillar Honorees Dr. Karen Townsend, Owner, KTownsend Consulting J. Thomas Maultsby, President & CEO, United Way of Greater Dayton (Retired) Sharon D. White, Director, Community & Government Relations, Premier Health System Helen Jones- Kelley, JD, Executive Director, ADAMHS Montgomery County

EMERGE

(Educate, Motivate, Elevate, Relate, Gain, Entertain)

The Emerge program provides high school students from low-income environments with the mentoring and support necessary to reach graduation. Students participate in career pathway exploration and receive opportunities to gain credentials for employment or apprenticeship programs upon graduation as well as encouragement and guidance towards attending college. Participants can engage in paid/or unpaid work experiences with employers or training programs.

Scott Murphy, Leidos Innovations Center K. Duane Martin, Premier Health Chris Nalls, Nalls & Davis Law Firm Jessica Turner, Bricker Graydon Jamaica White, OH Taste Foundation Jay Williams, KeyBank

our partners The work of the Urban League is made possible by the generous support of our partners and funders who share our commitment to ending generational poverty by advancing economic and social equity. Their contributions enable us to implement vital programs and initiatives that empower communities and change lives. Special thanks to our lead partners listed below.

THE 2023 CORPORATE IMPACT LEAGUE

SUPPORT THE IMPACT The work of the League is made possible by the generous support of those who donate. Every contribution helps Empower Communities and Change Lives.

Workforce Development

Help us offer educational opportunities, job training, and employment services to individuals striving to improve their lives and communities.

Financial Empowerment

Support the financial literacy programs that teach essential skills for managing personal finances, building credit, and achieving financial independence.

Entrepreneurship Advancement

Help end generational poverty by empowering entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses that create jobs in the community and build wealth.

Leadership Development

Provide innovative and impactful programming around leadership, advocacy and mental health for young people.

Advocacy

Contribute to our efforts advocating for policies that promote equality and justice for all.

LEARN MORE

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Showcase your commitment to the community.

We offer a range of sponsorship packages to suit your organization’s needs. For more information, contact:

Janice Liebenberg Senior Vice President, Development JLiebenberg@ULGSO.org (513) 487.6532

Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio 3458 Reading Road Cincinnati, OH 45229 Phone: (513) 281-9955

Holloman Center for Social Justice 3539 Reading Rd., Ste. 100 Cincinnati, OH 45229 Phone: (513) 221-4275

Miami Valley Urban League 31 South Main St. Ste. 211 In the Dayton Arcade Dayton, OH 45402 Phone: (937) 226-1513