In Our Backyards (ioby)

Checkout the ioby Project: I Can Swim My Way

In memory of William Otis Jordan, also known as Billy, who passed away unexpectedly on June 2, 2022, due to acute myocardial infarction and coronary artery thrombosis while swimming at a YMCA, “I Can Swim My Way” initiative has been established. Billy was a lifelong swimmer, receiving his first swimming lessons at the Ashtabula YMCA in the 1960s with his sister Gloria J. Buxton.

According to Great Lakes SURF RESCUE PROJECT, 73 Great Lakes drownings occurred in 2022, highlighting the need for increased water safety measures. This initiative addresses this by promoting water safety education and ensuring children learn to swim.

In honor of Billy’s love for swimming, the initiative will raise funds to provide free swim lessons for students through the Lorain County Metro Parks at Splash Zone in Oberlin.

Providing resources to those looking to make a difference

Thousands of individuals with great ideas do meaningful work every day without creating a non-profit organization. These impassioned people work diligently to make their community a better place to live, work, and play.

The Community Foundation has partnered with In Our Backyards (ioby) to effectively support individuals and small groups. This non-profit, crowd-funding organization helps neighbors take care of each other, encourages civic participation, and builds trust between neighborhoods. 

The Community Foundation of Lorain County and ioby seek residents to create, lead, and crowd-fund projects in Lorain County.

With the incredible support of our Board of Directors, the Community Foundation has set aside funds to match projects up to $1,000 each. Match dollars are available on a first-come, first-served basis for projects in Lorain County. The match program will end when match dollars run out. Volunteer-run non-profits, small groups, and individuals are all welcome to apply for this matching funds program.

  1. Share your idea by completing the application at ioby.com.
  2. ioby will determine your project’s eligibility for this match opportunity within 1-2 business days.
  3. Post your project on the ioby crowdfunding page and begin fundraising with support from ioby’s experienced team of crowdfunding coaches.
  4. If needed, find a few volunteers to assist and then get to work!