learned when she worked as an Emergency Room nurse at Dayton Children’s Medical Center that the presence of neglect is in all types of neighborhoods. The mission of CARE House is to prevent child abuse and neglect for all of the kids in the community. The first step in preventing child abuse and neglect is having awareness of the problem. Prevention is the second step, starting with education and ending with every child being safe and protected. Each year, starting in April, CARE House plants a Pinwheel garden to help raise awareness. Pinwheels are a reminder of the role we all play in children's lives. CARE House joined the city of Oakwood and other community partners to display pinwheels along Far Hills Avenue, at Oakwood Schools and at Wright Memorial Public Library.
Mrs. Jones thanked Mr. Klopsch and Leisure Services Director Carol Collins for their assistance in raising awareness in Oakwood.
Mayor Duncan mentioned that he had read that incidents of child abuse have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mrs. Jones agreed and explained that when the schools were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, opportunities for children to share information of abuse or for teachers to recognize signs of abuse were lost. Also, many children became malnourished because the meals at school were their only source of nutrition.
Mayor Duncan recalled meeting with Oakwood School Superintendent Dr. Kyle Ramey in early 2021 and brainstorming ways to get nourishment to the children that receive subsidized meals in Oakwood.
Mrs. Hilton asked if there is contact information on the signs placed with the pinwheels.
Mrs. Jones said no, and suggested that people visit the CARE House website for additional information, including available resources.
Mrs. Hilton asked if CARE House receives assistance from the Legal Aid Society of Dayton or if they are affiliated with ARTEMIS.
Libby Nicholson, Director of CARE House, explained that CARE House submitted a grant this week to solidify collaboration with ARTEMIS and the Legal Aid Society of Dayton to provide “wrap around” services to families in need. She noted that CARE House works very closely with organizations, even those without the formal collaboration in place.
Mayor Duncan thanked Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Nicholson for sharing information about CARE House.
Proclamation – Mayor Duncan read a proclamation designating the week of April 24 as “Arbor Week.”
VISITORS
Oakwood Inclusion Coalition 2021 Annual Report – Madeline Iseli, interim chair of the Oakwood Inclusion Coalition (OIC,) reported on the organization’s activities over the last year. The OIC’s first annual report focuses on the following topics: establishing administrative structures; engaging community participation; operating with solid financial standing; achieving community impact; realizing the OIC mission to study, promote and celebrate; and expressing appreciation.
The OIC established itself as an organization by developing working relationships with civic institutions. The OIC Leadership Team elected officers and put some structures into place, including the OIC website, the “Program and Events Committee” and the “Current Issues Committee.”
One of the most important tasks of the OIC has been to engage community participation. The OIC has held two public meetings with a total of about 200 participants in attendance; hosted two “Big Read” book discussion events; and participated in a 2022 Martin Luther King, Jr. Walk in Dayton.
The Oakwood Inclusion Coalition obtained a 501(c)(3) non-profit status for the organization in May 2021, and has obtained a fund at The Dayton Foundation. Mrs. Iseli thanked Mr. Dan Turben for his successful fundraising efforts for the OIC. At the end of the 2021 calendar year, the OIC has a balance of $10,991.53.
The OIC Leadership Team has participated in numerous regional education and training programs on diversity, equity, and inclusion. These programs include: NCCJ Diversity 101; Miami Valley Environmental Justice Academy; Gem City Market Opening; Oakwood Historical Society Holiday