April 2026 Newsletter

Happy National Public Health Week!!

Each year during the first full week of April, communities across the country recognize National Public Health Week (NPHW) as a time to highlight the importance of prevention and the collective work being done to improve health outcomes. Led by the American Public Health Association (APHA), this week brings attention to the policies, systems, and environments that shape health in our communities.

For the LWPC Coalition, Public Health Week reflects the ongoing work of our subcommittees to identify community priorities through policy, systems, and environmental assessments and to turn those findings into action. Across sectors, LWPC partners are sharing resources, aligning efforts, and building stronger connections to address complex public health challenges. Just as importantly, this work focuses on developing skills and leadership within community members so they can actively shape and sustain solutions that impact their neighborhoods.

This week is a reminder that meaningful change happens through collaboration, shared knowledge, and continued investment in community-driven approaches to public health.

Than you to all our LWPC partners for advancing the pillars of public health:

Assessment
Policy Development
Assurance

More Information on NPHW Here

Member Announcements & Funding Opportunities

Images are clickable links or announcement PDFs for you to print and share.

Funding Opportunity:

Green Cincinnati Plan Seeds of Change Grant

Deadline: May 1, 2026

Time: 11:59 PM

Other Details: The city is accepting applications for projects that range from $1,000 to $20,000. The project must support the environment and resilience of one or more Cincinnati neighborhoods based on the interests and needs of residents.

More Details Here

Inner Peace Healing Day Retreat

Date: April 11, 2026

Time: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Location: 625 Eden Park Dr.

Details: A restorative gathering created for pregnant and postpartum mothers (up to 18 months) and the people who support them.

"Because mothers deserve a village"

Voices of Black Women

Details: American Cancer Society is ready to understand the unique experiences of Black Women to shape a path for the health of future generations. By taking online surveys at least twice a year, you can help shape this path for the betterment of the community.

Cincy Freeze & Feed

Details: Free access freezers available at Winton Hills, Millvale, Hirsch, and Hartwell CRC locations during normal operating hours.

More Details Here

AMEN Virtual Breastfeeding Support

Date & Time: Fridays 3 PM to 5 PM

Location: Zoom

Details: Join AMEN this month to connect with other moms and learn from local experts!

Funding Opportunity:

Hamilton County ReSource Food Rescue Equipment Grant

Deadline: May 29, 2026

Time: 5:00 PM

Details: Up to $200,000 for agencies in Hamilton County, Ohio, to increase hte amount of surplus food diverted from the landfill for human consumption.

More Details Here

Senior Resource Session

Location: Evanston Recreation Center

Date: April 11, 2026

Time: 10 AM to 11 AM

Details: Get connected to free health screenings, information on housing and home support, and connect with neighbors! Live Q&A with state rep Ashley Bryant Bailey.

Ohio Means Jobs March Job Readiness Workshops

Location: 1916 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45214

Other Details: Core classes help you get ready for a job and prepare for the monthly career fair. Other workshops teach life skills, provide career exploration, and other special topics.

Evanston Health, Housing, Education, and Employment Day

Date: April 11, 2026

Time: 9 AM - 1 PM

Location: Evanston Recreation Center

Details: The goal of the Evanston Health, Housing, Education and Employment Day is to engage

the Evanston community to foster healthier futures for all by providing free health screenings and robust

resources from community partners.

Food Access Initiative

Date: April 17, 2026

Time: 6 PM to 8 PM

Location: Ziegler Park at 1322 Sycamore St.

Details: You'll receive free food box, access to maternal and family health resources, and connection to ongoing community support.

Invest in Neighborhoods Summit

Date: April 25, 2026

Time: 8:15 AM - 3:45 PM

Location: 3204 Woodburn Ave., 45207

Details: The Neighborhood Summit proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary by looking ahead to the next generation of civic life. Cincinnati 2051: Envisioning the Future invites community leaders, residents, organizers, planners, artists, and innovators to help imagine what our neighborhoods can become over the next 25 years—and what we must do now to get there.

Table Registration

Does your organization have an announcement or funding opportunity?

If you would like to include an announcement in the next LWPC meeting, please email us by Friday, May 29, 2026.

If you would like to include an announcement in next month's newsletter, please email us by Friday, May 1, 2026.

Email your announcements!

April Spotlight

LWPC April 2026 Spotlight:

Avondale Respite Center

710 Ridgeway Ave.

Cincinnati, OH 45229

Mission

Together with families, we aim to create a safe space in Avondale that provides urgent, short-term childcare for children (12 and under) at risk of child abuse and or neglect. We will also provide respite, support, education, and resources for caregivers to ensure that the whole family thrives.

A licensed childcare center dedicated to crisis care. Serving children birth – 12 years. Drop-In services only. Must have all required paperwork in our system before utilizing the facility.
A place for caregivers to receive respite, support, and resources. Nutrition, budgeting, fatherhood initiatives, breastfeeding, computer classes, financial literacy classes, support groups, and personal development classes.
An access point for individual and community education, tools, resources.

History

In 2022, a group of community leaders, residents, and helping organizations began meeting to determine what could be done to create safe spaces within Avondale.

Through these conversations, Avondale Respite Center was born! A team was formed to facilitate the creation of an independent, 501c3 non-profit organization. Shortly thereafter a Board of Directors was formed and in May of 2026, the program will be operational. Staffed by seasoned, trauma-informed employees, children and parents/caregivers will receive the best services available.

This project occurred as a part of the All Families Thrive (AFT) initiative, funded by The Harmony Project and co-led by the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Hamilton County Job and Family Services.

AFT is a team of families, neighborhood representatives, and community organizations focused on ensuring all Cincinnati children are safe and thriving, with a shared aim of reducing rates of child abuse and neglect in Avondale and beyond.

Hours of Operation: 7am – 6pm

ANTICIPATED OPENING MAY 18, 2026