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The Community Foundation of Lorain County hosted its annual meeting June 18 at the Lorain County Joint Vocational School, 15181 State Route 58 in Oberlin, celebrating the theme “Lifting Voices” and it’s 45th anniversary.
The program focused on accomplishments of 2024 as part of the Community Foundation three-year strategic plan, honoring vital community partners, honoring scholarship recipients and the vision looking forward, according to Cynthia H. Andrews, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Lorain County.
The JVS was chosen at the event site this year as the institution is a large resource in the county which embodies the power of hands-on education and helps students thrive for their futures and the future of the community, said Nick Ross, chairman of the Community Foundation of Lorain County Board of Directors.
“In Lorain County, we are fortunate enough to have a generation of students discovering their strengths, building their careers and contributing to our community through programs offered here,” Ross said. “Community is part of what we do.”
Ross highlighted notable accomplishments of the Community Foundation in 2024 including awarding over $6 million in grants and scholarships, expanding resident engagement initiatives and providing additional funding to all Main Street organizations in Lorain County.
Resident engagement activities included initiatives like supporting Art in the Park in Lorain and providing football helmets to youth sports programs, he said.
“We will build on both the momentum of this past year, and the momentum associated with our 45th anniversary, and ensure our impact is deeper and that our support reaches a broader audience,” Ross said.
Andrews said the meeting also was an opportunity to celebrate and promote the trades and work done in the JVS, as almost $39,000 was awarded in scholarships to JVS students this year.
“We and our communities owe a debt of thanks to Dr. (Glenn) Faircloth (superintendent of the JVS), the teachers, staff and administrators here,” she said. “JVS people show up all over our county and in return, our community expresses belief and support in their future.”
The Community Foundation also has reimagined scholarship programs, which total 63, by creating a committee of experienced staff members from a variety of backgrounds, according to Andrews.
She also highlighted successes in the Community Foundation’s funds, including the Women’s Fund, Youth Fund and African American Community Fund, which provided $15,000 in grants.
Over 20 scholarship recipients were in attendance to receive a certificate.
“These scholarships, these investments in our community and our people have a way of paying off,” Andrews said. “Their (students’) success is our community’s success.”
A Tool Kit Campaign also was announced in which all JVS students will receive a tool kit for their program free of charge, regardless of what the material is, according to Faircloth.
Another highlight of the event included Tony Gallo, president and CEO of the Lorain County Chamber of Commerce, being awarded with the 2025 Jim Doughman Community Service Award.
There also was a panel discussion hosted by Grace Broome, development assistant for the Community Foundation of Lorain County.
Panelists included Desireee Randleman, a Leadership Lorain County intern; and Margarita Padua, president and CEO of Leadership Lorain County, provided insightful advice on leadership and their personal accounts.
“We have community partners across 34 communities, and we think and we believe it’s right to celebrate all those communities, and we believe this is a perfect place,” Andrews said. “This year marks 45 years of connecting people who care with causes that matter.”
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