The Avondale Library is deeply committed to supporting youth of all ages and their families through a wide array of resources and services. Our funding efforts focus primarily on covering the costs of program presenters, supplies, and, when possible, providing reading incentives to motivate young readers. We are constantly seeking innovative ways to offer unique and enriching experiences that not only broaden the horizons of our community members but also expand their understanding of the world around them, both locally and globally.

While we actively welcome financial support to continue our vital literacy and informational programming, we are also looking to enhance our efforts in connecting youth and their families with cutting-edge technology. We believe that access to technology—both through educational programming and providing devices—will play a crucial role in ensuring that youth are well-equipped for success in a digital world. By integrating technology into our library offerings, we can better prepare young people for the challenges and opportunities they will face in an increasingly tech-driven future.

In addition to our educational programming, we are proud to offer hot meals to youth Monday through Friday in partnership with the United Methodist Church. These meals provide a vital source of nourishment for children and teens who may not otherwise have access to consistent meals. Furthermore, when resources allow, we also provide supplemental snacks to ensure that youth have something to eat on Saturdays and outside of the designated mealtimes.

Our dedication to supporting youth and their families goes beyond simply providing access to books and educational materials. We understand the importance of offering a comprehensive range of services that address the needs of the whole child, from mental and physical well-being to academic and technological development. As we continue to build upon our existing programs, we aim to create opportunities that foster growth, learning, and connection for everyone in our community.

We are actively seeking ways to expand our efforts and deepen our impact, and we invite individuals, organizations, and local businesses to partner with us in making these goals a reality. Whether through providing resources for technology, contributing to our meal programs, or supporting our educational initiatives, there are numerous ways to get involved and help us make a lasting difference in the lives of the families we serve.

Project Connect (PC) is a Cincinnati Public School’s program serving children, youth and families experiencing homelessness. PC operates under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which ensures equitable educational rights for these students. The Project Connect Summer Academic & Enrichment Program 2023 is a 6-week summer program for children ages 5-14 experiencing housing instability. This year’s program is themed “Exploring All Possibilities.” In a continued attempt to mitigate the impact of the isolation of the COVID 19 pandemic, the program strives to create a space of peer engagement and exposure to the healing benefit of nature. The PC program sees value in the opportunity for children to experience the therapeutic benefits of being outdoors, connected and engaged with their peers.

Project Connect’s mission is to ensure equitable education opportunities for students experiencing homelessness by providing advocacy, barrier removal, support, resources and enrichment opportunities to optimize education outcomes. Project Connect looks forward to hosting up to 100 students this summer. A grant award will support the cost of targeted enrichment programming. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of outdoor adventures including weekly swim lessons, kayaking, overnight stay at Camp Joy, a trip to Parky’s Farm, and hikes at various local parks and nature preserves. Additionally, students will receive daily academics enrichment focusing on math and reading skills. Funding for the 2023 “Exploring All Possibilities” will allow for expansion of enrichment experiences while helping to reduce equity gaps in academic performance by reducing the summer learning loss for the district’s most vulnerable student population.

The Gifted Event has collaborated with the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at Cincinnati Children's to provide a behavioral psychologist during barber services to help support a positive outcome for the child. We have also partnered with Hamilton County Disability Services to disperse information and announcements regarding upcoming events. Through partnership with these two organizations, we can receive information regarding how to reach our specific population in Avondale, Clifton, the Uptown area and beyond. The target population for the Gifted Event includes children ages 2yrs- 12yrs with a physical, cognitive, intellectual, and / or developmental disability. The Gifted Event serves boys and girls for barber services, and we also hope to expand to include salon services later this year.

Many families of children with a disability often put off professional self-care needs due to the cost and lack of business accommodation. By providing these professional services free of charge with a behavioral psychologist available to assist in supporting sensory needs, The Gifted Event provides the supportive environment that is needed for success.

Aside from offering haircuts with behavioral support we will work to include a reading component that encourages the children to choose a book and a "book buddy" (stuffed animal) from the book corner surrounding the haircut experience they are going to receive. The parent/ family member will read the book aloud to the child if they are unable to read, or the child will work to read the book for themselves. The child will then be able to hold their book buddy if desired during the haircut and take both home with them once complete. Through this added experience, a positive reading experience is supported and encouraged.

https://www.today.com/video/barber-gives-free-haircuts-once-a-month-for-kids-with-special-needs-170185285571

As part of our regional strategic efforts to support and connect with all the communities we serve, the Thanksgiving Basket Event in partnership with St. Vincent de Paul offers a meaningful way for employees of Cincinnati Children's to give back during the holiday season.

This event aims to fulfill our commitment to reaching all families in need of a warm Thanksgiving meal. By partnering with St. Vincent de Paul, we can expand our reach to include Avondale and surrounding communities to support our neighbors in need.  Funding for St. Vincent de Paul also advances our work under the PHHE priorities by supporting Safe and Supported Families initiatives and addressing food insecurity in our communities.

St. Vincent de Paul distributes over 1,200 Thanksgiving meal kits each year, which include a turkey, traditional side items, and all the fixings for a hearty and festive meal.

Cincinnati Children’s employees will continue to contribute by donating additional items to the baskets such as: non-perishable food items, baking goods, aluminum pans, toys, games, blankets, gift cards., etc. Donations will be collected internally, giving us the opportunity to make a tangible impact on families who need support. The Tuesday before Thanksgiving over 50

CCHMC employees will volunteer in packing, sorting, and distribution of Thanksgiving baskets to participants at St. Vincent de Paul distribution center in downtown Cincinnati. Funding for this event will directly help purchase turkeys, ensuring over 1,200 families have a Thanksgiving meal and our CCHMC employees can participate in this heartfelt holiday tradition.

Rec at Nite serves as a beacon for teens, drawing them into a community where they feel valued and safe. By creating an inviting atmosphere, the program significantly reduces youth-related incidents, specifically in two neighborhoods where Rec at Nite is staged. These two centers are open from 5pm-10pm on Saturdays and provide dinner and a variety of teen programming, ranging from late-night swimming, silent disco, haircuts and braiding, dancing and socializing, playing basketball, to doing art projects. With over 300 teens attending every Saturday, communities now recognize the value of creating teen safe havens, reinforcing the idea that positive change is not just possible—it’s happening.

The program’s commitment to inclusion ensures that every teen, regardless of background, feels welcome and represented. This attention to inclusivity fosters understanding and respect among participants, bridging gaps and celebrating differences. Through partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, the police department, and support from city officials, Rec at Nite not only enhances safety but also actively works to improve the quality of life for all community members, nurturing a sense of belonging and collective responsibility.