Organization: Cincinnati Union Bethel
Mission: Empowering women to break the cycles of poverty, addiction, and human trafficking.
Activities: Early learning academies: After operating quality preschools as a delegate agency through the local Headstart grant for more than 38 years, CUB closed three of its four preschools at the end of the 2018-19 school year in May 2019. CUB continues to offer quality education through one remaining preschool, which in 2020 was incorporated into a new CUB program, Cincinnati Scholar House. This program prepares 3 to 5 year-old children physically, socially, and academically for successful entry into kindergarten. In addition, the program delivers supportive services to their families. During the 2018-19 school year, our preschools offered award-winning learning and development experiences to 507 children. Our early learning academies allow children from families living in poverty the opportunity to reach critical developmental milestones, receive healthy meals every day, and learn from a research-based, child-centered curriculum . All four of CUB's preschools were 5-star "step up to quality" rated by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services the highest rating possible. In addition to excellent education, we care for students' health and nutrition and work closely with their families to encourage stable and supportive home environments and engage them in needed community resources. During the 2018-19 school year, students in our preschools met or exceed five out of the six benchmarks measured. 95% of students showed kindergarten readiness per a state measurement tool, more than double the Ohio rate of 40%. 74% demonstrated progress in cognitive and language development, and 100% had a continuous, accessible source of healthcare. In addition, 100% of students' parents showed an increase in understanding their children's development, and 100% showed an increase in their ability to support their child's development. Funding for the program in 2019 came from Head Start, Ohio Department of Education, Hamilton Co. Jobs and Family Services, United Way of Greater Cincinnati, Levy funds from Cincinnati preschool promise and foundation grants.
Residence Services - Founded in 1909, The Anna Louise Inn provides safe and affordable housing for women who would otherwise be homeless due to lack of income, mental health issues, or substance abuse. During 2019, The Anna Louise Inn housed 102 women between the ages of 19 and 87. All were economically disadvantaged, with most living on incomes below the federal poverty level. CUB partners with other service providers to ensure that the resident's individual needs are met. The Anna Louise Inn features 85 furnished efficiency apartments with 24 hour internal and external security to provide safety, a gazebo, gardens, and landscaping that create a peaceful oasis in the city. CUB staff provide supportive services that help residents gain more stability. Anna Louise Inn programming incorporates activities that promote health/wellness, community engagement, sewing and quilting, healthy cooking classes and fitness groups that educate and motivate women's self-sufficiency. Ann Louise Inn is not just a set of apartments, but a comprehensive program designed to serve the complex needs of Cincinnati's most vulnerable women. Funding for the programming comes from the City of Cincinnati and Foundation grants and is supported through building operations.
NTEE category: Human Services
Secondary category: Housing & Shelter