September 2013
Community impact report Building a better Barberton, now and forever
The Barberton Community Foundation
From the Chairman of the Board Tom Harnden As we enter the last quarter of 2013, the Barberton Community Foundation is once again in a state of change. The Foundation’s Executive Director, Larry Lallo, has announced his retirement as of February 15, 2014 to pursue, full time, his faith-based ministry, devoted to making micro-loans in third world countries. In addition to Larry’s retirement, the Foundation Board will replace four members who have departed or will depart, due to term expirations, at the end of this year. The Foundation’s Nominating Committee is currently soliciting resumes from interested community members who have a desire to serve on the Foundation’s Board of Directors. The Foundation’s Board of Directors is made up of a maximum of 15 individuals, 12 of whom must reside in the City of Barberton. Of these 12, one must be the Mayor of the City, a second must be the president of City Council and a third must be a senior member of the School District’s Administration, appointed by the School Board. Five of the Board Members must be approved by City Council.
The reason for this allocation of Board members is the fact that the Barberton Community Foundation acquired its tax-exempt, non-profit status due to the fact that it is a supporting organization to both the City and the School District. As such, the City and the School District must appoint a majority of the Board members. The allocation of Board members is set forth in the Foundation’s Code of Regulations and cannot be changed without a positive vote of both 75% of the Foundation Board and City Council. While change always brings a certain amount of anxiety, the Board set in place a few years ago a Strategic Plan designed to keep the Foundation focused. The Plan outlines four areas of concentration: Social Services, Community Image, Educational Excellence and Economic Development. Every grant made by the Foundation or program initiated by the Foundation must address at least one of these focus areas. In many cases, the grants and programs address more than one area of concentration. So, while change is inevitable, having a Strategic Plan focusing on the areas of greatest need within the community keeps the Foundation grounded. As always, we invite each of you to reach out to the Foundation if you have questions about any of our programs or if you have an interest in establishing a legacy to benefit our community.
About the Barberton Community Foundation Established in 1996, the Barberton Community Foundation has awarded over 2,500 grants and scholarships totaling more than $78 million since its inception and invested over $12 million more to promote job creation, neighborhood improvements and educational opportunities within Barberton. The Foundation strives to improve, now and forever, the quality of life for Barberton residents by providing leadership on vital issues, fostering collaboration, and creating a legacy of giving to do good. The Foundation strengthens the community for current and future generations by proactively directing its flexible grant dollars to the community’s greatest needs: economic development, social services, educational excellence, and community image.
Board of Directors Thomas Harnden - C. Thomas Anders - Edna Boyle - Michael Chisnell - Mary Jo Goss - William Judge - Steve Kelleher - Dennis Liddle - Lois Matney Fred Maurer - Bruce May - Ryan Pendleton - Richard Wiley Staff Larry Lallo, Executive Director - Laura Hoopes Ebie, Director for Advancement - Debby Rolland, Director of Community Impact - Janice Stephenson, Director of Finance Editor & Designer Laura Hoopes Ebie Photography by Laura Hoopes Ebie, Invent Now Contact 460 W. Paige Ave. • Barberton, OH 44203 • (330) 745-5995 • www.barbertoncf.org • Connect with us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/barbertoncommunityfoundation
Invent Now: Camp Invention Scholarships Ohio is somewhat unique in the number of inventors who embarked and comleted great work here. The Wright brothers, Charles Richter, Thomas Edison, and Charles Kettering, just to name a few, all found Ohio the right place to follow the inspiration of their dreams. Now in Northeast Ohio, young inventors grades 1-6 are able to find inspiration and education through the Camp Invention Program, a week long summer enrichment program for children. Held at Barberton Elementary West, the Camp Invention program teaches and reinforces STEM
impact
Building [expanded horizons for growing minds] Enrichment Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math; strengthens 22st century skills such as working in teams and developing critical thinking; and the program even offers professional development credits for our Barberton City School District educators, some of whom serve as instructors in the program. The Barberton Community Foundation is pleased to join with our partner organizations in support of this highly valuable educational outreach for our elementary students. BCF provided a small grant of $1000 for sholarships for underserved and economically disadvantaged children to participate in the STEM summer invention camp.
Program Related Investment Loan: Seiberling Redevelopment
impact
The Barberton Community Foundation strives to serve as a catalyst for community investments that contribute to the health and vitality of the Barberton economy. The Foundation makes Program Related Investments (PRIs) in order to stretch financial resources, enhance our philanthropic impact, and implement our economic and community development goals.
Building [Barberton jobs and a strong economy] Unlike grants or scholarships, PRIs are expected to be repaid with interest. Each investment requires professional due diligence with the goal of balancing risk, return, and mission impact. Once repaid, PRI funds are reused for other charitable purposes and reinvestment in the Barberton community. There is a tremendous need for warehouse space in Northeast Ohio, and the former Seibering Tire and Rubber Company, located at 345 - 15th st. NW, providesample space to fill a gap in the market but sat vacant for nearly four years. The complex consists of 335,000+ square feet of warehouse and distribution space and an additional 51,300 square feet of office space sitting on 20 acres of land. When the site was first looked at to help drive the Barberton economy, it was a breeding ground for thieves and squatters. Nearly all of the plumbing and wiring had been removed and the building was not safe for occupancy. Scott Wagner, Executive Director of the Barberton Community Development Corporation (BCDC) and Barberton Land
Above: Exterior of the Seiberling site with 335,000+ square feet of warehouse space and 51,300 square feet of office space. Below: Warehouse space. Bottom Right: Scott Wagner, Executive Director of BCDC and BLIC.
Improvement Company (BLIC), had a vision for redevelopment and a job creation goal for the site. BLIC, a wholly owned subsidiary of BCDC approached the Barberton Community Foundation with a redevelopment plan request for a Program Related Investment. Without the Foundation’s support, this site would still sit vacant today and continue to be a blighted site within the city. As a result of BCF’s investmnt, BLIC has executed 5 leases in a one year period and has created 12 jobs. This site currently has three major tenants in the facility still has space for future tenants. BLIC is finalizing its final phase of redeveloping the warehouse with completion expected by the end of 2013. The $1,000,000 loan to BLIC through the PRI Investment program is scheduled to be repaid a year earlier than planned due to the tremendous need for this space. With a couple long-term leases secured with tenants, BLIC approached BCF to demonstrate a guaranteed revenue source that would cover the repayment of the loan. BLIC envisions the warehouse facility will be fully occupied within the next couple years, bringing much needed jobs to the community and giving new life to a building that was once an eyesore.and commuity blight.
Neighborhood Development Services Downtown Cruise-Ins
impact Building [gathering places for community pride]
All summer long, every first-Thursday night of the month, Barberton welcomes old car aficionados and collectors to the era marked downtown streets. Everything from Model T’s to Triumphs, Fords to Ferraris, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Music of the 50s and 60’s fills the air while the men and women who spent countless hours restoring and maintaining these great old cars line the sidewalks beaming with pride. Cruise-ins draw anywhere from 50-100 vehicles, with people coming from many surrounding cities and counties and even a few from out-of state, including as far away as Louisiana. One couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by bringing their car to the Downtown cruisein, remembering the day they had met at the old Norton Avenue Varsity Drive-In, and even taking home “Best of Show” that month. In addition to bringing visitors in from the region, the Cruise-in attendance helps bolster downtown restaurants and drive businesses. The Barberton Community Foundation is proud to support the efforts of the NDS Barberton Downtown Cruise-ins, which is good for the community, good for businesses, and good for Barberton.
impact
Barberton Salvation Army
Building [resources and opportunities for the hungry] It is just a fact that the most basic human physical needs must be met before a person can develop and even thrive in society, and yet for a growing number of people in our area, basic needs of food, water, shelter are difficult to attain. In 2011 Ohio was ranked sixth in the nation in food insecurity, with some 16.4 percent of households undernourished. Many blame the state’s troubles on persistent poverty, widespread unemployment and difficulty pulling out of the recession. As economic conditions of families and individuals continue to fluctuate, we see increased efforts by national, state, and local organizations to help remedy the need for food. The Barberton Corps of the Salvation Army has been helping to combat hunger and other life hardships in our own community for decades. The local chapter offers free hot lunches served every weekday, plus a food pantry, family counseling services, adult programs, educational programs, emergency assistance, and much more. The Barberton Community Foundation is pleased to acknowledge the important work of the Salvation Army and to continue funding their outreach to combat hunger and help those in our community who need help on a daily basis.
Quarterly Grant Awards
Impact
• Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio, $8,126 for 13 JA Economics for Success classroom programs for all Barberton Middle School 8th grade students, teaching financial literacy, workforce preparation and entrepreneurship programs • Barberton City Schools, $20,326 for the College and Career Readiness program Part I, which provides free ACT, Plan, and Explore tests to 11th, 10th, and 8th grade students • Barberton City Schools, $10,000 for the College and Career Readiness program Part II, which provides college campus visits, college guide
Building [strength and capacity of local nonprofits]
The Board of Directors of the Barberton Community Foundation voted to award $309,272.39 in quarterly grants to nonprofit organizations serving Barberton at the board meeting held August 15. Grants are assessed and recommended for approval based on their alignment, strength and impact in the focus areas defined by the Foundation’s Strategic Plan 2020. Among those receiving funding this quarter: Economic Development • City of Barberton, $225,391.39 for the construction of a connector bridge from the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail into the city of Barberton Educational Excellence • Child Guidance and Family Solutions, $3,979 for the Toddlers & Preschools Succeeding program which trains early childhood teachers to handle challenging behaviors and helps teach children social-emotional skills
handbooks, and interest area matching for 11th grade students • Magical Theatre Company, $9,700 for Performing Arts Can Teach Program (PACT) Social Services • American Red Cross, $5,000 for medical transportation services • Barberton City Schools, $3,000 for swim lessons for 3rd grade students • The Salvation Army, $7,500 for emergency services, including hot meals Community Image • Barberton Parks and Recreation, $12,000 for support of the annual Mum Festival held at Lake Anna • Barberton Parks and Recreation, $4,250 for support of the annual Lake Anna Holiday Lighting