July/August 2023 Issue
www.vandpmediaproductions.com
&
ur pose ision Community Magazine
Inspiring Communities Everywhere
Business & Entrepreneurship pg. 14
Community Outreach Story pg. 40
Community Heroes pg.10
The Start of Something New Cover Story pg. 30
Community Hero
Vision & Purpose Community Magazine Celebrates Our Community Hero! Vision & Purpose Community Magazine (VPCM): What would you like our readers to know about you? Ashly Barrow (AB): Ashley Barrow has over 16 years of personal and professional experience in the transfer of care planning. She spent most of her career helping individuals who have critical care needs compounded with social barriers transition through the multilayered discharge planning and the community care planning process. In 2020, she founded the digital health platform RE-Assist which integrates the case manager, patient, and service provider in one application. 9/2022 was selected as a MIT Solver Team. VPCM: What is your greatest strength/asset? AB: My greatest strength is moving forward and never giving up.
Adovacate * Loving * Fearless
Ashley Barrow 10 Vision & Purpose Community Magazine
VPCM: How do you use your gift/talent to give back to the community? AB: We work in the community with senior and disabled housing units to provide post-acute help sessions that hope to prevent hospitalizations and improve quality of life. We also volunteer at the ALMS Christin Church Loves Way Community Food Pantry as well as work with WeThrive Forest Park. During the holiday season, we also partner with our local dignitaries and other organizations to give out food distributions throughout the county. VPCM: What does community mean to you? SP: Community means belonging, love, hope, and building a better future.
VPCM: What is your expertise for great leadership? SP: Truthfully speaking, being my authentic self. It is the ability to listen, be inclusive, and hearing others. VPCM: Who/What inspires you and why? AB: I have a lot of barriers, but I am still able to move forward and not only have an impact with my family. I have used the talents the Lord has given me and have impacted the national and global entities with processes I have developed and give back to the community. I have been told to stop but I will never stop being an advocate for individuals that are vulnerable. I teach that to my kids too, so they can continue to breath the same life into the community and birth a greater impact. VPCM: What does Vision and Purpose mean to you? AB: Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. VPCM: Give an affirmation quote and/or biblical scripture that you live by? AB: I literally live my life by treating others the way that I would like to be treated. I always attempt to greet people with love and respect. Vision & Purpose Community Magazine 11
Community Hero Vision & Purpose Community Magazine Celebrates Our Youth Community Hero!
Aaron Bess Jr Vision & Purpose Community Magazine: What is your name and how old are you? Aaron Bess Jr: My name is Aaron Bess Jr and I am 13 years old VPCM: Give just three words to describe yourself. AB: Kind, Resourceful, and knowledgeable. VPCM: What grade are you in and what school do you attend? AB: I'm in 8th Grade and I currently attend Winton Woods middle school. VPCM: What is your favorite subject in school? AB: My favorite subject in school is Mathematics. VPCM: Who is your role model and why? AB: My mom is my role model because she sacrifices herself to make sure to take care of me and my siblings and I have her to thank for everything. VPCM: What do you like about being a youth? AB: What I like about being a youth is that I'm able to experience and reflect upon what I might want to be in the future. 12 Vision & Purpose Community Magazine
VPCM: What is the hard part about being a youth? AB: The hard part about being a youth is that you have less freedom than an adult but the more you grow and mature the more you are able to unlock things like freedom. VPCM: What are your special talents/gifts? AB: A special gift that I have and take pride in is my athletic abilities I am fast and also amazing at basketball. VPCM: What community services do you do? AB: I am currently a junior deacon at Alms Christian Church. VPCM: What does community mean to you? AB: To me, community means extended family because it's people around me that I have known almost my whole life. VPCM: What do you love about your family? AB: I love how they are so supportive of what I am doing at such a young age. VPCM: What is your favorite family time? AB: My favorite family time is when we all sit at the dinner table and just talk about what has happened throughout the day. VPCM: What do you want to be when you grow up? AB: I would like to be an entrepreneur when I grow up because I wouldn't have to work for anybody and I'm already on my way there. VPCM: What else would you like to say? AB: Thank you so much for the nomination and opportunity. Vision & Purpose Community Magazine 13
Business & Entrepreneurship
The Community Guy with A Servant's Heart By Karen McConnell-Jones It has been said that becoming a Fire Fighter is an exceptional field of work to pursue. It takes focus leadership and perseverance to have a successful career in this field. However, to be successful in this line of work, one must have a mindset and/or desire to selflessly and sacrificially put their life on the line in order to be a servant to their community. It is no doubt about their servant's heart, along with, their great tenacity and their sense of understanding of the people in which they serve. Vision & Purpose (V&P) Community Magazine is pleased to feature our Community Guy of Forest Park, Cincinnati. This Community Guy volunteers his time and service out of the kindness of his heart, as he takes pride in assisting and communicating with others in his community. He is sincerely known for his servant's heart is truly contagious and has a positive effect on all who are around him. He is the person you can count on, as he is always there giving a helping hand and doing whatever it takes for the betterment of his community! We can truly say this is what you will find in our Community Guy, Jermaine L. Hill. Meet Our Community Guy Jermaine L. Hill began his career as a firefighter with the City of Forest Park in the year 2000. He obtained his paramedic license in July 2001. He earned the distinction of Firefighter of the Year in 2002; the same year he was named the city’s Fire Prevention Officer. Jermaine earned the Leadership in the Fire Service Award from Shriner’s Hospital in February 2009 and was promoted to Lieutenant in 2012. In 2014, he was the recipient of the Community Spirit Award from the Winton Woods School District and was also chosen as Ohio’s Fire Safety Educator of the Year. In large part, due to his work in the community, he was appointed as Assistant Fire Chief in 2015. 14 Vision & Purpose Community Magazine
Jermaine received his Associate’s of Science degree from Raymond Walter’s College for Office Assistant – Medical, in 1995. He received his Bachelor of Science from Northern Kentucky University in the study of Office Systems Technology and Business Education in 1999. In 2011, Jermaine completed the five-year leadership curriculum of the Carl Holmes Executive Development Institute. He has completed many tactical and community education courses both locally and nationally. He is a level II Fire and Life Safety Educator – a distinction held by less than fifty in the state of Ohio. In 2016, he completed the distinguished three-year Ohio Fire Executive program through the Ohio Fire Chiefs Association. Jermaine expresses his passion for his work while sharing the history of his humble beginnings. “I like being a firefighter, yet, my true passions are teaching, safety, giving access to resources, forming relationships (although I’m an introvert), and having fun. I grew up in the mid to lower-class areas in Cincinnati: Walnut Hills, Avondale, and Evanston; I hung out in neighborhoods Winton Terrace, and Bond Hill. I graduated from Woodward. While being a suburb, Forest Park has demographics similar to Cincinnati - race, income, poverty, employment, etc. Far too often communities with those demographics have issues with health and many times it stems from a lack of education, limited food choices, limited fitness options, lack of access to grants and programs, limited income, etc. Similar barriers. I feel I was placed here to remove those barriers and give my wonderful community members in Forest Park increased chances for success.”
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Education Is Key Preserving Wilberforce University (HBCU) Legacy By Michelle DeMarcia Davis Wilberforce University Professors did a good job advising of the importance of being an Alumni continuously evolving to help others evolve their education. De-Ajura (Dee) Mathenia (Dee) our Cincinnati Chapter President of Wilberforce University Alumni Association shared great insight about being an active Alumni aka Wilberforcean. Meet De-Ajura (Dee) Mathenia Dee is a visionary who believes that vision and purpose are intertwined. She knows there has to be a plan, that is both strategic and tactical in order to achieve any goals associated with the purpose. Dee’s actions show, she believes through dedication and hard work goals are obtainable and achieved. The Cincinnati Chapter, like Wilberforce University, is small and mighty. It’s comprised of twenty-five dedicated alumni who are focused on engaging with the Cincinnati community to share the great opportunities and rich history of Wilberforce University. It was right here in Cincinnati, the Queen City, that the Methodist Episcopal Church and the African American Methodist Episcopal Church collaborated to purchase the land that would serve as the initial location for Wilberforce University. The Cincinnati community and our school-age students, also need to know that Wilberforce University is the nation’s first Historically Black University (HBCU) privately owned by African Americans, founded in 1856.
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The Cincinnati Chapter's goals, mission, vision, and values align with the National Alumni Association; which is to promote the welfare of Wilberforce University, its Alumni, and society at large with funding, student referrals, and overall support for the good of the continuing existence of the University. Our alumni association is organized for the mutual benefit and prosperity of Wilberforce University, graduates, former students, and others committed to our Alma Mater. The ultimate goal of our work and dedication will strengthen and support our Alma Mater ensuring it remains a viable institution and memories of our student experience be kept alive. Specifically, the Cincinnati Chapter is focused on increasing knowledge of Wilberforce University, its rich history, and the alumni network through a three-pronged focus of community involvement, partnership with local K -12 schools, and local churches.
The preparation of current and future leadership of the chapter ensures the local chapter remains vibrant and active. The steadfast chapter leaders and members like Rev. Kenneth Bibb, Gloria Jenkins, Walter Vaughn, and Milton Wiggins, have worked to mentor and prepare, Dee and all other chapter members, to ensure that our local chapter history is preserved and proper operation and procedures are incorporated. Vision & Purpose Community Magazine 23
Inside The Community Youth Auxiliary Gems Creating A Positive Inpact By Michelle DeMarcia Davis Nu Phi Youth Auxiliary program is focused on providing youth with a solid foundation to grow. They provide the youth with various tools necessary to navigate the complexities they are presented with in today’s society both inside and outside the classroom, which is necessary to their overall success. Hopefully, they will pass their knowledge on to the next generation. Meet Youth Auxillary Leader Marquise Freeman. She is an Intervention Specialist working for Cincinnati Public Schools for over twelve years. Altogether, she has been a teacher for over sixteen years. She has three children and seven grandchildren. Marquise shares that she became a member of Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Incorporated, to extend her desire to create a positive impact on our communities, youth, and found this within the Cincinnati NuPhi Chapter. Her Vision is to create a positive impact with today’s youth so they can continue to have positive outcomes and values for their own lives and communities. Marquise goes on to share “My biggest challenge is gaining parent's trust and getting our youth to get involved in our activities that are outside of gaming systems and social media. The area that I have grown in the most is learning to be vulnerable and transparent with our youth members. Our Youth have responded positively when they are heard and know adults have shared experiences.” I personally witnessed Marquise’s transparency with our youth and how it seems to help them understand what others go through outside of themselves. She shares her life experiences and knowledge to help their growth and self-confidence. A great example is when she gave real-life examples so youth could understand why they should hold their heads high, make eye contact, and think about how they present themselves. 26 Vision & Purpose Community Magazine
Marquise explains her interpretation of Vision & Purpose. “The term vision means that you are able to see the direction and outcomes of any goal or situation. While Purpose means you have been directed spiritually to be a part of something that is higher than yourself. My vision never was to become a teacher; however, God’s purpose was for me to do so. So now my vision for teaching is now aligned with God's purpose for my life. As I continue to walk in His purpose I’m growing and loving every second. My vision is to continue to provide positive support for our youth so they can find purpose and develop their own vision for their lives and that this is a pattern that is continued for each generation.” I can attest to Marquise’s passion, as my twins have been a part of this gem since 2019 when Carmen Stone was the Youth Auxiliary Leader. As expected, because of her dedication and hard work she was promoted. I am grateful her replacement is a beautiful soul like her, dedicated to our youth. Their whole group works together to have educational S.T.E.A.M. activities, games, and prizes to celebrate while promoting accomplishments. Nu Phi Youth Auxiliary rotates CincinnatiHamilton County Public Library, which has locations all over the city, giving everyone a chance to enjoy various locations inside the community. This is a well-orchestrated and muchneeded program. I truly believe, before long these programs will be well attended and with standing room only!
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Inside The Community Bringing Business Dreams to Reality By Michelle DeMarcia Davis Meet Peter Bour Peter Bour is a Customer Service Advisor at the Forest Park branch of the CincinnatiHamilton County Public Library and so much more. On top of his daily duties, he goes above and beyond helping people who need small business assistance. The Forest Park Branch of the CHCPL listens and responds to our community needs. They started the small business program last fall after hearing from so many customers they are interested in starting a small business and/or non-profit. Their mission is simple: Connecting customers with experts, peers, and resources that enables the customers to bring their dream to reality. A good challenge they face is having enough room and time to help all their amazing customers. Growth has been in the form of enrollment and networking. In just about a year, they have educated one hundred customers, that now know who to ask for help, and who may be viable partners in the journey to small business ownership. I am grateful my husband and I are a part of that one hundred educated which brings me joy to share this valuable information with the rest of the world. I was even blessed to officially connect with our community heroes for the second time at one of these great classes as they shared their amazing journey to encourage others. Peter details their program as being a 90 minutes once a month session for three months, in which the sessions are held on Saturdays. Classes will resume on September 9th, 2023. The classes are called “When we explore what it takes to start a non-profit.” Their many talented, capable, and connected partners, include SCORE, ECDI and the Women’s Business Center, Aviatra Accelerators, Cincinnati Compass, APNet, the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce, and several small business owners. I am so excited, registered, and ready to attend the September 9th series. I was inspired by their “Turn your side hustle into a business” class. I originally thought I would expand my graphic designs and content writing. After digging deeper, I discover it was meant for me to expand into mentoring our youth with L.I.V.E. Live Mentoring. 28 Vision & Purpose Community Magazine
Peter shares that vision is having an idea that you believe can help customers, and figuring out innovative, effective ways to empower them to achieve their goals. Purpose is the reason they do what they do, through useful resources, limitless learning, reliable information, healthy culture, and welcoming spaces. We are so glad Peter and the Forest Park Brand of CHCPL understand vision and use their purpose to make such a big difference while making a positive change. Peter understands one of the hardest parts of being a small business owner is finding a place to start. They enjoy creating the “doorway” to experts and resources for customers, so their investment in libraries generates value in their enterprises. Libraries offer learning, but also space for remote work or, collaboration, computer use, free printing, and low-cost makerspace products. The community is so appreciative of the Forest Park Branch of the CPHCL. We look forward to them moving to their new space which will allow them to continue to provide even more resources.
Community Outreach
From Pews to Purpose By Michelle DeMarcia Davis
Pastor/Teacher Dwayne D. Flood humbly says “I’m a nobody, trying to tell everybody, about somebody, who saves anybody.” The move of the Holy Spirit called him to preach and whom he gives all control of his life. His heart’s desire is to please Him. He truly believes that God sent him to Pastor the loving people of Trinity Missionary Baptist Church (TMBC) – Madisonville, OH. He accepted his call to pastor TMBC on January 22, 2022, and he sincerely loves the great people of TMBC. Pastor Flood has always had an admiration and love for the Word of God. When it comes to biblical interpretation, he is very studious and careful to rightly divide the Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15). He stands on the Bible as it is written, and he preaches and teaches with strong convictions concerning biblical theology. Pastor is the proud husband of twenty-eight years to Latoya Flood, and they share four beautiful children; Isaiah, Kaleb, Simeon, and Khira. His favorite quote is by Les Brown, “When life knocks you down, try to land on your back. Because if you can look up, you can get up.” His favorite Bible verse is Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” 40 Vision & Purpose Community Magazine
TMBC is friendly, family-oriented and knows that Community Outreach is a critical aspect of the church. The church is composed of people, not the building. They are the church that God uses in order to bless others who are in need. The Bible says, "Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again" (Luke 6:38). TMB wants God to bless them in the same manner that they bless others. Pastor Flood states “Community Outreach is a direct reflection that Jesus has for us. Since Jesus loves us all, we should love as He loves. Jesus gave all that He had . . . Himself. The church has a responsibility to show forth the love of Jesus Christ. In return, those who experience His love may come to accept the precious gift of salvation.” TMBC shares the love of Jesus Christ that transforms the heart through faith and develops spiritual growth through the teaching of the Gospel. (Matthew 28:19-20). To experience the love of Jesus Christ that leads to salvation (Romans 5:8). They believe in one God, creator of all things, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. TMB stands firmly on the Word of God and allows it to lead, guide, and provide instruction on how to live a Spirit-filled life. Pastor Flood shared his thoughts on some of the challenges that he faces. “The pace – at times your heart’s desire is to do and be everywhere at the same time. This leads to exhaustion and burnout. I have learned that I must keep in step with the Holy Spirit. Not behind Him, and certainly not in front of Him. I simply just need to hold His hand and keep in step with Him.” Growth has been exactly what I think everyone needs to grow “Belief – when you read in the Bible that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20), it goes to a whole new level when you see Him do it. I have seen God do some amazing things in the past year. Our church went from barely surviving to thriving all due to the grace of Jesus Christ. God is great and greatly to be praised!” Vision & Purpose Community Magazine 41