Congratulations to Sarah and Demetrius for all their hard work and reaching their goals of getting a GED!
Cincinnati Works’ Success
All of the clients that went through Cincinnati Works’ Job Readiness Workshops in January have gotten a job!
We are so proud of our partner Cincinnati Works and all of the clients that have worked so hard this year!
CityLink Community Learning Garden
Today was a great day to harvest in the CityLink Community Learning Garden. Clients, volunteers, and staff got their hands dirty then gathered in the cafe for a HUGE salad.
Thanks to Path Forward IT
CityLink wants to thank Path Forward IT for the excellent work they have done for this project. Without the in-kind donations and service from Path Forward, CityLink would not be able to achieve it’s success with 222 clients and over 300 active volunteers. Path Forward has donated over $80,000 of services and equipment to CityLink, plus countless hours of support. What a great organization and blessing to have a partnership with such generous people.
CityLink would not be able to provide our integrated services as smoothly and successfully without Path Forward. The employees have gone above and beyond to assist CityLink; Working Together. Reducing Poverty. Changing Lives.
Thank you, Path Forward IT.
ChangingGears Grand Opening
Instead of a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony, ChangingGears’ Joel Bokelman unveiled a little bit of decoration for the car repair garage during today’s Grand Opening Ceremony. Staff, donors, supporters, volunteers, and friends attended the official opening of CityLink’s transportation partner with words by ChangingGears Executive Director, Joel Bokelman; wife and supporter, Marnie Bokelman; and CityLink Executive Director, Johnmark Oudersluys.
Marnie spoke about her husband’s calling to create the ChangingGears automotive ministry and the partnership with CityLink. ChangingGears allows clients an amazing opportunity: a milestone to work toward, pride in the ownership of their own vehicle, and sustainable life change.
ChangingGears and CityLink are partnering to remove the barrier of transportation so that our clients can spend less time on the bus, more time with their families, and advance their lives in ways that were not possible before.
If you are interested in volunteering or donating to ChangingGears, visit their website HERE.
Growth at CityLink
The CityLink Community Learning Garden is looking great!
Together, clients and volunteers are learning, growing, and harvesting healthy food at the center.
It has been inspiring to see the growth over the past few weeks, in our clients and the veggies.
Happy Volunteer Appreciation Week!
Happy Volunteer Appreciation Week to our 238 extremely dedicated and inspiring volunteers!
CityLink would not be possible without everything that you do! From teaching a Basic Computer Skills Class to playing with kiddos in the Family Center to welcoming clients into the center to pulling weeds in the Community Learning Garden; you are the hands and feet of CityLink.
You are making a difference! Thank you for all you do. WE APPRECIATE YOU!!!
Apply for AmeriCorps at CityLink
AmeriCorps provides a chance to learn new skills, make new connections and earn money toward college. CityLink is interviewing now for AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteer In Service To America) positions.
CityLink’s ultimate goal is to help the working poor achieve and maintain financial self-sufficiency and social stability by offering a comprehensive range of services. CityLink is a welcoming space in Cincinnati for people who want to make positive life change. CityLink has developed an integrated approach to services for the Cincinnati area’s working poor. CityLink has developed and implemented a volunteer management and training system.
VISTA members support the development of CityLink volunteer systems, fundraising support, and development of communication strategies.
To apply and/or learn more
GO TO: http://www.americorps.gov
Just Click OH for the STATE, in the box that asks “and select your state”.
You ONLY need to enter OH and click Search.
CityLink will be on the first page of results.
JOIN the MOVEMENT
WVXU Interview about CityLink
Learn more about CityLink’s co-location of services, integration, and volunteer mobilization.
Check out this great interview by WVXU with Megan Busch and Dani Watkins.
Congratulations to ChangingGears’ first owner!
65 year old, Arlynda purchased a Ford Focus from ChangingGears this week! She is making history by being the first CityLink client to complete ChangingGears’ transportation workshops and choose, out of ChangingGears’ many donated and repaired vehicles, what type of car is right for her. Arlynda has been without a vehicle and depending on public transportation for 12 years. She spends hours commuting around Cincinnati and avoiding locations that are off the bus line.
Her work with CityLink’s financial education partner, SmartMoney Community Services, and transportation partner, ChangingGears, has allowed her to overcome a key barrier of transportation and purchase her very own car. We are very proud of all the hard work that Arlynda has done to get her to this point.
Hopefully, for Arlynda a Ford Focus will mean a new way of life.
