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Welcome to The Center for Community Solutions, the newest Encore Cleveland grantee. Learn about their mission and the impact they're making in the community below.
What is the mission of the Center for Community Solutions?
The Center for Community Solutions improves health, social and economic conditions through nonpartisan research, policy analysis, communications and advocacy.
How long has your organization been operating?
Since 1913
What does the future look like for Community Solutions?
Community Solutions’ applied research and policy analysis are what set us apart. We identify, analyze, and explain data and issues related to health and social services, and propose nonpartisan solutions to improve the lives of Ohioans. Our public policy work amplifies community voice and helps make sense of complex systems. Our research reveals changes in the health and human service space and informs next steps. Direct service organizations, funders, and policymakers use our data analysis to develop actionable strategies to develop health, social, or economic support for Ohioans. We certainly study issues, but we also actively engage in direct advocacy to change policy, practices, or perspectives.
As an institution with a century-long legacy, we remain relevant by being flexible. We must periodically take the time to lift up our heads and attempt to take a clear-eyed look at where our community is today, not where it was or where we wish it were. Sometimes it means adapting to the issues of the day, but more often than not it means working quietly and consistently on unpopular topics and biding our time until a window of opportunity opens up. We are making strides in influencing policy change, helping agencies understand those they seek to serve, and connecting more deeply with the community.
What are some of your challenges?
Capacity is always a challenge. Because of the trusted value we have built with leaders in the health and human services sector, many come searching for our product and support. However, we recognize that we cannot lead in every issue or solve everything that affects the sector. Because of this, we are willing to serve as a convener or as a supporter for collaborations with other leaders to collectively elevate awareness on matters that affect the health and human services sector.
What role do you see older volunteers playing?
Recently, the Center for Community Solutions has devised a new initiative to work with a cohort of community leaders to serve as Policy Ambassadors. The goal is to enhance the proximity of policy matters with community residents, so that their voices are included in raising awareness and advocacy. The Policy Ambassadors cohort will be composed of an intergenerational group of volunteers representing young adults and Seniors. While this will be a volunteer role, participants will receive a stipend, ongoing training related to policy work and advocacy, and access to special events led by the Center for Community Solutions.
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