This fall, Ross Medical Education Center in Cincinnati held a school supply drive in which they collected and donated school supplies for the students in a local after-school program for low income children in the Inner City Youth Opportunities program. All four of the campus’ programs, Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration, and Pharmacy Technician, worked together with the staff to collect over 150 items. The supplies included everything from crayons, pens, pencils, and pencil bags to notebooks, binders, and folders.
Last winter, the Cincinnati Career Services team won a regional contest and were offered the chance to donate $100 to the charity of their choice. When asked what she was passionate about, Shelly Greenway, Career Services Representative, responded, “helping out inner-city youth.” So last year the team decided to give their prize to Inner City Youth Foundation of Cincinnati. After meeting founder Jeanne Bell, the campus was even more inspired to support this organization because of her clear commitment to helping the kids involved in the program to rise above their circumstances and make a positive change in their lives.
This program, Inner City Youth Opportunities, provides a safe and structured environment for inner city children in Kindergarten through sixth grade. These students come from low-income families and are able to take advantage of the various programs offered after school and during the summer. Since its founding in 1993, thousands of children have benefited from the summer tennis camps, after-school homework assistance, academic tutoring, and field trips provided by Inner City Youth Opportunities and many community sponsorships. According to their website, “The philosophy of the organization is to work with the children all year round to maintain a deeper connection with the children, their families and their schools.” Above and beyond the programs, Inner City Youth Opportunities offers children positive role models and the consistency that all children need to develop and become healthy adults.
Career Services Representative, Shelly Greenway, loved the experience. She shared, “we were really excited to gather and distribute school supplies to the Inner City Youth Foundation this school year. It is always wonderful to have the spirit of generosity especially for children in need. We had an abundance of participation campus-wide and ended up with many items to donate. When we delivered the supplies, it was so apparent that the children were grateful for the donation. One child even asked what could she do to earn the pretty bright orange pencil bag. We are looking forward to doing it again next year.”