Local hospitals systems collaborate to address housing safety
Nationwide Children’s —Toledo, Mercy Health and ProMedica are collaborating to address Toledo’s housing issues. With the help of local community organizations, a united force will work to improve housing affordability and quality, to support lead remediation and to reduce lead exposure for local families. Part of this project includes Nationwide Children’s — Toledo and Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity’s plan to substantially rehabilitate 53 owner-occupied residential housing units in Lucas County. The purpose of this initiative is to improve the overall health and safety of residents while in their homes. The goals of this collaboration are aligned with the Key Priorities of the 2021-2024 Lucas County Community Health Improvement Plan.
Toledo gains more Certified Autism Centers
Glass City Center and Huntington Center have recently earned Certified Autism Center Designations. These designations, granted by The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, enhance Destination Toledo’s initiative to make Toledo a Certified Autism Destination. A comprehensive training and certification process is required for organizations to earn this designation by demonstrating a dedication to creating a welcoming, inclusive and accommodating environment for autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals.
YWCA uses grant to expand program
This fall, the Northwest Ohio Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) received an award of $350,000 to “Engage Men and Boys as Allies in the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls.” This award was granted by the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women. With these funds, the YWCA of Northwest Ohio and Toledo Public Schools are partnering to expand the YWCA AMEND Together program. A pilot program began at Jones Leadership Academy in 2023 and the partners are in the process of bringing this program to other schools. The YWCA is always looking for volunteers and ambassadors to mentor young boys in the program.
Visit the third annual Northwest Ohio Teen Book Festival
The Northwest Ohio Teen Book Festival will be held at Rossford Junior/Senior High School on Saturday, March 9 from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Teens will hear from 25 authors from around the country. The event is to inspire a passion for reading in teens. The keynote speaker is literary agent and author Eric Smith. For a list of the authors scheduled for the event, visit, nwoteenbookfest.com/meet-the-authors.
Program gives fourth graders free museum access
America 250-Ohio has recently unveiled the 4th Grade History Pass. Through this program, Ohio fourth graders can visit participating history-related museums and sites for free when accompanied by a paying adult. Several museums are participating in this program including the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Canton Museum of Art, Ohio History Center, Cincinnati Museum Center, Western Reserve Historical Society/Cleveland History Center, Campus Martius Museum, Fort Meigs Historic Site and more. All participating locations are available at America250-Ohio.org/fourth-grade-pass. A student can acquire a pass from the America 250-Ohio website. They can either print or download a digital version of the pass.
