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COCDF Advisory Board Member Jasmine Ayres Appointed to City’s Workgroup to Structure a Civilian Police Review Board

For Immediate Release

July 1, 2020

 

City Engages Independent Investigator, Law firm to Investigate Police Response to Protests

Community Leaders Named to Form Civilian Review Board

 

Mayor Andrew J. Ginther announced the hiring of two independent entities to handle investigations into Columbus Division of Police responses to recent protests. The independent law firm BakerHostetler will handle investigations that are flagged for administrative review. A professional investigator and retired FBI agent will investigate incidents for potential criminal charges.

“I have seen images and videos over the last several weeks that disturb me – including the pepper-spraying of non-violent activists, media and elected officials,” said Mayor Ginther. “Our Department of Public Safety has been reviewing hundreds of complaints, and it is now time to send them for independent evaluation.”

On June 1, Mayor Ginther set up that an email hotline outside of CPD chain of command for people to send complaints, video and photographs. The Department of Public Safety and a member of the faith community continue to review the complaints.

To date, approximately 40 incidents will be turned over to BakerHostetler and 16 incidents to the investigator. Many incidents from the hotline are still under initial investigation by Public Safety, and there are additional complaints that have come into the Internal Affairs Bureau of CPD that are also still being reviewed. It is likely that more will be forwarded the independent investigators.

In addition, the Mayor seated a workgroup to structure a civilian review board, a recommendation from the Columbus Community Safety Advisory Commission.

“In creating this workgroup, I selected subject matter experts and key community stakeholders who will help guide important decisions including how the board will be seated, how it will operate, and what powers will be afforded to the board.”

Mayor Ginther also stressed that the board must have subpoena and investigative powers.

The workgroup includes:

  • Jasmine Ayres, community organizer, Peoples Justice Project
  • Fred Benton, attorney
  • Bo Chilton, President, and CEO, Impact Community Action
  • Dr. Lewis Dodley, IMPACT Community Action
  • Stephanie Hightower, President, and CEO of Columbus Urban League
  • Pastor Frederick LaMarr, President, Baptist Pastors Conference
  • Kent Markus, General/Bar Counsel, Columbus Bar Association
  • Jonathan McCombs, Dean of College of Health and Public Administration, Franklin University
  • Ismail Mohammad, attorney, Ismail Law Office
  • Densil R. Porteous, Chair, Create Columbus
  • Aslyne Rodriguez, Director of Government Affairs, COTA
  • Janay Stevens, President, John Mercer Langston Bar Association, Associate, Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
  • Kyle Strickland, Senior Legal Analyst, Kirwin Institute
  • Erin Synk, Director of Government Relations, LNE Group
  • Nana Watson, President, NAACP Columbus
  • Anthony Wilson, Vice President National Organization of Black Law Enforcement – Columbus Chapter

 

 

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Mike Conley Donates $200,000 to Five Communities in Response to Coronavirus Pandemic

Supports programs in Utah, Memphis, Columbus, Indianapolis, and Arkansas

Community of Caring Development Foundation to partner with Columbus Urban League to facilitate outreach

(May 20, 2020) – In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, Utah Jazz guard Mike Conley has donated $200,000 to benefit the communities that helped shape him and the state he currently represents on the NBA hardwood.

Conley’s comprehensive contribution to five communities will address food insecurity, homelessness and remote learning needs exacerbated by COVID-19. His $200,000 donation will be distributed among Utah Food Bank in Salt Lake City; CodeCrew in Memphis, Tenn.; Community Shelter Board and the Columbus Urban League in Columbus, Ohio; the Indianapolis Public Schools Foundation in Indianapolis; and the New Haven Missionary Baptist Church in West Helena, Ark.

“Giving back and helping others is very important to me. The COVID-19 crisis has allowed me to slow down and appreciate who I am and where I am in life,” said Conley. “It has reminded me that I am in this position because of the support and sacrifices of others I’ve encountered all along the way. I wanted to be there for the communities that have been fundamental to my personal growth and are now suffering due to the effects of this pandemic. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”

A portion of the three-time NBA Sportsmanship Award winner’s donation will help Utah Food Bank continue to send increased amounts of product to its 182 partner agencies across the state. In addition, it will help offset the increased transportation costs of Utah Food Bank’s Mobile Pantry program, which is continually expanding to meet the sharp increase in need due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Conley’s contribution will provide the equivalent of more than 194,000 meals for Utahns facing hunger.

Conley’s donation will also benefit CodeCrew in Memphis, where he spent the first 12 years of his NBA career. CodeCrew, in partnership with STREETS Ministries, will use the funds to acquire low-cost broadband internet services and laptops for students in Memphis to assist with distance learning. The nonprofit organization educates, mentors and trains underrepresented groups in tech to become innovators and producers.

In addition, the Jazz guard’s gift will support Community Shelter Board in Columbus, Ohio, the city where he attended college at Ohio State University and makes his offseason home. Conley’s investment will help slow the spread of the coronavirus by providing masks for every staff member and client in the homeless system. His contribution will also provide critically important personal protective equipment for staff working in isolation and quarantine shelters for those experiencing homelessness and infected with COVID-19.

A portion of Conley’s $200,000 contribution will also assist the Columbus Urban League in
Ohio in its mission to create hope and opportunity for the nearly 40,000 African American
and disadvantaged urban families it touches every year. In partnership with the Community
of Caring Development Foundation, an arm of New Salem Baptist Church, the donation will
help the Columbus Urban League meet the basic food needs of the nearly 350 families
whose children have been a part of its outreach programs this past year.

Conley will also be investing in the city where he spent his high school basketball career with
a gift to the Indianapolis Public Schools Foundation. The Jazz guard’s investment in the
foundation’s Education Equity Fund will support the largest school district in the state of
Indiana. Funds will be utilized to provide internet connectivity for students, district-wide
professional development for teachers and preparation for re-entry into the classroom after
months of isolation.

Finally, Conley’s donation will support the New Haven Missionary Baptist Church in West
Helena, Arkansas, the state where he was born and raised. Conley’s contribution will provide
personal protective equipment for members of the community based in the Arkansas Delta.

Conley’s donation is aligned with the “Acts of Caring” platform of NBA Together, the global
community and social engagement campaign launched by the NBA family in response to the
coronavirus pandemic. “Acts of Caring” aims to harness the reach of the NBA and its
partners to galvanize support for those most impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19.

Conley won the NBA HORSE Challenge last month, which included a donation from State
Farm of more than $200,000 on behalf of the participants to charities focused on
coronavirus response efforts. In partnership with Save the Children and No Kid Hungry, the
Jazz guard also read Fox in Socks online to benefit the Save With Stories campaign in
response to the needs of children during school closures.
—@JazzDoingGood or utahjazz.com—
About the Utah Jazz
Founded as the 18th member of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1974, and located in Salt Lake City since 1979, the Utah Jazz are committed to excellence as a team and in the community. On the court, the Jazz are the second-winningest team in the NBA over the last 30 years, having won nine division titles and two Western Conference championships along with 16 seasons of 50-plus wins, and are supported by one of the most passionate fan bases in all of sports. Away from the court, the Jazz are very active in the local community and have assisted a multitude of organizations and worthy causes by way of charitable donations, service and grants through Larry H. Miller Charities. The Utah Jazz also operate the Junior Jazz program, the largest and longest-running youth basketball league in the NBA, featuring more than 60,000 players and an additional 13,000 volunteers who take part annually across seven states. For more information on the Utah Jazz, visit
www.utahjazz.com.
About Utah Food Bank
Founded in 1904, Utah Food Bank has operated under various names but remains true to its mission of
Fighting Hunger Statewide by providing food to a statewide network of 182 emergency food pantries and agencies. Last fiscal year, Utah Food Bank distributed 45.7 million pounds of food and goods, the equivalent of
approximately 38 million meals, to families and individuals in need. For more information about Utah Food Bank, visit www.utahfoodbank.org.
About CodeCrew
CodeCrew is a non-profit tech organization that empowers youth and adults in Memphis from
underrepresented communities in tech to be tech innovators and producers through practical, hands-on computer science education and training. For more information about CodeCrew, visit www.code-crew.org.
About Community Shelter Board
Community Shelter Board leads a coordinated, community effort to make sure everyone has a place to call home. CSB is the collective impact organization driving strategy, accountability, collaboration, and resources to achieve the best outcomes for people facing homelessness in Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio. With the support of a compassionate community, our system of care served 15,000 people last year with homelessness prevention, shelter, street outreach, rapid re-housing, and permanent supportive housing. For more information about Community Shelter Board, visit www.csb.org.
About the Columbus Urban League
For more than 100 years, the Columbus Urban League has not wavered. We remain steadfast in our
commitment to create hope and opportunity for the nearly 40,000 African American and disadvantaged urban families we touch every year. We proudly offer an authentic, integrated system of services that touch every neighborhood in Columbus and Franklin County. This work strengthens families, overcomes barriers, achieves economic mobility, fosters entrepreneurship, constructs on-ramps to wealth creation through smart financial practices, and teaches children critical academic and life skills. For more information about the Columbus Urban League, visit www.cul.org.
About the Indianapolis Public Schools Foundation
The Indianapolis Public Schools Foundation partners with the Indianapolis Public School District to ensure all students have the resources and support they need to pursue their dreams with purpose. For more information about the Indianapolis Public Schools Foundation, visit www.ipsfund.org.
About the New Haven Missionary Baptist Church Coming from humble beginnings with just four families meeting in a home in 1984, New Haven Missionary Baptist Church in West Helena, AR has grown into an international family of believers who are committed to their mission to exalt the Savior, equip the saints and to evangelize the sinner. For over three decades, “The Haven” serves not only as a church home, but also as a source of help and encouragement to the community. For more information, visit Facebook | New-Haven-Missionary-Baptist-Church-1483456605262996.

Media Contact: Frank Zang, (801) 325-2570, frank.zang@lhm.com or Matt de Nesnera,
(703) 554-5499, matt.denesnera@utahjazz.com

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Saints on Streets bring Health & Hope to Linden during COVID-19 pandemic

New Salem’s Saints on Streets (SOS) Volunteers Distribute Care Packages to Church’s Closest Neighbors

New Salem Baptist Church and the Community of Caring Development Foundation, through the “Health & Hope” initiative and SOS (Saints on Streets) outreach ministry, follow the commandment to “love our neighbors” by distributing CARE packages to more than 100 households in the “adopted” blocks surrounding New Salem Baptist Church.  Volunteer “connectors” began distributing CARE packages on Saturday, May 9, 2020 from 10 a.m. at the New Salem Baptist Church, 2956 Cleveland Ave. Columbus, Ohio 43224 (main parking lot).  Once a highly desired neighborhood of choice, the Linden community now struggles with both physical deterioration and economic challenges. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic only exasperated these challenges, leaving many families and individuals out of work and trying to make ends meet. The CARE packages will include canned and dry goods, pasta, peanut butter, the 2020 Franklin County Children’s Services Resource Guide, and other items.

Community Connectors are needed to help distribute these CARE packages. This is the perfect opportunity to serve while maintaining social distancing and strong safety measures.

The Community of Caring Development Foundation (CCD Foundation)

As the Community and Economic Development Arm of New Salem Baptist Church, The Community of Caring Development Foundation (CCD Foundation) has planted seeds of hope and health in Linden and witnessed what can be accomplished when neighbors join together to create a connected community. Over the last three years, we have continued our commitment to investing in the lives of individuals and families by providing access to affordable housing for more than 1,000 families, over 300,000 meals, $20,000 in community grants and more than $70,000 in academic scholarship awards. We are proud to call the Linden community HOME! Visit us at https://callingallconnectors.org/tourdelinden/.

 

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April 1 is Census Day: The 2020 Census is happening NOW!

The 2020 Census is happening NOW! It only takes 10 minutes and it’s the law. Census findings inform the appropriation of billions of dollars in federal funding across states and communities, which directly affects public health, housing, and early education programs. The census also determines the number of seats each state receives in the U.S. House of Representatives. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are new concerns about undercounting, which makes participation and awareness-raising more important now than ever before. Go to https://www.2020census.gov/ and complete your profile.

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Mid-Ohio Foodbank: COVID-19 UPDATE

 

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Governor DeWine Issues “Stay at Home” Order

Today, Governor DeWine issued a “Stay at Home” order which requires all Ohioans to stay at home, and limit trips to essential errands only. The order will go into effect Monday at 11:59 p.m.

It is important that we take this order seriously to stop community spread of COVID-19. We are at a critical point in our fight to stop the spread of this virus, and we must follow the governor’s order.

But this order should not cause panic, and I urge the residents of Columbus to act responsibly. You will still have access to the necessities you need to keep the community healthy and safe, including grocery stores, pharmacies and health care.

For government, businesses and nonprofit organizations that will remain open to serve critical needs and provide essential services, this is not business as usual. Employees who can work from home should, and steps should already be in place to allow employees to practice safe social distancing and assure proper sanitation. We should redouble our efforts to ensure steps we’ve taken to protect our employees are being followed in practice.

For individuals, to the extent you must leave home, follow the advice of public health experts. Limit your movement, practice safe social distancing, and wash your hands.

Finally, while these are challenging times, it is not a time for fear. Instead, we must rely on facts. Our decisions should put the common health and well-being of our community and our families first.

Be patient with one another. Support each other and be kind.

These are times unlike any most of us have ever seen, but together we will get through this and we will emerge stronger, smarter and healthier.

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From the City of Columbus — Office of the Mayor

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COVID-19 Message — Stay Connected

Message From The Community of Caring Development Foundation (COCDF)

As your community and economic development partner, the Community of Caring Development Foundation (COCDF) cares for the health and well-being of all our neighbors in Linden and Columbus, which is aligned with our mission of creating a connected community. During this coronavirus pandemic, it is critical that we stay connected as a community and share information and resources.

We are closely monitoring the situation. Please take care to review the information below.

The City of Columbus public health officials are working in tandem with federal, state and local officials and agencies to continuously monitor the evolving coronavirus/ COVID-19 situation and appropriately alter its response plans to mitigate community spread.  Health officials strongly recommend that seniors and those most vulnerable to becoming seriously ill consider avoiding large crowds, traveling only if necessary, and taking extra precautions when leaving the house. It’s also recommended that all residents:

  • Clean your hands often with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • If you are sick, stay home, unless you are seeking medical care. Look out for symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing. If you’re not familiar with your employer’s sick leave policy, please talk to your supervisor or HR representative.
  • While sick, cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, and wash your hands.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as doorknobs, phones and tabletops.
  • Social distancing is key to slowing the spread of the virus. According to the CDC, maintain about six feet of personal space and avoid public places like movie theaters and shopping centers. Avoiding shaking hands and touching, as much as possible, by practicing social distancing – an infection control action intended to stop or slow down the spread of the contagious disease. The objective of social distancing is to reduce the probability of contact between persons carrying an infection, and others who are not infected, to minimize disease transmission, morbidity and ultimately, mortality.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all events with more than 10 people be canceled in the U.S. The agency also provides the following insights:

  1.     STAY INFORMED: To make sure you have the most up-to-date information, check the CDC site regularly or sign up for the CDC newsletter here, and share the information with your neighbors.
  2.     BE PREPARED: Make sure to have enough food, household supplies, water, vitamins and medications for each person (and pet) in your home. If you run out of supplies, let neighbors know so they can share or direct you to available supplies at businesses in your local area. Should you become ill, it is important to have health supplies on hand including pain relievers, cough and cold medicines, and fluids with electrolytes.
  3.     GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS: Talk with your neighbors (particularly the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions) about emergency planning and let them know you’re there to help. According to the CDC, older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease seem to be at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. Localized community response can be critical during times when federal, state and local authorities are overwhelmed.
  4.     IDENTIFY AID ORGANIZATIONS IN YOUR COMMUNITY: Create a list of local organizations that you can contact for information, health care services, support, resources, and mental health or counseling services.
  5.     CREATE AN EMERGENCY CONTACT LIST: Ensure your household has a current list of emergency contacts for family, friends, neighbors, carpool drivers, health care providers, teachers, employers, the local public health department, and other community resources.

As we tighten our daily interactions and remain closer to home let’s use this as an opportunity to support the businesses in our community who service and support us every day!

Resources 

Federal, state and city: 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.htm

https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/know-our-programs/Novel-Coronavirus/welcome/

https://www.columbus.gov/publichealth/

https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/

Unemployment Compensation:

http://jfs.ohio.gov/coronavirus for new information and visit http://unemployment.ohio.gov

Community Aid Resources from around Ohio including Central Ohio.  

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1M6NIp9liiQyoFMaAbQNW2A082eJ_bDZCKyfeF4s-Cb4/edit?usp=drivesdk

Volunteer or donate to the Columbus City Schools. 

https://www.ccsoh.us/Page/7564

What do you do if you are sick? 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fabout%2Fsteps-when-sick.html

Is Your Household Ready for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)?

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html

How to keep work, schools and homes safe.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html

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