September 2024

Monthly News & Updates

ENCORE CLEVELAND connects people who are in or nearing retirement from their primary careers with volunteer and employment opportunities through local nonprofit organizations. Discover more here..

The Impact of Leadership Geauga’s Heritage Program on Esther and Gustavo Pla

By Marla Zwinggi, LG ‘22

When people describe Cleveland as a small city–a place where everyone knows everyone–they may not fully grasp the charm of Geauga County, a region where close-knit communities and meaningful connections thrive even more so. As a current Board Member and alumna of the “best class” of 2022, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Esther and Gustavo Pla, Heritage Program graduates and, believe it or not, individuals with whom I first became acquainted in the early 1990s when I was about ten years old.

Gustavo is a retired Spanish professor who worked at University School (US) in Hunting Valley. Both of my brothers attended US and were Gustavo’s students. Although it’s been quite a few decades since I’ve seen the Plas, it was amazing to chat over coffee, learn about their experiences in the Heritage Program, and let them know that both my brothers pursued Spanish language as their respective careers. Talk about coming full circle and establishing meaningful connections right around the bend.

The Heritage Program, which has been a cornerstone of Leadership Geauga since its inception in 2020, aims to introduce participants to the unique challenges and opportunities of Geauga County. This program provides personal access to community leaders, behind-the-scenes site tours, and in-depth discussions, fostering a deeper understanding of the county’s dynamics. It also motivates participants to align their passions with the community’s needs and potentially contribute their years of experience in various industries through volunteer work.

Read the full article here.

For more information about Leadership Geauga and the Heritage Program, visit www.leadershipgeauga.org/programs/heritage-program/

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Small Steps, Bold Strides! Join the FORCE and volunteer at LUNG FORCE Walk on Sunday, September 29th at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Volunteers can assist with Set Up or Break Down, Registration and T-shirt Distribution, or as a Wayfinder and Cheerleader. Shifts available from 7:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Learning Partner Looking to give back in the Lakeshore, Near West and Shaker Neighborhoods this year? Become a Learning Partner! Volunteers are asked to exchange ideas and build Intergenerational friendships by working with Students (K-8th grade) individually or in small groups to support reading or math learning. Weekdays 1–3-hour shifts per week, between 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Out of Darkness CLE Walk 2024 Suicide prevention starts with everyday heroes like you. Come offer a few hours to this all-important mission on Saturday, October 5th from 7:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Wade Oval. Assist with registration, T-shirt distribution, refreshments, as a walk guide or with a memory wall.

Adoption Center Volunteer Help our Furry friends! Care for cats by stocking supplies, clean and maintaining cages and litter boxes, and feeding the cats. Help is needed in various locations around Cleveland, and assistance in facilitating the adoption of cats is optional. Volunteers asked to help once per week with flexible shifts.

OB StreetFest OB StreetFest is a celebration of people, places and spaces of the Old Brooklyn neighborhood. Volunteers will make the event a success by assisting with set up/break down, at the Beer Garden, or with information and at the swag table.

AARP Foundation Experience Corps Help children learn to love reading. Children who can't read at grade level by fourth grade are four times more likely not to graduate from high school. As an AARP Foundation Experience Corps volunteer tutor, you'll implement a structured tutoring method that helps students become fluent readers by the end of third grade. And you’ll be engaged in meaningful work, using your knowledge and experience to guide the next generation of readers and help turn their dreams into reality.

Ready to volunteer? Or learn more about these or additional volunteer opportunities in Cuyahoga County? Visit the Greater Cleveland Volunteers website, or contact Nakeva at nwilliams@greaterclevelandvolunteers.org or 216-391-9500 x 2116.

Another great month of events

attended by E3!

On August 8 our staff celebrated by giving a farewell dinner with our Intern Harry Huang at Wild Mango Restaurant in Legacy Village. Harry was a wonderful person to work with and helped us a lot with various tech projects. We wish Harry all the best! (Photo below).

On August 14, we attended the Black Pages Ohio/Summit Magazine Tenth Annual Greater Summit Business Conference & Expo featuring The Ultimate Corporate Matchmaker event in Akron, OH. A few of the companies in attendance were industry leaders like the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority, The K Company, Summa, and USBank. All were eager to partner with Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and explore new opportunities for growth and success. What a great time we had connecting!

E3 introduced our first paid training class for Customer Service Reps on August 19. The training covers everything from understanding the basics of call center operations to handling specific calls addressing customer needs. What’s required is some knowledge of computer software applications such as Word and email (preferably Outlook) along with a level of comfort with computers and answering the telephone.

The class participants are eager to learn as they have committed to 4 weeks of learning the skill. After training, we will assist the participants who pass the training course in finding a permanent full-time or part-time job. We are also working with them to create/revise their own resumes and cover letters to be presented to employers.

Finally, E3 had the pleasure of attending the City of Cleveland’s Employment & Resources Success Fair held on August 23. The event had in attendance over 200 vendors, and workshops, expungement services, as well as daycare services were offered. The event was well attended by job seekers.

For more information on E3, visit www.e3encore.org.

Business Volunteers Unlimited is pleased to announce a Fellow Opportunity with Manufacturing Works

About Manufacturing Works

Manufacturing Works is a network of business leaders and industry experts dedicated to the prosperity of our members. We understand that employee attraction and retention in manufacturing are more challenging than ever. We also understand that manufacturing companies face unique obstacles when developing employees to be their best. Our resources can help you find the right employees as you grow and expand—from start-up all the way through business growth and transition.

Fellow Opportunity

Manufacturing Works is looking for a Fellow to help develop a comprehensive compensation and competency model tailored to our organization. This role focuses on ensuring that the organization’s compensation structures, and competency frameworks align with its mission, values, and operational goals, fostering a motivated and high-performing workforce.

Fellow Role: Human Resources Advisor

Develop a comprehensive compensation and competency study
Provide insights on current assessment of the proposed compensation structures and competency models.
Help to analyze industry standards, benchmarking against similar nonprofit organizations to ensure competitive and fair compensation practices.
Identify gaps and areas for improvement in the proposed model.
Collaborate with executive leadership, and key stakeholders to gather insights and ensure alignment with organizational objectives.
Provide guidance and support during the implementation phase, ensuring a smooth transition to the new model.
Ensure all models adhere to relevant labor laws, regulations, and best practices within the nonprofit sector.

Term: 500 Hours (During 2024), Virtual, Flexible time frame.

Stipend: $10,000

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have significant professional experience in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, Certification (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR) is a plus.

To be considered for this opportunity and to request application materials, please contact Sarah Castle at scastle@bvuvolunteers.org

For more information, visit the BVU webpage:

http://bvuvolunteers.org