The new year is here, and with it comes new opportunities. Many people are interested in making a positive impact as the year starts, and volunteering at a nonprofit can be an excellent way to do so. In Uptown, many excellent nonprofits serve the community in a variety of ways, whether it be through financial donations, food drives, mentorship programs or volunteer work. We reached out to a few employees (we refer to them as Uptown insiders) from some of Uptown Consortium, Inc’s. (UCI) member institutions, including Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden to learn more about their favorite local nonprofits. Both are active community volunteers in Uptown.
“Uptown’s nonprofits are creating a positive impact for our neighborhoods and the people that live here,” says Brooke Rapp, Director of Community Development at UCI. “There are volunteer opportunities for everyone. Who better to ask than Uptown insiders, to share which local nonprofits inspire them.”
Read more on two impactful nonprofits, located right here in Uptown Cincinnati.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati
Jeni Jenkins, Consultant, Community Engagement at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC). One of Jenkins’ favorite places to volunteer is the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati (RMH). Located right next to Cincinnati Children’s, RMH provides a home and meals for children who are critically or terminally ill, as well as their families.
According to Jenkins, CCHMC and RMH maintain a longstanding relationship, working together to assist families with placement, connect them to essential resources, and provide ongoing medical care for patients. Each year, CCHMC’s Community Relations’ department also sponsors Taste of Hope meals for the families staying at RMH. “Children’s volunteers prepare and serve meals, which gives space for our employees to come together and provide nutrition kids need to heal, while also allowing parents more time to focus on their critically ill children,” Jenkins shared.
“RMH is greatly admired due to their tireless efforts to provide a safe, family-like, healthy environment for out-of-town patients and their families,” said Jenkins. “In addition to its steadfast commitment to the health and wellbeing of the guest families and patients who stay there, RMH is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all who enter.”
Supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati in 2023
With 90% of operations funded by donors, Jenkins encourages community members to check out opportunities at RMH. “Financial contributions are always needed. Additional opportunities for support include donations of pre-packaged snacks, and volunteers for the welcome desk, to help prepare and serve meals, and to assist with other miscellaneous activities and efforts that provide comfort for guests and their families.” Please click here to learn more and volunteer today.
Cincinnati Youth Collaborative
David Plogmann, Director of Corporation Relations at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.
Plogmann admires the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative (CYC), a nonprofit that helps kids stay in school and succeed in the future, whether that be through college or a career. “CYC brings together kids, mentors and local businesses to support students. Some of the businesses and groups that have collaborated with CYC include PNC Bank and Withrow High School (that got me first involved as a mentor),” Plogmann shared.
“CYC is working tirelessly to ensure that local youth stay in school, graduate and transition into a successful post-secondary plan—be it college, career, or military,” Plogmann said. “CYC is directly focused on serving the youth who live, work and go to school in our Uptown neighborhoods—including Avondale, Clifton, Corryville and more.”
Plogmann believes that CYC has taken a unique approach to finding ways to match deserving youth with caring adults. “They also provide the necessary support to maintain that connection over time,” he shared. “Additionally, CYC has always collaborated with local businesses as part of their model.”
Supporting Cincinnati Youth Collaborative in 2023
Plogmann encourages anyone interested to check out CYC. “There are so many ways to get involved with CYC—get involved with Saturday Hoops, become a mentor, donate, or just take some time to learn more about the amazing students, volunteers and staff there.” Please click here to learn more and volunteer today.
For anyone looking to volunteer at one of Uptown’s nonprofits, please click here and scroll down to view a comprehensive list. There’s never been a better time to help—whether with food, donations or your own time!
Please visit the Uptown Cincinnati Twitter and Facebook page on all-things Uptown. Happy volunteering in the new year!