Our Programs

Jericho Road Agricultural Project (JRAP)

In 2009, Center of Hope established a partnership with Toledo Grows through the Toledo Botanical Garden for technical assistance, materials & supplies and hands-on help to begin and sustain the Jericho Road Youth Agricultural Project (JRAP). The JRAP was funded in part by a grant from the Kaptur Community Fund of the Toledo Community Foundation. Center of Hope also partners with the Community Heart Health Project of the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department, Center of Hope Family Services, City in a Garden and other urban agriculture initiatives. The garden’s address is 1661 Palmwood. The JRAP has the following objectives:

· To provide access to produce or nutritionally rich foods otherwise unavailable to many families and individuals.

· To donate produce to Martin Luther King Kitchen for the Poor.

· To create or enhance access to places for physical activity.

· To allow children and their parents to eat healthier, more nutrient rich diets.

· To provide education where youth acquire agricultural skills, obtain nutrition awareness, and learn about the importance of soil and the basic need for plants to be nurtured and cared for.

In 2009, 25 children, and 15 adults have actively and regularly participated in the JRAP. In 2010, CHFS will expand the JRAP by adding a high tunnel 'hoop house,” as well as engaging in activities including crop selection, soil preparation, feeding and fertilizing, and other crop maintenance issues.

Dress to Impress, Clothing Distribution

In 2005, Center of Hope Family Services developed the "Dress To Impress" clothing distribution program designed to fully outfit both males and females with the clothing and accessories that will assist them in presenting a professional appearance at job interviews. In addition, “Dress to Impress” (DTI) will provide clients with dress tips, interview tips, a listing of job-training facilities. In 2008-2009 Dress to Impress provided professional attire and employment support services to 413 Ohio Works First clients who were actively searching for employment, and projects to provide these services to 550 Ohio Works First clients in 2009-2010.

Creative Village Learning Community

The Center of Hope Creative Village Learning Community provides a literacy focused model for children ages 3-5. Literacy skills are introduced through culturally stimulating, self-esteem promoting, and community building materials. Children are encouraged to express themselves creatively through storytelling, use of art mediums, and music. Children receive loving, individualized care, and participate in a lot of hands on activities. Nutritious meals and snacks are served, and children benefit from the expertise of staff members who have 25 years of experience. The Creative Village Learning Community works in collaboration with the Lucas County Metropolitan Housing Authority, to provide low SES families with an opportunity to enroll their children in high quality child care and learning enrichment activities, to reduce the likelihood of achievement gaps among children of color and of low SES.

CDF Freedom Schools

In 2007, Center of Hope Family Services worked to establish a presence for the Children’s Defense Fund in Toledo, Ohio, through its Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools. Center of Hope has operated the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools’ well researched, national educational enrichment model in Toledo, Ohio since 2007. With support from the Toledo Community Foundation, the Stranahan Foundation, the University of Toledo Foundation, and the Lucas County Workforce Investment Board, Center of Hope has successfully delivered the Freedom School to 150 young people, ages 5 years to 14 years. All participants were below 300% of the poverty level, many with reading and math skills below grade level and from distressed home situations.

The Freedom Schools is also the recipient of the Johns Hopkins University’s first Excellence in Summer Learning Award and an evaluation of CDF Freedom Schools program conducted by the prestigious Philliber Research Associates funded by the E.M. Kauffman Foundation indicated that:

· Children who attend CDF Freedom Schools programs score significantly higher on standardized reading achievement tests than children who attend other summer enrichment programs.

· Students enrolled in the CDF Freedom Schools program improved their readings skills more than students not enrolled in the CDF Freedom Schools program

· Parents of CDF Freedom Schools students reported their children had a greater love of learning, better conflict resolution skills and more involvement in the community after participating in the program.

· CDF Freedom Schools programs help parents do a better job supporting their children’s academic development by exposing them to fun, high-energy teaching methodologies and imparting a greater understanding of children’s development and learning styles.