GroundWork group

At Mid-Ohio Foodbank, we are feeding our neighbors today, while working every day to end hunger.  For us, it's all about connecting individuals and families who are hungry … with fresh, nutritious food.  We are committed to filling bellies while filling hearts, so that everyone in our community can thrive.

Recently, Mid-Ohio Foodbank's Board of Directors unanimously approved a series of important changes that will drive our work through 2018.

To support the organization's emerging priorities and integrate a holistic approach to ending hunger, the Foodbank updated both its vision and mission statements, set a singular goal, and identified results-based strategies to move the work forward.

Vision

The new vision is simple, yet encompasses infinite possibilities and opportunities for engagement. It makes the connection between food and health, a growing focus for the Foodbank:

A hunger-free and healthier community.

"This simple statement strategically blends practicality and possibility," says Mid-Ohio Foodbank President & CEO Matt Habash. "We've always worked to feed our hungry neighbors, but now our vision pushes us to address larger, more complex issues, such as why people are hungry in the first place. It's time to take the next step, to dream big about ways to make healthy, nourishing food accessible, both immediately and in the future, tackle the underlying causes of hunger, and find creative ways to involve and inspire our community."

Mission

The new mission reflects the Foodbank's desire to meet the immediate food needs of those who are hungry while working with others toward broad, long-term solutions to ending hunger's underlying causes. The Foodbank's new mission is:

To end hunger one nourishing meal at a time and co-create a sustainable community where everyone thrives.

New trends, such as a changing mix of food, the influx of first-time pantry clients, and the growing understanding of food's impact on health, education and the economy requires a shift in thinking. "Food banking has changed drastically in the past five years, and our goals must align and respond to these shifts," says Habash. "We don't ‘own' this work … it has to be a collective priority among all sectors of the community. This statement is a great foundation for those efforts."

Our Goal

In 2011, Feeding America, the nation's food bank network, published a report detailing what food insecurity looked like in every county in the U.S. The project, Map the Meal Gap, exposed gaps in food security - gaps that existed after federal nutrition programs and the emergency feeding system (i.e., food banks and their partner agencies) had been deployed. In our 20-county service area, we strive for all people to be food secure. To that end, our one goal is to:

Close the meal gap by 2018.

In the next five years, we'll be working toward this goal by deploying four strategies that will advance our work and our response:

·         Feed the Line of People Who Are Hungry

o   Provide 62 million meals annually, to close 50 percent of the meal gap by 2018.

·         Mobilize the Public

o   Fully engage the public in advancing the vision and mission of Mid-Ohio Foodbank.

·         End the Line of People Who Are Hungry

o   Co-create a sustainable community where everyone thrives, to close 50 percent of the meal gap by 2018.

·         Live Our Way of Being

o   Develop ways to position and promote our work culture as a strategic advantage.

To learn more about Mid-Ohio Foodbank, including our programs and services and how you can get involved, please visit our website: www.midohiofoodbank.org.

On his way to work as the new CEO of the nonprofit community Delhi Center, Armando de la Libertad, a former Wells Fargo executive, often saw kids leaning against the Center's exterior walls. They were trying to catch its WiFi signal for their handheld devices. These kids were a constant reminder of what he already knew: the digital divide is more than popular terminology. The disparities in access to technology keep low-income families from jobs, financial stability and educational opportunities.

With a 40-year history and serving 42,000 individuals annually, the Delhi Center worked with GroundWork group (GWg) to conduct a survey that showed that residents of the Delhi neighborhood were four times less likely to have access to WiFi than residents of nearby Lake Forest.

The collaborative then launched a pilot project, in cooperation with Connected Nation, that gave 20 families a complimentary computer, WiFi access and lessons on how to use a computer.  Follow-up surveys showed the families were saving time by paying bills online, gaining employment from online listings and reading more via the Internet.

"We are extremely thankful that we had assistance from Ground Work group to conduct this pilot and hope to build on it to provide a similar experience for more families who can gain greater stability by having access to the Internet," De La Libertad said.  As a member of GWg, Delhi has taken advantage of many services:  GWg has conducted an IT assessment for the Delhi Center and conducted Microsoft Office trainings in the Center's computer lab.  Delhi staff have attended IT forums and are working through the process of gaining new board members with GWg's IT Board Matching & Development Program. 

For more information about the Delhi Center, visit www.delhicenter.org or see first-hand how Delhi is advancing self-sufficiency, enjoy networking, delicious food and great company during Delhi's short, monthly tours. To learn more or RSVP click here:  Tours

For 33 years, New Directions Career Center (NDCC) has continually improved the Franklin County community by helping individuals achieve financial stability.

With a focus on career development for women, NDCC has touched the lives of more than 60,000 individuals.  The Center offers group workshops and individual career counseling to help clients set attainable career goals and assist in their job search. Each client makes personal changes and grows professionally. Upon completion of NDCC programs, 70 to 75% of individuals have been able to enter employment, complete ongoing training or education and drop all or some of their dependence on public assistance.

NEW for NDCC – Classroom Expansion and B's Boutique – Growth in service has led to the need for expanded classroom and office space.  Plus the Center is excited to open B's Boutique which will provide clients with professional attire for their career needs.

Support NDCC at Women of Promise, their signature fundraising event April 18 that supports the quality and affordable career development services available at the Center.

GroundWork group is proud to help Member New Directions Career Center through our Tech Support, Cloud Services and the civic/IMS database.

Learn more about New Directions Career Center and other upcoming events.

Jewish Community Center Celebrates 100 Years!

Begun by  Joseph "Pop" Schonthal in 1913 to provide meeting space for Columbus's Jewish organizations, the Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus (JCC) has grown to four locations with a broad array of offerings…from early childhood programs and arts & culture  to health & wellness  and summer camp…to fulfill their mission of strengthening the individual, family and community.

JCC by the numbers…

6,000+             Number of members

500                  Number of young children attending the Early Childhood Programs where they begin to form their Jewish identity.

2,000               Number of people using JCC fitness facilities each week

13,000             Number of Kosher lunches prepared for elderly adults

200,000           Number of people coming through the JCC doors to vote, donate blood, receive health screenings, take classes, attend camp, view exhibits and play sports.

The JCC was selected by the Columbus Chapter of the NAACP as its historic civil rights icon for 2013.

Join the JCC for one of their many events to commemorate and celebrate their first 100 years.

Learn more about Columbus JCC.

Founded in 1976, ICEC is a nonprofit organization that serves over 600 special needs children and their families annually. A member of GroundWork group Orange County since 2012, ICEC began working with GWg to implement Civic/IMS to help streamline the management of their clients, donors, volunteers and fundraising efforts.   Recently GWg helped ICEC transition from using their personal email addresses to Microsoft Office 365, a web-based, organization-wide email application which will be used with web-based file sharing to meet new HIPPA guidelines. In 2013, ICEC is looking forward to working with GWg to re-design their website.

With a focus on children from birth to age 6, ICEC's programs enhance the development of children with known or suspected delays. Programs are delivered in a small group setting and include speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, sensory integration, general developmental therapy, behavior management, and social/academic skill development.

Additional services include counseling for family members, respite care, developmental assessments, and a preschool interaction with typical peers.
 
ICEC believes families are a big part of the process, providing a parent participation early intervention program that trains and assists parents in helping their child to maximize their developmental potential.
 
Get involved – come out for a night of dinner, dancing and an auction at ICEC's 5th Annual Lover's Ball Gala & Fundraiser March 2, 2013 or check out the ICEC website for volunteer opportunities!
 

Communicating Through Partnership

The JANE Project
For Columbus Settlement Houses

Several years ago, the then seven Settlement Houses serving the Columbus area collected data and reported program outcomes on similar services – yet they operated on seven different systems. The Columbus Federation of Settlements (CFS) sought a solution that would increase efficiency and streamline reporting for all seven Settlement Houses. Working with the Nationwide Insurance Foundation, CFS engaged the assistance of GroundWork group to establish the program now known as the JANE Project.

"The JANE Project has simplified client support and reporting for the Settlement Houses beyond all expectations," says Angela Kypriotis, a consultant for CFS. This single, shared system has nearly 200 active users and ensures that each Settlement House collects all necessary information from the clients they serve. Client data is stored in a secure, HIPAA-compliant database. Additionally, the JANE Project's system compiles all data in a format consistent with United Way of Central Ohio's reporting system, dramatically reducing the amount of time each separate Settlement House spends demonstrating the success of their mission-related work and reporting back to their funders. The increased efficiencies have allowed the Settlement Houses to shift staff time to the expansion of service to the community. Begun in July 2010 with nearly 600 client records, the JANE Project grew to track service data on more than 10,500 clients by July 2011. In the last year, use of JANE has doubled, with over 21,000 clients served in the Columbus area by the now six Settlement Houses. GroundWork group tailored the system using the data architecture already in place and continually acts as the database administrator so that the Settlement Houses are able to share a single central data management system that meets their specific needs.

The JANE Project is named for Jane Addams, who was one of the pioneers of the Settlement House movement in the late 1800's. The goal of the Settlement House movement was to help provide for the basic needs (such as food and shelter) of residents in impoverished urban areas. These basic objectives still ring true in the Settlement Houses today.

For more information on the great work of Columbus's Settlement Houses, please visit their websites:

Columbus Federation of Settlements, www.cfsettlements.org
Central Community House, www.cchouse.org
Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center, www.clintonvillecrc.org
Gladden Community House, www.gladden-us.org
Godman Guild Association, www.godmanguild.org
Neighborhood House Inc., www.neighborhoodhouseinc.org
St. Stephen's Community House, www.saintstephensch.org

Nationwide Children's Hospital won the 2011 GWg Nonprofit IT Creativity Award for Day-to-Day Operations, among a slate of 21 nominees. Nationwide Children's was awarded for implementing technology solutions to manage all daily operations, including advanced software applications, automated processes, business continuity & disaster recovery, network reliability & security, staffing needs, upgrades, data back-ups, capacity planning, and policies, procedures & documentation.

The award event honored nonprofits for the innovative and meaningful ways in which they are leveraging Information Technology (IT) to support their business functions to help them effectively and efficiently achieve the goals of their missions.

In late 2009, Nationwide Children's began to acknowledge a serious problem. They have a world class electronic medical record or E-M-R, but the PC-based model for accessing the E-M-R had become ineffective.

The new delivery model, "eChart Connect," is a suite including the Desktop, Toolbar, Remote, and Mobile services. The eChart Connect Desktop roams with the end-user from one thin client terminal to another. eChart Toolbar provides E-M-R access to non-clinical workstations. eChart Connect Remote provides remote access to the E-M-R for in-home use, mobile clinics, affiliate hospitals, full-time remote workers and community physician offices. eChart Connect Mobile provides E-M-R access on personal mobile devices. Wherever patient care is needed in their new facility, eChart Connect will swiftly and securely deliver critical patient information to the right person at the right time and to the right device.

Nationwide Children's believes that no child should be refused necessary care and attention for lack of ability to pay. Upon this fundamental belief, Nationwide Children's is committed to providing the highest quality:

        Patient Care
                    Advocacy for children and families
     Pediatric Research
                    Education of patients, families and future providers
Outstanding Service to accommodate the needs of patients and families

Nationwide Children's has been caring for sick and injured children and adolescents since 1892. In its first year, 70 patients were treated by a six-member staff and seven other employees. Today, Nationwide Children's is the primary pediatric health care provider for 37 counties, with more than 1,100 medical staff members and 8,300 employees who provide expert care to children regardless of ability to pay.

Nationwide Children's has made U.S. News & World Report's Honor Roll list of the 2012-13 Best Children's Hospitals rankings. Ranking seventhon this prestigious list, Nationwide Children's is one of only 12 children's hospitals nationwide to earn this "best of the best" national distinction.

For more information, visit http://www.nationwidechildrens.org.

The Board of Directors of the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) will present the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio (DSACO) with the National Parent Group Award at its 40^th Annual Convention in Washington, D.C. July 19-22. The award recognizes local organizations that provide significant educational and social resources to families.

"In addition to your local impact, we believe that the DSA of Central Ohio provides a positive example for the national Down syndrome community," wrote NDSC President James Faber.

The award committee considered the types of educational, recreational and social programming offered by DSACO. Over the past 12 months, DSACO has stepped up programming to address the needs of the members identified through the 2011 membership survey and strategic plan.

DSACO's wide array of programming serves families throughout the lifespan of individuals with Down syndrome. This year DSACO's Keeping Up Community Information Series included seven programs covering such issues as potty training, individualized education plans, sexuality, and estate planning.

To prepare students ages 14-22 for the world beyond high school, DSACO launched the Transition & Employment Series with five workshops on such topics as employment skills and post secondary options, and hosted a Resource Fair featuring organizations and programs that support employment.

DSACO's annual statewide Adult Conference features interactive programs designed for personal and professional development for individuals ages 18 and older.

This summer, DSACO is launching a pilot Summer Learning Academy, an inclusive program for children who have completed grades 1-4.

Recreational programs for all ages including the Down syndrome Golf Academy, Lose the Training Wheels, Walking Club, and soccer, cheer and dance clinics, provide opportunities for members to learn new skills, stay fit and participate in the community.

Over the past year, the number of support and activity groups has grown to include an OSU Student & Sibling Group called Student Advocates for Down Syndrome, D.A.D.S. (Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome), Weekend Play Group, Ross & Pickaway County Support Group, and a 3-6 Year Old Group.

With record-setting attendance at DSACO's holiday party, summer picnic and dance, and World Down Syndrome Day event, more than 1,000 members had the opportunity to celebrate with other families traveling on the same journey.

Regina Britt, past DSACO Governing Board Director who now serves on the NDSC Board of Directors, nominated DSACO for this prestigious award. "I am impressed by the quality of programming initiated by DSACO staff and the dedication of parents who organize support and activity groups that provide important social and educational connections," said Britt.

Congratulations, DSACO! To learn more, please visit www.dsaco.net.

(July 2012)

From left to right: Denise M. Robinson, President & CEO; Todd Goodsite, Information Systems Administrator; Cody Swartz, Web and Digital Designer; Ramona Swayne, Vice President of Operations; Kameron deVente, current Board Chair, former IT Subcommittee Chair

Alvis House won the 2011 GWg Nonprofit IT Creativity Award for Technology Maturity, among a slate of 9 nominees. Alvis House, a nonprofit with one division that works with individuals in transition from being involved in the criminal justice system as they reenter the community and another division working with individuals with developmental disabilities (DD), was recognized for demonstrating overall technology maturity when looking at all nine of the business functions that can be enhanced through advanced use of technology: Strategic Planning, Marketing, Constituent Management, Communications, Fundraising, Service Delivery, Reporting, Day-to-Day Operations and Training & Education.

The award event honored nonprofits for the innovative and meaningful ways in which they are leveraging Information Technology (IT) to support their business functions to help them effectively and efficiently achieve the goals of their missions.

In 2006, Alvis House embarked on the development and implementation of an IT Master Plan. Prior to 2006, Alvis House had very limited networking capabilities and many operations were done manually, which was time consuming and created more risk of errors.

Alvis House purchased and implemented client service program software and provided laptops for all Supported Living houses. Electronic timesheets streamlined payroll processing and aided in tracking client service hours. In addition to the IT Plan, Alvis House implemented documentation of IT related initiatives, progress tracking, responsible parties, and timeline maintenance.

The results of their IT Plan include increased network and physical security, better protected organization information, dedicated service lines for all satellite videoconferencing, improved technical support and a restructured IT department.

Established in 1967, the mission of Alvis House is to serve communities by providing research-based programs and services that promote healthier families, personal responsibility and public safety.

Alvis House serves 5,000 men, women and youth statewide. With a staff of more than 300, Alvis House operates many programs:

• Residential community corrections programs reaching 400 individuals in Columbus, Chillicothe, Dayton and Toledo;
• Family-focused reentry programs that begin while an individual is incarcerated;
• Life skills and job seeking training for young adults involved in the criminal justice system
• Community Reentry Centers in Columbus and Lima that provide employability skills training, Ohio Benefit Bank Services, GED instruction and other support;
• Specialized residential corrections treatment programs for individuals who are veterans; individuals with severe substance abuse treatment needs; and individuals with co-occurring disorders; and
• Wittwer Hall, an intermediate care facility, licensed bed homes, and supported living services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Learn more about Alvis House by visiting www.alvishouse.org.

From left to right:John Hrusovsky, former GWg National CEO; Kathy Myers, Grants Manager, OASHF; Maryjo Mace-Woodburn, Director of Work Support Initiatives, OASHF; Dustin Speakman, Director of Community Services, OASHF; and, Tony Wells, President, Tony R. Wells Foundation.

Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks won the 2011 GWg Nonprofit IT Creativity Award for Social Enterprise Innovative Program, among a slate of 15 nominees. Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks (OASHF), a nonprofit that assists Ohio's 12 Feeding America foodbanks in providing food and other resources to people in need, was awarded for developing a particularly creative social enterprise program leveraging Information Technology.

The award event honored nonprofits for the innovative and meaningful ways in which they are leveraging Information Technology (IT) to support their business functions to help them effectively and efficiently achieve the goals of their missions.

Knowing that hunger is merely a symptom of poverty, OASHF is home to The Ohio Benefit Bank™ (OBB™), an innovative online service that connects Ohioans to resources they need to be healthy, remain stable, and retain employment.

Volunteer counselors attend in-person training that teaches them how to use The Benefit Bank® online service to assess, assist and educate individuals on how to obtain benefits. The online service is accessible in both English and Spanish, is question-guided and is written on a fourth grade level.

OASHF used its existing emergency food network of 12 foodbanks, and their more than 3,300 member pantries, shelters and congregate feeding sites, to develop the OBB. National service members serving through AmeriCorps VISTA recruit and train new counselors and establish sites.

An electronic gateway exists between the OBB online service and Ohio's 88 County Departments of Job and Family Services, a remarkable IT achievement that is possible thanks to a longtime partnership with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. This electronic gateway allows OBB counselors to complete applications in the field and submit them automatically to local case managers in the county office.

Data collection is integral to the success of the OBB. Statistics are accessed through the web-based system, and reports can be generated weekly, monthly, quarterly and annually, helping OASHF determine next steps for outreach. They contracted with Ohio University for a 3-Phase Assessment, which confirmed the OBB's impact on families and its statewide economic impact.

The Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks began as a collaboration among Ohio's foodbank directors in the early 1980s to help direct surplus food to people in need. Formally incorporated in 1991, OASHF works to garner political support for Ohio's foodbanks and to stretch dollars through consolidated food purchasing. OASHF operates the Ohio Food Program and Agricultural Clearance Program, partners with the State of Ohio to operate The Ohio Benefit Bank and operates several national service initiatives.

For more information, please visit www.oashf.org.

From left to right: John Hrusovsky, Former GWg National CEO, GroundWork group; Marla Root, Director, Community Affairs & Advocacy, Step By Step Academy; and, Rhonda McIntyre, Executive Assistant, Step By Step Academy.
 

Step By Step Academy won the 2011 GWg Nonprofit IT Creativity Award for Training & Education, among a slate of 17 nominees. Step By Step Academy (SBSA), a nonprofit treatment center for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), was awarded for embracing the professional development of team members by enacting a technology training and education plan that includes documentation of skills and matches skills to job requirements.

The award event honored nonprofits for the innovative and meaningful ways in which they are leveraging Information Technology (IT) to support their business functions to help them effectively and efficiently achieve the goals of their missions.

SBSA developed a series of training videos to train paraprofessional staff in foundational skills needed to work with individuals with autism. Trainees are given a pre-test to determine their skill set, and their training program is modified through a series of prompts that are faded by the software to match the learning speed and fluency of the trainee.

The use of this training technology helps SBSA to achieve bringing children with autism to their highest potential by standardizing the way staff is trained to teach the children. The technology is cost effective, does not require additional manpower to accomplish the training and is very accessible to staff.

With the use of video training technology, SBSA hopes to contribute to best practices in the field of teaching children with autism by creating a certifications standard that paraprofessionals must meet in order to work with the population, ensuring quality of service for individuals with autism.

The mission of SBSA is to help children with autism achieve skills needed to excel in the community, in their families and in life. Founded in 2002, SBSA provides: Assessments by a Psychologist or Licensed Social Worker; Intensive Behavioral Intervention Treatment Services; Parent Advocacy; Parent and Professional Trainings and Workshops; Case Management; and, Counseling. SBSA works with 195children and young adultseach year to maximize the functioning and independence for children with ASD.

In addition to the Nonprofit IT CreativITy award, Michele LaMarche, SBSA Executive Director, won the 2011 Best Practices Award from the Governor's Council on People with Disabilities.

Learn more about SBSA by visiting www.stepbystepacademy.org.

Photo Caption:From left to right: John Hrusovsky, Former GWg National CEO, GroundWork group; Todd Mills, Director of DevelopmentandMarketing, Local Matters; and,Sarah Luchs, Board Member, Local Matters.

Local Matters won the 2011 GWg Nonprofit IT CreativITy Award for Fundraising, among a slate of 11 nominees. Local Matters, a nonprofit whose mission is to transform the food system to be more secure, prosperous, just and delicious, was awarded for using a sophisticated fundraising application that is automated and integrated.

The award event honored nonprofits for the innovative and meaningful ways in which they are leveraging Information Technology (IT) to support their business functions to help them effectively and efficiently achieve the goals of their missions.

Local Matters uses a custom web tool built in their website's Drupal platform to showcase the faces of their 1,000 Friends of Local Matters. Allowing supporters the opportunity to share their photo among the group of their 1,000 Friends has turned this fundraising campaign into more of a "community" of supporters. Additionally, they have begun offering special events exclusively to their "Friends" where they share updates and provide a forum to hear directly from their leadership about their work.

Primarily handled through online contributions, the 1,000 Friends campaign has reduced barriers to giving. Their system for bringing new "Friends" into their community of supporters is handled through the website, meaning low overhead and minimal management to keep the program functioning AND allowing them to focus on recruiting new members to the program.

Local Matters began in 2002 as The Greater Columbus Foodshed Project, a collaborative project formed through a grant from the USDA. Through several mergers and changes, today, Local Matters staff and more than 500 volunteers aim to achieve a stronger, more secure local food system.

Growing Matters is a program collaborating with schools and neighborhoods to transform urban land into delicious, healthful food. Food Matters empowers positive food choices into adulthood. Veggie Van provides clients and neighbors with greater access to fresh, local foods, or check out Fresh Connect, the Local Matters guide to Ohio food opportunities from farmers to food festivals. Learn more at www.local-matters.org.

From left to right: John Hrusovsky, Former GWg National CEO, GroundWork group; Dr. R. Dawn Comstock, Associate Professor, CIRP; Jason Morrison, Manager, Research Information Services, The Research Institute; and, Sheri Chaney Jones, President, Measurement Resources Company. 

Part of The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, CIRP works globally to reduce injury-related pediatric death and disability.  CIRP was awarded for meeting reporting requirements and conducting organizational, financial and management, outcome measurement and board reporting with advanced technology tools.

The award event honored nonprofits for the innovative and meaningful ways in which they are leveraging Information Technology (IT) to support their business functions to help them effectively and efficiently achieve the goals of their missions. 

In 2005, Dr. R. Dawn Comstock implemented the National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance Study using an innovative Internet-based data collection tool, RIO^TM or Reporting Information Online, developed at Nationwide Children's Hospital.  High School RIO^TM is the only sports injury surveillance study capturing detailed information from a large, nationally representative sample of US high school athletes.

RIO^TM is a cost effective, time efficient, flexible, user friendly technology which provides Dr. Comstock and her team with an unprecedented ability to capture large amounts of detailed data from national study samples.  This quantity of high quality sports and recreation injury data has dramatically advanced the body of knowledge in the sports injury epidemiology field and has been utilized to affect changes at the local, regional, and national level to promote efforts to keep our youth as safe as possible as they play sports.

With innovative research at its core, CIRP works to continually improve scientific understanding of the epidemiology, biomechanics, prevention, acute treatment and rehabilitation of injuries. CIRP serves as a pioneer by translating cutting edge injury research into education, advocacy and advances in clinical care. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) designated the Center for Injury Research and Policy as an Injury Control Research Center in 2008.  In addition to RIO^TM, CIRP offers the Ohio Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System (CODES) Program, the Home Safety Program, the International Program and conducts a Smoke Alarm Study.

For more information on these and other projects of CIRP, please visit www.injuryresearch.net.

From left to right: John Hrusovsky, Former GWg National CEO; Shanikka Flinn, Children's Hunger Alliance Media and Communications Director; Alohna Elliot, Children's Hunger Alliance Volunteer and Quality Services Director; Dominic Cappa, ARC Industries Board Chair and Columbus Business First Editor.

Children's Hunger Alliance won the 2011 GWg Nonprofit IT Creativity Award for Communications, among a slate of 26 nominees.  Children's Hunger Alliance, the statewide nonprofit organization committed to breaking the cycle of childhood hunger in Ohio, was awarded for using advanced technology to communicate with their audiences via electronic newsletters, blast email and social media.

The award event honored nonprofits for the innovative and meaningful ways in which they are leveraging Information Technology to support their business functions to help them effectively and efficiently achieve the goals of their missions. 

Children's Hunger Alliance strategically uses technology to raise awareness of their work, inform and generate supporters, and promote dialogue with the general public.  They send a monthly e-newsletter, email blasts and use Twitter to engage in direct conversation with more people.  In August 2009, the agency established a Facebook page featuring event information, action alerts, media coverage, photographs and YouTube.

Through Facebook and their website, they track the demographics of their online supporters and monitor the impact of their Facebook page in increasing event participation and volunteer activity.

Since launching Facebook and Twitter pages, they have added 1,024 supporters to their e-newsletter distribution.  Between 2009 and 2010, they experienced a 45% increase in new online supporters via Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, successfully increasing the number of volunteers and donors contributing to the agency at almost no financial cost.  Last winter, for the first time, the agency used Facebook, Twitter and e-newsletters to support their hat and mitten drive.  Broadcasting on social media sites alone garnered over 600 brand new hats and mittens.

Children's Hunger Alliance was founded in 1970 with a single volunteer and a $2,000 grant.   The agency is the statewide nonprofit organization committed to feeding hungry minds and bodies and raising awareness of childhood hunger through education, advocacy and service so children will be well nourished, healthy and thrive.  The agency provides programs that directly feed children nutritious meals, educate children and their families about healthy eating, and engage children in physical activity.  Children's Hunger Alliance also positively impacts schools, community and faith-based organizations, and home-based child care and afterschool providers to make maximum use of all federally financed child nutrition programs.  For more information, visit www.childrenshungeralliance.orgor call 800-227-6446.

From left to right: John Hrusovsky, Former GWg National CEO; Sean Whalen, Treasurer, Prevent Blindness Ohio Board of Directors; Rachel Eaton, Director of Administrative Services, Prevent Blindness Ohio; Joe Gallo, CIO, The Columbus Dispatch and Chair, GWg Columbus Board of Directors

Prevent Blindness Ohio (PBO) won the 2011 GWg Nonprofit IT Creativity Award for Constituent Management, among a slate of 13 nominees.  PBO,  Ohio's leading volunteer nonprofit public health organization dedicated to preventing blindness and preserving sight, was awarded for demonstrating the use of technology to support a strong constituent management strategy, including tools, updates, high data collection standards, documentation and security.

The award event honored nonprofits for the innovative and meaningful ways in which they are leveraging Information Technology (IT) to support their business functions to help them effectively and efficiently achieve the goals of their missions. 

PBO utilizes Groundwork group's Information Management System (IMS) as their main constituent management database to maintain more than 100,000 donor, volunteer and patient constituent records. Groundwork group's IMS tool is the backbone of PBO's Cycle of Sight Constituent Relationship Development Program, E-Y-E-S.

E - Enter – People enter PBO's constituent management system through a special event, volunteer opportunity, first-time donation, service recipient, or contact with staff, volunteers or donors.

Y - Yield – Strong data collection strategies and targeted communications allow PBO to reconnect with patients, volunteers, and donors – making a deeper connection.

E - Expect – The opportunity to request a commitment of time and/or money, or the time to close a patient case successfully with the receipt of donated professional eye care services. Most people give because they are asked. Most patients receive the help they need to save their sight when they are supported through the process.

S - Share – PBO reconnects with the donor or volunteer and helps them become a connection for new donors or volunteers…becoming the reason other constituents Enter the cycle.

Founded in 1957, PBO serves more than 800,000 Ohioans in all 88 counties each year through outreach and education efforts designed to connect Ohioans in need with critical sight-saving resources.  PBO is an affiliate of Prevent Blindness America, the country's second-oldest national voluntary health organization.  Learn more about PBO's Vision Research Scientific Forum November 10, their mission and other upcoming events by visiting http://ohio.preventblindness.org.

From left to right: John Hrusovsky, Former GWg National CEO; Lisa Larson, OLN Volunteer; Marcelita Haskins, WOSU Pubic Media Director of Educational Services; Alan Toops, OLN Executive Director; and, Wendy Ciehanski

Ohio Literacy Network (OLN) won the 2011 GWg Nonprofit IT Creativity Award for Service Delivery, among a slate of 24 nominees.  OLN was recognized for integrating technology into all aspects of their service delivery, including mobile computing, research & development, advanced data security and service delivery continuity planning.  The award event honored nonprofits for the innovative and meaningful ways in which they are leveraging Information Technology to support their business functions to help them effectively and efficiently achieve the goals of their missions.  This is the third in a series of articles featuring one of the winning nonprofits and their programs in our eNews each month.

In August 2008, OLN initiated a significant organizational refocus to better support busy adult learners by providing them free, 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week education options for GED prep and workplace skills development.  OLN's eLearning website and strategic partnerships provide learners access to educational resources on multiple platforms and mobile devices statewide via: PBS and cable stations/websites, streaming videos, local literacy programs, libraries and community computing centers.

Prior to this organizational redesign, they provided resources primarily to 200 local adult education programs. Their current service delivery model enables them to serve more than 33,000 users per year with their hotline, referral directory, eLearning site and delivery partner network.  This is one example of how OLN's new delivery model is making a difference across Ohio.  Each year their eLearning website receives an average of 400,000 hits and supports 33,000 new and repeat users.

Established in 1987, The Ohio Literacy Network is committed to building Ohio's workforce by strengthening adult and family literacy education.  OLN promotes awareness of adult literacy issues and needs, serves as a clearinghouse for the exchange of literacy information, and encourages collaborative literacy efforts to maximize the impact of funds available to address literacy needs.

OLN is embarking on an initiative to "re-imagine" literacy in the 21^st century.  Literacy leaders across Ohio will be invited to collaborate and to explore best practices and new research to build literacy skills and sustain adults and families in today's difficult economic and social climate. 

Get connected – for updates on this initiative plus free 24/7 learning resources, volunteer opportunities, success stories and events, please visit www.ohioliteracynetwork.org, sign up for OLN's newsletter, or call the statewide hotline 800-228-7323(READ).

From left to right: John Hrusovsky, Former GWg National CEO and Erin Hoppe, Executive Director, VSA Ohio

VSA Ohio, the state organization on arts and disability, won the 2011 GWg Nonprofit IT Creativity Award for Marketing, among a slate of 32 nominees.  VSA Ohio was recognized for using technology as an effective marketing tool through the use of an interactive website, regular updates to their website and consistency between web and print marketing messages. 

The award event honored nonprofits for the innovative and meaningful ways in which they are leveraging Information Technology (IT) to support their business functions to help them effectively and efficiently achieve the goals of their missions.  This is the second in a series of articles featuring one of the winning nonprofits and their programs in our eNews each month. 

Keeping constituent needs at the forefront, VSA Ohio created a website that ensures full accessibility, room to grow, and the easy-to-use maintenance software Dreamweaver.  In addition to general organization information, the all new VSA Ohio website has numerous valuable components.

• The Artist Registry allows artists with disabilities to connect with new patrons.  The service is still growing, but 15 artists have work on the site, and 3 pieces have already sold.
• The Arts & Disability in Ohio Calendar is an online Google calendar, listing hundreds of accessible events and opportunities across Ohio and America. The seamless interface with Google allows easy updates and has provided a platform for a centralized internal staff calendar and document sharing.
• Since January 1, 2011 over 41,000 hits were made by more than 2,500 unique visitors; up 141% from all of 2009.

Technology has been an invaluable platform for VSA Ohio to advance their mission, reach new audiences, and secure online donations. Electronic newsletters, video posted on their website, Google, Constant Contact, Facebook, and Dreamweaver have streamlined administrative efforts, have expanded the reach of their resources, and have been a platform to develop new programs.

Providing services since 1986, VSA Ohio, the state organization on arts and disability, works to empower individuals with disabilities, creatively and inclusively, through the arts.  VSA Ohio programming aligns with four focus areas:  Education, Professional Development, Cultural Access and Public Awareness Outreach.  For more information on VSA Ohio, please visit www.vsao.org.

Rebuilding Together Central Ohio won the 2011 GWg Nonprofit IT Creativity Award for Strategic Planning, among a slate of 14 nominees.  Rebuilding Together Central Ohio was recognized for embracing the need for strategic development and including technology in their planning.

The award event honored nonprofits for the innovative and meaningful ways in which they are leveraging Information Technology (IT) to support their business functions to help them effectively and efficiently achieve the goals of their missions.  GroundWork group will feature the winning nonprofits and their programs in our eNews throughout the coming year.

The Rebuilding Together Central Ohio Board engages in long-term and short-term IT planning activities as necessary to determine the mission of the organization, to define specific goals and objectives related to the mission, and to evaluate the success of the organization's programs toward achieving the mission.  Rebuilding Together Central Ohio conducts strategic planning annually to be ready for the coming fiscal year.  The strategic plan created by the IT Committee follows a 5-step strategic planning model that includes: Assessment, Baseline, Components, Down to Specifics and Evaluation. On a monthly basis, the Rebuilding Together Central Ohio IT Committee reports actual results to the Board of Directors and the Executive Director to monitor progress.

Rebuilding Together Central Ohio has served Columbus and the Franklin County area since 1991 by working to preserve and revitalize homes and communities. They have provided services for more than 600 homes involving over 14,000 volunteers in service. In addition to working with low income senior and disabled homeowners to make emergency and home modification repairs and updates, Rebuilding Together Central Ohio loans over 200 varieties of hand and power tools to Columbus residents, free of charge, through the Tool Library.  For more information, visit www.rtcentralohio.org.