Community Foundation hosts annual meeting

Group seeking 500 local mentors

The Community Foundation of Lorain County announced at its annual meeting June 16, a call for the community’s help to secure 500 individuals to mentor students across Lorain County as part of Lorain County Scholars Connect.

Lorain County Scholars Connect is a space for students and professionals to connect, according to a news release from the Community Foundation.

“The platform is designed to create connections, promote engagement and stimulate growth within our community,” the release said. “Business professionals, community volunteers and other educators give back to the community by offering mentorship and advice to those just starting their career journey.”

Likewise, those established in their career can network with other professionals and learn about opportunities to better themselves, strengthen their skills and generate partnerships with other companies or organizations, the release said.

“Your involvement in this effort can make a difference in our community’s next generation as they aspire to realize their promise,” said Cynthia H. Andrews, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Lorain County. “A trusted mentor has proven time and time again to open young eyes to new opportunities and share social capital in ways that can be truly transformative for a young person.”

Recognitions

The Community Foundation of Lorain County announced the 2021 Jim Doughman Community Service Award recipient is Catherine Woskobnick.

Woskobnick received the award during the annual meeting.

Doughman began his career with Nordson Corp. in 1966, and in 1976, was promoted as director of Public Affairs.

In 1998, the Jim Doughman Community Service Award Fund was established at the Community Foundation through close friends and family efforts after passing away in December 1997.

The Fund, which is supported by generous donations from many contributors, provides for a biennial award presented to an outstanding individual for exceptional leadership in making a difference in the lives of those who live in Lorain County.

“Catherine exemplifies the heart of this award,” Andrews said. “The legacy of Jim’s generous spirit is alive and well with community members like Catherine, who are committed to serving their community both personally and professionally.

“It is our pleasure to honor her with his award.”

The Community Foundation highlighted the history and impact of their four affiliate funds: African American Community Fund; Hispanic Fund; Women’s Fund; and Youth Fund.

“During the past four decades, the Community Foundation of Lorain County joined forces with four affiliate funds that are endowed by the Community Foundation but have their own histories, missions and grant cycles,” said Kevin Donovan, board chairperson of the Community Foundation of Lorain County. “The partnerships ensure these funds have the resources to impact specific areas of diverse need in the community.”

Each affiliate fund honored an individual or organization in the community who has significantly impacted Lorain County.

The 2021 Community Impact recipients include Errol Browne, Effective Leadership Academy, Joel Arredondo, and Hilda J. and J. Florence Ramsay.

Donovan and Andrews presented key highlights of the past year, including the exciting news that the Community Foundation provided nearly $6.2 million in grants and scholarships in Lorain County in 2020.

In 2020, the Community Foundation received more than $6.1 million in gifts and distributed approximately $6.2 million in grants and scholarships.

It ended the year with assets of $150 million, the release said.