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Central Ohio organization helps non-profits fill volunteer voids

Even with volunteering down during the pandemic, Besa helps dozens of non-profits with people to keep vital services running.

https://10tv.com/embeds/video/530-7c9c1124-a939-4dfd-a880-3951f1331dc4/iframe?jwsource=cl
Author: Clay Gordon
Published: 9:10 PM EST February 14, 2021
Updated: 11:39 PM EST February 14, 2021

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Coming close together feels so distanced these days. For those who rely on critical in-person services, the past year has looked and felt different.

One central Ohio organization is helping dozens of non-profits make sure a change in services is not due to a lack of staffing.

Since 2012, Besa coordinates volunteers to fill voids, placing them in the right spots to make sure other organizations, and more importantly those that depend on them, do not see an interruption in service. At any given time, Besa has 30-60 different projects available for volunteers to get involved in, and depending on your comfort level, engagement can be in-person, virtual or individuals, according to its founder Matthew Goldstein.

“Even during the shutdown, services needed to be provided,” said Goldstein. “What we found is as people were pulling back, in terms of going to work and be at home, many, many people were still looking for powerful ways to support this community.”

New Salem Baptist Church has seen the power of volunteering first hand. Adam Troy, the chief engagement officer at New Salem Baptist Church says its Bread of Life Food Pantry almost reduced hours at the beginning of the pandemic, after seeing a need double practically overnight.

“They could shop for themselves and always tried to provide an environment that emphasized dignity,” said Troy. “When we had to pivot inside the course of a week, where we literally went from a high-touch situation to now, [where] logistically people had to show up in cars. We had to develop call systems, volunteers pool ran food back-and-forth and delivered it, and did it all while keeping the volunteers safe as well. We got down to an efficacy skill that previously didn’t exist.”

Troy says they now help about 200 families with thousands of meals per week. The church was partnered with Besa since 2016.

“They continued to show up consistently, which was big for our ability to plan appropriately for food distribution and the number of people throughout the community that we can absolutely serve,” said Troy.

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Linden-based CDC partners with OSU Wexner Center on MLK Day delivered “sleeping bag” coats to Columbus’ homeless

 

Press Release

January 18, 2021, COLUMBUS (OH) – For the homeless in America, staying warm during the winter months, and uninfected during the COVID-19 pandemic, is a double challenge to their survival.

In remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Community of Caring Development Foundation, in collaboration with the OSU Wexner Medical Center STAR Trauma Recovery Center, will deliver care kits and highly innovative “sleeping bag” coats to homeless men at the YMCA of

Central Ohio and Men’s Shelter on Monday, Jan. 18, 2021. The weather-resistant coat, packaged as an over-the-shoulder bag, can transform into a sleeping bag or a coat. The care kits from New Salem Baptist Church’s Bread of Life Food Pantry and other sources will include food, personal items, masks, sanitizers, and more.

“We are seeing an uptick in homelessness and despair as more are affected by the pandemic and its economic and mental health toll on our community,’ said Adam Troy, CEO, Community of Caring Development Foundation in Columbus, Ohio, the economic arm of New Salem Baptist Church. The donation targets men who are leaving the shelter and prefer to stay on the streets. “We must be smarter and lean on innovation and technology to find ways to improve lives and support our people in need.”

Sixty percent of all people experiencing homelessness are male. As of January 2019, Ohio had an estimated 10,345 experiencing homelessness on any given day, as reported by Continuums of Care to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). According to HUD, prior to the pandemic, Franklin County’s homeless population had increased 6% over the year to 1,900, 18% higher than five years ago. But the pandemic is putting a new strain on homeless services systems.

“The Men’s Shelter, operated by the YMCA of Central Ohio, is proud to serve over 200 men experiencing a housing crisis,” says Tiffany Hale, Director of Social Innovation, YMCA of Central Ohio, Van Buren Center. “The Y believes in serving with dignity, compassion, and respect and we believe that providing our men access to coats that transform into sleeping bags will be preparing our guests for any stage of their homelessness journey. Our guests are the experts of their own lives, and we are committed to supporting them in their process.”

The YMCA of Central Ohio’s shelter services for adult men offers the assistance and support needed to stabilize and maintain independent housing while providing access to those support services needed to achieve the highest possible standard of living.

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2020 Resources for Small Businesses

Type Organization Resource Website
Business Development Aventi Academy of Entrepreneurship Aventi Enterprises, LLC offers consulting, coaching and training for emerging CEOs and leaders of nonprofits. Aventi focuses its efforts on the development of women and minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurial support organizations by way of community partnerships and online education. Through an extensive network, Aventi helps organizations build capacity and gain access to the resources and opportunities needed to build a profitable and sustainable enterprise. https://www.aventienterprises.com/
Business Development Central Community House Academy for Community Entrepreneurs (ACE) instills the foundations of successful entrepreneur development including strategic business planning, marketing, and resource management. ACE is a Central Community House initiative to help budding or existing entrepreneurs overcome the challenges to small business success. It is a collaborative endeavor, bringing together the best industry experts Columbus has to offer. http://cchouse.org/services/ace
Business Development City of Columbus Citywide Training & Development FREE professional development training for small business owners in Columbus with less than 50 employees. Marketing, Communication, Selling Essentials, Management and Professional Development. https://www.columbus.gov/hr/citywide-training/course-offerings/Small-Business-Program/
https://www.facebook.com/CitywideTraining/
Business Development City of Columbus Office of Small Business and Entrepreneur Development Facilitated assistance aimed at assisting aspiring and existing entrepreneurs to start, grow, and expand viable businesses through the use of economic development tools such as grants, loans, and specialized technical assistance while aiding in the stabilization and revitalization of our traditional urban neighborhoods and corridors. https://www.columbus.gov/development/economic-development/Small-Business/
Business Development City of Columbus Small Business Concierge/Small Business Builder Opening a small business requires careful consideration of your market, a firm business plan, and the discipline to protect what is most important to you at this time–your financial capital. Through the office of the Small Business Coordinator and the Small Business Builder, you will be connected with the resources necessary to help you accomplish your goals. https://www.columbus.gov/Small-Business/About-Your-Concierge/
https://www.columbus.gov/Small-Business/Resources-to-Build-Your-Business/
Business Development Columbus Metropolitan Library Free Research tools and Reserve an Expert: Business: Reserve an Expert is a new service to connect to library customers using Skype video conferencing. Customers can book one-on-one appointments with me for assistance with their business-related research. Appointments can be requested through the library’s Contact Us page or directly through library staff via phone, email or chat. www.columbuslibrary.org
Business Development Columbus Minority Business Assistance Center Free services for minority-owned businesses: Technical Assistance, One-on-One Counseling, Training, Financial Readiness Services, Identifying Access to Capital, Contract Assistance, Bonding Programs, Certification Assistance Ohio MBE/EDGE/VBE https://www.cul.org/mbac/
http://odsa.force.com/mbac/mbacassistancerequest
Business Development Daymond John Free business tutorials and resources (online) https://daymondjohn.com/pages/shark-tools
Business Development Food Fort Business coaching, group training, food safety certification; kitchen incubator and storage for caterers and food trucks https://www.ecdi.org/innovate/food-fort
Business Development Franklin County Franklin County Food Business Portal connects food businesses and entrepreneurs to the valuable resources and services needed to plan, launch, and grow a business. https://fcfoodbusinessportal.org/
Business Development Hello Alice Hello Alice has developed step-by-step guides to help you navigate the most common challenges COVID-19 has presented to small businesses, and brought in trusted partner resources to help you through this new normal. https://www.covid19businesscenter.com/
Business Development Help Me Startup Help Me Startup is a global platform and coaching service for startup entrepreneurs to test their early stage ideas. Help Me Startup will score your idea and help you fill in the gaps in your plans. https://www.helpmestartup.co/
Business Development LiftFund Templates, tools and resources – from business plans and financial templates to interactive courses. https://www.liftfund.com/learn/
Business Development LiftLearn A site dedicated to providing financial and business management tips and online tools for small business owner. Enhance your Finance, Accounting, Marketing, HR and Management skills to help grow your business. https://www.liftlearn.com/
Business Development Nav Business blog and how-tos https://www.nav.com/blog/
Business Development Ohio Small Business Development Center at Columbus State (SBDC) Free support services and coaching for small businesses: business plan development, market research, social media, outreach strategies, assistance locating financing options, loan structuring, cash flow analysis, financial projections; expertise to guide you through starting, sustaining and growing a profitable business. https://sbdccolumbus.com/
Business Development SCORE Columbus Free, confidential business mentoring
Webinars/courses on demand
Online resource library		 https://columbusoh.score.org/
Business Development SheaMoisture Women of Color E-Lab: Under SheaMoisture’s $1Million Community Commerce Fund, the brand will create an e-learning platform for women of color entrepreneurs to continue to gain education, access to resources, mentorship, and advice on how to prepare for the economic downturn. The eLab will enable entrepreneurs to learn and chat with speakers from Sundial Brands and its business community, including Unilever, Dartmouth College Tuck School of Business, retail partners, and others who are creating tools to help manage what’s now and next for small businesses. ​ https://www.sheamoisturefund.com/women-entrepreneur-e-lab
Business Development SocialVentures SocialVentures creates and connects community resources to businesses that create social impact. SocialVentures advocates for, develops, and funds businesses that address social problems in our community. https://socialventurescbus.com/
Business Development Startup Grind Startup Grind is the world’s largest community of startups, founders, innovators, and creators. We bring like-minded yet diverse individuals together to connect, learn, teach, help, build, and belong. We do this daily through our local events, flagship conferences, startup program, partnerships, and online media + content – collectively reaching over 3.5 million individuals worldwide. https://www.startupgrind.com/columbus/
Business Development State of Ohio Resources to start, manage, and grow an Ohio-based building. http://business.ohio.gov
Business Development State of Ohio Office of Small Business Relief (OSBR) Focused on identifying and providing direct support to the state’s nearly 950,000 small businesses to help during the current public health crisis and to position them for a strong rebound. https://businesshelp.ohio.gov/
Business Development Turner Construction Turner School of Construction Management (TSCM) program is available to owners and employees of small minority, women, disabled and veteran business enterprises whose services/products align with the construction industry. Participants will receive expanded practical knowledge and best practices to guide their business success. They will also extend their network of industry professionals and resources – offering the potential of future business partnerships. http://www.turnerconstruction.com/office-network/columbus/Turner%20School%20of%20Construction%20Management
Business Development U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization Veteran Entrepreneur Portal: direct access to programs and services from the Federal government to help veterans start, grow, and manage a business. https://www.va.gov/osdbu/entrepreneur/
Business Development Veterans Business Resource Center An online center for resources. You can find information about the Boots to Business program, which offers instructional courses and support located online and at military bases. Other resources available through Vetbiz include training, networking events, small business counseling, and even a blog. https://www.vetbiz.com/
Business Development Women’s Business Center One-on-one business counseling
Business Mentoring
Business workshops
Access to small business loans
Access to resource library, computer lab, and free wireless internet (onsite)		 https://www.wbcohio.org/locations/wbc
Business Development, Business Accelerator Women’s Small Business Accelerator (WSBA) Business Crisis Team
Mentor Match		 www.wsbaohio.org
Business Development, Business Center,
Virtual Solutions/Call Center		 Intelligent Office of Columbus Virtual Office/Business Addresses, Private Mailboxes, Virtual Receptionist/Phone Answering and Appointment Setting, Virtual Assistants/Temp Staffing, Conference Rooms by the Hours, Private Offices www.intelligentoffice.com
Business Development; Coworking Bunker Labs Bunker Labs – a 501(c)(3) non-profit – is a national network of veteran and milspouse entrepreneurs dedicated to helping the military connected community with the network, tools, and resources they need to start their own business. https://chapters.bunkerlabs.org/columbus/
Business Development; Coworking Cultivate Helps entrepreneurs change the trajectory of their life through business ownership. We deploy funding & resources to help entrepreneurs be successful. We help our members by providing:

Business decision tools
Digital marketing tools
Online courses, training & events
Business planning & funding support
Networking & referrals
Office, meeting, kitchen & studio spaces

 https://www.cultivateoh.io/
Business Development; Coworking Dublin Entrepreneurial Center Coworking spaces, collaborative spaces, meeting spaces, workshops, one-on-one coaching for members. http://www.decindublin.com/
Business Incubator Innovate New Albany Innovate New Albany is a business incubator in New Albany that boasts more than 16,000 square feet dedicated as a hub for startups and entrepreneurial activities, designed to create a flow of ideas and interconnectivity. https://innovatenewalbany.org/
Business Incubator Rev 1 Ventures Rev1 is a unique investor startup studio that helps startups scale and corporates innovate. This is much more than funding—Rev 1 provides the guidance, connections, and space they need to bring their ideas to market. https://www.rev1ventures.com/entrepreneurs/
Certification City of Columbus Department of Diversity & Inclusion ODI certifies minority and female business enterprises interested in doing business with the City of Columbus. By obtaining certification through ODI, minority and female business enterprises are able to obtain certifications with other entities besides the City of Columbus, as well as participate in the business networking and educational programs. https://www.columbus.gov/odi/supplier-diversity/Business-Certifications/
Certification Ohio Department of Administrative Services, Equal Opportunity Division Business Certifications:
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) program is designed to assist minority businesses in obtaining state government contracts for goods and services.
Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity (EDGE) program assists socially and economically disadvantaged businesses in obtaining state government contracts in the areas of construction, architecture and engineering; professional services; goods and services; and information technology services
Veteran-Friendly Business Enterprise (VBE) Procurement program provides preference or bonus points to certified companies that compete to contract with the state to supply the goods or services it needs, including eligible construction services		 https://das.ohio.gov/Divisions/Equal-Opportunity
Certification Ohio Department of Transportation
Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Enterprise		 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification and Small Business Enterprise certification for small firms interested in doing work for ODOT, COTA, CRAA, or any other public transportation agency. http://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/ODI/SDBE/Pages/UCP.aspx
Certification Columbus Minority Business Assistance Center How to Get Certified with the City of Columbus https://youtu.be/7EcYXaD_Ygc
COVID Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Resources for businesses and employers. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/businesses-employers.html
COVID Finimpact SMBs Survival Guide: Best 8 Financial Tools to Combat COVID-19 https://www.finimpact.com/covid-19-coronavirus-smbs/
COVID GBQ Insights & Alerts, Webinars, etc. https://gbq.com/coronavirus/
COVID Infintech Free mobile card readers for restaurants https://uzw1mooqe5-flywheel.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Infintech.png
COVID Kroger Blueprint for Businesses: resources for businesses to help navigate reopening https://www.thekrogerco.com/blueprint/
COVID Plante Moran COVID-19: Your guide to ramping up or restarting operations https://www.plantemoran.com/explore-our-thinking/insight/2020/04/covid19-your-guide-to-ramping-up-or-restarting-operations
COVID State of Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership, The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, Magnet Checklist for reopening and operating in a post-COVID environment https://drive.google.com/open?id=1_rJZ5lrZejD6s8kwvOREKy-dUmJ5lbuB
COVID State of Ohio Responsible RestartOhio Responsible RestartOhio is about protecting the health of employees, customers, and their families; supporting community efforts to control the spread of the virus; and, leading in responsibly getting Ohio back to work. https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/responsible-restart-ohio/welcome/responsible-restart-ohio
Coworking COHatch Live an integrated life at COhatch. A new kind of work and social space built in the communities in which we work and live. https://www.cohatch.com/
Coworking Cova Cowork Coworking spaces in the heart of Columbus with onsite, professional childcare so you can manage your work and life all in one place. https://www.covacowork.com/
Finance Prep Bench Accounting and bookkeeping resources for your business. https://bench.co/blog/resources
Finance Prep Fundera Banking, lending, credit learning center and blogs. https://www.fundera.com
Finance Prep IFundWomen IFundWomen method crowdfunding eCourse https://www.coaching.ifundwomen.com/crowdfunding-course-preview
Finance Prep OneUnited Bank OneUnited Bank Financial Education Center https://oneunitedbank.everfi-next.net/student/dashboard/customers/oneunitedbank-small-businesses
Finance Prep Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Application
Effective May 16, 2020		 https://www.sba.gov/document/sba-form–paycheck-protection-program-loan-forgiveness-application
HR Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services SharedWork Ohio: voluntary layoff aversion program. It allows workers to remain employed and employers to retain trained staff during times of reduced business activity. Under a SharedWork Ohio plan, the participating employer reduces affected employees’ hours in a uniform manner. The participating employee works the reduced hours each week, and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) provides eligible individuals an unemployment insurance benefit proportionate to their reduced hours. http://jfs.ohio.gov/ouio/SharedWorkOhio/
HR TechCred Provides reimbursement for business upskilling employees through a select list of verified skill development programs. Keep employees engaged from home or utilize downtime by growing employee knowledge. https://techcred.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/techcred/apply
HR U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf
Manufacturing Columbus State Community College Partnering with digital training provider Tooling U-SME to offer new online training programs paired with one-on-one virtual coaching. https://www.cscc.edu/for-business/virtual-manufacturing-training
Manufacturing Manufacturing Extension Partnership MEP at Columbus State is a full-service solutions provider for central Ohio manufacturers. From consulting and product development to education and talent acquisition, they partner with you to grow your manufacturing business. https://mep.cscc.edu/
Marketing Amazon Seller University Seller University is a series of free training videos created to help you learn how to sell on Amazon. Create product listings faster. Master the key tools and applications. Understand product rules and restrictions. Learn how to take advantage of FBA, advertising, promotions, and more. https://sell.amazon.com/learn.html?ref_=sdus_soa_learn_su_n#seller-university
Marketing Constant Contact Making Sense of Online Marketing
Resource library, events, webinars and advice; email marketing tools.		 https://www.constantcontact.com/account-home
Marketing Get CBUS Online Pro bono digital agency offering services to help businesses launch an online presence https://getcbusonline.com
Marketing NBC4 NBC4 is offering free production services to help small businesses reach their customers. Free production services include: script writing, stock photos/footage, editing, music, basic graphics, announcer, custom images and/or footage must be provided by client.
More information email: Growmybusiness@WCMH.com
Marketing Ohio Small Business Development Center at Columbus State (SBDC) The Best Free Market Research Tools: Progress, Not Panic Video Series https://sbdccolumbus.com/the-best-free-market-research-tools/
Marketing Orange Barrel Media Free advertising for local and independent businesses. https://assets.simpleviewinc.com/simpleview/image/upload/v1/clients/columbus/OBM_Supports_Local_Press_Release_FOR_RELEASE_3_20_2035_50374488-2af7-4064-9a09-f4095816f719.pdf
Marketing Spectrum Reach Free 30-second video for any business in need https://www.spectrumreach.com/rebound
Procurement ConnXus Free company profile in myConnXion®, the ConnXus supply chain ecosystem and supplier social network that helps you centralize information, share data, and connect with more buyers. Promote your certifications to win and develop new contracts and get found by Fortune 5000 companies that are searching for diverse suppliers and certified small businesses who can meet their needs, giving you the opportunity to make strong, lucrative connections with big buyers. https://connxus.com/suppliers/features/
Procurement Ohio University Procurement Technical Assistance Center Helps your business identify, compete for and succeed in accessing government contracts. PTAC’s primary responsibility is one-on-one counseling with businesses that want to sell their product or service to the government. This no-cost assistance is delivered to you via individually focused coaching, teaching and mentoring. https://ptac.ohio.edu/ou-ptac-at-columbus/
Procurement U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Government Contracting, Area IV ACTIVITIES COVERED

Defense Logistics Agency Defense Supply Center Columbus (DLA-LAND/DSCC) – Columbus
Defense Logistics Agency Defense Supply Center Columbus (DLA MARITIME/DSCC) – Columbus,
Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) – Columbus
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Glenn Research Center – Cleveland
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) EMCBC – Cincinnati, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) CPOD – Cincinnati
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), VISN 10 and PCAC

 https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/counseling-help/procurement-center-representative-directory

 

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Press Release: Celebration of Fatherhood Food Drive Brings 1,000 To-Go Meals to Columbus Families Impacted by COVID-19

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Columbus Urban League partners with Bread of Life Food Pantry to bring Utah Jazz guard Mike Conley’s vision to life; help local families celebrate Father’s Day with a hot meal

COLUMBUS – When Utah Jazz guard Mike Conley decided to donate $200,000 to help five communities around the country hit hard by COVID-19 that shaped him personally and professionally over the years, he reached out to the Columbus Urban League.

Conley knew his college and still hometown was hurting. The coronavirus had exposed the disparities in the African American community – poor health outcomes, chronic disease, food insecurity, homelessness, and remote learning needs – that had been long ignored and now exacerbated by the pandemic.

The Columbus Urban League, in its mission to create hope and opportunity for the nearly 40,000 African American and disadvantaged urban families it touches every year, has partnered with the Community of Caring Development Foundation Bread of Life Food Pantry, to distribute 1,000 to-go meals on Saturday, June 20, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at New Salem Baptist Church (2956 Cleveland Ave. in Columbus) for local families (up to four members) celebrating Father’s Day. Families can click here to pre-register for a FREE Father’s Day Meal.

The drive-up, to-go meals, offered on a first-come, first-served basis, will include chicken, Bob Evans macaroni and cheese, and a variety of fresh produce and canned goods, along with personal protection items such as masks, hand sanitizer, soap and more.

“We know that many local families are still reeling from the punch of COVID-19, trying day-to-day to make ends meet and keep food on the table,” said Columbus Urban League President & CEO Stephanie Hightower. “Our hope is that this celebration of our fathers, uncles and neighbors, with a hot meal, extra food, and PPE, will help bring some relief. Thanks to Mike and Mary Conley’s generous contribution and our partnership with the Community of Caring Development Foundation, we’ll be able to help several hundred families whose children have been a part of Columbus Urban League outreach programs this past year.”

The Community of Caring Development Foundation operates the New Salem Church’s Bread of Life Food Pantry, a 30-year institution that serves nearly 200 families a week with food and other supplies. With the onset of COVID-19, the food pantry staff restructured its operations to protect volunteers and serve clients in a safe and secure setting using the proper PPE (including masks and gloves), sanitation, and social distancing.

“This will be a drive-up Father’s Day meal giveaway where our volunteers will be handing out meals until the supply is gone,” said Adam Troy, chief engagement officer for the Community of Caring Development Foundation. “Everything we do is to inspire hope and health in our local communities, to connect resources, and work together with organizations like the Columbus Urban League to find ways to keep us all safe and strong during these challenging times.”

For more information, visit www.cul.org and www.callingallconnectors.org.

 

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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 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), a 501C3 organization, 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. Visit us at callingallconnectors.org. We are proud to call the Linden community HOME!

 

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 additional13,000 volunteers who take part annually across seven states. For more information on the Utah Jazz, visit www.utahjazz.com.

 

 

 

 

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For more information or to sign up for your FREE Father’s Day To-go Meal click the link below: https://forms.gle/eLMUzmWhXXUfzdiR6

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Volunteers Unload Food for the Community at the Bread of Life Food Pantry on Saturday

Great team effort this Saturday with various corporate/community partnerships and an impressive showing from the Urban Scouts Group. Over 1500 packages of Mac & Cheese received! Kudos to Columbus Urban League, COTA, Bob Evans, North Linden Area Commission, Mike Conley Foundation, Community of Caring Development Foundation, and membership of New Salem Church. (Photos by Paige C. Reynolds)

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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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