This quote, shared in the classic A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, simply captures the essence of Thanksgiving and the beginning of the holiday season. The holidays can be a paradox – both joyful and challenging. It can be difficult to feel gratitude, especially when those challenges are out of our control.

Congratulations to the 2023 Difference Makers

On behalf of the Community Foundation Board and staff, we would like to congratulate the 2023 Difference Makers.

Dr. Norva Ross – Difference Maker

Carmen Verhosek – Emerald Recipient

Tim Harris - Eric Nord Recipient

Linda Styer – Difference Maker

Lorain County Chamber – Difference Maker as an organization

Thank you all for your dedication to our community!

Congrats, Linda!

The Community Foundation is excited to celebrate all the hard work Linda Styer has been doing in our community for 25+ years. We look forward to celebrating in February.

Have Questions about Scholarships?

If you have questions, contact Angela Lee, Scholarship Manager, at scholarships@peoplewhocare.org or 440.984.7390.

Family traditions are a great way of conveying a family's values, history, and culture from one generation to the next. Starting a family giving tradition is an excellent way to build relationships with your family.

At the Community Foundation, we recently shared a resource from 21/64, which provides multigenerational advising, facilitation, and training for next-generation engagement within family philanthropy and other family enterprises.

Neighbor Up Lorain County

The Community Foundation of Lorain County has partnered with Neighborhood Connections to facilitate discussions, entitled Neighbor Up, with Lorain and Elyria residents about the city’s most critical issues.

In Our Backyard (ioby)

The Community Foundation has partnered with In Our Backyards (ioby) to support individuals and small groups effectively. This non-profit, crowd-funding organization helps neighbors take care of each other, encourages civic participation, and builds trust between neighborhoods.

Youth Fund Making a Difference

Our Youth Fund members enjoyed shopping for families in the Neighborhood Alliance Christmas for Caring program. 20+ students and their families shopped at the local Target for 10 students.

Thank You, Lorain County Prosecutor's Office

Thank you to Lorain County Prosecutor J.D. Tomlinson and his office for donating to the Youth Fund with proceeds from their 2nd annual Turkey Trot to help them purchase gifts!

Shop Local

Remember to shop locally and support businesses in our community. We create thriving communities by supporting local shops, boutiques, and restaurants.

Visit any of our local main streets: Greater Grafton Business Partnership, Main Street Amherst, Lorain Growth Corp, Main Street Lorain, Oberlin Business Partnership, Main Street Vermilion, and Mainstreet Wellington.

Women Helping Women

Representatives from the Women’s Fund spoke with the Four Seasons’ Women Helping Women group about period poverty. The group collected over 2,300 tampons and pads for Change the Cycle.

Avon High School

The National Honor Society at Avon High School recently held a period product drive for Change the Cycle. The group collected $500 in donations and 2,500 tampons and pads for Avon/Avon Lake Community Resource Center.

Blessing House

Laura, Jamie, Missy, and Cindy attend the 18th Annual Rock-A-Bye Ball: Safari Adventure!

El Centro Gala

Britt and Eileen (Hispanic Fund President) attended El Centro’s 48th Annual Gala: Magical Celebration.

Congrats, Brenda!

Congratulations to Brenda Norton, former Board Emeritus and former Women’s Fund President, on receiving the Jimmy Davis Heart for Service Award from Blessing House.

Jansheski Art Exhibit

Artist David Jansheski donated his collective works to Community Foundation when he passed away. His collection is on exhibit at The Center for Artful Living extended until the end of the year.

Lakeland Women’s Club

Cindy and Jamie attended the November meeting of the Lakeland Women’s Club, where they celebrated 31 years of providing scholarships!