November 2023 CEO Blog
“Make a difference about something other than yourselves.”
– Toni Morrison
November is a perfect month to spend time in reflection and appreciation of gratitude. We are fortunate to live in such a vibrant community of People Who Care here in Lorain County. November also happens to feature a wonderful week: World Kindness Week, which was November 13-19. Who can argue with such a simple, yet powerful concept of focusing an entire week on spreading kindness? At the Community Foundation of Lorain County, we have the fortune of having a front-row seat to see kindness and gratitude in action. From non-profits large and small to members of the community stepping up to mentor young people, to our neighbors leading with kindness in purposeful ways, we are grateful to be in such a kind community.
Here at the Community Foundation, leadership is one of our strategic values. Our team takes pride in proactively addressing community issues to build stronger leaders and more inclusive and equitable communities. Leading with kindness while working to build a stronger Lorain County is just as important. The County Commissioners reached out to the Community Foundation to help with outreach as they develop the strategic plan for the county. We are excited to assist in this important process by coordinating workshops throughout neighborhoods across the county from December 4th-6th. Nine sessions will occur, and the community survey is open until December 8th. Please be sure to participate and have your voice heard.
As we reflect on a month of thanks, we share our gratitude for veterans in our community. Veterans Day is a day to honor and thank the brave and selfless men and women who have served and are currently serving in our armed forces. Here at the Community Foundation, we are proud of the various funds and scholarships focused on supporting organizations that serve veterans and the Vietnam Veterans of Lorain County Memorial Scholarship Fund. This fund assists students who are either a veteran or a veteran’s child, grandchild, niece, or nephew enrolled as a full-time student at a college, university, community college, or trade school. Save the date for our 2024 Scholarship Process which opens on December 15th! Learn more about our scholarship funds and process on our website.
Speaking of students, it is also an exciting time of year as our Toni Morrison Essay Contest for Young People opens, and we are excited to share this year’s writing prompts:
“If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”
“Make a difference about something other than yourselves.”
Students interested in submitting essays can learn more on our website.
As the weather gets colder and the days feel shorter and shorter, it can be easy to want to stay inside. While cozy days inside are a welcome break from time to time, let’s not isolate from each other. The last few years showed us how important it is to stay connected to one another. Join your neighbors at the upcoming Neighbor Nights on November 30th and December 14th. Bring a friend, invite a neighbor. Lead with kindness.
What other acts of kindness could you include in your daily or weekly activities? Helping a neighbor, your elderly aunt or friend from church, or maybe that person that you just walked past leaving a restaurant. How can we ALL promote kindness in Lorain County? Share your ideas with us so we can promote and share with others and spread kindness in our community.
Let’s end 2023 with kindness. Be kind. Be well.
Gratefully,
Cindy
