Cleveland Central Promise Neighborhood hosts brunch and learn sessions for community leaders

Thursday, August 15, 2024

Tags: Promise Neighborhood , St. Vincent Charity Community Health Center , Outreach

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Cleveland Central Promise Neighborhood, a collective impact initiative sponsored by St. Vincent Charity Community Health Center fostering community leadership and innovation, hosted a series of three summer Brunch and Learns for Central-Kinsman Ambassadors and resident leaders. The sessions were an opportunity to explore frameworks and models for personal leadership and community engagement, according to Dawn Glasco, manager of engagement and social innovation, Cleveland Central Promise Neighborhood. She explained that these gatherings celebrated the dedication of community leaders, cultivated collective learning, and supported mutual growth and success.

The Brunch and Learns, held at convenient locations to provide access for the participants, connected community activists to each other and resources. Dawn reported that they were a resounding success. One participant, community activist Aja Pope commented: “It was nice to hear that a diverse group of professional, career-minded people had so much in common. We all have the same concerns about our communities and that unites us in making change. Everyone had their own connection to different neighborhoods, but the common goal to keep pushing for positive change was awe-inspiring. We all share the same stresses and anxiety over our environment and what we can do to help. We learned what traumas we repeat and how to neutralize them.”

Tyric Drane, often recognized for his commitment to his home community of Central, added that it was a pleasure to see familiar faces and forge new connections with community members. “The opportunity to sit with seasoned leaders who tirelessly work behind the scenes for our Central community was a privilege. Sharing a space with like-minded individuals who are passionate about community growth was both enlightening and motivating. Each of us brought our unique journeys to the table, and it was inspiring to see how we all contribute to our community's development in our own ways,” he noted.

Tyric felt that the sessions were therapeutic in that they were held in a “judgment-free zone that allowed for open, heartfelt conversations that filled me with joy.” He also noted that organization was impeccable and that there was positive energy in the room.

Stacy Channell, St. Vincent Charity Community Health Center security liaison officer and session participant, commented that the community members were more than mentors for her—they were "elevators!” She explained, “They are raising the conscience, the energy and the attitude of the neighborhood. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this moment and hope to continue to spread their message anywhere I can.”

PHOTO CAPTION
Participants at the St. Vincent Charity Community Health Center Brunch and Learn, hosted by Cleveland Central Promise Neighborhood, included (from left to right) Jerome Baker and Tyric Drane, community activists; Stacy Channell, St. Vincent Charity Community Health Center, security liaison officer; Dawn Glasco, manager of engagement and social innovation, Cleveland Central Promise Neighborhood; Jen Arbogast, project associate, Mission & Ministry; and Shannon Yarborough, community activist.

St. Vincent Charity Community Health Center is a ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System.