The University of Toledo

UT Partnering with United Way for Community Hub Program

                
The University of Toledo has been selected as a lead partner in the United Way of Greater Toledo’s Schools as Community Hubs Initiative.
     
UT’s Judith Herb College of Education, Health Science and Human Service received two $95,000 grants to assist its participation in the program, which is a collaborative effort with Toledo Public Schools, the Toledo Federation of Teachers, and the Toledo Association of Administrative Personnel.
     
The goal of the initiative is to maximize community resources to bring about systematic change in education, health and service organizations through teaching, research and engagement.

The program uses elementary school locations as a “one-stop shop” for providing needed community resources. These could include academic services for both students and neighborhood adults, healthcare services and healthy lifestyle programs, and easy access to social service agencies.

Two Hub Directors, both UT graduates, were hired for the two site schools: Ronata Bryant-Robinson will coordinate operations at Pickett Elementary, and Marcus Goodwin will oversee the Robinson Elementary program.  
On board since this spring, the directors are already working closely with the schools and neighborhoods to help determine their specific needs and priorities, notes Dr. Beverly J. Schmoll, dean of the Judith Herb College of Education, Health Science and Human Service.
     
“This is a ‘Community First’ initiative,” she said, “in which the College and the University provide resources to help achieve aspirations or else identify other resources in the greater community to assist with achieving them.”
     
Conducting an “aspirations inventory” within the community is an important step in the process.
     
The elementary schools’ vital roles in the program are also likely to enhance the way local residents perceive them.
     
“We hope schools will be viewed as a resource and gathering place at which persons can benefit from a wide range of activities and services,” explained Dr. Schmoll.
     
The program’s partners view it as a long-term initiative, with the hope that services will be sustainable and will continue to positively impact the communities for years to come.
     
“Our hope is that this is an investment in the future,” Dr. Schmoll said. “By reconnecting our communities, we will provide opportunities to improve student learning, strengthen families, and create healthier neighborhoods.”

To help support this Schools as Community Hubs Initiative by volunteering or making a financial contribution,
contact Jennifer Schaefer, UT director of development, at jennifer.schaefer@utoledo.edu or 419-530-2408.